Maya explains the caution of Black Americans saying, "If you ask a Negro where he's been, he'll tell you where he's going." If the person he is speaking with is unaware, his story will be believed. If the person is aware, it will be understood that the subject is private. This is the method used to avoid outright lies. Momma tells Maya and Bailey they will be going to live with their mother. The reason given is that Momma is old and Willie is crippled. She makes new clothes for both kids before they leave Stamps. Maya thinks the move is the result of a recent incident involving Bailey. He came home one night, shaking and not speaking. Later, he asked Willie what the black people did to make whites hate them so.....
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