Beneath it all there was...a contrast between the glory of the moment and the problems of reality, for there were boys outside who might have been Obamas somewhere else but here were shooting each other, and girls who might also have been Michelles.
-- Narration (chapter 1)

Importance: These lines of narration describe the general mood of the characters' celebration following Obama's election. The characters view his election as a landmark of social progress for black people. However, they are still cognizant of the oppressive social dynamics that persist and need to be addressed, both within and outside black communities.

The wedding was lost somewhere, first in apathy of implementation, then in a cooling in euphoria…and alter in the rubble of domesticity.
-- Narration (chapter 1)

Importance: This line of narration addresses the fact that, despite having children and having been together for 13 years, Michael and Melissa are not actually married. They meant to marry, but they never...