The something is racism.
-- Linda Villarosa (chapter 1)

Importance: In the early passages of Chapter 1, Villarosa confesses that the way she has regarded the Black American health crisis has been flawed for some time. In this assertive and declarative moment, Villarosa is identifying the true source of health and health care disparities amongst Black American communities and populations. Rather than attributing Black individuals' health issues to their race or their class, Villarosa is identifying institutionalized and systemic racism as the source of the problem. This line acts as a pseudo thesis statement for Villarosa's overarching arguments.

Look deeper, think differently.
-- Dr. Harold Freeman (chapter 1)

Importance: Throughout the majority of her journalistic career, Villarosa often attributed Black Americans' poor health to class. In this moment, however, Villarosa is identifying an experience and conversation that began to change her thinking. While conversing with Dr. Harold Freeman, Harlem Hospital's director of surgery, Villarosa was convicted by Freeman's words. He urged her to stop...