The government people wanted us to believe there was something wrong with her. Because she was strong. Because she stood up for what she believed.
-- Malcolm (chapter 1)

Importance: Malcolm knows that his mother, and his family in general, is the object of scrutiny by social services because his parents have been racial equality activists. Shortly after this quote, Louise Little is forcibly committed to a mental institution, despite a total lack of evidence that she is mentally ill. She is targeted because the message of equality is dangerous to the white supremacist beliefs held by the government at this time.

It stung like a betrayal, but I know better now. Mom talked a good game about the power of blackness, but she knew that the white world held even more power.
-- Malcolm (chapter 2)

Importance: Malcolm comes to the realization early in his life that the black empowerment his parents have always preached to him is a...