How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Stacey and I carried cans of milk and butter, and Christopher-John and Little Man each had a jar of beef and a jar of crowder peas which Mama and Big Ma had canned. Mrs. Berry took the food, her thanks intermingled with questions about Big Ma, Papa, and others" (4.248)
The Logans take care of the less fortunate members of their community. It even seems like they feel this is part of their responsibility, since they're a bit more privileged than others.
Quote #2
"What if someone would be willing to make the trip for you? Go all the way to Vicksburg and bring back what you need?" (4.261)
Here, we see the beginning of Mama's future community organizing activities. The wheels are turning in her head to find a way to help out the neighboring families to have a choice of where they shop.
Quote #3
"Mr. Avery come by after y'all was asleep last night wanting T.J. to go to Strawberry to do some shopping for a few things he couldn't get at the Wallace store. Lord, that's all I need with all the trouble about is for that child to talk me to death for twenty-two miles." (5.5)
So, the secret is out: this is why Cassie all of a sudden gets her big break and is allowed to go to the market in Strawberry for the first time—because Big Ma doesn't want to hear T.J. run his mouth the whole way with no one else to serve as a "buffer" between them. But here's the catch: we think Big Ma would have taken T.J. by herself anyway. That's just the kind of community spirit she embodies.