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Chapters 72 - 73
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Piecing Me Together, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Intersectionality, Identity, and Discrimination
The Power of Language
Mentorship, Opportunity, and Dignity
Friendship
Summary
Analysis
The gallery is full of Jade’s family, friends, and community, including everyone from Woman to Woman. Mr. Flores and Hannah agree to read poems, as do Maxine, Gina, Bailey, and Kira. Jade doesn’t realize how many people are there until she stands at the front of the room. She looks out at her parents, Andrew, and Mrs. Parker. Lee Lee points as the Ramseys arrive, and Jade takes a photo of the crowd. She decides she’s going to leave it whole.
In addition to Jade’s sense of being supported and cared for, this event also shows her that lots of people in her community care about what happens to individuals like Natasha Ramsey. Some of the attendees may be a bit of a surprise for her, but this just encourages Jade to challenge her own preconceptions and remember that people are willing to help if she asks.
Themes
Lee Lee’s poem is called “Black Girls Rising.” She writes that black girls’ bodies are sacred; they piece themselves together after being shot, dragged around, and pulled over. Their bodies tell stories of the middle passage and they are mosaics of forgotten languages and prayers. Their bodies are no longer objectified and disregarded, as their smiles are protests. Their bodies are beautiful, black, and rising.
Lee Lee is able to express her voice through her poem, just like Jade does, which empowers her and others who look like her. Her poem allows Lee Lee to remind herself and others that black women certainly suffer, but this doesn’t make them less beautiful, worthy, or strong.
Themes
