Why are Vonetta, Fern and Delphine taking a plane to California?
to visit their mother Cecile
When Cecile meets the girls at the airport, what was she wearing that seemed odd to the girls?
Big sunglasses, a scarf tied around her head, a big hat, and men’s pants (a disguise)
Where in Cecile’s house were the girls forbidden to go?
The kitchen
Why did Cecile call Fern “little girl” instead of calling her by her name?
She was mad because Pa wouldn’t let her pick her name when she was born.
Who were the three people who came to the door the night the girls arrived at Cecile’s?
The Black Panthers
Cecile went by the name Nzila. What did she say that name was?
A poet’s name
Why did Cecile change her name and start calling herself Nzila?
She was a “new person” and therefore she could choose a new name.
What did the kids at school call Delphine when they were teasing her?
Dolphin after they watched the movie Flipper.
According to Uncle Darnell, why did Cecile walk out on her family?
She made up a name for Fern, but Papa said no, he didn’t want any more made up names for the girls.
Why was Delphine afraid to go to the rally?
She had read in the paper about someone (Bobby) getting killed during a shootout between the Black Panthers and the police, and she was afraid a riot would break out at the rally.
What did Delphine say to the shopkeeper in San Francisco that kept staring at her?
That they were citizens and they demanded respect.
When the girls saw the kitchen after Cecile’s arrest, what did they see?
All Cecile’s printing materials were torn, her ink was spilled and her printing letters and printing press were knocked over.
Why was Cecile arrested?
For spreading the word by printing information for the Black Panthers.
