Coates tries to guide and inform his son through his own experiences because he values their relationship. Fatherhood and parenting are essential when raising and preparing a child for the obstacles in life they know they will have to endure. This was a meaningful take-a-way because family are the people closest to me that want the best for me. The author believes that lessons and wisdom passed down through family is much more influential than anything he has learned through schoolwork. Coates even indicated that African Americans as a whole are a family, and must stick together to face oppression. No individuals will understand black people, except for other black people. Since we all share a common history and background, the bond between African Americans in America today should be resilient. As a student attending Howard University, I know the importance of education and school in order to get further in life and grow as a person. The author, who also attended Howard University, mentions that the learning environment of the Mecca is truly different from anywhere else. During his recollection of his college experience at Howard University, he was able to grow in a place where he was comfortable and that exactly what I am experiencing right now. I have learned so much about my culture and myself in one semester. On one hand, the academics will get me far and qualified to