In “Everyday Use,” Alice Walker explores the concept of heritage as it applies to African Americans. It appears that the action takes place in the late 60s or early 70s. This was the time when African Americans were struggling to define their personal identity. Many black people who had stories of pain and injustice wanted to rediscover their African roots, and to do so, they denied their American heritage. In “Everyday Use,” Alice Walker asserts that an African American is both African and American. Mom knows her roots and her heritage, but doesn't dwell on the meaning. “I can kill and clean a pig as mercilessly as a man” (Walker, 460-461). This is in addition to his reference to his second-year studies: “I never had an education myself. After the second year the school was closed” (Walker, 462), shows that Mom takes pride in the practical, everyday difficulties of her nature and does not spend time thinking about her documented upbringing. She’s not trying to impress anyone or “show off” her culture and heritage. Asalamalakim's (Haskim-a-barber) appearance and language imply that he identifies with black Muslims, but as Mom pointed out, he is different from the black Muslims down there. the road. He is not interested in agriculture and animal husbandry. “I accept some of their doctrines, but farming and raising cattle is not my style” (Walker, 465). Comparing him to Muslims here, Walker suggests that Hakim-a-barber is more interested in recognizing the philosophy of black Muslims than in their hard-working lifestyle. Both he and Dee are a representation of the many black people who jumped on the Black Power bandwagon without true dedication to its true causes (Black Power). Dee jumped on the bandwagon taking things...... middle of paper ....and "Kamenjo". Leewanika is an African first name, but it is not Kikiyu. Later, Mama recounts: "She wrote to me one day that no matter where we 'choose' to live, she will manage to come and see us" (462). Mama points out that Dee considers herself to be of a higher social and intellectual class than Mama and Maggie. Walker's main goal in the story seems to be to recognize and respect their American heritage and to challenge the Black Power movement. not as nice as a colorful African heirloom that can be made, like a quilt, from scraps one finds attractive. This is a real legacy made up of real people: people who deserve respect and admiration. Works Cited “Black Power Movement.” How things work. Np, and Web. March 2, 2014. “Black Power. Raya Dunayevskaya. » Black power. Raya Dunayevskaya. Np, and Web. March 2. 2014.