Simkins describes her parents' efforts to ensure that their children were well-behaved, well-educated, and cognizant of social injustice. Particularly interesting is how Simkins recalls that her mother used to always read accounts of lynchings and racial violence to the children so that they were aware of such injustices. Also imprinted in Simkins' mind was her father's practice of standing up to acts of intimidation, intended to instill fear. She goes on to describe the role of discipline in the household, identifying her mother as the primary disciplinarian.