The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row

“[Hinton’s mother] always dressed for jail like she was going to church. But a nice outfit and impeccable manners have always been used as weapons in the south.” 

Upon having to confront the white power structure, black people—especially in the South—felt compelled to wear clothes suggesting confidence and authority. It didn’t matter what the white hosts were wearing. Hinton's mother had to present herself almost in uniform. With gracious manners and a smart outfit, she—and black people in general—could compete with the smug uniforms of those who simply inherited their power, and, as such, take it for granted. 

“When I crossed home plate, I looked over to see the pitcher throw his glove in the dirt, and, for some reason, this made me smile more than the home run or the cheering crowd chanting for me. They can beat you, but they can’t break you. I guess his mama hadn’t taught him the same things my mama did.” 

This passage presages Hinton’s attitude once he found himself on death row. He has just hit a home run and is pleased to hear the cheers. He is even more pleased to see that the pitcher threw a tantrum upon defeat. Hinton reaffirms what his mother has taught him. While this pitcher was beaten, he is also displaying brokenness. Later, Hinton will be beaten—but not broken—by the criminal justice system; as his mother taught him, he will concede defeat, but will not surrender to circumstances. 

“My face was in all the local newspapers. People wanted to string me up. Shoot me outright and save the taxpayers some money.” 

The media, Hinton notes, is looking for a juicy story. Amazed and sickened by the attention, he is especially disturbed to note his case has been presented to the media before he has even been in a courtroom or assigned a lawyer. For now, the media is against him.