[1] Not set in any specific place or time, it is a metaphor for racial issues in the U.S.[2] Bonner was born on June 16, 1899, in Boston, Massachusetts.
She had short stories and essays published in Opportunity: A Journal of Negro Life and The Crisis magazine.
[3] She became an important literary figure in the Harlem Renaissance era which is the root of her writing inspiration.
[9] The Us's worked to build the town on the hill but are forced to live in the valley below, treated as outsiders.
An Old Lady claims that the "Leader" told them if they work hard enough for the White Devils, they can prove themselves.
Ten million Us's respond and asks for a handful of dust, books, and gold which he receives and throws into the pot.