In this introduction, the author sort of creates a strong feel of racism in the south almost as there still living in the time of slavery. The county is trying its hardest to still keep schools segregated after Brown. v Board of education and if schools in the county aren't segregated then the town just shuts down the education system. They also mention the term "pinto" which refers to a half black half white baby, which I find interesting because I never heard that term before either.