We have changed our privacy policy. In addition, we use cookies on our website for various purposes. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn about our practices by reading our privacy policy.

Having Our Say Part IV, Chapter 13: Sadie Summary

How It All Goes Down

  • After graduation, Sadie is faced with the prospect of leaving her sheltered life at St. Aug's for a four-year university. In order to raise money, she starts teaching in disadvantaged communities throughout the South.
  • She becomes a "Jeanes Supervisor" and helps "introduce domestic science to colored schools in many parts of the South" (4.13.7).
  • One day, Lemuel returns from medical school with a swanky new car, which Sadie learns to drive like a pro. She even becomes Booker T. Washington's personal driver when he's in town, which is pretty boss.
  • Times are tough. Sadie stays with the O'Kellys during her travels and the family ends up losing its mother and a daughter to tuberculosis.
  • Despite her very adult responsibilities, Sadie still lives at home and her father is "still in charge of [her] social life" (4.13.22).
  • She dates this one guy named Frank who Henry thinks talks too much. Henry eventually bans Sadie from seeing him after rumors of an affair with a nurse reaches his ears.