Her grandmother continues helping her even after the sexual abuse tragedy in St. Louis. When she is six, she is sent to live with her maternal family in St. Louise for a period. There, she is sexually abused by her mother's boyfriend, Mr. Freeman. After experiencing that tragedy, she stops talking to anyone for six years except to her brother. Her grandmother encourages her to move on by telling her repeatedly "Mama know when you and the good Lord get ready, you are going to be teacher" (). Besides, she tries to let Maya communicate with Mrs. Flowers whose religious beliefs are in total contrasts with Momma's lifestyle, but somehow, deep inside Momma knows, this woman can help her granddaughter to overcome her shock and
Her grandmother continues helping her even after the sexual abuse tragedy in St. Louis. When she is six, she is sent to live with her maternal family in St. Louise for a period. There, she is sexually abused by her mother's boyfriend, Mr. Freeman. After experiencing that tragedy, she stops talking to anyone for six years except to her brother. Her grandmother encourages her to move on by telling her repeatedly "Mama know when you and the good Lord get ready, you are going to be teacher" (). Besides, she tries to let Maya communicate with Mrs. Flowers whose religious beliefs are in total contrasts with Momma's lifestyle, but somehow, deep inside Momma knows, this woman can help her granddaughter to overcome her shock and