Discovering Wes Moore

The stumbling panhandler outside of Ozzie’s house is a symbol reinforcing the theme of suffering and endurance. The man represents the drug problem the city is facing and the desperation that can be seen right in front of the house:

Ozzie responded first, his Jamaican accent a little thicker than usual. ‘Get out of here, man. Nobody has any change for you.’ The man slowly shuffled away, looking back over his shoulder every few steps, as if he was expecting one of us to overrule Ozzie’s rejection. Ozzie shook his head in disbelief and said, ‘If the dude wanted to buy some rock, he should have just said it. Who was he gonna call if we gave him some change?’ We all laughed as the man staggered back up the block to look for sympathy elsewhere (34-35).

The young men laugh at the panhandler’s expense, as it’s sadly such a common thing to see that they’re unconcerned and unwilling to help. This moment provides an example of how complacency can never lead to change and progress, as Moore hopes can begin to happen with a little more understanding of the choices we all make in the course of our lives. Moore wants these cycles to be broken for future generations.

Adulthood is a motif that reinforces the theme of identity as a young Black man. Moore describes how confusing it had been for him during his teenage years in the Bronx and at Valley Forge when he first entered military school. Through meeting the other Wes Moore, writer Wes Moore discovers their stories can make an impact and inspire change. Young readers “who are trying to figure out in their own time and on their own terms what their journey to adulthood will look like. I particularly wanted to help a young adult who is on the brink of a decision. One step can determine what a person’s tomorrow will look like” (2). Moore believes that one opportunity or one person believing in a young individual can completely redirect them to where their potential lies.

The issues Moore saw growing up have not gone away, and he is concerned throughout the book about the effects of worsening education systems and crime in his old neighborhoods:

Young people who far too early have to feel the depths of adulthood. Young people who through no fault of their own have had to take on adult responsibilities. Young people who understand that it’s not all about them and who have devoted at least part of their lives to helping others. Please know that you have touched me, as I hope this story touches you (148).

In the conclusion of Moore’s part biography, part autobiography, he extends the discussion and questions to the reader. He hopes his story can offer as much as he has been given through the experience of writing it.

The yellow rip cord is a symbol for Wes Moore’s lifeline as he is about to jump out of the plane and become a paratrooper. His backup parachute is strapped to his stomach. A few weeks earlier, he had visited his uncle Howard and discussed becoming a professional basketball player. His uncle plays him in a game and Moore reflects on his athletic ability.

His uncle reminds him that having big dreams is important, but he should always have a backup plan to be safe. He recalls Uncle Howard’s words: “I hope you do make it to the league. Then we would all be living nice […]. But you have to understand that the chances are not in your favor. You know how many other kids like you want to be in the NBA? You have to have some backup plans” (83). Through this realization, Moore learns the importance of having a backup parachute in case plans go awry. To his relief, his initial parachute is successful, but he felt prepared and at ease knowing he had recourse if it failed.