Meaning: This quote by James Jones Actor sheds light on the experience of his family in a predominantly white community in the northern United States. The quote reflects the challenges and dynamics faced by African American families in historically white spaces, particularly in the context of religious worship.

The quote begins with the mention of the speaker's grandpa building his own church. This suggests that the African American community faced barriers to full inclusion in the existing religious institutions of the neighboring town. The act of building their own church indicates a need for a space where they could feel fully welcomed and represented, free from the discomfort and marginalization experienced in the predominantly white church.

The reference to the town being "a white community" and the mention of "mostly middle European people and Indians, Chippewa Indians" provides context on the demographic composition of the area. It highlights the racial and cultural homogeneity of the community, emphasizing the contrast and the sense of being outsiders experienced by the speaker's family. This setting is important to understanding the challenges of integration and acceptance faced by African American families in the area.

The statement "We were welcome to that church, but once we got in, they didn't know what to do with us" captures the complex dynamics of inclusion and exclusion. On the surface, the African American family may have been extended a superficial welcome, but the lack of genuine understanding and acceptance became evident once they entered the church. This reflects the deeper issues of racial prejudice and social segregation that persisted within the supposedly inclusive religious space.

The quote carries a sense of resilience and determination, as evidenced by the fact that the speaker's grandpa ultimately took the initiative to build a church for their community. This action symbolizes the agency and empowerment of the African American community in creating their own place of worship, where they could practice their faith without the burden of feeling unwelcome or out of place.

Overall, this quote provides a poignant reflection on the challenges faced by African American families in historically white communities, particularly within the context of religious participation. It speaks to the resilience and agency of the community in carving out their own spaces of belonging and representation, in the face of exclusion and marginalization.

In conclusion, the quote by James Jones Actor highlights the enduring impact of racial dynamics within religious spaces and the resilience of marginalized communities in seeking inclusion and representation. It serves as a reminder of the complexities of integration and acceptance, as well as the agency of communities in asserting their presence and creating spaces of belonging.