nationalist rally Here, the term suggests the black nationalist movements of the 1960s, specifically the Nation of Islam, led by Elijah Muhammad (1897–1975), and the Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU), founded by Muhammad’s former protégé, Malcolm X (1925–65).
Tom [Informal] Uncle Tom; here, another stereotypically derogatory reference to the main character of Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
Peace Corps an agency of the United States, established in 1961 to provide volunteers skilled in teaching, construction, etc., to assist people of underdeveloped areas abroad; here, the agency Alfred’s cousin Jeff may join after graduating from college.
Queens the largest borough of New York City, on western Long Island, east of Brooklyn; the home of Alfred’s Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Wilson.
