How to Say Babylon: A Memoir

Safiya notices that St. James is an old plantation house and is struck by the juxtaposition of its new role as a school for primarily white children. She is a part of the school’s inaugural class and is one of two scholarship recipients chosen to give the school cultural diversity. Safiya doesn’t feel like she fits in with the rest of the girls, instead viewing them as strangers whose customs she doesn’t understand.

Safiya receives new books as part of her scholarship, and she begins studying Greek myths. She is particularly interested in the story of Persephone. When she tells her mother the tale, her father cautions her to remember that Babylon has decided Greek myths are important, which makes it propaganda to be wary of.

Safiya often gets to school early and walks around the property while she waits for classes to begin. One morning, a teacher, Mrs. Pinnock, finds her and chastises her for being at school so early, which is against the rules. Mrs. Pinnock then berates Safiya for her dreadlocked hair, asking her to comb it or put it up. As Safiya turns to leave, Mrs. Pinnock notices that her hands are covered in henna.