Ms. Morello: So, Chris, tell us about your Earth Day project.
Chris: Oh, well, me and my dad collected a truckful of cans.
Ms. Morello: Chris, that's wonderful.
Chris: And I gave the money to somebody less fortunate. I mean, there's no reason to save the Earth if you can't save the people.
Ms. Morello: Oh, Chris, that's so profound. Other than the fact that you can see, Stevie Wonder's got nothing on you.

Greg: Chris gave it to me.
Ms. Morello: Chris? I'm so disappointed in you. I know that nicotine, pork rinds and malt liquor are the Black man's vices...
Adult Chris: [v.o.] You forgot White women.
Ms. Morello: ...but why infect Gregory?

Adult Chris: [v.o.] Usually, my mother was my judge, jury and executioner, but now she was my lawyer.
Rochelle: Why does he have to repeat the entire tenth grade? Can't he just repeat one day?
Ms. Morello: Let me put it in your vernacular. Rules is rules. [snaps fingers]
Rochelle: What did you say?
Chris: It's okay, Ma. She does that. I'll explain it later.

Adult Chris: [v.o.] Back at school, Greg was catching up on more than his studies.
Ms. Morello: What year did the American Revolution begin? Greg. Greg?!
Greg: [wakes up] 1942.
Ms. Morello: Greg, what's wrong with you? You're usually so alert.
Chris: It's because he's staying at my house for the week.
Ms. Morello: Oh, my God, he's drunk?! Did he have a 40 for breakfast?
Greg: I'm not drunk. I'm just not used to getting up so early.
Ms. Morello: Don't be ashamed. Chris's people have a history of being up when the rooster crows to go to work in the fields. Who could expect you to keep up? Go back to sleep.
Adult Chris: [v.o.] She was Don Imus in a dress.

Ms. Morello: Chris, I love your shirt. What does it stand for?
Chris: B-.
Ms. Morello: Oh! B-. I love that Black street slang. So what else did I miss around here?
Greg: Well, we were supposed to have a practice test on the statewide exam today.
Ms. Morello: Oh, forget about that test. I want to show you the gifts I brought back.
Greg: Gifts?
Ms. Morello: For you, I brought back a shield and a spear.
Chris: What did you get me? What is that?
Ms. Morello: It's a bone. For your nose, silly. By the way, do you know a guy named Induku?
Adult Chris: [v.o.] Actually, I did, but I didn't want to give her the satisfaction.

Ms. Morello: Class, since this is the season of giving, I'd like you all to bring in canned food items, so we can donate them to those less fortunate. [places her hand on Chris's shoulder]
Adult Chris: [v.o.] It's funny how most people only think about feeding the needy during Christmas. I'm sure there's a lot of hungry people during Presidents Day. [Chris raises his hand]
Ms. Morello: Yes, Chris?
Chris: Do we have to bring in cans? Can we bring in, like, boxes of food?
Ms. Morello: You don't have to bring anything, but that's very thoughtful of you. I know this time of year must be hard for your family.
Chris: No. We're doing fine.
Ms. Morello: I know. I know.
Adult Chris: [v.o.] She made it seem like we were having a bowl of steam for dinner that night.

Ms. Morello: Chris, why don't you stand up and tell the rest of the class what you're discussing with Gregory.
Chris: My grandfather died.
Ms. Morello: Chris, that's not funny. What are you going to do when your grandfather dies for real? Just because you didn't study for a test doesn't mean you can go killing off your family. Who's next? Your father, your mother? Why don't you kill your sister or your brother?
Greg: He's telling the truth.
Ms. Morello: Oh. Chris...
Chris: Wait you believe him?
Ms. Morello: Of course.
Chris: And not me?
Ms. Morello: Well, Chris, your grandfather died. You might say anything. What are you even doing here? Bring me your paper. Don't worry about the test. You're excused.
Adult Chris: [v.o.] In honor of my grandfather, I should have hit her with a brick.

Ms. Morello: I know you're having a tough time getting on that ballot, but I think you have a real chance at becoming class president if you really want it.
Chris: What do you mean?
Ms. Morello: You need to rise above your ghetto mentality.
Chris: Ghetto mentality? I don't have a ghetto mentality.
Ms. Morello: You do, Chris. A psychological ghetto. You won't get supporters because you don't get out of your comfort zone. I'm sure all your athlete and dancer friends have signed on, but what now? You need to reach out, broaden your appeal.
Chris: And how am I supposed to do that?
Ms. Morello: I don't know. But I'm confident you'll figure it out. And remember, Chris: Up with hope, down with dope.

Ms. Morello: Oh, by the way, are you going to need an organ player?
Chris: Why would I need an organ player?
Ms. Morello: Oh, you know, in case you catch the Holy Ghost.
Chris: No, I think I'll be okay.
Ms. Morello: Tambourine?
Chris: I'm fine.
Ms. Morello: Good luck.
Adult Chris: [v.o.] Didn't Ghostbusters already catch the Holy Ghost?

Adult Chris: [v.o.] Back at school, I stopped making promises, and started making demands.
Chris: I'd like all book reports to be on books that were made into movies.
Ms. Morello: Are you high? I'm asking, not judging.
Chris: No. I'm just trying to fulfill my campaign promises.
Mrs. Milone: Just for curiosity's sake, what else did you promise?
Chris: A TV in the library, more field trips, instituting recess, and no more detention.
Ms. Morello: Chris, how are you going to know how to act when you get stopped by the police if we don't give you detention?