In a time where society oppresses African Americans and looks down upon them, the only support African Americans can get is from their community. In the novel, Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison, Milkman, the main character, is searching for who he is and his identity. Through the help of people in his community and the lessons they teach, Milkman gains a sense of identity, knowledge of his background and roots, as well as pride for his race and community.

Milkman lacks a connection to his family and his community and this causes him to have trouble loving other people. Milkman’s father is the only father figure present in the community but his presence is overbearing and dominant. Macon, Milkman’s father is overcome with greed and believes …show more content…
At Solomon’s auto body shop Milkman hears kids singing Solomon’s song. “O Solomon don’t leave me here Cotton balls to choke me O Solomon don’t leave me here Buckra’s arms to yoke me Solomon done fly, Solomon done gone Solomon cut across the sky, Solomon gone home” (303). Supplying Milkman with stories and information about his ancestors, this song connects Milkman to his family history. Solomon’s song portrays the desperation Milkman's great grandmother, Ryna, had when her husband, Solomon, decided to escape from slavery through flight, leaving her to raise their children, while at the same time she had to work in the cotton fields. Although Solomon’s flight has negative effects on his family, the song depicts that his flight was an impressive achievement because the song ends with details about his flight not with Ryna’s torment. Milkman’s flight is a reflection of his great grandfather’s because he also leaves a woman, Hagar, behind. Feeling worthless, Hagar, like Ryna, commits suicide because the man she loved abandoned her. Milkman notices that the joy of flying away is surpassed by the pain of those left behind because "the consequences of Milkman's own stupidity would remain, and regret would always outweigh the things he was proud of having done" (335). Despite this revelation, Milkman is inspired by the song about his family and realizes that flight is an imperative part of his heritage. Learning about Solomon’s story, Milkman learns fragments of his own identity empowering him to be able to