Crook Manifesto

Three years have passed since the events of Part 2. It is 1976, the year of America’s bicentennial. Ray is back to selling stolen goods on the side, and his furniture store is doing well. He and Elizabeth are attending a fundraiser for an upcoming candidate for Manhattan borough president at the Dumas Club, where they are members. The candidate, Alexander Oakes, is a local. Like Elizabeth, Oakes grew up on Striver’s Row, and Elizabeth and her father, Leland, have been busy fundraising on his behalf. May also supports Oakes. In college now, she is home for the summer and splitting her time between her mother’s travel agency and a volunteer position in Oakes’s campaign. John arrives. Almost as tall as Ray, he has nearly outgrown the jacket he is wearing. Ray cannot help but notice that his son is growing up. From his grin and tone of voice, Ray realizes that John has somehow gleaned Ray’s contempt for Alexander Oakes, fundraising, and the Dumas club. Although he tries to hide it from his family, Ray has little patience for Harlem high society. Elizabeth and Leland make introductory remarks, and then Alexander Oakes gives his speech.