Referred to as "Gwen," she is Natasha's mother, an African American woman from Mississippi with a background in literature and theater. She worked as a personnel director and was dedicated to helping children with mental disabilities.

Natasha's father and Gwen's first husband, Rick is a Canadian-born writer and professor. He met Gwen at university in Kentucky, and they moved to Gulfport, Mississippi, after marrying.

Gwen's second husband and Natasha's stepfather, he has a scant portrait in the memoir, described as tall with long sideburns and an Afro. He served in Vietnam, which affected him both physically and mentally.

Natasha's younger half-brother, born from Gwen’s second marriage to Joel. Initially thought by Natasha to be her stepbrother, he is revealed to be her half-brother during her teen years.

Natasha's maternal great-aunt, who lived next door to her grandmother and returned to Gulfport from Chicago around the time Natasha was born. She was a significant maternal figure, known for her strength and independence.

Natasha’s grandmother played a crucial role during her early childhood, living next to Aunt Sugar and caring for Natasha while working from home as a seamstress.

Natasha’s great-uncle and brother to her grandmother and Aunt Sugar, he owned land and a juke joint in Gulfport and was involved in community activities like baseball and Head Start.

Natasha's fifth-grade teacher at Clifton Elementary School in Atlanta, admired for her serious demeanor and storytelling, yet limited by cultural norms of the time in addressing domestic issues.