Nikole Hannah asks this question to intrigue the reader and put the burning question in your head why are African Americans get treated like this? The use of questions draws in the reader and also helps the reader get a better understanding of what the problem is.

The authers claim is in the title. Nikole Hannah declares "Our democracy's founding ideals were false when they were written. Black Americans fought to make them true." Ms. Hannah is explaining that the foundation of our democracy is false and the Black Americans are fighting to make it true.