Quantum Leap (TV Series)

Black on White on Fire - August 11, 1965 (1990)

CCH Pounder: Mama Harper

Photos 

Quotes 

• [Sam is embodying Ray, a black medical student whose girlfriend, Susan, is white] 

  Mama Harper : Raising your children is gonna be hard, no matter where you do it.

  Susan Brewster : Why?

  Mama Harper : Because wherever you go, they won't fit in. They won't be black and they won't be white.

  Dr. Sam Beckett : They'll be human.

  Mama Harper : Of course they'll be human, child. I'm talking about race!

  Dr. Sam Beckett : I know, but, maybe, if we teach our kids to say that they're human, instead of black or white or red or yellow, maybe race won't matter.

  Mama Harper : Huh. Not in my lifetime.

• Susan Brewster : I love Ray, Mama Harper. And I don't wanna see him lose his chance to be someone great.

  Mama Harper : He can be great right here.

  Susan Brewster : No, he can't. He can do good here, but he can't be great.

  Dr. Sam Beckett : You know, um... sometimes... sometimes doing good is more important.

• Mama Harper : Back in Mariposa, it was the white man's hatred. Now it's the Negroes angry about what's supposed to be. Seems no matter where we go, we can't get away from the hate.

  Dr. Sam Beckett : Maybe it's not the place that makes the difference, but the people.

  Mama Harper : That's why you being a doctor here is so important. Show these kids in the street they can be somebody better.