You have arrived at the Southside Boys' Club. Situated in the heart of the Black Belt, the center was a major gathering place for Chicago's Black youth. It was designed to divert children and teens from spending their time on the street and to curb the possibility of their committing petty crimes. In the novel, it is revealed that Mr. Dalton has donated a number of pingpong tables to the Boys' Club. The act of apparent generosity is later attacked by Mr. Max in his courtroom speech. Max characterizes this act as one motivated by the need to maintain a public appearance of generosity and philanthropy, when in fact it is an empty gesture that does very little to alter the ugly social reality of the boys who populate the center. Ping pong may distract the boys temporarily from their poverty, but it ultimately fails to ameliorate the condition of inner-city Blacks.