Read the excerpt below, from Go tell it on the mountain, by James Baldwin: "Every Sunday morning, then, since John could remember, they had taken ...

The excerpt from "Go tell it on the mountain" by James Baldwin portrays a vivid image of the streets on Sunday mornings. The period in which the book was written was the mid-20th century, a time when African Americans were still facing discrimination and segregation in the United States. The Grimes family, who are African American, are on their way to church, while the sinners along the avenue watch them. The men and women they pass on Sunday mornings are described as having spent the night in bars, cat houses, or on the streets. This suggests that they are not living a respectable life, and are not following the same religious values as the Grimes family. The description of the men and women's appearance, behavior, and language is a reflection of the social and economic conditions of the time. Many African Americans were living in poverty and struggling to make ends meet. They were often forced to work in low-paying jobs and live in overcrowded and unsafe neighborhoods. The excerpt also highlights the differences between the Grimes family and the sinners they pass on the street. The Grimes family is portrayed as respectable and religious, while the sinners are depicted as immoral and sinful. This reflects the societal norms and values of the time, where religion played a significant role in shaping people's behavior and attitudes. Overall, the excerpt from "Go tell it on the mountain" provides a glimpse into the social and economic conditions of mid-20th century America, and the impact of religion on people's lives.