Racism
Melody's grandmother and Iris' mother Sade has been through a lot in her life. Sade's mother owned a hair salon, and it was attacked and burnt because of her mothers skin color. This is something Sade still carries with her, knowing the effect the color of her skin has, and knowing that she has to take care of her treasures.
Life choices
All the life choices that are taken before Melody's walk down the stairs led her to that moment. It is clearly visible from the way Woodson explains the life of Melody's grandparents and parents to understand the way Melody's life unfolded and the circumstances she grew up in.
Self-discovery
While all the people in the book were determined by the past, a consequence of the lives lived before them- they all had some power. Melody still choose the way she wanted to live her life. Aubrey decided to be the best father he could, under the had circumstances he faced and Sabe and Po'boy decided to love each other to the end of their days.
