Po' Sandy

In "Po' Sandy," a short story from The Conjure Woman, the narrative unfolds through Julius McAdoo, who cautions John against demolishing a schoolhouse for a new kitchen. The tale centers on Sandy, an enslaved man whose owner, Mars Marrabo McSwayne, sells Sandy's wife, prompting him to form a bond with Tenie, a former conjure woman. Together, they devise a plan to transform Sandy into a tree to escape his burdens, but tragedy strikes when McSwayne orders the tree to be cut down for his kitchen. The haunting aftermath leads to supernatural claims that ultimately sway John's decision regarding the schoolhouse.