From the opening scene to the climactic chapter in Stella by Starlight, the author urges the question “What can we do?” amongst the neighbors of the African American community: insults in the candy store, the Spencer house fire, the physical assault on Tony Hawkins—all of these infuriate the reader at their senselessness and implore change. Initially, the question of how to bring about this change goes unanswered; despite Papa’s summoning of the other neighbor men after the cross-burning, they find no solutions to the blatant racism and search for justice. Later, although Papa, Mr. Spencer, and Pastor Patton successfully register to vote, injustice rocks the community when the Klansmen burn down the Spencers’ house. Pastor Patton reassures the community that when called to action, they should heed the call, and the entire community accompanies the three men on voting day, seeking and upholding fairness and equality. Stella realizes that her father’s vote by itself is inconsequential to the election, but also sees that it contributes to the landslide victory and serves to uplift her father, family, and neighbors as a strong, sure response to the “What can we do?” question.

Similar to pebbles in a landslide, Stella also realizes that no one person will quickly resolve the search for fairness, justice, and equality; instead, it will take many people working toward change over a prolonged period.