The speaker of “I, Too” is a Black male servant who works for a wealthy white family. Despite working for and presumably living with this family, the speaker remains on the margins of family life. Early in the poem, he refers to himself as “the darker brother” (line 2). Even though he might be considered a sibling, both his racial identity and employment status mark him as inferior to the white family members. The speaker understands the social and political stakes of his less-than-full membership in the white family. Indeed, he draws a powerful link between, on the one hand, the family that excludes him when company comes over for dinner and, on the other hand, the country that denies him the right of an ordinary citizen. Seeing how his personal circumstances are mirrored in his social and political status, the speaker feels motivated to improve his position in society. It is for this reason that he speaks with such self-assurance. He needs to muster the confidence and courage not just to wait for his rightful place at the table, but to take it.