What does Jeremy's character symbolize in Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry?

Jeremy is a towheaded white boy, probably about eleven, who wants to be friends with Stacey. While the other white children ride the bus, he always walks to school. He is whipped by his father for associating with the Logans. He dislikes his older brothers and sleeps in a treehouse to get away from his family. Jeremy represents the innocence of a child that refuses to be swayed by the bigotry of even his family. He is a bright spot of hope for a human condition that is resilient against racism and hate.