Wht does James learn about himself through finding out about his mothers past?

James learns that love is the most important thing of all, particularly after he is old enough to understand what compelled his mother to avoid certain issues. As a young man, James was embarrassed by his mother's color. She couldn't see the differences, but he could. Thus, much of what he thought was based upon the fact that even though he was uncomfortable with his mother's race.... he needed to protect her.