I haven't eyes locked with anyone
what does "eyes lock" mean?

needs an explanation

the anecdote makes readers feel sorry for the man’s lack of heritage, then reminds readers that the man has an equally valuable heritage.

frances ellen watkins harper writing was influenced by: b. the education she received growing up in the north.

she was born in baltimore, maryland, on september 24, 1825. after the death of her parents, her uncle reverend william watkins, a teacher at the academy for negro youth, raised and educated her. she also continued educating herself by accessing a library of the family she worked for, beginning writing poetry afterwards. as a civil rights activist and abolitionist, watkins greatly influenced her life and work.