Here's the evidence from the poem:
* "They'll see how beautiful I am": The speaker imagines a future where they are finally accepted and acknowledged for their beauty and worth. This implies that they have been excluded in the past, which is represented by being "sent to eat in the kitchen" – a place separated from the main table where the dominant group gathers.
* "I, too, am America": The speaker asserts their right to be included as an equal member of the nation. The act of sitting at the table signifies their full participation in American society.
* "Tomorrow, I'll be at the table": This line expresses the speaker's hope and belief that their place at the table will eventually be recognized. It is a powerful statement of their desire to be part of the nation's future.
By connecting the image of the table with the themes of inclusion and equality, Hughes highlights the struggle for civil rights and the yearning for a more just and equitable America. The poem uses this simple image to convey a powerful message about the need for acceptance and the promise of a future where everyone has a place at the table.