bɪkˈʌz ʌv ðɛɹ klˈoʊsnəs, ˈælən aɪdˈɛntᵻfˌaɪd pɹaɪmˈɛɹᵻli wɪð blˈæk jˈʌŋstɚz æz plˈeɪmeɪts ænd pˈɪɹz, ɐn ˌoːɹiəntˈeɪʃən ʌnjˈuːʒuːəl ɪnðə sˈɛɡɹɪɡˌeɪɾᵻd sˈaʊθ.
Because of their closeness, Allen identified primarily with black youngsters as playmates and peers, an orientation unusual in the segregated South.