Who brought forth the end of the story?

This is a great question.  I think that one of Gaines'
primary motivations in detailing the end of the story in the way he did was to show how
social activism and seeking to create change is not in the hands of one person, but
rather in the hands of many.  For example, Jimmy goes off to college and becomes
inspired through the model of people such as Dr. King and Rosa Parks.  He then comes
back to Samson to try to initiate change there.  When he is killed, Jane picks up where
he leaves off and continues the fight.  In this, the end of the story is not in the
hands of one person to bring forth.  Rather, the demands of social change and the desire
to make what is into what should be is in the hands of multiple people.  This becomes
the essence of the narrative in that social change is not up to one person.  Dr. King
and Rosa Parks influence Jimmy, who tries to influence the rural community of Samson.
 Jane is influenced by Jimmy and takes up the cause even after he is gone.  In this, the
reader can walk away influenced by Jane and the story continues.  In this light, there
is not one person who brings forth the end of the story and one person does not end it.
 The fight goes on, the cause endures, and the dream shall never die so long as many
recognize its need.