The three paragraphs set the scene and time period of the play, as well as a clue towards the central conflict that drives the play. America is in a time of change and of people climbing the social and economical ladder, yet African Americans have been denied this privilege, but times are changing and their chance is coming.
These paragraphs appear to be mere mood setting at first, but when reading them again with the main character in mind, it clearly establishes the central conflict. Troy was part of the generation of African Americans denied his full potential due to his race, and his son is part of the generation that can reach his full potential despite his race. Troy is stuck in the olden times and refuses to acknowledge the change taking place despite taking advantage of it to get a promotion. Troy wants his son to reach his full potential but can only recognize one way for him to do so: his way. This is the central conflict of the play and while many first time viewers/readers will quickly forget about these paragraphs, they add some deeper meaning to those who decide to revisit the play.
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