Makeda Gee Florida Harris March is a proud matriarch, the anchor and emotional bellwether who holds together a hard-working African American family living in 1950s Richmond, Virginia. Lost in shadow is Makeda's grandson Gray, who begins escaping into themagical world of Makeda's tiny parlor.
Focusing on the intertwined issues of crime and poverty in urban America, the author calls for black Americans to advocate for themselves and their communities. Through a lens of compassion and honesty, he examines the challenges faced by inner-city residents, particularly youth, while highlighting existing heroic efforts for change. Drawing from his experiences with gang members and ex-convicts, the book poses critical questions aimed at fostering awareness and rebuilding black communities, promising to spark important discussions.
An unflinching examination of historical injustices, this book argues for the necessity of educating Americans about Africa's history and its people. It highlights the debts owed by white America to the Black community while emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and responsibility among Black individuals. The narrative serves as both a critique of past wrongs and a passionate plea for acknowledgment and understanding, urging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about race and history in America.