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Between Identity and Resilience

Author: Eva and Alisa

Say I'm Dead: A Family Memoir of Race, Secrets, and Love (2020) by E. Dolores Johnson Prologue, Chapter 7

3Johnson, E. Dolores."Details," "A Train Ride," "Black Girl." Say I’m Dead: A Family Memoir of Race, Secrets, and Love, Lawrence Hill Books, Chicago, IL, 2020, pp. 45-89.

4Excerpt: "By the time us kids in the 'hood were bussed from a Sears Roebuck parking lot on the Jefferson Special to the white Bennett High School across town, I was black to the bone.We called that old repurposed city bus the Ghetto Express because it drove straight to a neighborhood of well-to-do white people in large brick homes and back to the 'hood with no stops allowed...."

5Pull-out quote:

6''How would they deal with a black woman like me who wore a millstone of race trouble around my neck, held on a heavy chain of resentment and suspicion?''

​​Identity and Race

  • The chapter deeply explores the protagonist’s struggle with her identity as a mixed-race individual navigating a world rife with racial prejudice. She grapples with how her skin color impacts her sense of belonging within both Black and white communities.
  • Quotes like “Don't take that race bait, Dolores. Life's hard enough without worrying about what people say about your being mixed” underline this theme by showing the societal and personal challenges of mixed-race identity.

  • Resilience in the Face of Racism

    • Despite systemic racism and personal slights, the protagonist demonstrates resilience and determination to rise above her circumstances. The memory of being denied a cab as a child and watching her father repair their ceiling are emblematic of her family’s ability to endure and persist.

  • The Intersection of Class and Race

    • The chapter also juxtaposes life in the ghetto with experiences in wealthier, white-dominated spaces, such as her white friend Jackie’s home. This contrast highlights how race and class intersect to shape opportunities and perceptions.

Main Idea of the Chapter

The chapter illustrates how the protagonist’s experiences with race, class, and identity shape her worldview and personal growth. By navigating the disparities between Black and white communities, and embracing her intelligence and aspirations, she learns to assert her value in a society that often marginalizes her.

DMU Timestamp: January 23, 2025 13:46





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