by Shonda Buchanan
This powerful, deeply personal narrative explores Buchanan’s complex identity. She reflects on the trauma, resilience, and strength passed down through generations, as well as the tensions and misunderstandings she encountered due to her mixed heritage. Throughout, she weaves in stories of her ancestors, shedding light on the hidden and painful history of African and Indigenous people in America. The author explores a range of heavy topics in relation to her family life in Kalamazoo and the surrounding area therefore people and places are mentioned by name. From the author’s note, “I introduce social, racial, and cultural issues and explore their implications in relation to my family. This is not a scholarly book. It is a story, and I do not mean to offend anyone with it.” Discussion will connect themes in the memoir with pieces from Indigenous artists currently on view.
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