This collection of stories examines the concept of black identity in this so-called post-racial era .... Some stories are darkly humorous--from two mothers exchanging snide remarks through notes in their kids' backpacks, to the young girl contemplating how best to notify her Facebook friends of her impending suicide--while others are devastatingly poignant--a new mother and funeral singer who is driven to madness with grief for the young black boys who have fallen victim to gun violence, or the teen who struggles between her upper middle class upbringing and her desire to fully connect with black culture.

Heads of the colored people: four fancy sketches, two chalk outlines, and no apology -- The necessary changes have been made -- Belles lettres -- The body's defenses against itself -- Fatima, the biloquist: a transformation story -- The subject of consumption -- Suicide, watch -- Whisper to a scream -- Not today, Marjorie -- This Todd -- A conversation about bread -- Wash clean the bones.