In 1950s America, in the neighborhood where I grew up, the cops pulled kids over, stopped us on the street and tailed us constantly. Once the cops managed to give us a record, we didn’t stand a chance.

Cops everywhere, all the time, except when and were they were needed. Another fight. When one of the kids lost it, I shoved her off my sister. My sister spent 2 months in hospital and I was charged with assault and battery. My mother took a deal and the DA dropped the charges on me and the other girl. Less than a year later, the girl who beat up my sister killed another girl. She was out in 3 years and celebrated her 18th birthday at home.

Can you guess the reason, the DA offered my mother that deal? That’s right. I have white skin.

That other girl died because I had white skin.