Ann Girard is a black woman, born to black parents. But she has blue eyes, straight hair and fair skin. Because of her own questionable features, she has experienced a problematic existence. Her life has now become even more complicated with the news of her unexpected pregnancy.

Ann wants to be elated about her impending arrival, but is plagued with the overwhelming concern about a future filled with cruelties afflicted upon her firstborn child because of his or her features. Her unfeigned worry is rooted in her own awkward experiences based on "blackness." As she prepares for motherhood,...

Ann Girard is a black woman, born to black parents. But she has blue eyes, straight hair and fair skin. Because of her own questionable features, she has experienced a problematic existence. Her life has now become even more complicated with the news of her unexpected pregnancy.

Ann wants to be elated about her impending arrival, but is plagued with the overwhelming concern about a future filled with cruelties afflicted upon her firstborn child because of his or her features. Her unfeigned worry is rooted in her own awkward experiences based on "blackness." As she prepares for motherhood,...