Life on the Color Line: The True Story of a White Boy Who Discovered He Was Black

Williams, Gregory Howard

ISBN 10: 0452275334 / ISBN 13: 9780452275331

Published by Plume, 1996

Signed Copy . Signed by author on title page. Seller Inventory # W00A-02916

Synopsis:

"Heartbreaking and uplifting... a searing book about race and prejudice in America... brims with insights that only someone who has lived on both sides of the racial divide could gain."--Cleveland Plain Dealer

"A triumph of storytelling as well as a triumph of spirit."--Alex Kotlowitz, award-winning author of There Are No Children Here

As a child in 1950s segregated Virginia, Gregory Howard Williams grew up believing he was white. But when the family business failed and his parents' marriage fell apart, Williams discovered that his dark-skinned father, who had been passing as Italian-American, was half black. The family split up, and Greg, his younger brother, and their father moved to Muncie, Indiana, where the young boys learned the truth about their heritage. Overnight, Greg Williams became black.

In this extraordinary and powerful memoir, Williams recounts his remarkable journey along the color line and illuminates the contrasts between the black and white worlds: one of privilege, opportunity and comfort, the other of deprivation, repression, and struggle. He tells of the hostility and prejudice he encountered all too often, from both blacks and whites, and the surprising moments of encouragement and acceptance he found from each.

Life on the Color Line is a uniquely important book. It is a wonderfully inspiring testament of purpose, perseverance, and human triumph.

Winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize

About the Author: Gregory Howard Williams is an attorney, law school professor, and the former President of the University of Cincinnati (2009-2012) and the City College of New York (2001-2009). He is the author of Life on the Color Line.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Life on the Color Line: The True Story of a ...
Publisher: Plume
Publication Date: 1996
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: Good
Signed: Signed by Author(s)