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Damon Richardson has worked at Watson Advertising for almost three years as a junior associate. In an unprecedented move, his boss, Ms. Norton, assigns him the responsibility of developing an advertising campaign for a new potential client. As the vice president of project acquisition and management with over twenty years of experience at the firm, her decision puzzles Damon. Despite the unusual circumstances, Damon delivers an impressive presentation, and his boss expresses her intention to promote him to senior associate and give him a raise. Ultimately, Damon discovers the truth: he was not chosen for his exceptional presentation, but rather because the client specifically requested that an African American manage her account.
In his novel, Roberts addresses themes of racism, discrimination, colorism, and affirmative action. The narrative follows the protagonist, Damon, through whom Roberts explores these issues. He delves into the internal thoughts and emotions of the characters, revealing their ulterior motives to create a deeper connection between the readers and the story. Roberts specifically highlights colorism, illustrating how light-skinned individuals often receive more opportunities than those with darker skin, who frequently face discrimination. This portrayal allows readers who may have experienced similar biases to relate to the characters' struggles. Additionally, Roberts emphasizes the emotions tied to the desire to be chosen for one's abilities rather than race when it comes to job opportunities. He captures the feelings associated with being overlooked for skills in favor of racial considerations. Throughout the narrative, Roberts guides readers through Damon's growth, step by step.
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