Remington, Remington:: A Tale of Two Cities

This book takes a look at the fictional town of Remington that, like so many communities across this country, needs healing as it has become more diverse in population while not adapting for that diversity in the ranks of leadership. The tale starts out in 2019 and looks at the intersectionality of the various systems within a city and how the multigenerational Templeton family navigates those systems while black. It gives a glimpse into the love life of Sierra, a fast-climbing career-oriented woman looking for love. It also takes a look at the corporate life of Frank as he navigates supporting multiple family members through the pandemic with his wife Nina. It delves into the impact of overt and systemic racism in Remington, where the Templetons live, work, and play - just northwest of the city of Chicago. Many people think that money and status exempts people of color from experiencing racism, but as you will see for this family, even living in a 20,000 square foot custom built home sitting on the best golf course in the Midwest with a patriarch who has risen to become the CEO of a Fortune 100 company cannot shield the Templetons from the systemic racism and racial insensitivities of the people they encounter. People who hold fast to their old beliefs and what they have heard about people of color as a guiding force to double-down on legacy and tradition over progress.The book takes its subtitle from the fact that these two separate viewpoints create two unique cities existing in one sprawling metropolis. Like so many cities in America, Remington is experienced one way for the white residents it was designed and built for and another way for its black residents who must assimilate and dim their individual lights in order to fit in for the comfort of white people. Exposing the kind of racism that is invisible to people who are not directly impacted by it can be like trying to teach a fish about water. Though they’re in their natural element which literally supports their very existence, they don’t actually see this invisible construct unless and until they experience the discomfort of being “pulled from the water” - as they are forced to face the reality of those who are regularly drowned by the very thing that enables them to thrive.The author of this book is fully aware of the other types of racism and hardships in America and is in not seeking to belittle the experiences of other cultures in no way, shape, or form. The focus here is on the unique experience of black Americans whose ancestors were abruptly brought into this country against their will compared to their white counterparts who were born into this country with the luxury of a rich legacy customized to excel in “the land of opportunity.” The validity of such truths in each person’s experience of America does not invalidate another’s; rather, it often serves as the other scarred side of the same illustrious coin.As I share in the racial reconciliation classes I teach, if you, as a white person, have not had a two-way conversation about race with your black friends in the last 3 years, either they are not your friends (they are just black people that you know) or you are not providing a safe enough space for them to be willing to share. Black people are talking about race with their friends now more than ever and I am hopeful that this story will help contribute to expanding the conversation between black and white Americans that can move us toward a place of healing.“Until the lion tells the story, the hunter will always be the hero…” West African ProverbThis is a story from the Lion’s perspective. Read more