Summary

The story takes place in a southern city in the late 1960s. Julian, a college graduate, is escorting his mother to the YMCA for a weight-loss class. After the recent integration of black and white people, Julian’s mother refused to ride the bus alone. Before leaving, she puts on a ridiculous hat Julian finds revolting. However, he must flatter her or she will break down and pitch a fit. As they walk, his mother brags her grandfather was once a proud slave owner of over 200 workers. Julian rebukes her for thinking slavery was a good idea. His mother, though, says she believes black people should be free. However, she wants them to be free separately from white people. Julian decides to amend for his mother’s prejudices, he will sit next to a black person on the bus.

Right before they...