Opal Robinson, aka Opal Jewel

Opal Robinson—stage name Opal Jewel—is the novel’s central figure. She was born and raised in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan. In 1961, when she was still a child, she lived for a summer with relatives in Alabama, where she witnessed major events of the Civil Rights Movement firsthand. By early adulthood, Opal had very pronounced sociopolitical interests, mainly related to racial justice and equality. She was also interested in singing and performing.

At age 21, she was signed by Howie Kelly to a performance contract at Rivington Records, whereupon she moved to New York to be a backup singer for Nev Charles. Opal and Nev experienced a sudden rise in popularity following a high-profile race riot in which they were targets. Opal and Nev eventually parted ways as collaborators, as Nev’s artistic sensibilities were too apolitical for Opal. While Nev...