Introduction

Heads of the Colored People by Nafissa Thompson-Spires is a collection of short stories about Black middle-class identity published in 2018. Each story tackles the different impacts race has on identity, the self, and relationships. Through the stories of individuals, Thompson-Spires explores how race and class function systemically in America. 

Summary

“Four Fancy Sketches, Two Chalk Outlines, and No Apology” tells the story of a police shooting. The story brilliantly starts with the development of a disagreement between two opposing young black men. The story climaxes when the men argue at a comic book convention. Police see the black men fighting and shoot them both.

“The Necessary Changes Have Been Made” is the narrative of Randolph, an English professor who is rather full of himself. He is written as generally unhappy with himself and looks down upon the women around him.

“Belle Lettres” is the story of two highly educated women who use their daughters as an excuse to wage battle against one another. Despite their education, the two become catty with one another.

“The Body’s Defense Against Itself” is about self-care and the importance of mental health.

“Fatima, The Biloquist: A Transformation Story” is the story of Fatima, a young biracial teenager who feels out of place in her all-white prep school. She is struggling to find her sense of self through dating and friendships.

“The Subject of Consumption”: Unlike the other stories, this story is not directly about race. It is instead a critique of body shaming and the media consumption in America. A mother of a young girl forces the family to participate in a diet she chose based on a reality television show.

“Suicide Watch” is a critique of social media and the ways it comes to control our lives.

“Whisper to Scream”: Following “Suicide Watch,” this story explores the impact of social media on children’s sense of self.

“Not Today, Marjorie” is the narrative of Marjorie. She is receiving mental health care and feels incredibly guilty for her past behavior. This guilt goes unaddressed, and while therapy seems to help a little, it does not cure all. Eventually, Marjorie’s mental health needs cause her to lash out.

“This Todd”: Continuing with the theme of mental health, this story follows a woman who fetishizes men who use wheelchairs.

“A Conversation About Bread” is the story of an argument between two college students who are attempting to write an essay for an anthropology class.

“Wash Clean the Bones” is the devastating story of a mother doing everything she can to provide for her children. As a side job, she sings at funerals. Through these funerals, she learns about racial realities and fears raising her young black son.