One point in the story that might hint at Twyla possibly being Black and Roberta possibly being white is when the two discuss the subject of integration. Twyla sees Roberta protesting the desegregation of schools. This might lead readers to believe that Roberta is white because, as history demonstrates, many white people wanted schools to stay segregated.

A specific quote that reinforces Roberta’s tentative whiteness and Twyla’s possible Blackness is when Roberta says, “Well, it is a free country.” This sentiment might reflect Roberta’s white privilege. Her statement could be informed by the various advantages of her skin color. As a white person, she thinks America is “free” because she has not had to experience the violent, deadly discrimination of people of color.

More so, Twyla’s reply, “Not yet, but it will be,” might provide more evidence to argue that Twyla is Black. It could reflect the general belief that progress is being made when it comes to Black rights in America. Eventually, the country “will be” free for Black people, not just white people.

Later on, it's mentioned that Roberta used to “curl” Twyla’s hair. This point in the story might also hint at Twyla’s race. It reflects the ways in which white people tend to objectify or fetishize Black people’s hair.

However, it is quite possible that Roberta liked to curl Twyla’s hair because Twyla had nice hair and not because of her race. Additionally, opposition to desegregation was not restricted to white people. Many notable Black people—from Malcolm X to Clarence Thomas—spoke out against desegregation as well.