Newt learns many things about race and racism from the experiences he is confronted with. For example, during his graduation speech, he says, “Our race is not the best liked, … but our class is determined that this will not keep us from moving forward” (111). Newt understands that it is hard to be a black man living in a white man’s world, but he also knows that his race will not hinder him from doings things that he can achieve if he were not black. One example of Newt facing racism is immediately after the graduation, when he and Arcella go to the ice cream shop. After buying their ice cream, the owner says to them, “Okay, buddy, you and your girl’ll have to finish eating’ outside” (113). The owner does not want any black people sitting in
