In this beautifully evocative tale of life in the segregated South, Clifton L. Taulbert looks back at his "colored" childhood with deep pride, striking honesty, and unusual affection. Undaunted by the segregation, Taulbert's aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors, and friends are a loving, dignified, and humorous lot. Together they instill in young Taulbert a deep sense of community, optimism, and self-worth. Whether trying to pick 200 pounds of cotton in one day, eagerly awaiting the yearly arrival of the minstrel show and the chance to see the beautiful colored ladies on stage, or learning a life lesson from his grandfather, Taulbert had faith that, despite the hardships of his young life, he could realize his dreams.