Mr. Z

"And so he climbed, unclogged by ethnic weights, 

An airborne plant, flourishing without roots." - Carl Holman

This poem is all about a black man who, from the beginning of his life, was told that his color was a sign of error.  He gained status by turning his back on personal identity and race and by adopting one that was more socially acceptable.  Mr. Z was able to in a way hide his color and rise up in society although always worring about fitting in.  The quote above is a metaphor that helps to demonstrate to the reader that although there were challenges Mr. Z had to face because of his race, he did not let anything stop him.  The one thing I thought was interesting as well as a bit sad about this situation was that Mr. Z tried to fit in his entire life and it is ironic that his obituary said, "One of the most distinguished members of his race.”  Throughout his life, Mr. Z felt he had to rise above challenges and be careful about what he said and did.  In the end, Mr. Z was seen as a very important figure and I think it is sad that he probably didn't feel this kind of respect when he was still alive.