physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Sadly, she left our household before my fifth birthday. Traumatized, I blocked all memory of her. The Netherlands and doing choreography in my studio. Ten years later, after returning to the U.S., I was able to find Grace, but It took me years to shake off the lessons I had received in the forties and fifties, that Black and White races should keep themselves separated. mother" whom I had loved as if she had been my own flesh and blood. When I did, I reunited not only with her family and friends whom I had known as a child but with my own Blackness that had shown up in my career choices. Together with the daughter of her best friend, I was able to return the love Grace had given me by nursing her in her last years. country, I have revised it to be more than my own story. My memoir lays bare the myths on which racism is based. My story tells this truth: White skin does not mean that a person is better. My parents were punishing, hating, and hurtful to me. Grace gave me love, joy in life, nurturing, valuable life-lessons, fun, and spiritual strength. and, replace racism with joy and appreciation for the Black people who, along with their culture, have given us so much!