In this novel, a five year old child is taught by his parents to respect people of all races. While growing up on a farm near a small town in Michigan, he often witnesses racism from various acquaintances and even members of his extended family. While he is fed stories of violent behavior, lack of intelligence, and laziness, every interaction he experiences with minority individuals and groups is enjoyable, thoughtful, and anything but threatening.

Years later as a professor of history, he deplores the racism of inept university administrators who target some of his colleagues. In his research and teaching, he is drawn to African American history while pursuing innovative methods in the classroom. Among others, he and a friend who is a DJ on an R&B radio station demonstrate how music of the 1950s played an important role in helping to break down racial barriers.