How far to the promised land

Introduction: Black narratives and American dreams

Part I: absence and presence

The making of a villain

Single moms aren't allowed to die

Three inches to the right

The game is undefeated

Survival is complicated

Part II: the vine and fig tree

Sophia's gift

Running from the South

There is power in the blood

Part III: ordinary glory

Call and response

Fools fall in love

Black holidays

Fathers and sons revisited

Conclusion: a funeral.