Book excerpt: Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 I had traveled to central France to see the Black Madonna of Mauriac, a dark-skinned version of the Virgin Mary. I had longed to see a sacred image of Black femininity, and I was finally able to do so. But I was also nervous about being punished for breaking the rules. #2 The delegitimizing stereotype of sloppy, dirty, lazy, and worthless is often used against Black people. And women have always been saddled with the mischievous stereotype, especially when we disregard social norms and do unthinkable things like call out a scholar’s racism. #3 I had to hide out in a European toilet room after setting off the alarm at the basilica of Mauriac. I knew I couldn’t hide my Black skin, so I tried to disguise myself by putting on a hat and black sunglasses. #4 I was eventually able to hide in a chocolate shop, and the owner, Martine, gave me a corner table away from the window. I was still on edge, waiting for the French police to burst in and arrest me.