The Track

The track at Shayla’s school is where Coach West first asks Shayla to join the track team. Shayla struggles to become proficient at jumping the hurdles. She also wants to understand why the other Black girls on the team do not seem to want anything to do with her. Shayla celebrates a high moment with her teammates on the track after she helps them win a relay race when Carmetta is unable to run because she sprained her ankle. Shayla, Natalie, and Angie raise their hands in fists, a symbol of Black pride, just like Olympic athletes did to show justice was more important than winning.

UCLA

UCLA is the campus where Black Lives Matter holds a silent protest. Shayla’s father suggests that the entire family attend this protest when Shayla asks if she can go. Shayla is overwhelmed by the feeling of connection during...