Sister Memphis / Martha

Sister Memphis, whose birth name is Martha, is the main character of "Blue." She is a member of the Nation of Islam. When she was a teenager, she had dark skin, which caused her mother to be embarrassed of her and even to pretend she was not actually her daughter. She turned toward the Nation of Islam because they openly talk about the beauty of dark skin.

Calvin

Calvin is the main character of "New Mexico." He works for the FBI and is trying to get information about the leader of the Nation of Islam, Elijah Muhammad, from one of his wives, who is codenamed the Swan. He likes some of the work the Nation does on the ground but does not accept their beliefs.

Omar

Omar is the main character of "The Spider." He witnesses an altercation at the Community meeting he goes to, and...