With the election of Barack Obama in 2008, Americans demonstrated that they could step out of their comfort zones somewhat and entrust the nation's top job to a black man. While race remains a touchy subject in this country, there is a hunger in the public for an honest and comprehensive discussion of how far this nation has come in terms of race relations -- and how far it still needs to go. These essays, written by a black graduate of an Ivy League college, add a unique and refreshing voice to America's long-overdue national conversation on race.