Title: The Black Three
Author: Gene Skipworth
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 978-1-6655-5158-8
Pages: 208
Genre: Fiction
Reviewed by: Carol Davala

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Gene Skipworth’s The Black Three is a contemporary story that offers up positive reinforcement about a community ensconced in culturally absorbed prejudice, and how it learns to move beyond its own racist history and discover the value of acceptance.

Prior to the mid ’60s, Grayville, TN was one of two dozen towns labeled as “sundown.” These were areas where city limit signs indicated blacks were not allowed in after dark. In the summer of 2020, a successful black doctor and his family moved from Ohio to be near his white adoptive parents who are living in a retirement center just outside Grayville. Dr. Bokima had been orphaned as a child in Nigeria and adopted by Rev. William Norris and his wife, a missionary couple working in the country’s poverty-stricken villages. Upon coming to the states, he excelled academically, and at six feet ten inches was a basketball All American.

Since Grayville High School had never had a black basketball player, with the arrival of Dr. Bokima, and each of his three sons who stand well over six feet tall, they’ve followed in their father’s footsteps and prove to be top players on the team. The black three quickly dominate the basketball court and become interesting news for the town. But when one of the brothers begins a relationship with a white cheerleader who has similar interests in basketball and theatre, it quickly fuels the overall racial controversy. Tensions are initially heightened when one of the three defend a quiet, theatrical student from an attack by harassing, racist bullies. Casualties reach an apex when the brothers overhear several derogatory comments from their fellow white basketball players who comprise the nucleus of the Grayville team. The three steadfast brothers decide to stop playing for the school unless major changes occur to reconcile the bigotry issues of the town.

Skipworth makes use of several characters to address the negativity plaguing the community, including coaches, parents, principals, and worship leaders. While showcasing that such racial strife will bring the area unwanted publicity, and the town will be viewed as the new face of hatred and prejudice, key young characters are focused on to recognize the error of their ways. Clearly the white basketball players show remorse in their poor judgements, but more importantly Skipworth emphasizes the acknowledgement of their callous and unjust actions, and their recognition that perhaps the influence was in their upbringing.

Amidst the central theme of racial conflict, Skipworth weaves a religious component within the storyline. Here a repentant white player looks to God for forgiveness, while another player’s father is asked to preach at the Bokima’s church in an effort to help heal the community. As the team ultimately reconciles with an itemized pledge about their expectations of one another, there is a spiritual tone to their agenda. “We will be like missionaries!” captures the sentiment of their message spouting elements of grace, forgiveness, and love.

Skipworth does not shy away from the age-old horrors of racism. With the white supremacist presence, he details threats, cross burnings, hate mail, and the effigy of a black man hanging from a tree. Yet in contrast, the narrative ultimately delivers a resurrection of sorts by way of a mixed playing team that celebrates diversity, encourages one another, and works together as a complimentary unit.

The Black Three is a poignant reminder that racial history, instilled prejudice, and bad behavior, can be leveled by the power of friendship, communication, acceptance, dignity, and consideration. A thought-provoking read for these troubled times.