but white americans do not believe in death, and this is why the darkness of my skin so intimidates them.

photo credit: francesca andre i am a writer of creative nonfiction, literary nonfiction, journalism, memoir, and some poetry and other genres. i love the essay: the opportunity to reflect, explore, ask questions, and not know. i'm from illinois, i have a loud laugh, and i like to pick up things i find on the ground.…