Girl, Woman, Other

Roland Quartey surveys Amma’s lively after-party at the National Theatre in London. He speculates that Amma could have become famous years ago if she had followed his lead and embraced the establishment. Now, he is a revered author and scholar who makes frequent television appearances. Roland’s recent televised debate with a Brexit supporter went viral after Roland evoked his identity as a “state-educated son of working-class African immigrants,” though Roland resents having to “engage with race” to make his point, as he feels it essentializes his identity and downplays his accomplishments (412). Roland wanders outside by the River Thames, where he is soon joined by his daughter, Yazz. Yazz wraps her arms around his waist. Roland relishes the contact. Yazz is the reason he pursued success in his career. His life can be divided into “Before Yazz and After Yazz eras” (413). As Yazz muses that Amma has “done good,” Roland realizes how much he wishes Yazz would tell him the same. Yazz untangles herself from Roland when she recognizes a tattooed person standing alone and smoking. Yazz leaves Roland to speak to them.

Meanwhile, Carole stands awkwardly at the party, watching her husband, Freddy, make the rounds.