Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America

Tank Robinson is a teenage boy living in North Salem; his family are the only Black people in the small town. He is grooming his horse, Big Red, who is sick and dying, as he thinks about the triennial North Salem Horse Race. His family has won the race the last five times—ever since he was born—and they put pressure on Tank to make sure he wins this year. They see it as an opportunity to show that they belong in the town despite the racism and hate they face.

In particular, the Smith family that has the farm bordering theirs treats them poorly, to the point where Tank’s dad filled in the ditch that separates their lands with brick. The family has Make American Great Again posters and flies a Confederate Flag, with Tank noting how they do not even try to hide their racism. However, Tank has been secretly meeting their son, Skyler, at the ditch and talking with him for the last two weeks.

The night before the race, Tank meets with Skyler at the divide between their properties, barely able to speak because of how “nervous” he feels around Skyler. Skyler reveals to Tank that he told his parents that he is gay, and he tells Tank that he likes him. Tank agrees that he likes Skyler, too, and they leave each other, agreeing to come back at midnight.

At home, Tank’s parents sit him down to remind him how important the race is to them, and to tell him that they are going to have Big Red put down the following day. Tank is devastated, feeling as though his feelings were not even considered and upset that he was never consulted on the idea. In particular, he questions his parents use of the phrase “it’s clearly what God wants” (215). He goes to bed and blasts Britney Spears on his headphones, thinking about her songs of freedom and strength.

At midnight, he meets Skyler back at the divide. Skyler crosses over the ditch, and the two kiss. Tank thinks of how much easier things would be if their parents caught them, so he would not have to tell them the truth himself.

The following day, after Skyler’s family has left, Tank sneaks into his home. The two kiss again, and Tank thinks of how it makes him feel “at home for once” (224). However, he still worries over his parents finding out, both because they are religious and he is gay and because Skyler is their “enemy.”

At the race, Tank is winning but contemplates throughout whether he actually wants to. Near the end, he is overwhelmed by his thoughts of Big Red and begins crying. Neck-and-neck with Skyler, he pulls back and lets Skyler win.

Skyler approaches Tank’s parents and brings them the trophy, telling them that they can have it because it means so much to them. Tank reveals to his parents that he and Skyler kissed and that they like each other—thinking of Britney Spears lyrics for strength as he does so. Tank’s father is angry at the revelation, telling them “absolutely not,” as his mom cries. Skyler’s parents arrive and try to angrily drag him away. However, as the announcer calls for a photo of the racers, Tank and Skyler leave their parents behind, walking to the photo hand-in-hand.