While racism was rampant in many venues in 20th-century Atlanta, it was especially evident in the workplace. Throughout this novel, the characters’ careers are shaped by their race and experiences with racism. For example, Gwen is the “very first colored woman” (18) to be a “[g]ift wrap girl” at Davison’s (16). Holding this post means she must be extra demure, efficient, and respectful, since her success or failure is often seen as reflective of the African American race in general, rather than of just her as an individual. While she makes very little in this role, “she knew how much things had changed, and she was grateful for it […] for these new opportunities,” a perspective that shows how deeply racism is ingrained into Gwen’s psyche (18).

While Gwen’s career was shaped by her race and racism, it did not start as a response to race and racism like it did for James. James began his limo service because “[w]hen you have to wear dress blues and a hat and work for white people, you’re wearing a costume. You are no better than a monkey” (28). Instead of dressing up in a uniform for someone else, James and Raleigh wear their uniforms for themselves and become successful African American entrepreneurs at a time when the concept was rare.