yground, Gregory thought tohimself, I knew I had at least one friend who accepted me as I was. (122). He wasaccepted as a young boy wanting to play and live life adventurously. He finally was seenfor who he was, and who he wanted to be seen as. Not for what his race was, or wasnt.Gregory started to take interest in school, much due to his fathers constantbadgering that if he didnt get an education, he would amount to nothing. He receivedgood grades in both Elementary and in Junior High School. During his last year at JuniorHigh School, his grades and performance were so extraordinary a teacher of his, MissNewman, informed him of an award that would be given at their graduation ceremony. She went on about the award, that it was to be given to the student who had the bestacademic record and all around school participation. (124). Miss Newman assuredGregory that he was going to receive this award. So proud, Gregory told his grandma andhis father of this wondrous news. All were very pleased and just waited for the day of theceremony so he could receive the award and praise he deserved. The day of the ceremonyGregory sat o the stage waiting for his name to be called to accept his award. As theprincipal rose to announce the winner of the Academic Achievement Prize, Gregory sat inanticipation. The principal spoke of the award being given to a student who could,overcome adversity and difficulty, yet grasp an understanding of what learning is allabout and what America stands for as a nation. As the principal read the name of thewinner, to Gregorys surprise, it wasnt his. As he still sat on stage, he looked into theaudience to see the smile vanish from his fathers face, at the same time shock registeredon Miss Newmans face as well. Gregory thought to himself and realized, The prizedidnt go to Negroes. (126). Gregory has to accept that his double-consciousness stillexists. Some people will just see him as an African American boy,...
