The Rules of Fortune

by Danielle Prescod

shaping up to be a banal PowerPoint presentation set to music, a glorified slideshow with sound bites about what a “tenacious” and “commandeering” man her father was—a corporate way of saying “cold” and “occasionally cruel.”

You win a race by running faster, and you will have to run faster, and be stronger, better, smarter, and more dedicated than your white peers. And that’s forever.”

Casual dress is a privilege for those given the benefit of the doubt.

“I think something happens when you get a billion dollars. A million dollars won’t save you from a lot, but a billion might,” he said. “What do you need saving from?” “Don’t know yet,” he said, shrugging, “but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.”