UNDERNEATH MY SKIN Discusses Racism

OLMSTEAD FALLS, Ohio

Author Matthew Smith Jr.'s grandfather grew up in a time of segregation in the United States. Though he was a black man by racial definition, he looked to be and was perceived as white. He discovered that his white skin was an advantage, and he made the best of this perception.

Inspired by his grandfather's experience with racism, Smith wrote his new novel, "Underneath My Skin" (published by Trafford Publishing). This book is meant as a teaching tool for all regarding issues of race and discrimination.

Jennifer Reynolds dreams of becoming a lawyer or an FBI agent. As the daughter of a fair-skinned black man and white woman, Jennifer was born with her mother's features. Her father demands that Jennifer list herself as Caucasian when entering Virginia Tech University. Jennifer is proud of her heritage and does not want to go through with her father's demands, but she cedes to his wishes. She soon learns the reality of racism in the modern age. Her greatest fear is that if you tell a lie long enough, you will believe the lie.

An excerpt from "Underneath My Skin":

"Being a black person in White controlled America is an experience unto itself. While all children are born innocent of racism and the inhumane way that people treat other people, it doesn't take long into their growth process for their little minds to be indoctrinated with the hard fact that being black is not the same as being white."

"Underneath My Skin"
By Matthew Smith Jr.
Hardcover | 5.5 x 8.5 in | 350 pages | ISBN 9781490741574
Softcover | 5.5 x 8.5 in | 350 pages | ISBN 9781490741550
E-Book | 350 pages | ISBN 9781490741567
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author
Matthew Smith Jr. is a retired postmaster & district director of human resources in the U.S. Postal Service. Prior to his managerial stint, he was president of the National Alliance of Postal & Federal Employees, labor union, local -204. He retired in 1999 and began his writing career. He has published the following books: "Happiness, The Elusive Butterfly," "Weeds" and "Second Time Shame on Me."

Trafford Publishing, an Author Solutions, LLC, author services imprint, was the first publisher in the world to offer an "on-demand publishing service," and has led the independent publishing revolution since its establishment in 1995. Trafford was also one of the earliest publishers to utilize the Internet for selling books. More than 10,000 authors from over 120 countries have utilized Trafford's experience for self publishing their books. For more information about Trafford Publishing, or to publish your book today, call 1-888-232-4444 or visit trafford.com.