A Visitor to Both the Black and White Worlds, but Less than a Full-Fledged Member of Either.

Life in the Paint teaches people to be themselves. Don’t try to be black, don’t try to be white, just be you. 

Growing up in Fredericksburg, Virginia as one of the few black faces in a predominantly white school system was challenging enough. Then attending a very conservative – and very white and affluent – private boarding school like the Woodberry Forest School and the University of Virginia collectively made me walk the very precarious line of race like few others. 

But often being seen as “white” in the black world because I had chosen to become educated stunned me. It was all very confusing to a teenager who was a little unsure of himself during those key formative years and looking to belong.

Fortunately, I had always been a very good basketball player. Though I never sounded like the guys I played with in the streets, I had de-facto street cred because I could play at a high level. But I was never completely like those with whom I played basketball. No more than I ever was completely like the mostly white faces that comprised the white academic world I also called home.  

All John D. Hollis’ life he has been a black man fighting for his identity; Life in the Paint is his story. 

"With his fearless foray into the depths of his feelings as a black man trying to navigate a white man’s world, John Hollis has courageously written a disturbing exposé of the self-doubt that haunts the souls of blacks who have found personal success in an America still plagued by racism."    —Elaine Brown, former chairwoman of the Black Panther Party, and author of A Taste of Power: A Black Woman's Story and The Condemnation of Little B: New Age Racism in America.

About the Author

John D. Hollis has lived in both the black and white worlds, but often felt like less than a full-fledged member of either. Although his journey hasn’t been easy, he’s managed to be successful in both worlds and blessed with many close friends, both black and white. Although this is his first book, John has worked as a newspaper reporter for 17 years, 15 of which were as a sportswriter. He resides in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife, Regina, and their four-year-old-son, Davis.