We Are Not Like Them

Riley Wilson is a Philadelphia native who has recently moved back for a broadcaster position. Her goal is to become anchor, and she works long days and weeks to prove herself at work. Her birth name is Leroya, but she changed it because she knew the name would hold her back trying to become an anchor. Riley is self-conscious about her frizzy bangs, but she has a smooth voice and beautiful skin and is always “camera ready.” Her family and a few friends know Riley keeps things bottled inside and has dealt with bouts of depression. She is frequently subjected to racist comments online.

Riley is often jealous of her best friend Jenny’s ability to be “outgoing, fearless” and looks to her friend in awe. Since childhood, Riley and Jenny have been friends; even when Riley lived all over as she started her broadcasting career, they kept in touch. Riley is quiet and depends on Jenny to take charge in social situations. She often hears her grandmother’s voice in her head, reminding her that she needs to work harder than anyone else to be taken seriously.

When Jenny’s police officer husband is involved in the shooting of an unarmed Black boy, Riley's relationship with Jenny becomes strained.