Despite a seemingly endless series of programs, discussions, and analyses—and the election of the first African-American president—the problem of race continues to bedevil American society. Could it be that our programs and discussions have failed to get at the root of the problem? Ismael Hernandez strikes at the root, even when that means plunging his axe deep into the hard soil of political correctness. A native of Puerto Rico, a former Communist, and a Catholic social worker, Hernandez brings an entirely unique perspective to questions of poverty, government welfare, liberation theology, and black culture. Drawing deeply on both his own experience and a wide array of intellectual sources, Hernandez presents his analysis with bracing honesty and stunning insight. A future free from the “reign of race-consciousness” is possible, Hernandez insists. In Not Tragically Colored, he shows the way.