As Zack struggles to boil down an essay about his complex surroundings in 500 words, his friends' racist narratives, and the threat of lingering danger only complicate the process.

What glitters isn't always gold.

Laces explores the complexities of black youth identity with regard to consumerism. It follows Mike, an African-American teen from the more euro-centric north suburbs of Chicago, as he relocates to a more densely-populated African-American neighborhood. His new surroundings differ culturally, so ...