" Jordan took in a deep breath and explained, “Passing is when a light-skinned Colored pretends to be White.” Lisbeth drew her eyebrows inward. Jordan continued, “It is more common than you probably realize.” Sadie asked, “To avoid the harm that can come from being a Negro?” “Yes,” Jordan replied. “And to get the benefits only accorded to White men: safety, respect, higher salaries. "

― Laila Ibrahim , Golden Poppies (Freedman/Johnson, #3)