Thompson's "Heads of Colored People" explores understanding racial prejudice through the tragic intersection of two Black men's lives, examining identity, prejudice, and systemic racism through cosplay and street art.
• The narrative centers on Riley, a cosplayer with blue contacts, and Brother Man, a street artist, whose fatal encounter stems from cultural misunderstanding
• The symbolic meaning of chalk outlines serves as a powerful metaphor for the documentation of racial violence
• Cosplay and identity in African American narratives is explored through Riley's character, challenging traditional perspectives on Black identity
• The story critically examines media representation of Black victims and systemic racism
• Four main characters provide different perspectives on Black identity and community relationships
