From its painful history to a movement to reclaim it, the N-word is unlike any other in our lexicon. Walk down the hallways and you’ll hear it. Log on to social media and you’ll see it. But there’s little conversation about its impact. The purpose of this story is not to find an answer, but to spark the conversations that desperately need to be had. Click on each chapter below to read what we have found.

I. The Spark

A series of incidents involving students’ use of the N-word pushes Grant High School to a crossroads.

II. Turning Back the Pages

To understand the power and magnitude of the N-word, you can’t ignore history.

III. Then and Now

For some, the N-word is an opportunity to take back a term that was once used as a tool of dehumanization. For others, the history is too painful to ignore.

IV. Words in Disguise

Politicians, the media and others won’t use the N-word up front. But coded terms have become commonplace when referring to black people.

V. Photo Story: The First Time

Members of the Grant community recall how the N-word has affected their lives.

VI. Podcast: A Choice of Words, a Matter of Conscience

A Grant Magazine editor shares his personal experience with the word.

VII. Documentary: The N-Word, a Special Report

A team of Grant Magazine filmmakers put together this video report to shed light on the topic and start a discussion.