In "The Invention of Wings," the author Sue Monk Kidd presents a profound realization about the distinction between abolition and the quest for racial equality. The narrator expresses that the two concepts, while interconnected, are not the same. The struggle for the freedom of enslaved individuals does not inherently address the ongoing issue of racial prejudice that continues to affect society long after slavery has ended.

This insight emphasizes that true progress for the African American community requires more than just the end of slavery; it necessitates confronting and dismantling ingrained racial biases. Without addressing color prejudice, the challenges faced by Black individuals would persist, highlighting the importance of tackling systemic racism to achieve genuine equality.