Most of my life, most people have called me Charles after introductions myself or having sent them an email. Every year for homeroom from 7th grade on, I was called Charles Stevens.

When I correct them they usually say “You have two first names”, like it’s my fault they got it wrong.

Yesterday I voluteered at a Golf Tournament fundraiser attended by mostly older black businessmen and I shook this particular gentleman’s hand as he spoke, saying “Charles Stevens”.

“Say what?”

I showed him my driver’s license and we laughed.

I finally met the real one.