Racism
Racism is the most overt theme throughout Thurman's The Blacker the Berry. Throughout the story, Emma Lou, the protagonist, is repeatedly discriminated against for her race from white students and people. For example, black students are shown to be socially segregated from whites at USC.
Colorism
Colorism is a separate theme from racism throughout The Blacker the Berry. The problem Emma Lou faces the most throughout her journey is prejudice because of her darker skin tone within the African-American community; guys are reluctant to date her, other black girls don't accept her, and she is even unable to land certain jobs because she is deemed "unattractive".
Fitting in
Emma Lou's journey is essentially one about the struggle of fitting in and finding a crowd of people she belongs in. In college, she tries to associate with the "right" sort of people, but is rebuked because of her skin tone. In her adult life, this happens again and again. By the end however, Emma Lou realizes she must accept her skin tone and find other darker-skinned people who can relate, because they must be out there.
