Zambia, a nation that prides itself on pan-African principles and its fight against colonial rule, is confronting accusations of racism more than 60 years after gaining independence. Many Zambians report experiencing subtle, everyday discrimination that makes them feel like second-class citizens in their own country, despite the government denying that racism is a problem. These accounts include black individuals being overlooked for jobs, disregarded by landlords, and snubbed in public establishments. One man recounted an incident at a wine bar where he and his friends were told expensive wines were out of stock, only for them to be offered to a white family shortly after. Despite these challenges, there is a growing sense of optimism among some Zambians who are pleased that conversations about race are becoming more common, suggesting a potential shift towards addressing these deep-seated issues.