Common themes in short story collections can include relationships. Maybe in 'Black Milk' there are stories about family relationships, friendships, or romantic relationships.
Another possible theme could be identity. The characters in the short stories might be on a journey to discover who they are. It could be related to their cultural identity, personal values, or social status within the context of the stories in 'Black Milk'.
Without having read 'Black Milk A Collection of Short Stories', it's difficult to recommend. However, often in a collection, stories that deal with universal themes like love, loss, or self - discovery tend to be engaging. So you could start by looking for those types of stories within the collection.
One possible theme is love. The act of getting a bottle of milk for the mother shows the love the character has for their mother. Another theme could be sacrifice. Maybe the character has to give up something in order to obtain that bottle of milk.
One possible theme could be racial identity. Given the title, it's likely that the stories explore what it means to be black in a particular society. Another theme might be community, showing how the black community supports and interacts with its members.
One of the main themes is likely to be racial inequality. The stories may show how Black people face discrimination in various aspects of life, like in the justice system or in daily interactions. Another could be the strength and resilience of the Black community in the face of such adversity. Also, themes of identity and the search for justice within the context of the Black Lives Matter movement are probably explored.
I think the theme of remembrance is important. The letter format indicates a form of remembrance, not just of Harvey Milk as a person, but also of the era he was in. The stories might be trying to keep his memory alive and also remind readers of the struggles and achievements of that time.
The main themes could be love, acceptance, and identity. These are common in stories dealing with personal and social issues.
One possible plot could be that a group of people are stranded in a difficult situation, like on a desert island, and condensed milk is the only source of sweet or rich food they have. Their interactions and power struggles over the condensed milk form the plot.
The theme of greed might also be present. Some people on Black Friday might be so focused on getting the best deal that they forget about others. Additionally, a theme of family could be there. For instance, a family could go shopping together on Black Friday and the story could show their interactions and relationships during the shopping spree.
One possible theme could be race. Since it's about a black boy, it might deal with issues related to race, like discrimination or the search for identity in a racially divided society.
One possible theme is the power of nature. The black blizzard is a force of nature that can't be easily controlled. It can change landscapes, endanger lives, and disrupt communities. Another theme could be isolation. During a black blizzard, people might be cut off from the outside world, leading to feelings of loneliness and self - reflection.