what is the rumor in town? why is it creating such a stir? chapter 8

Zach tells the group that a rumor is spreading through town that movie star Jack Palance will be visiting the town and plans to take a black woman to the movies with him. The town is buzzing about staging protests outside of the theater. Lily realizes how much importance people put on skin color, and she considers that the world would be better off if skin color differences did not exist.