The topic of discussion in my son's Social Studies class had to do with creating the Constitution. In moving from the Articles of Confederation to the United States Constitution, the Northerners and Southerners had to come to an agreement on many topics. The 3/5 Compromise satisfied both parties: It stated that 5 enslaved people would be counted as the equivalent to 3 white people.

This is a part of American history. I just wonder how it feels to be the only African-American in the class during this lesson. As a mother, I find myself talking ad nauseam to neutralize the acidity of our history in this country. At the same time, I have to wonder how each of these incidents register on our ACES scale. We often think the damage comes from aggressive messages of hate and violence. I think we must remember the insidious messages that migrate across the cell walls and inevitably become a part of our very foundation.

I'd LOVE to hear your thoughts......