Learning about the Color Line

SNIPPET 1

Rural North Carolina in the 1980s

Once my mom was in a bind and, to my absolute shock, hired an elderly black babysitter. My discomfort at mom’s instructions to “watch” the lady and the novelty of seeing an African American in our private space quickly dissipated. Syrah sat on the couch and told me stories. When my mother returned, she thanked and paid Syrah, chatting with her on the porch. Then, mom came back inside, asked me what the lady had eaten, and threw away the glass and plate that she had used.

I remember staring into the trashcan, wondering what its contents meant.