This recent report from ChildTrends (ACESBrief_ChildTrends_February2018 ) breaks down Aces prevalence by state and by race, which begins to uncover the link between systemic, structural racism and poverty and trauma, a link that I think needs continuing attention in order to fuel advocacy, funding and prevention efforts that target effective ‘root cause’ strategies for reducing childhood trauma.  We are only beginning to understand how daily experiences of microaggressions and other acute and chronic stress experiences create a cumulative affect that have dire consequences for long term outcomes of people of color and other marginalized groups.  Recent studies on mortality rates of african-american mothers and babies suggest similar causes.  This also informs how important it is that our afterschool programs are not only bully-free, but are trauma-informed and inclusive oases for children who are experiencing multiple and chronic trauma every day.  Our programs can be critical healing places for them that can become important sources of resilience for them as they learn to protect themselves and build a positive sense of themselves and their world.