Across Five Aprils, Irene Hunt’s poignant novel, masterfully illustrates the American Civil War not through grand battles, but through the intimate lens of a family torn by divided loyalties and the profound personal cost of conflict. It’s a narrative that speaks to the very fabric of a nation fractured, where communities and even households found themselves on opposing sides, grappling with the immense upheaval of their time. This historical backdrop of deep division and the arduous struggle for unity resonates with striking clarity in our contemporary landscape, reminding us that the echoes of past conflicts often reverberate through generations.

As Three-Fifths Magazine marks its fifth anniversary, its very name—a stark historical reference to the Three-Fifths Compromise—underscores its mission to confront America’s enduring battles of race and justice. In an era where the nation finds itself “relitigating the seemingly solved battles” and six years removed from the profound impact of George Floyd’s murder, the magazine has stood as a vital platform. Its nimble, fast, and proactive group of thinkers and communicators have dedicated themselves to “speaking truth to power,” navigating the complex terrain of systemic inequality and the ongoing legacy of historical injustices that continue to challenge the nation’s ideals.

For every contributor, whether a recent voice or a veteran of these five years, the journey with Three-Fifths Magazine has been deeply personal and transformative. It has offered a crucial space to process, question, and articulate the observations and emotions arising from living through such a pivotal period. This engagement has not only enriched personal understanding and family discussions, fostering empathy and critical thinking, but has also extended its impact into communities, sparking vital dialogues and building bridges of understanding. It’s a testament to the enduring power of words and ideas to shape consciousness and drive change in the long, persistent pursuit of a more equitable future.

Now, as we reflect on these “Five Aprils” of unwavering pursuit of justice, we ask our contributors: What singular truth about America’s enduring divisions has been most profoundly revealed to you through your work with Three-Fifths Magazine, and how will that truth shape your resolve for the future of your family and community?

He has shown you, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6:8