Grade 12
NarrativeWritingThere was a family who had the best parties in the city. However, their latest one had to be different because it was to celebrate the birth of the one and only Big Freedia the Queen Diva. Not only that, but it was to celebrate the culture. It was a hard time for New Orleans. It was more divided than ever. But this family knew if one thing could bring the city back together, it would be a party bus and a DJ. So, they started to plan. They called DJ Chicken Wing for the 1s and 2s, and Beedy to bring that beat. But, it was still missing something. The matriarch of the family stood up and said “You need cake for the culture.” She began to say, “We need this cake to remind us of our royalty. So each of the colors will show that. To have fun, let’s put a baby in there to show that this party is for the new birth of New Orleans.
And wow, this cake has to stretch, so it can’t be too thick. That’s all we need. What are y’all doing? Let’s get to work!” The party was a success. No beef, but there were beats. Everyone loved the cake. It showed them that kings and queens don’t fight but make sure each other is alright. Oh, and Big Freedia loved it as well.
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by Kyley Pulphus, 826 New Orleans
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Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
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Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
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by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
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by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
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Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
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by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
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by Katya Torres, The 826 Dallas Project
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by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
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by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Soraya, 826NYC
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by Terry Velasquez, Grade 12, The Bronx, NY
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student shares gratitude for the dedication of nurses and gives “credit where credit is due.”
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
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by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
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by Maria, Grade 12, 826 Boston
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by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
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A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
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by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
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