Grades 11–12
PoetryWriting
My name is Earl Mack Williams JR., I’m from Dallas, TX and I have hopes of one day being known creatively as @CONCEITEDKID, specifically in the music industry as a songwriter. Thus far, I have been published in one book and had the pleasure of traveling to Austin, TX to read my poem DANCING IN THIS HURRICANE to the Texas State Board of Education and made history by advocating for the approval of African American Studies to be offered in schools all over Texas and having it approved. As for any future creative achievements, I’m unsure but I know I’ll continue writing and won’t let my gift waste away.
Maybe one day the pain won’t feel the same;
Me and my people won’t be lost in tears dancing in this hurricane.
Our blood won’t keep getting splattered on concrete as if it’s art for their
eyes.
It’s a shame it’s 100+ years later… and killing black people is still a
consensual crime.
For far too long we’ve been told to move on with our lives because we’re no longer
shackled in chains.
Naively we’ve blindly followed suit and believed in a conditioned lie of freedom that
continues to be offered up by the white noise.
For too many years little black boys and girls have been robbed of their
beautiful history.
Only being taught of the oppressor… ensuring that the truth of their
crimes are
forever left a mystery.
When they teach of the colonizers they don’t mention the gallons of blood
spilled
and countless number of bodies that were wrongfully beaten until the tired
souls
gracefully floated to freedom.
So just know when you all weave together thoughts spitting out syllables
from your
tongues asking why this course is needed,
You’re also asking why an entire race that built this country doesn’t
deserve to
be disgraced
But hey…
Maybe one day the system won’t be the same.
Me and my people won’t be paralyzed by their stare, frozen in this
hurricane.
Our image won’t keep getting altered, making racial comments awkward.
It’s a shame it’s 100+ years later… and killing black people is still a
consensual crime.
But really, what do I know?
I’m just a minority.
Who’s destined to end up behind bars with 3 or 4 kids I’ve left fatherless.
I’ve got a brown soul.
Living in a vessel that society treats so cold.
Destined to end up another name shouted at countless protests
Cause in America… the land of the free,
My melanin makes me a walking target.
A consequence of my lack of representation in the classroom that feeds the
ignorance of the contrasting students that surround me.
Maybe one day the pain won’t feel the same.
Me and my people won’t be lost in tears dancing in this hurricane.
But for now I’ll stand here today, pleading my case.
Asking that you all allow the broadcasting of our magic that’s been
effortlessly erased.
It’s far overdue that the children of the world learn of not only the horrors
but also of
my ancestors’ revolutionary breakthroughs.
Cause they were more than secretive affairs or gateway stairs
Africa’s more than little boys with dirty faces and girls whom are checked
off the lists
of America’s capitalistic databases
All of us here before you today are more than jail bound statistics and our
deemed
distasteful yet glorified characteristics.
And it’s far past overdue that these sickening false narratives are debunked
and ridiculed.
So I ask you…
As you all continue painting the world with our blood,
Crafting each narrative to your advantage,
And framing photos in our skin…
Tell me, how much longer will you all sit up there on your comfortable high
horses
and let history repeat itself yet once again?
No materials available for download.
by Princess McDowell, the 826 Dallas Project
by Princess McDowell, the 826 Dallas Project
Whether students write to process, to remember, to imagine, or to heal, this collection of prompts asks students to recognize…
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
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A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
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From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
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by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
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This bilingual poem explores the harrowing story of a boy working while in school to save his mother.
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A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
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 Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
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In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Kailyn Espinosa, 826NYC
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student shares how essential workers’ courage and compassion center her during these hectic times.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
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A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Helen, Grade 12, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a senior at South High School in Minneapolis offers words of support to healthcare workers across the country, including her own mom.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
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by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
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Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
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A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
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In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
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In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
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This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
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A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
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In this public narrative, a student makes the case for creating community change by building youth centers in her neighborhood.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Alexis G., Grade 11
In this narrative, the author uses vibrant language to explore their identity, in all its complexity, through different landscapes.
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Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
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A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
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In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
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In this essay, a student threads their identity across cultures, histories, and places, engaging with legacies of violence and the movement of people.
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Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Lukoiy V.R.G., Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Augustus Griffith Jr., 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.
by Isaiah, 826 New Orleans
This student reveals the mysterious origin story of the king cake. Hint: it includes Big Freedia, DJ Chicken Wing, and a massive party.
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A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
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by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
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Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by George S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
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by Ryan, Grade 12, 826 Boston
In this public narrative, a student illustrates the hardships his uncle has faced to argue for a path to citizenship.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
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