Grades 9–10
WritingQuran Samad was born in Oakland, CA and is 15 years old. Most of her family is from San Francisco, CA but eventually migrated to Oakland, CA. She loves to Write, Sing, Dance and be a helping hand whenever she can, she loves to do hair, makeup and nails and would love to pursue a cosmetology career. But overall she hopes that one day she can follow her dreams and become a General Surgeon.
Quran’s piece was first published in Cherished Like a Bright Star: A Collection of Writing by Young Authors, ages 8-19 from 826 Valencia’s Black Students Initiative. You can purchase the collection from 826 Valencia here.
How does it feel to grow up in the United States isn’t the right question, the real question is “How does it feel to grow up Black in the United States?” A young Black man’s perspective and experience growing up here is way different from a young white man’s.
It feels bittersweet. It’s not all bad and it’s definitely not good, growing up Black here you have to watch your back. You have to
live in fear. You have to be careful, you have to be brave. You have to be Strong, independent, successful, angry, and the list just goes
on. To grow up here it’s confusing and stressful because if I’m not one thing, I’m another. There are so many rules and standards that
us as Black people are expected to live up to, if I’m too loud I’m “ghetto and ratchet.” If I’m too quiet I’m a “punk and scary.” If I’m not dressed a certain way I’m “poor” or a “h**”—if I’m outspoken I’m “irritating or do too much.” We never get a break and when we aren’t successful we fit the “broke ghetto and ratchet” stereotype.
How is my vision of a world? It would be nothing like this and everyone would be equal and treated equally. The only way that
can happen is if everyone loves themselves. Because if you don’t love yourself, it’s hard to love someone else. You’d have to be right
with yourself before you love someone else.
by Henry, Matthew, & Santiago, 826CHI
A compilation of letters written by three students across one city filled with thoughts on books, sports, music, family, and musings on Valentine’s Day.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A laugh-out-loud personal narrative about a crush. Has your heart ever beat so fast it might get a speeding ticket and a $500 fine?
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by William, 826LA
A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.
by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI
In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Reuben & Giselle, 826CHI
Two students write to each other about where they came from, what they love, and a few mishaps along the way in an exchange of letters.
by Regina, 826LA
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem expresses the realization that a cage is not the only obstacle to a bird's freedom.
by Perla C., 15, 826DC
Perla connects her name to the sea, summer, and soft colors. It reflects her quiet strength, curiosity, and the different identities she carries at school and home.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Sammie, Grade 9, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a freshman at South High School in Minneapolis thanks care workers for supporting our local and national communities during this global pandemic.
by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Savannah, 826NYC
Using dialogue and detailed description, this poet investigates whose voices are heard and whose voices are left behind when injustice occurs.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Jose S., 15, 826DC
Jose’s name means lord of the world, filled with warmth and joy. At school he’s Jose, at home Bladimir, showing how his name carries both family roots and personal power.
by Ricardo L., age 15, 826DC
Ricardo’s name carries strength and emotion, tied to bravery, heat, and a sad color, with playful and personal versions at school and home.
by Kalyn Jackson, 826 New Orleans
Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Luciana, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a sophomore at South High School in Minneapolis gives thanks to Children’s Hospital employees.
Yashasa Fluker, Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Tala, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 10th grader Tala asks essential workers what motivates them to keep going during these difficult times, offering her own views on hope for the future.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student reflects on identity.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Sabrin, Grade 9, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 9th grader Sabrin discusses how she feels both happy and sad, and thanks nurses nationwide for bringing her peace through their work.
by Kyla Edwards, 826 New Orleans
This creative short story explores a snapshot of what a future New Orleans might look like amid climate change.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Lizy A., 15, 826DC
Lizy describes her name as a promise of freedom and beauty connected to the sea and family, with unique meanings at school and at home.
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
by Mercury, 826CHI
A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Rey, Grade 9, 826 MSP
Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Sabrin, Grade 10, 826 MSP
The written word is a powerful tool, and this poem shares a few reasons why the author continues to write.
by Gilbert, 826LA
One teen writes a letter to his 14-year-old self, citing his past fears but looking towards his present, a brighter future.
by Pia, 826NYC
A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.
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