Grades 11–12
PoetryWritingWill my brother make it home tonight?
Or will he be shot walking home from the corner store
with a 99-cent Arizona bottle that will be mistaken for a gun?
Just another Trayvon Martin.
Will my brother make it home tonight?
Or will nine police officers beat him in a jail cell?
Just another Omar.
Will my brother make it home tonight?
Or will the police tase him until he is near dead and his heart stops
beating for eight minutes?
Just another Bryce Master.
Will my brother make it home tonight?
Or will he be shot for being mistaken for the wrong black boy?
Just another Darrius Stewart.
Will my brother make it home tonight?
Or will he be caught
at the wrong place
at the wrong time?
Just another Donnell Thompson.
Will my brother make it home tonight?
Or will he become part of a hashtag
Black Lives Matter?
Just another Michael Brown.
Will my brother make it home tonight?
Or will he be put in a choke hold and make it to a casket instead?
Just another Eric Garner.
Will my brother make it home tonight?
Or will he be shot while handcuffed?
Just another Jamar Clark.
Will our brothers make it home tonight?
Or will our mothers be called by the hospital
to ID their little black boys?
No materials available for download.
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 Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Maria, Grade 12, 826 Boston
In this public narrative, a student makes the case for creating community change by building youth centers in her neighborhood.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
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 Quardasha Mitchell, The 826 Dallas Project
In this compelling poem, the author navigates her relationship with America as a young African-American woman.
by Alexis G., Grade 11
In this narrative, the author uses vibrant language to explore their identity, in all its complexity, through different landscapes.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Katya Torres, The 826 Dallas Project
This bilingual poem explores the harrowing story of a boy working while in school to save his mother.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
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.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
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 Augustus Griffith Jr., 826 National
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
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 Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Sarah X. Age 18, 826Boston
A rousing public narrative from an author coming to terms with their identity as a young Chinese American woman and what they represent: the community of Boston's Chinatown.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by George S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A writer implores people to get outside and touch grass because you never know what you might find!
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
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 Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
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 Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
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.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
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 Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Matthew Inoa, 826 NYC
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student describes how essential workers are the pulse of New York, fueling the city’s hope.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Corazón, 826 New Orleans
In this essay, a student threads their identity across cultures, histories, and places, engaging with legacies of violence and the movement of people.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
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