On Feb 23rd & 24th Alexis Pauline Gumbs came in to create poetry with the brilliant young women of New Horizons.
Below are list poem rifts based on Sapphire's "Meditations on the Rainbow"
Enjoy
RED
Fire
Hate
Strength
That
I
Refuse
To
Use
RED
Like
The
Stop
Sign
To
Stop
Hate
RED
Written By: Monique Byrd
BLUE
Sky
Beauty
That
Appears
On
Our
Face
As
We
Do
Something
That
Someone
Else
Don’t
Expect
Us
To
Do!
BLUE
Written By: Monique Byrd
PURPLE
The
PURPLE
Is
The
Light
Of
My
Sunshine
I
Love
PURPLE
Its
My
Mood
Change
Color
PURPLE
PURPLE
PURPLE
Written By: Brianna C.
YELLOW
The light of my world,
it brightens my day,
the smile that puts on my face,
the glare of joy but not pain.
PINK
As
The
Symbol
We use
For
Breast
Cancer
But
Strength
That
Comes
From
That
Color
But
The
Glares
Of
PINK
And
YELLOW
I
See
This
Beautiful
Outstanding
Flower
That
Shows
The
Veil
To
Colors
That
Make
Me
Into
That flower
Written By: Brianna G
WHITE
Acceptance
Power
Crush
Force
Signature
Shining
Goding
Winning
Competition
Overrating
Conjoining
Ruling
Valuable
Pure
Written by: Unique
YELLOW
Happy
Bright
Shining
Center of attention
Sunshine
Daylight
Brilliant
Beautiful
Summer
Rich
Stars
Written By: Crystal Holmes
PINK
Makes
The
Sunset
Look
Prettier
Pretty
Is
PINK
I
Love
PINK
Love
Is
Heart
Heart
Is
Life
Itself
Love
One
Another
Happy
To
Be
A
Girl
Strong
Loving
Generous
Caring
PINK
Brings
Us
All
Together
Calming
Renewing
Life
PINK
Is
Pure
Everyone
Should
Be
PINK
Strong-willed
Open-hearted
Blind
Yourself
From
All
The
Dreadful
Colors
That
Fade
PINK
What
PINK
Is
To
Me
Love
Written By: Tiffany G.
RED
I am
RED!
Firey
RED!
Mad or frustrated
RED!
Cold hearted
RED!
Mean!!
Oh how I am so
MEAN!!
…Mean…RED
Mean like violence
Violence like gangs
Gangs like bloodz
Bloodz like RED!
RED is ME can’t
Deny being RED!
RED…RED…RED…
So much pain
RED!
All the hurt
RED!
Face-warming
RED!
Sooo confused
RED!
Giving up… Now just a broken heart
RED!
A fallen rose pedal
RED!
Steaming & boiling
RED!
Hot like a pepper
RED!
R-Rule me
E- Envy me
D-Destroy me
Living in Hell
RED!
GREEN
like
the
money
hits
her
hands
that
goes
to
waste
but
BLACK
entering
my
heartbreak
and
my
shame
of
holes
hiding
place.
She
runs
to
RED
determination
of
regret
and
boiling
temperature
attitude
of
facing
another
day
BLUE
for
the
smiles
or
clouds
that
we
see
as
problems
drift
away
YELLOW
as
the
sun
and
smiles
light
up
as
we
face
wonderful
day
God
has
created
BROWN
the
color
of
our
skin
and
beauty
that
makes
us
as
people
who've
judged
us
as
being
one
of
the
colors
we
use
in
our
rainbow
or
that
they
use
everyday
Written By: Tyler S.
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
What every seven year old deserves
"... I always did like school, jus' seem like school never did like me... Secon' grade they laffs at HOW I talk. So I stop talking. What for? Secon' thas when "Imma joke" start. When I sit down boyz make fart sounds wif they mouf like it's me fartin'. When I git up they snort snort hog grunt sounds. So I jus'stop getting up (PUSH, 36)."
Every child deserves to feel safe, loved and nurtured in school. What do you think every child deserves?
Tiffany
You deserve the world at your feet. You deserve to be treated the way you treat others, and that’s as if they were your best friend. The teachers should treat you as an individual, not just as a whole because everyone is different and they learn different as well. You should be able to go as far as you want to go, no matter the circumstance. The teachers should be behind you 100 percent.
They should tell you that you can do anything that you want to do and that the sky is the limit. They should make things happen for each and everyone of you. Separately, they should show each of you the way to go to be whatever you want to be. Meaning, if you want to be a librarian, they should take you to meet the librarian, so that she can show you just how easy your dreams can be made true.
TaQuasha
See now you are in the first grade and first impressions are everything. You can’t act the same way at home and at school. School is not play time it is a time to learn. Your teacher is there to teach you and help you with any questions that you may have. You must use this time to take in as much as you can. Play time is on the playground not in the class room. I know you have times that you get mad but you have to learn to control yourself. Try your best at all times and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Tee-Tee
Hey Karizma I don’t know your struggle in Elementary School but I hope it’s going okay. Just giving you a heads up on how many children go through bad experiences in their first years of school. I hope u don’t go through these things. You are such a smart little girl and could set a good example for your friends and classmates. Your teacher may not be the best teacher but as long as she cares for your learning, it doesn’t matter. Don’t be a bully to your peers because you would never know what bad things they go through. Be yourself and be a child and stay a child. Have fun with your life never grow up too fast!!.. I love you.
Crystal
I feel like every 7 year old shouldn’t go through any type of struggled and you shouldn’t be having to face any types of critism. I really don’t remember when I was seven what had happen. But I do know that I deserved to be treated equally and shouldn’t be having any problems. Some seven year olds are mostly scared to speak there minds on what right and wrong. I hope that in a classroom teachers should understand that there students are only kids. They should be able to be trated lik kids and working there way up to being teens. Teacher should be able to give candy or not necessary candy but some kind of reward to the students letting them know that they did a good job in class. Let them know that there good work was took in consideration. The teacher should be understanding and really help the students be great individuals.
Unique
7's your age, you're in first grade. You should be happy to be in school with your peers. This is the time your brain shoud be sucking in a lot more of important things. Behave in school and know that this is your first step in getting a real education. you should receive all the loving and caring that you need. Write your numbers and spel your name and when its ap time enjoy your sleep. Be good in clas so your classmates can look at you like a super hero. If the teacher gives you any problems, don't hit her. Just tell your mom so she can deal with it. Eat your food, and do not throw it up. Be good in class and you will get candy and prizes.
Briana G.,
What I think every seven year old deserves is a chance to be a child and act like a child. What I mean by that is to play outside, go to school, go to sleep overs, hang out with your friends on the weekend. Basically not trying to grow up so fast. Also have respect for the ones trying to help you.
Brianna C.
I think they deserves respect from all their teachers. Like someone they can always talk to so they want feel alone. And have like a good friend cause I remember when I was young I thought I didn’t have anyone to talk to at school I felt alone. So I think every seven year old needs a teacher mom not saying like a mother do everything for you just for you to be there so have by your side so you want alone.!
Every child deserves to feel safe, loved and nurtured in school. What do you think every child deserves?
Tiffany
You deserve the world at your feet. You deserve to be treated the way you treat others, and that’s as if they were your best friend. The teachers should treat you as an individual, not just as a whole because everyone is different and they learn different as well. You should be able to go as far as you want to go, no matter the circumstance. The teachers should be behind you 100 percent.
They should tell you that you can do anything that you want to do and that the sky is the limit. They should make things happen for each and everyone of you. Separately, they should show each of you the way to go to be whatever you want to be. Meaning, if you want to be a librarian, they should take you to meet the librarian, so that she can show you just how easy your dreams can be made true.
TaQuasha
See now you are in the first grade and first impressions are everything. You can’t act the same way at home and at school. School is not play time it is a time to learn. Your teacher is there to teach you and help you with any questions that you may have. You must use this time to take in as much as you can. Play time is on the playground not in the class room. I know you have times that you get mad but you have to learn to control yourself. Try your best at all times and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Tee-Tee
Hey Karizma I don’t know your struggle in Elementary School but I hope it’s going okay. Just giving you a heads up on how many children go through bad experiences in their first years of school. I hope u don’t go through these things. You are such a smart little girl and could set a good example for your friends and classmates. Your teacher may not be the best teacher but as long as she cares for your learning, it doesn’t matter. Don’t be a bully to your peers because you would never know what bad things they go through. Be yourself and be a child and stay a child. Have fun with your life never grow up too fast!!.. I love you.
Crystal
I feel like every 7 year old shouldn’t go through any type of struggled and you shouldn’t be having to face any types of critism. I really don’t remember when I was seven what had happen. But I do know that I deserved to be treated equally and shouldn’t be having any problems. Some seven year olds are mostly scared to speak there minds on what right and wrong. I hope that in a classroom teachers should understand that there students are only kids. They should be able to be trated lik kids and working there way up to being teens. Teacher should be able to give candy or not necessary candy but some kind of reward to the students letting them know that they did a good job in class. Let them know that there good work was took in consideration. The teacher should be understanding and really help the students be great individuals.
Unique
7's your age, you're in first grade. You should be happy to be in school with your peers. This is the time your brain shoud be sucking in a lot more of important things. Behave in school and know that this is your first step in getting a real education. you should receive all the loving and caring that you need. Write your numbers and spel your name and when its ap time enjoy your sleep. Be good in clas so your classmates can look at you like a super hero. If the teacher gives you any problems, don't hit her. Just tell your mom so she can deal with it. Eat your food, and do not throw it up. Be good in class and you will get candy and prizes.
Briana G.,
What I think every seven year old deserves is a chance to be a child and act like a child. What I mean by that is to play outside, go to school, go to sleep overs, hang out with your friends on the weekend. Basically not trying to grow up so fast. Also have respect for the ones trying to help you.
Brianna C.
I think they deserves respect from all their teachers. Like someone they can always talk to so they want feel alone. And have like a good friend cause I remember when I was young I thought I didn’t have anyone to talk to at school I felt alone. So I think every seven year old needs a teacher mom not saying like a mother do everything for you just for you to be there so have by your side so you want alone.!
If you knew me you would know...
"... There has always been something wrong wif the tesses. The tesses paint a picture of me an' my muver-my whole family, we more than dumb, we invisible. (PUSH, 31)"
In the story PUSH Precious talks about hating to take tests and hating to have files written about her by people who don't really know who she is. We agreed that people often judge us by things that have little to nothing to do with who we are as people and felt the need to tell yall a lil about ourselves.
I you knew me you would know...
TaQuasha
If you ever knew me you would know how much I struggle ever day. Certain things in my life I cant handle emotional and sometimes it takes a physical toll. It got so bad one night at like 2 o’clock in the morning I cut off my hair, 3 inches off the side, 2 inches off the rest except for the middle. It’s very short to me now but I think I just needed a fresh start. It took a lot off of school its like I try to do well in school but when it comes down to home life it takes away from my focus. I wish people could see the pain I feel inside sometimes.
Monique
If u knew me you would know that I am 17 years old born April 8,1992 born on my mama birthday so you I am very spoiled if u didn’t know it already. love to party, go out have fun, chill wit my family and boyfriend, shopping, I am a very shy person but also a nice that people love to be around. But if u push me to the limit I can me the worst person you would wont to meet. Some people say that I have the worst attitude that I teen can have cause I don’t take nothing from nobody. If people let you run over them they would but I am not that type. You have to get respect to receive respect from me that’s how I feel. I wont my own business a clothing shop and beauty salon in the back named “Stlyez 2 Da Limit & Baquette”. But to get to that level I will need to finish high graduate go to college for business, get my business license. Then after that then work on my shop stuff like find a building the supplies and much more. That’s a little about me if you didn’t already know about me.
Tyler
If you Knew me you would know that I am a person that is kind hearted and that like to express there self in ways to know that I am somebody and not to judge that somebody even if I am that somebody. Also I have feelings to, I mean I wouldn’t use them as excuses if you would really understand me and part were I come from I mean just give me a chance I mean I can prove to you I mean I don’t have to but I choose to I mean to show you I can actually achieve. To make you approve and make you think different to show you people can change I mean even you. To make you want to change your opinions to make your expressions and thoughts different. So if you know me I mean you would fall in love with me for me and not what I can do.
Crystal
If you knew me you would know that I’m 18 years old. I was born October 20, 1991. I’m currently in high school and a senior getting ready to graduate. My personality is really bright and at sometimes I tend to be shy about things. I want to be a singer and song writer and produce my own music. I love to shop I buy shoes and clothes. I’m a very sensitive girl about some topics. I’m a real nice girl and am real determined to things in life to achieve my goal. Every time I write songs it’s when I feel some kind emotions. Like if I’m going through something that they I write a song about the type emotions I’m feeling. I love to satisfy others and their needs first before I can satisfy my own. I really need to work on that. I never like to be put on the spot by teachers or anybody else. I get embarrassed sometimes by that. I really want to pursue my singing and song writer career.
In the story PUSH Precious talks about hating to take tests and hating to have files written about her by people who don't really know who she is. We agreed that people often judge us by things that have little to nothing to do with who we are as people and felt the need to tell yall a lil about ourselves.
I you knew me you would know...
TaQuasha
If you ever knew me you would know how much I struggle ever day. Certain things in my life I cant handle emotional and sometimes it takes a physical toll. It got so bad one night at like 2 o’clock in the morning I cut off my hair, 3 inches off the side, 2 inches off the rest except for the middle. It’s very short to me now but I think I just needed a fresh start. It took a lot off of school its like I try to do well in school but when it comes down to home life it takes away from my focus. I wish people could see the pain I feel inside sometimes.
Monique
If u knew me you would know that I am 17 years old born April 8,1992 born on my mama birthday so you I am very spoiled if u didn’t know it already. love to party, go out have fun, chill wit my family and boyfriend, shopping, I am a very shy person but also a nice that people love to be around. But if u push me to the limit I can me the worst person you would wont to meet. Some people say that I have the worst attitude that I teen can have cause I don’t take nothing from nobody. If people let you run over them they would but I am not that type. You have to get respect to receive respect from me that’s how I feel. I wont my own business a clothing shop and beauty salon in the back named “Stlyez 2 Da Limit & Baquette”. But to get to that level I will need to finish high graduate go to college for business, get my business license. Then after that then work on my shop stuff like find a building the supplies and much more. That’s a little about me if you didn’t already know about me.
Tyler
If you Knew me you would know that I am a person that is kind hearted and that like to express there self in ways to know that I am somebody and not to judge that somebody even if I am that somebody. Also I have feelings to, I mean I wouldn’t use them as excuses if you would really understand me and part were I come from I mean just give me a chance I mean I can prove to you I mean I don’t have to but I choose to I mean to show you I can actually achieve. To make you approve and make you think different to show you people can change I mean even you. To make you want to change your opinions to make your expressions and thoughts different. So if you know me I mean you would fall in love with me for me and not what I can do.
Crystal
If you knew me you would know that I’m 18 years old. I was born October 20, 1991. I’m currently in high school and a senior getting ready to graduate. My personality is really bright and at sometimes I tend to be shy about things. I want to be a singer and song writer and produce my own music. I love to shop I buy shoes and clothes. I’m a very sensitive girl about some topics. I’m a real nice girl and am real determined to things in life to achieve my goal. Every time I write songs it’s when I feel some kind emotions. Like if I’m going through something that they I write a song about the type emotions I’m feeling. I love to satisfy others and their needs first before I can satisfy my own. I really need to work on that. I never like to be put on the spot by teachers or anybody else. I get embarrassed sometimes by that. I really want to pursue my singing and song writer career.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
PUSH reviews Pgs 1-40
We've begun reading PUSH here are our first thoughts...
"...It's crazy that she had to go through that at 7 years old in the 2nd grade. I imagine my niece at 7 years old being treated that way and the way I would react to something like that, and I'm only her aunt. I imagine my mother undergoing something like that with me and knowing that the possible outcome would definitely not just be "ok."She would do anything in her power to keep that from happening to me and I would do everything in my will to make sure noone ever hurts my niece."
"...I think that Precious went through HELL!!! She didn't deserve to be treated that way growing up. That as sick the way her father did her growing up. Her mother didn't make it no better. Where's da rest of da family?!!... It hurts me that someone in this world goes through something soooo painful. And many people probably went through worse. THis world is all F'ed up!!... Where is the peace??... Happiness??..
I really feel for Precious!!"
"... I mean about the book... of everything that had happened in the back of her mind which has her thinking that she is a failure. I feel that if anyone really wanted to love her she wouldn't let them get close to her and its sad. People believe that the hurt mostly comes from her mother I feel even though that happened with her father she really needed her mother to play part so she could at least get over the feelings, so she could go on.
"... I think the story is very depressing. It makes me really mad how Precious' real dad f'ed her! I don't even have the expression to say how I feel. And her mother is so wrong for not doing anything and especially when she knows that Precious is pregnant again by him. Precious' situation is hard to go through, and if I was able to help, I would."
"...What I think of the whole situation is that its wrong what she have to go through. I feel bad for her cause it ain't nobody to help her. But she can tell people the way how she feels."
"... Precious is a very strong girl to be her age and have gone through all that stuff and haven't already did to herself. Young girls her age that go through things like that go through depression and commit suicide, but she never did anything to hurt herself because of the lack of love she receives from her mother and father, even the students in school. She is already a strong little girl."
"...It's crazy that she had to go through that at 7 years old in the 2nd grade. I imagine my niece at 7 years old being treated that way and the way I would react to something like that, and I'm only her aunt. I imagine my mother undergoing something like that with me and knowing that the possible outcome would definitely not just be "ok."She would do anything in her power to keep that from happening to me and I would do everything in my will to make sure noone ever hurts my niece."
"...I think that Precious went through HELL!!! She didn't deserve to be treated that way growing up. That as sick the way her father did her growing up. Her mother didn't make it no better. Where's da rest of da family?!!... It hurts me that someone in this world goes through something soooo painful. And many people probably went through worse. THis world is all F'ed up!!... Where is the peace??... Happiness??..
I really feel for Precious!!"
"... I mean about the book... of everything that had happened in the back of her mind which has her thinking that she is a failure. I feel that if anyone really wanted to love her she wouldn't let them get close to her and its sad. People believe that the hurt mostly comes from her mother I feel even though that happened with her father she really needed her mother to play part so she could at least get over the feelings, so she could go on.
"... I think the story is very depressing. It makes me really mad how Precious' real dad f'ed her! I don't even have the expression to say how I feel. And her mother is so wrong for not doing anything and especially when she knows that Precious is pregnant again by him. Precious' situation is hard to go through, and if I was able to help, I would."
"...What I think of the whole situation is that its wrong what she have to go through. I feel bad for her cause it ain't nobody to help her. But she can tell people the way how she feels."
"... Precious is a very strong girl to be her age and have gone through all that stuff and haven't already did to herself. Young girls her age that go through things like that go through depression and commit suicide, but she never did anything to hurt herself because of the lack of love she receives from her mother and father, even the students in school. She is already a strong little girl."
Letters from my six year old self
In the story PUSH Claireece talks about being tormented by her classmates and ignored by her teacher at the age of 7. We began to wonder what would happen is she and all little girls felt powerful enough to speak their truths to introduce themselves to the world. And so we introduce ourselves to you...
LETTERS FROM MY SIX YEAR OLD SELF.
Princess
My name is Princess and I'm 6 years old. I like riding my bike around the block. I smile as I feel the ool wind blowing in my face. I'm happy all the time when my cousins be playing with me. WE play in the dirt, making mud pies, jump rope, running and playing on our playground in the back yard. Thats the best thing I love to do because thats the only time I don't feel shy. I am also friendly but am scared to talk. I don't talk much until until I start playing with my babydolls. I then met a friend a couple of houses down named Stephanie. She is the best friend anyone could ever have. She has a clubhouse inside of her tree in her back yard. I love the way it looks. Inside the clubhouse was pink and it was filled with baby dolls and teapot sets. I love playing with her because she is my only friend, beause the kids at school all me mute (I just figured out what that means)! so all I do is play around with my cousins, (most of them are boys but I love playing with them), even though they don't like being around me. I don't really care beause they don't tell me but always and fussing and getting mad when I come around, but they still show me a good time, thats why I love them. I'm a very spoiled young girl. I get everything I want... I just want a brother or a sister that can look up to me.
Unique
Hello I'm Unique,
I am 6 years old and I have 2 big sisters named Kynisha and Shymeka. My sisters teach me how to ride my bike and play barbie dolls with me.My sister walks me to school and walks me home everyday. In school I cut oranges and apples and learn how to write my name. They make me sleep a lot and I really don't like that. At recess I play with my friends. running up and down the court yelling and screaming. My teachers say I'm a good girl and I love to get along with others very well.I look forward to going to shool everyday to see my friends.
Dream
Hello my name is dream. I am 6 years old. I love to play hopscotch, but I mostly draw mines. I never really liked dolls they scare me, just something about that...uuugggghhh. I also love to sing. Sing anything that rolls past me from gospel to slow songs. anything my mother loves to hear. I love to play with my friends. We all used to run just to see who is the fastest. I get sad when I don't win. but who really cares!
For me being 6 I loved lunch time, my favorite. In school I always loved to each chicken with mashed potatoes, uuuhhhmmm, but I really got along with everybody.
Shaccaria
Hi my name is Shaccaria and I am 6 years old. I go to Lakewood Elementary school and I'm in the first grade. I love to go to school and play with my friends on the playground at recess. Me and my friends like to jump rope, run around on the playground and play on the monkey bars.When I get out of school I like to ride my bike with my big brother. I also like to play barbie with my friends in the neighborhood. I love the weekend because I get to spend time with my daddy. I love spending time with my daddy because he spoils me and I get everything I want, because I'm his only child. I also like to go to my grandma's house and ride my power wheel. My grandma is really nice to me and shows me a lot of attention. My favorite thing I like to do is play with my chawawa. My dad brought me my chawawa on my birthday and thats why she is so special to me. My chawawa is like a sister to me because she shows me love and attention and protects me and I do the same for her.
Christie
Hi! I'm Christie, and I'm 6-years-old. I am in the first grade and I hate it! I pee on myself just to go home with my mommy and daddy. I love my mommy so much because she always gives me cereal and yogurt, and when she gives it to me, I get sooooooo happy!!! My daddy seemed to know I would pee on myself just to come home with them but I don't care. They knew I was very afraid of the doctor so they started threatening me to take me there if I continued, so I stopped! I started liking school and having fun. Every weekend my mommy would take me to the mall to get toys out of the dollar store. Now that would really make me excited! Especially when I would already have two toys already in my hands and she would say "wow look at this one." Do you want this too? I would be so happy that she would but me a lot of toys. But hey I'm a kid!! Its easy to satisfy kids! Only if I knew how cheap they were, I would've been mad and wanted to get bigger and better things. I also spend a lot of time with my cousin, Nesha. We always have fun together, riding our bikes playing Barbies and coloring in different coloring books. My dad is known as "Jerry, the bike man." He will never be seen without his bike. If something happens to his bike or it gets stolen he has many other bike parts to put together a new one. My daddy taught me to ride my first bike, and I follow him around.
My mom takes really good care of me but my dad has started to get on drugs really bad and isn't the fun daddy I knew. He and my mommy get physically into fights around me all the time. It is very scary for me because I am scared that my dad will hurt my mom But the funny part about it is that my mommy beats the crap out of my daddy, like LITERALLY!! And my mom kicked my dad out. After they fight my mom throws all his things on the porch. As a child I run to see what she threw out and pick some cool things up and ask my mommy if I can have it! It is kinda funny, lol! My daddy stops by often to see us and things are fine!
Alyxe,
Hello,
My name is Alyxe and I am 6 years old. Some of you already know me but for those who don’t I wanna say it is very nice to meet you. Do you wanna be my friend?
I’m the fastest kid in my class. I like to climb trees, jumprope, play hopscotch, and my favorite game is steal the flag. I like to color, play stranded on a desert island with my Barbies, make collages and (here’s my first secret) sometimes I still suck my thumb when I watch T.V. I love to be barefoot and most of all I love, love, love to sing (show tunes are my favorite but I will sing anything)!
I live in the woods with lots of really tall trees, that I can hide behind (even though mama Nia says I am safe) and a bubbling warm springs that are not too deep.
My best friend’s name is Talya she comes to visit me on butterfly wings.
Mama Nia calls me her first Breath she says I was here before hurt or heart break. I am her best self, I keep her in love. She remembers much better than I when it wasn’t safe, when I wasn’t free, and she has vowed today to protect me.
LETTERS FROM MY SIX YEAR OLD SELF.
Princess
My name is Princess and I'm 6 years old. I like riding my bike around the block. I smile as I feel the ool wind blowing in my face. I'm happy all the time when my cousins be playing with me. WE play in the dirt, making mud pies, jump rope, running and playing on our playground in the back yard. Thats the best thing I love to do because thats the only time I don't feel shy. I am also friendly but am scared to talk. I don't talk much until until I start playing with my babydolls. I then met a friend a couple of houses down named Stephanie. She is the best friend anyone could ever have. She has a clubhouse inside of her tree in her back yard. I love the way it looks. Inside the clubhouse was pink and it was filled with baby dolls and teapot sets. I love playing with her because she is my only friend, beause the kids at school all me mute (I just figured out what that means)! so all I do is play around with my cousins, (most of them are boys but I love playing with them), even though they don't like being around me. I don't really care beause they don't tell me but always and fussing and getting mad when I come around, but they still show me a good time, thats why I love them. I'm a very spoiled young girl. I get everything I want... I just want a brother or a sister that can look up to me.
Unique
Hello I'm Unique,
I am 6 years old and I have 2 big sisters named Kynisha and Shymeka. My sisters teach me how to ride my bike and play barbie dolls with me.My sister walks me to school and walks me home everyday. In school I cut oranges and apples and learn how to write my name. They make me sleep a lot and I really don't like that. At recess I play with my friends. running up and down the court yelling and screaming. My teachers say I'm a good girl and I love to get along with others very well.I look forward to going to shool everyday to see my friends.
Dream
Hello my name is dream. I am 6 years old. I love to play hopscotch, but I mostly draw mines. I never really liked dolls they scare me, just something about that...uuugggghhh. I also love to sing. Sing anything that rolls past me from gospel to slow songs. anything my mother loves to hear. I love to play with my friends. We all used to run just to see who is the fastest. I get sad when I don't win. but who really cares!
For me being 6 I loved lunch time, my favorite. In school I always loved to each chicken with mashed potatoes, uuuhhhmmm, but I really got along with everybody.
Shaccaria
Hi my name is Shaccaria and I am 6 years old. I go to Lakewood Elementary school and I'm in the first grade. I love to go to school and play with my friends on the playground at recess. Me and my friends like to jump rope, run around on the playground and play on the monkey bars.When I get out of school I like to ride my bike with my big brother. I also like to play barbie with my friends in the neighborhood. I love the weekend because I get to spend time with my daddy. I love spending time with my daddy because he spoils me and I get everything I want, because I'm his only child. I also like to go to my grandma's house and ride my power wheel. My grandma is really nice to me and shows me a lot of attention. My favorite thing I like to do is play with my chawawa. My dad brought me my chawawa on my birthday and thats why she is so special to me. My chawawa is like a sister to me because she shows me love and attention and protects me and I do the same for her.
Christie
Hi! I'm Christie, and I'm 6-years-old. I am in the first grade and I hate it! I pee on myself just to go home with my mommy and daddy. I love my mommy so much because she always gives me cereal and yogurt, and when she gives it to me, I get sooooooo happy!!! My daddy seemed to know I would pee on myself just to come home with them but I don't care. They knew I was very afraid of the doctor so they started threatening me to take me there if I continued, so I stopped! I started liking school and having fun. Every weekend my mommy would take me to the mall to get toys out of the dollar store. Now that would really make me excited! Especially when I would already have two toys already in my hands and she would say "wow look at this one." Do you want this too? I would be so happy that she would but me a lot of toys. But hey I'm a kid!! Its easy to satisfy kids! Only if I knew how cheap they were, I would've been mad and wanted to get bigger and better things. I also spend a lot of time with my cousin, Nesha. We always have fun together, riding our bikes playing Barbies and coloring in different coloring books. My dad is known as "Jerry, the bike man." He will never be seen without his bike. If something happens to his bike or it gets stolen he has many other bike parts to put together a new one. My daddy taught me to ride my first bike, and I follow him around.
My mom takes really good care of me but my dad has started to get on drugs really bad and isn't the fun daddy I knew. He and my mommy get physically into fights around me all the time. It is very scary for me because I am scared that my dad will hurt my mom But the funny part about it is that my mommy beats the crap out of my daddy, like LITERALLY!! And my mom kicked my dad out. After they fight my mom throws all his things on the porch. As a child I run to see what she threw out and pick some cool things up and ask my mommy if I can have it! It is kinda funny, lol! My daddy stops by often to see us and things are fine!
Alyxe,
Hello,
My name is Alyxe and I am 6 years old. Some of you already know me but for those who don’t I wanna say it is very nice to meet you. Do you wanna be my friend?
I’m the fastest kid in my class. I like to climb trees, jumprope, play hopscotch, and my favorite game is steal the flag. I like to color, play stranded on a desert island with my Barbies, make collages and (here’s my first secret) sometimes I still suck my thumb when I watch T.V. I love to be barefoot and most of all I love, love, love to sing (show tunes are my favorite but I will sing anything)!
I live in the woods with lots of really tall trees, that I can hide behind (even though mama Nia says I am safe) and a bubbling warm springs that are not too deep.
My best friend’s name is Talya she comes to visit me on butterfly wings.
Mama Nia calls me her first Breath she says I was here before hurt or heart break. I am her best self, I keep her in love. She remembers much better than I when it wasn’t safe, when I wasn’t free, and she has vowed today to protect me.
2010
Wow,
I haven't been here in a while busy busy busy it is time to reconnect. As many of you know I have for many years now worked with Students at New Horizons academy of excellence in Durham NC. This year is proving to be as amazing as all the previous years. Students are expressing themselves through writing, audio, video hosting symposiums and forums and we have decided to blog.
Now, me trying to be less wasteful even with internet space, has decided rather than create another blog, to dedicate my "Better to Speak" blog (after all who could come up with a better name), to my students. I hope you will follow us cause we got a lot to say!!!
Peace
I haven't been here in a while busy busy busy it is time to reconnect. As many of you know I have for many years now worked with Students at New Horizons academy of excellence in Durham NC. This year is proving to be as amazing as all the previous years. Students are expressing themselves through writing, audio, video hosting symposiums and forums and we have decided to blog.
Now, me trying to be less wasteful even with internet space, has decided rather than create another blog, to dedicate my "Better to Speak" blog (after all who could come up with a better name), to my students. I hope you will follow us cause we got a lot to say!!!
Peace
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Dear Mr. DuBois
So after pouring over both readings I had to go with my gut. Though I
found Wynter's reading more than enlightening and I am sure I will
read it numerous times, it was DuBois that illicited a moving response
from me. Being that I know the Professor Gumbs personally I have taken
the liberty of responding less "academically" and more like me.
Dear Mr. DuBois,
As I read through your writings a second time I am struck by physical awakenings. My eyes raise to Assata’s words hanging on my [wall] is just a wall...” Gentle croons from The sounds of Blackness, “Black Butterfly...Freedom comes with understanding who you are” kiss my ears, and a faint scent of coco mango reminds me of me.
This morning I wake, aware that the world you exist in pushes me to analyze, de and re-construct your words to argue for or against views written long ago, yet clenched firmly too today, and my body says not again. For I am, we are all enough.
How can my very breath be a problem, this space I occupy, be some mysterious cavern men need to explore, after donning precautionary gear, lest the rituals of my life threaten to supercede their own. I do not exist under a “veil” to be raised, function daily in some secret hide away. My existence is not a mystery. I am neither trying nor desiring to be the occupier of any space but that, which has been gifted to me.
I do not know your desires completely brother, but I know your love for the very people of whom you are “bone of the bone and flesh of the flesh.” For that reason I can’t help but wonder why you seek to expose me/us to forces choosing to render we, [if only to themselves] invisible. Why has denial taken command of your soul? You, my brother, know that we have always been, and will continue to be visible in a universe equipped to embrace us all. You know our lives to be real. Yet you place our spirits and songs on tables to be evaluated by those who have their own songs to sing. Consumption for a system, that drinks our blood to ensure its survival. You seem to feed us up willingly, by searching for home foreign territory. This cannot be your intent. We have a home.
I will admit that you are correct to point out the reality of a “double consciousness, a two-ness of american and negro,” but I can’t help but wonder why this stage was set, and why we feel compelled to enter it. Are we obliged to seek “freedom in [this] promise land” from those with whom we co-exist? This space cannot be rightfully possessed by any of us for we are, all of us, mere tenants of an order greater than even we. We each, make a choice to enter into contacted ownership of a humanity that must negate and invalidate to survive. I cannot sign up today. Rather I choose to mark, reject and discard this phenomenon, like an old sweater that has served no purpose at all, for we come from fertile ground and we are not cold.
I wonder Mr. DuBois, what this text would look like if you too had discarded this trend, if you had written as who you are, about you. Could you have written without thought to audience, spoken with your facts about what is, maybe written the Blues? How would you tell your story as the “tired climber searching for Canaan?” Would you still be “handicapped and racing with the world” if you were not measuring “men” against the “souls of Black folks?” In this place this measurement I am most intrigued by this men to non-men balance. Who I wonder, names the things that make up the basis of this comparison? Who possesses the right to decide against melanin? When exactly did we blindly accept the standard and, in turn, surrender our humanity?
As I near the conclusion of this dialog I must note that my assessment here is as much about me as you. I find myself wading in a pool of multiculturalism that seeks to uphold an us /them mentality. What I know is that we are all culture for we have each of us adapted to this existence in ways that make sense for us. Each manifestation looks different, sometimes mystical, but it is, in fact, an adaptation nothing more nothing less. Our lives, our cultures are not to be explained, or conceptualized in any other context than the ones we exist in. I search daily for that comfortable place beyond a covetous path, that honors each of our journeys. I have yet to find it, maybe together we will.
In solidarity,
MaMa Nia
found Wynter's reading more than enlightening and I am sure I will
read it numerous times, it was DuBois that illicited a moving response
from me. Being that I know the Professor Gumbs personally I have taken
the liberty of responding less "academically" and more like me.
Dear Mr. DuBois,
As I read through your writings a second time I am struck by physical awakenings. My eyes raise to Assata’s words hanging on my [wall] is just a wall...” Gentle croons from The sounds of Blackness, “Black Butterfly...Freedom comes with understanding who you are” kiss my ears, and a faint scent of coco mango reminds me of me.
This morning I wake, aware that the world you exist in pushes me to analyze, de and re-construct your words to argue for or against views written long ago, yet clenched firmly too today, and my body says not again. For I am, we are all enough.
How can my very breath be a problem, this space I occupy, be some mysterious cavern men need to explore, after donning precautionary gear, lest the rituals of my life threaten to supercede their own. I do not exist under a “veil” to be raised, function daily in some secret hide away. My existence is not a mystery. I am neither trying nor desiring to be the occupier of any space but that, which has been gifted to me.
I do not know your desires completely brother, but I know your love for the very people of whom you are “bone of the bone and flesh of the flesh.” For that reason I can’t help but wonder why you seek to expose me/us to forces choosing to render we, [if only to themselves] invisible. Why has denial taken command of your soul? You, my brother, know that we have always been, and will continue to be visible in a universe equipped to embrace us all. You know our lives to be real. Yet you place our spirits and songs on tables to be evaluated by those who have their own songs to sing. Consumption for a system, that drinks our blood to ensure its survival. You seem to feed us up willingly, by searching for home foreign territory. This cannot be your intent. We have a home.
I will admit that you are correct to point out the reality of a “double consciousness, a two-ness of american and negro,” but I can’t help but wonder why this stage was set, and why we feel compelled to enter it. Are we obliged to seek “freedom in [this] promise land” from those with whom we co-exist? This space cannot be rightfully possessed by any of us for we are, all of us, mere tenants of an order greater than even we. We each, make a choice to enter into contacted ownership of a humanity that must negate and invalidate to survive. I cannot sign up today. Rather I choose to mark, reject and discard this phenomenon, like an old sweater that has served no purpose at all, for we come from fertile ground and we are not cold.
I wonder Mr. DuBois, what this text would look like if you too had discarded this trend, if you had written as who you are, about you. Could you have written without thought to audience, spoken with your facts about what is, maybe written the Blues? How would you tell your story as the “tired climber searching for Canaan?” Would you still be “handicapped and racing with the world” if you were not measuring “men” against the “souls of Black folks?” In this place this measurement I am most intrigued by this men to non-men balance. Who I wonder, names the things that make up the basis of this comparison? Who possesses the right to decide against melanin? When exactly did we blindly accept the standard and, in turn, surrender our humanity?
As I near the conclusion of this dialog I must note that my assessment here is as much about me as you. I find myself wading in a pool of multiculturalism that seeks to uphold an us /them mentality. What I know is that we are all culture for we have each of us adapted to this existence in ways that make sense for us. Each manifestation looks different, sometimes mystical, but it is, in fact, an adaptation nothing more nothing less. Our lives, our cultures are not to be explained, or conceptualized in any other context than the ones we exist in. I search daily for that comfortable place beyond a covetous path, that honors each of our journeys. I have yet to find it, maybe together we will.
In solidarity,
MaMa Nia
To be a problem
Hey, haven't been here in a while!!!
So... I am taking this online course from the brilliant Professor Alexis Gumbs over at Duke University. The course is called "To be a Problem- Outcast Subjectivity in Black Literary Production." I will be using this blog to post my responses to our weekly readings. And who knows, I may be inspired to write something else.
Enjoy
Friday, January 19, 2007
A note of Thanks
Thank you all for participating in this incredible three day release of healing energy. The outpouring of love and support is evidence of the extrordinary beauty WE possess. I (Mama Nan a.ka. Nia) am hoping that you will continue releasing this powerful energy every morning with a moment of Asha, to the universal call for love and and healing and with intentional smiles, greetings and real listening... to yourselves and one another. It is our time, if we grasp it!!! As a continued promotion of this healing spirit, I am choosing to fruit, vegetable and herbal tea detox every Tuesdays (the least valued day in the capitalistic world), knowing that to win this battle we must become whole. Knowing that WE are neither silence nor sacrifice. WE are celebration. Asha
Please Join Me.
Please Join Me.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Reclaiming our spirits- Join us in a three day fast
This is a call to reclaim our spirit. To fight the way we know how. And to following the paths our ancestors set before us.
Join Black Women in Durham as we expel and heal from the hatred spewed upon our bodies. Collectively we can cleanse ourselves and our community of this venom.
We are calling for a 3 day fast (Tuesday, January 16th - Thursday January, 18th), along with meditation and prayer as we ignite a collective power of healing.
This is not meant to be a hardship so please fast in a way that feels right to you. Many of us will be eating only raw fruits and vegetables and drinking lots of water and detoxifying teas. Please do what feels right to you. We ill break this fast on Friday morning and continue to fast one day a week until...
Please distribute this email widely and post a comment to our blog
iambecauseweare.wordpress.com.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
Join Black Women in Durham as we expel and heal from the hatred spewed upon our bodies. Collectively we can cleanse ourselves and our community of this venom.
We are calling for a 3 day fast (Tuesday, January 16th - Thursday January, 18th), along with meditation and prayer as we ignite a collective power of healing.
This is not meant to be a hardship so please fast in a way that feels right to you. Many of us will be eating only raw fruits and vegetables and drinking lots of water and detoxifying teas. Please do what feels right to you. We ill break this fast on Friday morning and continue to fast one day a week until...
Please distribute this email widely and post a comment to our blog
iambecauseweare.wordpress.com.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
Friday, January 12, 2007
Silent Protest and Insallation
Because direct and immediate action is love, and revolution, and beauty, and resistance, and ....
Because art is action all over this globe
Because we are we are we are we are we are agentsloversalliessurvivorsstriversresisterssistersfightersradicalsfamily
Because nifong is not the glue that holds this case or this community together
Because we will not be silenced or confused in the face of white racist patriarchy and sexual violence...
beacause we need....
Movement now...
If you want to sit and meditate silently in front of the Court House Sunday meet us there!
Bring a flower, a poem, a candle, a stick of incense, a piece of art work and... let's collectively focus positive energy on healing our ourselves and our community.
This is not an overly choreographed event, just show up at the court house around 12 noon Sunday 1/14.
Because art is action all over this globe
Because we are we are we are we are we are agentsloversalliessurvivorsstriversresisterssistersfightersradicalsfamily
Because nifong is not the glue that holds this case or this community together
Because we will not be silenced or confused in the face of white racist patriarchy and sexual violence...
beacause we need....
Movement now...
If you want to sit and meditate silently in front of the Court House Sunday meet us there!
Bring a flower, a poem, a candle, a stick of incense, a piece of art work and... let's collectively focus positive energy on healing our ourselves and our community.
This is not an overly choreographed event, just show up at the court house around 12 noon Sunday 1/14.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
