VOLUME FIVE
ART OF ME
Publication for Teens & their stories
WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP TO CHANGE?
By Rosemary Gramajo Quiñones EDUCATE.CREATE.CHANGE
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03 05
Note from the Founders an editorial note from the Art of Me co-Founders, Stephanie and Cecilia
"Charlottesville" a short essay on the tragic events of Charlottesville in 2017. Honoring the recent 3rd year anniversary.
09
'the Effects"
12
"Pollution"
a short story / script about a family's bond challeneged by immigration.
a short essay on the devastating reality of our enviroment.
A NOTE FROM OUR FOUNDERS
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Stephanie Wahome-Lassiter
Cecilia R. Mejia
Executive Director
Creative Director
Many times in our careers, we’ve been told to hold back so as to not disrupt the narrative. It is through art and education that we found our voice and our strength. We are challenged every single day, all of us, to remain positive despite what is going on around us. We believe that storytelling and expression is a way to connect us with each other and to build on our humanity. We believe in giving back, what we can in whatever way we can. We have been lucky enough to have had the experiences we had as professionals in education, media and in social justice work. We want to bring these experiences to our communities and to the students who seeking these opportunities to be seen, heard, and understood for the beautiful young people they are. This publication was created in the hopes of giving youth a positive platform to identify issues and collectively create solutions to encourage mental, emotional, physical health and safety. They should be able to decide what their place is in all of this. They should be able to contribute to the narrative, in whatever way they choose to. We strive to work in collaboration with artists, teachers, families, school districts, local community leaders and national experts to provide feedback and opportunities for all students. For this first issue, we selected strong entries that spoke to love, the future, and visibility. We had the honor of working with each of these students. These are their stories, in their words, unfiltered....
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About the publication The What: The Art of Me publication is a creative platform for young people to express themselves, unfiltered, and to constructively reflect on issues affecting them. The How: We support young people in identifying their voice through various forms of art (storytelling, filmmaking, photography, music, etc‌). The Changemakers: Follow us as this platform marks the beginning of our journey as we collaboratively identify resources to find the space and place to create positive social change. To find out more about our work, programs, and film competition please visit www.artofme.org. To contact us about the publication please email us info@artofme.og
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"Charlottesville"
By Trinity
Written in 2017 - 3rd year anniversary August 12, 2020 I am a high school graduate and an incoming college freshman into American University. I am terrified. This past year, Donald Trump was elected president of the United States and Charlottesville Virginia experienced a riot led by white supremacists which was referred to as ‘#unitetheright’. In May, on the day that my college decision was due I got news that nooses tied around bananas with ‘AKA’ written on them were tied up around American University’s campus. I learned about this approximately 8 hours after I had made my deposit as an AfricanAmerican incoming freshman into American’s campus. It was too late for me to take my decision back. I am terrified. I am angry. I do not feel safe. As I get older and move forward, my main goal is to try and put an end to stereotypes that fuel events such as the race war in Charlottesville, Virginia and the defamation of the AKA sorority on American University’s campus. In my community I see fear, confusion, and anger. In my community what I want to see is courage, clarity, and pleasure. I know that the change will have to begin internally before I can see progress externally, therefore I dedicate the next four years of my life to educating myself thoroughly in matters of race relations, culture blocks, and the power of economics. Moving forward, I will be the change that I want to see .“The paradox of education is precisely this - that as one begins to become conscious one begins to examine the society in which he is being educated”James Baldwin
"Ripple Effect"
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By Samson Ventress
“I think one thing I learned growing up was the importance of selfawareness. Every thought, sentence, and action has a ripple effect. All it takes is one wrong move to cause a tsunami.”
"Ripple Effect"
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continued....
To view the rest of this photo series please visit www.artofme.org
"When will it End" By Taniyah Price So many people are getting killed because of gun violence. I feel like every time we look up and get on Instagram or Facebook it's either get well or R.I.P to somebody. Over the years gun violence has changed my life. During this past summer at the Cleveland Cavaliers parade, my little cousin got shot. Even though I took many losses, I never saw somebody get shot in front of me, that was my first time. Even though she didn't die, it still scared me because at the time I didn't know where on her body she had got shot, I just knew she was bleeding and screaming. So ever since that day I been traumatized; it's like every time I hear a gunshot I just instantly freeze up. I feel like gun violence is never going to end; only reason is because that's the only way how people know how to deal with their situations. People that continuously kill other people's kids don't realize the impact that it has on people's lives. That was somebody's daughter, son, sister etc. I wish they will find a better way to deal with their problems, and make this world a better place.
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Megan- LOLS they are just jealous of our looks (Throws a dollar at the group) Here split it. Antonio- We don't need your stupid money! Rosa, you know you are one of us stop acting. It will happen to you eventually! Sabrina- Rose what are they talking about? Rosa- Honestly I don't know I don't pay attention to the lower class. Antonio-Ugh I hate you. Don't come to us when they leave you! Megan- let's go girls. I need to go shopping Setting- In Rosas Home Rosa- Mami I'm home.
"the Effects" By Rosemary Gramajo Quiñones Rosa- Narrating- You know what they say, “Smile when everything is wrong because you don't want to look depressed.” We are living in a world where my generation is doubting their purpose, doubting their rights. This is what it has come to. As I walk down the hall, kids are saying “Oh I just wanna die. What's the point? The world is about to end anyway." Is this what we want - a generation who thinks that there is no point? This is what you are causing with all your rules that are so unjust, all the things you say. It's not helping us as the future generation. *** Setting-school Rosa- (Enters with two other girls Megan and Sabrina. Megan in the middle Sabrina in the left and rosa in the right. They are walking past a group of kids that are the “Weird” 6 Losers” “Junkies” ones) Hey what are you losers looking at do y'all need money or something?
Elena- Ay mi Amor! How are you? Rosa- I'm good. Where is Papi? Elena- I don't know he is probably going to be late. Rosa-(Looking worried) Ma? Elena- Sweetie I know you are worried but everything is going to be okay I promise. Rosa- (Starts to tear up) Mami I don't want our family to split up. Elena- (Grabs and Hugs Rosa) aye Roselena mi hija mi amor I know, I know. Now go upstairs and change so we could eat and let Manuel know that dinner is almost ready ok Rosa- (Goes upstairs and bangs on Manuel's door) Hey the dinner is almost ready so go downstairs now! Manuel- you don't tell me what to do! Rosa- Manuel! Manuel- (Opens the door hitting Rosas face)
"the Effects" continued... Rosa- Ugh I'm going to kill you!! Just wait till I go downstairs. (Goes into her room) Rosa-(Looks at the piano in her room sits down and plays a song) Elena(yells)- Rosa your food is ready come downstairs! At the table... Elena- Okay so I believe your dad is almost home. Let's pray for our food (Elena starts to pray) Phone Rings- Rosa goes to pick it up Rosa- Hello? Hector - Hola Mija me pasas a tu mama? Rosa- Papi! (Manuel races to the phone Elena is right behind) Papi are you almost home? Hector- Yes I'm almost there can you please give the phone to your mom? Rosa- Okay (Manuel tries to get the phone, Elena Grabs the phone and goes into a separate room.) Elena- Qué pasó Hector? Hector- There are suspicious cars following me. I'm trying to lose them but they won't go away (starts to cry) Elena I need you to keep the kids inside when I get home okay I love you guys. Elena- (Whispering and crying) Hector no don't think like that everything is going to be okay. (Cheering up) I made your favorite Chicken Alfredo lasagna. Hector-(SIGHS) I love you (Hangs up) Elena (Goes back to the table where the kids are eating) Ok guys leave some for your dad he is almost home. Rosa- What were you guys talking about?
ART OF ME • 10 Elena- He just wanted to know what there was for dinner Manuel- Mami is Papi going to get deported? (Everyone gets quite) Manuel- and if that happens do we lose our big house? And are we going to have to go with him? I don't want to go to Guate... Rosa- Manuel Shut Up! Manuel- Sorry. Elena- that will never happen. Finish eating.... So How was school, Rosa? Are you and Antonio Still friends he hasn't been here in our house since the 8 grade and him and his father live next door. Rosa-Aye ma I already told you we don't talk a lot anymore. Elena- He was very cute. I thought you and him were going to be together after all you guys were best friends. Rosa - What do you mean was? Elena- Well you know after his mom got deported back to Italy he changed. Marco tells me that he is disrespectful and gets home late. You should be kind to him, you know. He lives in a big house where he has beautiful clothes but he decides to dress trashy. Rosa-I have my own friends ma. Elena- Who those gringas? Were they there for you when you fell off your bike or when you lost your front tooth and you were being bullied. Rosa- You are always saying the same thing. Elena - Do they know your father's situation? Rosa- No. Elena- why?
"the Effects" continued... Rosa- (Yelling and crying) They would judge me and tell me to go back to my country like they tell every other kid whose parents are immigrants! Elena- Then why are you guys friends? Rosa- aye mama enou... (Banging outside in the garage) Elena- (Looks outside, Hector is hiding in the garage while I.C.E is trying to break down the door) Kids please I beg you stay inside Rosa- Mama what's happening? Elena- It's your dad. Manuel-Papi? Elena Runs outside. An ICE agent pushes her and she falls to the floor. They break down the garage door. Manuel is screaming at the top of his lungs Rosa is trying to hold it in. Manuel wants to go outside Rosa tries to hold him back but he bites her. Rosa runs after him. ICE agents are dragging Hector out of the garage. Manuel runs to him and grabs his foot. Rosa checks if her mom is okay. Her mom gets up and goes to scream at the ICE agent. Rosa runs to her father And hugs him the agent is trying to get both children out of the way Hector- I love you guys. Rosa and Manuel, please stay in school. Don't let any of this effect you; don't turn bad. Rosa- Let go of my father. He is a good father! Please, I can't live without my father. Papi, I Love *** Ice agent tranquilizes Hector. Rosa Falls to the ground. Antonio, who has been watching everything from his room window, goes outside to take Rosa to her room and talk to Manuel and Elena.
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Rosa- Narrating- After that day, everything changed. How dare you follow my dad to his home and tranquilize him right in front of me, right in front of my little brother who was barely 12? How dare you slap my mom and treat her like an animal? Are you satisfied? Look at me now! Do you see what you did to me? I don't eat any more dinner because it reminds me of that day. I don't sing or play piano anymore because it reminds me of that day. Are you satisfied? One week later Mean Girls Megan and Sabrina Enter with a replacement for Rosa. Her name is Rebecca Pople around are gasping Asking where Rosa is and if she has been replaced And she has been ... A few months later... Rosa came back to school 2 weeks after what happened. Antonio helped her get back to her feet and she helped Antonio. Rosa- Narrating- Life is too hard right now.The government is so selfish whatever happened to listening to the people? The president is always talking about putting American first. I am American But I have been hurt. By you. Antonio- Hey Rosa follow me I want to show you something. Rosa-(Confused) Antonio- Don't worry trust me. They walk to a band room where there is a piano. Rosa- Antonio you know I don't play anymore. Antonio- I have an Idea. Can you just play something? How about that song you were working on Antonio- (Saddens his face) Please for meeee. Rosa- (Smiles) Fine
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"Pollution" By Tayderick Middlebrooks It’s in our water, it's in our air, it's everywhere from ozone, in our atmosphere to algae bloom in our water, we can’t escape it nor do we try to reduce pollution.Recycling isn’t enough. We can't recycle the air we breathe. 92% of the world's population breathes dangerously polluted air. As we continue to hurt the earth we in the end are hurting ourselves and the generations to come as global warming becomes a greater concern each and everyday we need to take steps to ensure healthy stability to the work. Fourteen billion pounds of garbage into the ocean. Over 1 million seabirds and 100,000 sea mammals are killed by pollution every year. Approximately 40% of the lakes in America are too polluted for fishing, aquatic life, or swimming. Each year 1.2 trillion gallons of untreated sewage, storm water, and industrial waste are dumped into U.S. water.
"DACA Story"
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By anonymous
Like the many stories you've heard, I grew up in the United States and call this land my home. I've been blessed with many opportunities and second chances, two things that this amazing country is known for. I am thankful. Though, just like my other 800,000 fellow DACA holders, we've had and continue to have a long journey in the hopes of finding a path for citizenship. Life before DACA was extremely limited. While most kids in my high school were preoccupied with grades, tuition affordability (including financial aid and scholarships), and the prospect of an exciting college life away from home. I, on the other hand, had an extra layer to worry about —applicability. Having good GPA and SAT scores, alongside a well-written college essay, were just not good enough. While my peers who had lower GPA and SAT scores were receiving acceptance letters from their dream schools, I remember very distinctly meeting with my college counselor, and being told that I was waitlisted due to my citizenship status (or lack thereof). A factor that was completely out of my control. My college acceptance should be, first and foremost, considered solely based on my citizenship status? How about my hard work? This had left me hurt and confused. Fast forward to a few years later during Obama's last year in his presidency, DACA came about, this felt like hope. It was hope. Sure, maybe just a bandaid to a much larger dilemma that is the complicated immigration process in the United States, but it was certainly a step towards a solution. There were requirements; having come to the U.S. before the age of 16 and having remained in the country since then, completed high school or honorably discharged from the military, have not committed a felony or serious misdemeanor, etc. The misconception was and still is that DACA is a "free pass" when in reality it's a costly $575 application valid for roughly only 2 years, and it's not even citizenship. It gives you work authorization to work legally, but it is certainly not a pass or even a starting process to citizenship. While still limited, being under DACA has been a blessing. I have been able to work for the last four years, and feel like I am an actual part of this country of opportunities. Recent news have certainly hit close to home. The new administration's plans on ending DACA feels devastating and, really, a slap-in-the-face. Not only is this ban not fruitful for immigration reform, but it is quite disrespectful to those of us who have contributed most of our lives to this country in schools and the marketplace. Are we chopped liver now after years of hard work? Injustice, dare I say. With the forthcoming termination of DACA, please know that there is still time to apply and renew by October 5, 2017. There is still hope and we will continue the fight. We belong, they just don't know it yet.
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“Every story I write adds to me a little, changes me a little, forces me to reexamine an attitude or belief, causes me to research and learn, helps me to understand people and grow.” - Octavia E. Butler, author
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