Our Voices, Unmasked by charmlitmag

OUR VOICES, UNMASKED A Collection of Writing and Artwork by Baltimore Youth during the Coronavirus Pandemic

Table of Contents CHAPTER I: SPRING 2020 Introduction by Tehle Ross March Comes in Like a Lion by Luvia Thomas Lion by Charlotte Malmin There Was Once a Time With No School by Thaddeus Hafner Stranded by Evelyn Williams Wake Me Up When This Is Over by Emma Quarantine-Inspired Haiku by Reagan Campbell Self-Portrait Collage by Zaylee Burnette When I Look Outside by Tanyia Sigler Desolate Donation by Jonathan Veale Look Out Ahead by Jonathan Veale Six by Charlotte Malmin Why Can’t We Be Free Like Birds in the Sky? by Hermione Henritze Fragility by Jonathan Veale Quarantine-Inspired Poem by Alice Bahr Three Quarantine Memes from Jannah Muhammad Aiara Manning, and Tia Thomas and Alicia Thomas If You're Like Me by Emily Taylor Wrapped Together by Elijah Furr

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CHAPTER II: SUMMER 2020 Introduction by Kaori Taylor

I Ain’t Welcome Here No More by Ayodele Ayoola Portrait of Breonna Taylor by Charlotte Malmin Warmth by Angelica Brooks Self Portrait by Khaliah Deya Complexion by Rashad Holloway Tell Me America by Khalia A. Thomas Ongoing Mission by Tanyia Sigler Knees On Our Necks by Amaya Burke TBIB 2020 by Rashad Holloway Under the Beaming Sun by A'mirah Wallace This is My City by Terrell Foster

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CHAPTER III: FALL 2020 Introduction by Khira Moore

Ode to My Computer by Sharon Vianney In My Room by Maiya Hall Don’t Give Up by Na’qwaun Whitaker To All Hope is Near by Tanyia Sigler From Baltimore to Bologna by Tehle Ross Dear World by Priya Matee Samaroo Breakfast by Kristiana Smith Untitled by Semajra Daily

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CHAPTER IV: WINTER 2021 Introduction by Shantika Bhat

Empty Plate by Jordan Grant Do You Do That for Attention or Something? by Noelle Nelson Genetics of the City by Josie O’Neill The CHARM Report: Baltimore Students Respond to U.S. Capitol Riot, Impact on Mental Health by Shantika Bhat, Khira Moore, and Kristiana Smith Plague by Johan-Marc Miango It Is a Good Day Today by Tamatha Nguyen I Miss You by Mirian Luna Models by Kendra Bryant Insomnia by Terrell Foster Behind Jambly Avenue by Staz Majestic in Death by Jonathan Veale Quarantine Cat by Wyatt Lyions Broken Mirror by Tianna Hunt Snowmen by Lilah Cohen We Are All Stuck in a Room With no Light by Sheila G Untitled by Letrell Richardson Still Life of Fruit in a Bowl by Nathaniel King Untitled by Zakiyah Bullock

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CHAPTER V: SPRING 2021 Introduction by Elisabeth Paulk

365 Days by Charlie Martin Paths by Jonathan Veale Bedroom Window by Evelyn Williams My Truth by Shawn Ware COVID-19 Dreams by Zoe Muher To Baltimore With Love by Ashley Earth Day Poems by Riverstones Classroom, Baltimore Montessori Public Charter School Lower Elementary Spring Flower Painting by Tessa The CHARM Report: Baltimore Youth and the COVID Vaccine by Shantika Bhat, Khira Moore, and Kristiana Smith Neighborhood Butterfly and Roses by Sharon Vianney

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Chapter I: Spring 2020 Spring 2020 marked the beginning of a huge wave of change in Baltimore, in the United States, and all across the world. The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic led to mass school closures, and learning became fully virtual. We thought we might be home for two weeks, but the lockdown period proved to be much longer. The terms "quarantine," "lockdown," and "incubation period" became adopted into our vocabulary, and face masks became the newest fashion staple, by necessity. While many students celebrated the new opportunity to get a few extra hours of sleep and be able to binge-watch reality TV, others struggled in isolation. After a few weeks, one thing was made clear: we were in it for the long haul. To provide a space to amplify Baltimore students’ authentic thoughts and feelings during the initial lockdown period in Spring 2021, CHARM launched "This is Not a Snow Day," our first ever online publication. We received art, photography, and writing submissions from students all over the city who expressed how the pandemic had affected them. Our CHARM student ed itorial board meetings switched online, and, although we could not all be physically together to laugh and bounce around ideas with each other, we continued to work to expand CHARM to reach more Baltimore students.

~Tehle Ross, CHARM Editor

March Comes in Like a Lion Luvia Thomas | Grade 12 The phrase "March Madness" is true, If the entire month had to be a color, it would probably be blue, Lives were changed like clothes in a dressing room floor, and were left sullen and emptier than before, Events canceled, planners fall to the floor, Everything was once open but is now a sea of closed doors, When family members pass away you cry dry tears from exhausted eyes, Wonder what sickness stuck them first, Find comfort in their memory and hope for lighter news, We watch the world from our windows and computers, Information lies within our hands, For March comes in like a lion, And leaves as gently as a lamb.

Lion Charlotte Malmin | Grade 11

There Was Once a Time With No School Thaddeus Hafner | Grade 5 There was once a time with no school Because the state made a rule Everyone was sick Not a pen made a click For there was not an open school

Stranded Evelyn Williams | Grade 7 With our current situation That has spread across our nation. The day has become boring and gloomy The spaces in our houses have become very roomy. With all of the scrappiness, John Krasinski has provided some happiness. With all this happening and retired doctors on the sidelines They are now open fighting for us on the front lines. We are all becoming very hurried, While we also become scared and worried. While I'm all caught up in online school, The new virus is being quite cruel. We do what we can do and what we see fit This virus needs to make like a drum solo and beat it.

Wake Me Up When This Is Over Emma

Quarantine-Inspired Haiku Reagan Campbell | Grade 5 YouTube is my friend Seeing the same thing over Keep rewatching it

Self-Portrait Collage Zaylee Burnette | Grade 2 Artist Statement: I made this portrait out of a plate, stickers, 2 blankets, sunglasses, shoes, a marker and my phone. I used a plate because I love to eat. I used stickers and marker because I like art and decorating. I used sunglasses because I like to be outside. I chose the unicorn blanket because I love unicorns and being warm. Lastly, I like to play on my phone. I love my self portrait because it has all the things I like. 8

When I Look Outside Tanyia Sigler | Grade 7 When I look outside I don't see the city I live in I see a empty place with a lot of cars in parking lots Cadillac, Convertible, Mustang, and Benz As I look out my glasses lens But I guess it fine Because six feet is okay If it means I can live another day

Desolate Donation Jonathan Veale | Grade 11

Look Out Ahead Jonathan Veale | Grade 11

Six Charlotte Malmin | Grade 11 We're all Six feet apart And it feels so far But I refuse to get closer Because, though six feet is long, Six feet down Is longer

Why Can’t We Be Free Like Birds in the Sky? Hermione Henritze | Grade 6 Why can't we be free like birds in the sky? We're just stuck in our homes as the days go by I just want to fly and be free But the world has declared that I stay where I be I just want to escape and explore But I stay trapped in my house lying on the floor I stare at the ceiling bored out of my mind And in my head nothing you'll find My imagination grows dull as a lay in my bed My only emotions are those of dread I check my phone hoping to find some form of inspiration But all I find are forms of devastation The feeling of dread returns worse than before As I stay in my home locked in by a door But the birds can fly to every tree While I'm stuck in captivity Those birds are flying filled with joy and glee So why can't one of those birds be you or me? They have many dreams but we have them rarely So why is it us who is treated unfairly? Stuck in our houses with nowhere to go My wishes of freedom seems to grow But my hope for this only decreases As I know there will be no releases But I know we are all in this together Each of us representing a feather Those feathers will grow into a bird And every single voice will be heard But for now I wait for our time Where each voice will sound like a chime Each chime loud and clear I know our moment will near

Fragility Jonathan Veale | Grade 11

Quarantine-Inspired Poem Alice Bahr Yes your day might be bare And it might feel unfair But everybody is going through it So let's all relax cause this might go on for a bit I know you might feel some stress And this whole thing might feel like a mess But everybody needs to be calm And take a breath to put on some lip balm

Quarantine Memes Jannah Muhammad, Aiara Manning, and Tia Thomas and Alicia Thomas Grades 12, 12, 9, and 12 Created during programming with Wide Angle Youth Media

If You’re Like Me Emily Taylor | Grade 5 If you’re like me, you’re an introvert If you’re not, you’re alert If you’re like me, you have Wacky Wednesday for school Or when it’s hot, you wish for a pool If you’re like me, you have silly quotes on your whiteboard If you’re not, you’re thinking of all those games you could have scored If you’re like me, you live in the city And have a friend who’s funny and witty If you’re like me, you run a town ship town Or your sisters white shoe has turned brown If you’re like me, you plan to graduate So Covid’s something you learned to hate If you’re like me, you’re weird But remember that time your whole essay smeared If you’re like me, you watch Good Witch But you’re probably not, so let’s switch Hey it’s me, A person you can’t see Because we’re all stuck inside But no need to hide, So let me get to know you And you get to know me too

Wrapped Together Elijah Furr

Chapter II: Summer 2020 As the U.S. struggled to grapple with Covid-19, the deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd brought worldwide media attention to America’s evergrowing public health crisis--police brutality. All throughout the month of June, the final 8 minutes of George Floyd’s life was shared millions of times on social media. Black Americans, already disproportionately impacted by coronavirus, suffered a new loss. Shortly after George Floyd’s death gained widespread media attention, Breonna Taylor’s story began to gain traction. The deaths of these individuals sparked demonstrations across the country, in which supporters of BLM demanded justice and change. It was during this time period that CHARM had released a collection of artwork and poems titled "Poems for Black Lives Matter." Featuring pieces from previous CHARM volumes, and new ones as well, this edition of CHARM was meant to share the opinions and feelings of Baltimore youth during this turbulent time period. In addition to this, CHARM editors held a Q&A series on IG Live in which we spoke about what BLM means to us.

~Kaori Taylor, CHARM Editor

I Ain’t Welcome Here No More Ayodele Ayoola | Grade 9 I walk down the street And guess who I meet The men in blue who supposed to defend But instead they chose to apprehend They slap, punch, choke me red They won’t stop till I end up dead Oh Stop! Please? I can’t breathe! I beg of you, just go, and leave! My cries all disappear out of sight I’ll end up dead if I try to fight His knee is up against my throat No one can stop him, they all too remote My God, what country do I call this A nation where the popo can just go bliss At my expense, I kid you not! I’ll be beat, stepped on, or even shot! This nonsense must stop, but course it won’t All I can do is scream Please Don’t! As I bleed here lying dead on the floor I know I aint welcomed here no more

Breonna Taylor Portrait Charlotte Malmin | Grade 11

Warmth Angelica Brooks | Grade 12 Frostbit by cold ways Warmth became a mockery; an unobtainable flame We squirm and we shake Since there’s no warmth in this place Revoked the right to be wam Now there’s no warmth in this place Cold ice made cold blood There’s no warmth in this place Hot tears and hot rage Yet no warmth in this place No blanke, no love And no warmth in this place From young until old A disgrace in this place “Embrace the cold weather; just find a new place” But with nowhere to go, And no warmth in this place, No knowledge of home, Our ancestral place, No resource to learn How to build a new place Confusion within Fighting in our own place A stick and our hands Told to warm it our way

They can’t be surprised When we squirm and we shake When we yell and we hate, agitate, and aggravate, Fueled hate, can’t operate without love in this place No gentle embrace Only still, somber space Goosebumps and pale skin Left to die in this place Hot tears, and hot rage Had to mourn in this place We’ll look for our flame, For as long as it takes But until it’s obtained There’s no warmth in this place.

Self-Portrait Khailah Deya

Complexion Rashad Holloway | Grade 12 Misconceptions The art of Deception The sad thing is It’s usually our Perception I had no Orientation To life But to me racism is too small of a thing to be a problem For my pen, ink, and my melanin Are my only complexion

Tell Me America Khalia A. Thomas | Grade 8 America, How many people must I watch die before you stop turning a blind eye? How many men must be forced to say goodbye to their children and their wives? How many more nights do I have to spend crying? Tell me, why do they have to keep dying? Why do you let this hatred spread, when we could promote love instead? America, the land of the free. Well not for me, Not if your skin has a little bit of colour, Not if you are deemed to be other. Not if you want to go to the store or quench your thirst Not unless you want to end up in the earth America, can you tell me why? Why we let murderers roam the streets While innocent brothers are policed for simply trying to make ends meet Why can’t we sell CDs? It doesn’t make sense to me America, tell me, why are you afraid? Is it because of our skin that shines? Or because you fear the value of our lives? Are you afraid of what we might be able to do if we didn’t have to say "DON’T SHOOT!" America, could you let me know? What it feels like to not be scared of leaving your own home? To not have to fear not waking up tomorrow? Could you America? Tell me I won’t end up in a grave Simply because you can’t behave Simply because you won’t believe that I am not a thief Tell me, America Does the colour of my skin change the fact that I am alive America, Does the fact that I’m not white mean that I don’t deserve to be alive? Does my heart not deserve to beat, does my blood belong on the streets? America let me know whether or not I deserve to wake up tomorrow.

Ongoing Mission Tanyia Sigler | Grade 8 We protest and we burn the things that are close Because the people that are supposed to protect us kill us the most We get lynched we get shot and whipped on our backs If our people gather in a group it's called a gang all while being black As I grow up I see more and more that the melanin in my skin is looked at as a problem And the police got a solution that they think can solve ‘em But your people think my people don’t listen But it seems like your people have a mission To kill us and do it fast At the rate we’re going we won’t last All of this over the melanin in my skin Just because you think it's a sin We have to watch our backs We know we have to look over our shoulder Because we might get smacked, with the door welcoming us to death Or getting the life knocked out of you by a huge boulder The blue you wear When I see it causes we to swear I might not make it home If it's your decision Because in your world your people have a mission

Knees On Our Necks Amaya Burke | Grade 11 "I can’t breathe" "I can't breathe" His knees on his neck We all watch as his life slips away from him 8 mins of horror Another life to mourn Officers fired Okay but that’s not enough for us Still no charges They're protecting these murderers We’re tired of the same results We’re tired of having to beg for our lives I am tired of seeing my brothers and sisters die They are supposed to protect and serve But all they do is kill "Well don’t resist" "Just stay calm" "Just comply" No matter what we do We’re a target Our skin will still be seen as a threat Their knees will still be on our knees My people are tired and numb "Rioting won’t help anyway" "Looting won’t bring him back" They don’t not understand that our numbness has turned into rage Our rage keeps us going Our rage is now our strength Our rage set a city on fire And together we'll watch it burn We’ll have our knees on their necks Like MLK said "Riots are the voices of the unheard"

TBIB 2020 Rashad Holloway | Grade 11 The protectors fail to protect us Failed to serve At least me At least my family My pigment makes a white woman clutch her purse when I go by All I tried to say was hi She can turn my greeting into an allegation Then here come those boys in blue Those who refuse to live by the truth They service a government that believes I belong in a cage Menace 2 society To a pig six feet under is where I should be You step on my brothers necks while gunning down my sisters You shoot me in my front yard And claim that my melanin was a sin worthy of death The Nation tells me that I should always fear those boys in blue Before they leave me black and blue With a bullet through my chest or a knee to my neck We’ll always protest for those who have been laid to rest Change must come Our revolution will be won Because at any encounter with those boys in blue I send an "I love you" text Because I know that I could be next

Under the Beaming Sun A’mirah Wallace | Grade 7 Under the beaming sun, with my luscious rainbow twist Walking with the only two girls I knew The only black girls I’ve seen I didn’t really know them, but we connected Amongst these white teenagers, we definitely stood out And my hair didn’t help either As we walked in groups, I felt like all eyes were on me We locked our arms together Greeted by a girl "Hi, I’m Susan" "Hi," I said, "I’m A’mirah" With the only black girls I’ve seen, we walked away One of them looked at me funny & asked, "Why did you sound like that?" I knew what she meant, not how I sounded with them, or in the car ride on my way here, not how i talk to my friends, not "regular" Have you ever felt like a black sheep, or the literal "black" sheep? Your first instinct is to impersonate your surroundings Changing the way you stand, the way you walk, the way you dress, the way you interact with people, the way your hair is, the way you express yourself, the way you think, certainly the way you talk. Basically, all of you. In the midst of white peers, I’m no longer speaking in comfort, but for validation "Heyy Nuky" or "hey brova" loudly and with big grinning smiles when approaching my little brother Instead it becomes a simple "Hi" or "Hello", with a faint smile Quiet & muffled Instantly knowing I was an imposter

Knowing I had to sound like them, because I knew There was nothing more I could do to conform This way of thinking is primarily the result of how society was built Acceptance is a such nice word We all know segregation is over And we think we’re unified Not judging the color of the skin No more "Just Whites" or "For blacks" Instead of judging by your skin we’d judge in The way you stand, walk, and certainly talk But only to fit in So we hide our cultures Our beliefs Our feelings Our problems Our dreams Our goals Our aspirations Our traditions Our family Our clothing Our tongues *mini-pause* Ourselves Just to belong a "White man’s world" So I ask again "Have you ever felt like a black sheep?" Wishing only just to be a sheep? So hey brovas, let's make a dream, and accept yourself and all around you

This is My City Terrell Foster | Grade 8 Another shot Another left dead Another family filled with dread Another reason to be scared Another left homeless– This is my city, This is my home. Another flower blooms Another bird chirps Another tree shines bright in the sunlight, Another sniff of the fresh breeze blowing by Another beautiful day to live– This is my city, This is my home

Chapter III: Fall 2020 As COVID- 19 raged on in the United States, schools began to reopen using a virtual learning platform. We were introduced to new applications such as Zoom and Google Classroom. Little boxes on a screen and breakout rooms replaced face to face interaction. The students of America struggled but persevered through troubling times. November came and with it was the presidential election between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Tensions were high in the political parties and it seemed that America would forever be divided. When the victor Joe Biden was announced the supporters of former President Donald Trump responded by claiming the election was stolen. In the midst of a global quarantine, CHARM continued to meet virtually, too, with our largest student editorial board to date at 30 middle and high school editors. We formed teams: Publications, Partnerships, Communications, and Journalism. We updated our blog, Quarantine Life, and our pandemic collection “This is not a Snow Day.” Our goal was to center student editors at every aspect of programming, and for the CHARM community to connect with their readers through their shared difficulties. Through the point of view of Baltimore youth, we hoped readers could feel less alone during quarantine.

~Khira Moore, CHARM Editor

Ode to My Computer Sharon Espana-Montes Why at this moment did you become the only thing that I need? You make me crazy, and also you make me mad, and you make me cry You’re like a girlfriend when you are not good you treat me bad and when you are happy, you treat me super well for a little moment! Stop saying that you need to charge your battery when I am doing important work, I think the internet hates you and that affects me! How you don’t understand me– I want to be focused in my classes but your disturbing sound stresses me out, your lagging mood makes me cry in seconds! You are an Albert Einstein, but sometimes I am glad I have you You cost too much, and you have errors Still, that is okay! I forgive you Your brightness reflection makes me tired and hurts my eyes But your keyboard makes me have more ideas and my fingers just flow with rhythm, Sorry if I drop saliva on you when I get tired Even if I get mad at you, you will be with me all the time And together we will go to university and do amazing things!

In My Room Maiya Hall | Grade 12

Don’t Give Up Na’qwaun Whitaker | Grade 10

To All Hope Is Near Tanyia Sigler | Grade 7 To all hope is near We all have fear But we lift up not caring who sees Because there is light beyond the trees In times of despair We take our time and we try to repair What's mine were all gonna be just fine We have power and we can succeed We won't get on our knees in defeat It is guaranteed That this is able to be beat As a family you can see all So don't stall Stand tall and know if you fall There are people behind you that will catch you like the ones who are right next to you as you read this

From Baltimore to Bologna Tehle Ross “Vuoi provare?” I stare at the curly-haired boy standing across from me. Beads of sweat drip from his collarbone, dampening his unbuttoned linen shirt. The August sun beats down overhead, and we duck under the portici for some much-needed shade. The boy gestures toward the dented, cherry red Vespa stationed beside him. My heart races, and I tug my left elbow. It’s a tell. He raises an eyebrow, taunting me. I slowly nod, convincing myself, as much as my new friend, that I am ready for the adventure. I hopped onto the back of the motorbike, wiggled my sandaled feet onto the footrests, and we took off in a flash. As we crisscrossed along crowded, cobblestone roads, I caught glimpses of my new home. Moving from Baltimore to experience new beginnings in Bologna, Italy with my family during the pandemic, for my sophomore year of high school, has been truly unforgettable. Through quarantine in Baltimore, my house became a jail, and I was a lonely inmate. I kept myself busy during the day by passing the time frivolously, watching cheesy reality television and scrolling through social media, trying to take my mind off of my boredom and isolation. But, at night, I dreamt of escaping and traveling abroad. I imagined meeting new people and connecting with new cultures. I craved exploration. Walking through the empty Dulles International Airport at the end of the summer with my whole life packed in a single suitcase was surreal. My booming steps echoed through the terminal, and I sucked in my breath as I boarded the flight that would change my life forever. From Baltimore to Bologna, I finally felt hope for the future. This past year has shaped me more than any other, through all the ups and downs. I have come to appreciate the beauty in human connection, and the simple act of going out to dinner with my loved ones. The most meaningful conversations I have had this year have been over plates of tagliatelle al ragù with crescentine, enveloped by hearty laughter and Italian generosity. As we emerge from the other side of this pandemic, I have learned to never pass up an adventure, and that gelato is a sure cure for a rainy day.

Dear World Priya Matee Samaroo | Grade 12 Dear Parents, Guardians, President, and Board of Education and Covid, We are done. First, you closed our schools for two weeks, then closed them For the rest of the school year. You’ve taken away our sports, forced us to isolate ourselves But then expected us to act normal. You’ve ripped us away from our achievements and deprived me And millions of other students of our senior year. No one rarely asks if we are okay. You’ve completely stripped us from our personality; As young people we are supposed to socialize And be around people are own age. This is the year we were planning big things, Not only for ourselves but our future lives. We feel like failures. We feel as if we didn’t accomplish much this year. It’s not our fault. We are just eighteen years old; Some of us are still minors. It’s not only the pandemics fault, but it’s the fault of anyone Who failed to realize the damage of our mental health depleting. Dear World, You have failed to realize Failed to realize that most of us are up at night, crying to finish essays. Failed to realize that talking on the phone isn’t enough. Failed to realize we are at our breaking points. Failed to realize that we are trying our best with virtual learning, But it isn’t helping us much. We as young people are calling to you for help Our mental health does matter Take time to talk to your children. Listen to what students have to say Take time out of your day to attend to our needs. Dear world, We are the future, But right now there feels like there is no future.

Breakfast Kristiana Smith | Grade 11 Artist Statement: I was a bit inspired by how I've change a lot of my routine now that I'm home so often. I never had time to eat breakfast, but now I do now that I have nowhere to rush to in the morning. It's like a little bit of good in a bad situation.

Untitled Semajra Daily | Grade 8 Covid-19 messed up many people's lives mentally and economically, but my life was messed up education wise. You know how people say 7th and 8th grade are the most important parts of your life in school? Well imagine an illness shutting down your school because people are dying from it and you are sent home to do the work. I know it sounds fun but it’s not. Having so much work from all your classes and then still getting homework, your day is gone right there. All you are going to be doing is work. That isn’t fun. Then it takes too long to do the work and you fall behind. So not only do you now have a lot of make-up work, you also have lessons your teacher is teaching you at the same time. Then your grade drops and your parents find out. Now they are mad at you and constantly pressuring you to finish your work when you are already stressed. This went on for 2 quarters. I tried a lot harder during the third quarter and it worked. The last quarter is getting better. We started going to school (only a few people) and it’s a lot easier to do work with the help from a teacher.

Chapter IV: Winter 2020 Winter 2021 is marked by the peak of the cold lonely isolation. The world is starting to really feel the mental health impact and sadness that this pandemic has brought upon us. In February 2021, the United States marked over 500,000 deaths from COVID-19. There were many pivotal moments during the winter time overall: the 2020 election and capitol riot. These moments really divided our country and brough despair to many people fighting injustices. Although time seemed to be frozen and just filled with negative news, there were rays of hope that started to develop that let us live through these hard times. In CHARM, we had some exciting news as we launched The CHARM Report, a journalism branch. I was very excited to launch something new in hopes of engaging in a new medium we have never done before at CHARM. We’ve published several great articles so far, interviewing D.Watkins, getting Baltimore youth’s reactions to the Capitol Riots and COVID vaccine, honoring local Asian American Artists, and more! We also sharpened our skills at virtual poetry readings in honor of Black History Month and virtual workshops with Healing City Baltimore and Baltimore Ceasefire.

~Shantika Bhat

Empty Plate Jordan Grant I am what I digest; And nothing compares to An empty plate. Take what you call food And eat it down to the Bitter end. And then there’s me. I am the only thing that Compared to an empty plate. I am nothing. I am the empty plate. Squeeze my soul Until it crumbles into The seeds of the fruit You bit into. Plant the seed and Nurture me until you Began to take pieces Of me until I am nothing. Again I am nothing. Nothing to the world or the people in it. Nothing but the Leftovers of fruit. Nothing but the Weeds of a plant. I am nothing; And nothing compares to An empty plate.

Do You Do That for Attention or Something? Noelle Nelson | Grade 12

Genetics of the City Josie O’Neill | Grade 11 Composing the urban community are many types of peoples, all rising to start their repetitive, and unprecedented days. Ten pigeons argue over an abandoned snack in the quiet park, their squawks are heard from Nine different houses as small lights are turned on with anger, ruining the darkness in their shelters. Eight women wake themselves, and head to their Childrens' rooms after making breakfast and completing all tasks alone. Seven lonely souls, in different parts of the city, slowly alert, wondering which area is the safest to pray for assistance. Six tardy animals feast on scraps from the trash, before being chased by the powerful broom. Five young sisters were up early, got their hair brushed, and escape chaotic homes for a game of Double Dutch on chalk landscapes. Four were already conscious, now reluctantly letting swollen eyes rest after a twelve-hour essential nightshift. A third trimester mother cries from sharp pains, bringing fear in the car ride to the crowded, potentially contaminated hospital. Two partners throw petty insults at each other, after waking up resentful to the lack of change. One devout follower prays early in the morning, for those without the luxury of awakening in a safe home during the pandemic.

Baltimore Students Respond to U.S. Capitol Riot, Impact on Mental Health An article from The CHARM Report

Shantika Bhat, Khira Moore, Kristiana Smith Logo: Kristiana Smith, Shantika Bhat, and Yifan Luo Artwork: Yifan Luo

INITIAL REACTIONS The insurrection at Capitol Hill left CHARM’s students in shock. The blatant disrespect shown by those who participated in the storm was appalling, to say the least. While there are some of us who were startled, others were saddened, disgusted, and even numb. The majority, however, were simply not surprised. The racial disparities regarding black and brown communities and their interactions with law enforcement are evident during this time. A 2019 study 1 by the National Academy of Sciences found that 1 in every 1,000 black men are at risk of being killed during an interaction with police. An article2 from students at Stanford University further highlights present-day examples of systemic racism and the roles they play in our society. “The fact that a bunch of white people (who were criticizing protests earlier in the year) were able to break into one of the most important buildings in our country and be treated with any respect is so messed up, but protests that were mostly peaceful and dedicated to a movement that desires equality for black people were flooded with the police and in many cases resulted in violence on innocent individuals,” wrote 12th-grader Sarah Rad. Because of the role that racial discrimination has played in police brutality, many believe that these insurrectionists would have been killed if they were people of color. This double standard is the reason why primarily white Trump supporters stormed the capitol and were able to return home afterwards. “A woman lost her eye to rubber bullets during BLM protests and here you see a white lady getting maced and then having her hand held and led graciously out the Capitol like a baby,” said high school senior, Ja’Nora White. Former President Donald Trump incited this riot after he told his supporters at a rally near the White House to march to the Capitol where Congress was certifying the election votes. When the rally was over, Trump was nowhere to be found while thousands of his supporters flooded Capitol Hill. If America is built on justice, how did those protecting the Capitol let them get so far? Who were they protecting? “Everyone was saying when did America get like this.. It’s always been like this, said White. “The racism has always been blatant but now that it is an attack on a government building directly it’s now like OMG.” 1 https://www.pnas.org/content/116/34/16793 2 https://news.stanford.edu/2021/02/16/examining-systemic-racism-advancing-racial- equity/

We also interviewed Johnathan Veale, Communications team leader at CHARM, who said about the riot, “Something like this was going to happen either way.” I can’t help but agree with his statement. We needed something like this to happen if our country could ever get past the notion of white privilege not being real. This is our reality and when radicals set out to deface a government landmark, we can’t treat it like a typical Wednesday.

BLM VS. CAPITOL RIOT Many students are disturbed by the comparison supporters of the insurrection have made between the January events and unrest related to the Black Lives Matter movement. High school senior Kayla Terrelong responded, “The comparisons were excuses, Black Lives Matter had peaceful protest and were terrorized by police, while these people raided a government building filled with officials and were taking photos with cops.” The politically charged disturbance at the Capitol is only one of many violent upheavals American media has covered in the past several years. Back in 2015, Baltimore City saw a massive uproar in reaction to the killing of Freddie Gray. The Freddie Gray riots were thrown into the spotlight of national coverage much like the January riot at Capitol Hill, however, there are stark differences between the pictures painted by headlines covering each event. “They did not have the same energy,” said Veale. While the unrest in Baltimore had been exclusively termed as violent “riots,” some sources ventured to label the heated gathering at Capitol Hill as an “insurrection,” “mob,” or even a “demonstration.” While these terms are loosely synonymous, the latter titles for the Capitol riots present have less severe connotations.

WHAT CAN BE DONE DIFFERENTLY? Baltimore teens, like many others who witnessed the events on January 6th, are less than pleased with the Trump administration's response to the attack on Capitol Hill.

When asked on the survey about their initial reactions to the insurrection, one student answered in the form of two questions. “Why couldn’t these people take the loss and move on? How were they allowed to go this far?” Former President Trump’s failure to promptly alert the National Guard shocked many along with seemingly passive response from the Capitol building’s security. “Lock down the Capitol and never let anyone in again,” was Veale’s response when asked how something like the attack should be prevented from happening in the future.” “We knew something like this would happen,” said White. She recalls several instances where posts were made on Twitter foreshadowing January 6th. “This was a threat to national security and there were so many signs hinting to what was going to happen but there were no precautionary measures taken.” The major consensus is that more precautions should be taken in the present to avoid something similar happening in the future.

IMPACT ON MENTAL HEALTH Due to the overwhelming stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, racism, and presidential election, mental health crises in youth are on the rise. As most of us at CHARM are middle schools and high schoolers, we understand how much isolation and the uncertainty during times like this can seriously affect our mental well-being. “I became numb to a lot of things. And I became angry as well. It’s unfortunate because it’s like my mental health has been on the back burner sometimes”, said White. “I feel unmotivated,” said Veale. During a time where we are all at home we tend to go to social media to try to connect with one another. As teens, social media is our way of trying to connect with society. However, often that could be the source of unwanted emotions if exposed too much.

“It’s hard for me to take care of myself because I am an activist and I have to engage in all the news that is tragic,” said White. Baltimore teens are especially vulnerable to mental health crises due to the large number of health disparities within our community. Not only has Baltimore had issues with police brutality but also the Black community has a larger mortality rate from COVID-19 compared to other races. According to the Office of Minority Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services3 , Black Americans have reported more symptoms of hopelessness and sadness compared to white Americans. As the Pandemic and racist attacks have exacerbated the mental health crisis, the importance of self-care has taken the place to combat. We encourage you to find time to do things that make you feel happy and relaxed. “Mental Health Care is a right, not a privilege, 4” said Kate Dodson, Vice President of Global Health at the United Nation Foundation. Veale has been playing PlayStation and has been trying to reach out to people when needed. He said that it was very helpful for him to connect with people because it gave him a sense of normalcy and emotional connection. “I turned off my notifications on social media because that's where I would get updates,” said White. “Taking a step back from social media … helps you to do stuff you want to.”

3 https://www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=4&lvlid=24 4 https://unfoundation.org/blog/post/covid-19-is-fueling-a-mental-health-crisis-for- the-worlds-youth/

Plague Johan-Marc Miango

It Is a Good Day Today Tamatha Nguyen | Grade 11 It is a good day today I tell myself. It is okay to cry on these rainy days As mama is in the skies looking down at me. It is indeed her tears That’s masked by the gloomy clouds. No umbrella to shield my back As I look at the flowers given on her grave. No voice can be heard around me But the sounds of rain No soul left in this world to give me warmth.

I Miss You Mirian Luna I remember seeing you. Sweet eyes and messy hair. Oh how I miss adventuring, just us two. When no one was sick and everyone was just there. Now I watch the news, quite incredulous. Bored and without a friend. Oh, how I miss worrying about matters that were frivolous. Sad and tired, when will this end? Not to worry, though. I’ll see you as soon as these streets open. And I’ll bring all of my love for you in tow.

Models Kendra Bryant | Grade 12 the prettiest girl in the world, hides her face and keeps her mouth tight. the slimmest model falls asleep starving, wishing she had an appetite. every filter she places on her face, covers an unwanted feature. pimples fade, but the scars he leaves only cause her to cut deeper. the curviest woman prays to find a guy who will love her right. instead of someone who’ll only look her way when her jeans are a size too tight. after untying the corsets and organ crushing waist trainers, she sits up to count her views and likes. but alone at night , when she can’t sleep tight there’s not a viewer in sight . as she bends and tears, stumbles over fears and pressured to take pictures in her underwear, she covers every single fear with the glows of glitz and glamour here and there . her face could cause the blind to stare, if only her mother would have cared. to show her to be more than just a pretty face, and not to remember to pick up a man's dinner plate. with every like and every follow, all of the mistakes she’s made have followed. millions of people watching you, and still you feel like no ones there for you I tell you this, all to say, do you still hope to be a model one day?

Insomnia Terrell Foster | Grade 8 Seconds to minutes Minutes to hours Hours to days Tick tick tick as the time strikes day Another restless night My eyes they put up a fight As I try shut them tight It’ s as though I won’ t win the fight Seconds to minutes Minutes to hours Hours to days Tick tick tick as the time strikes day It strikes at night With it’s vicious bite Oh dear my sleep holds on for dear life It’s as though I won’t win the fight Seconds to minutes Minutes to hours Hours to days Tick tick tick as the time strikes day Don’t Give Up

Behind Jambly Avenue Staz | Grade 12

Majestic in Death Jonathan Veale | Grade 12 64

Quarantine Cat Wyatt Lyions | Grade 11 65

Broken Mirror Tianna Hunt | Grade 11 Poet’s Note: Quarantine left me alone with my thoughts and this is a poem about a time when I was rethinking my connection with everyone I knew, and being sad about the fact that they were fading. In its cracked surface I stare At the million reflections Looking back at me Some are memories Of a time So long ago When I truly felt alive Others are reminders Of all the hurt I suppressed Pretending that I Won the fight But here they are now looking me In the eyes Laughing and jeering At who I’ve become “Silly girl You spent your life Living to please those Who failed to love Even themselves You cried over words That barely bruised your Shoulders or Brushed pass your head

You fought to protect The feelings Of the ones who Caused you pain You wasted your years On friendships That eventually failed Now here You are alone In the dark, Breathing But dead, Brave but scared, Strong but weak Whole but broken

Snowmen Lilah Cohen Artist Statement: During quarantine we got some snow so, instead of being stuck inside I decided to make a snowman to sit in front of my house. Soon it was a hit within the neighborhood and the next time it snowed I went around and decorated the streets with snowmen.

We Are All Stuck in a Room With no Light Sheila G | Grade 6 We are all stuck in a room with no light It’s darker than the darkest night People are losing the fight It’s sharper than the sharpest knife Fear has flooded the land Deeper than anyone had planned Everyone is so alone More than an empty home But even in this time of doubt We must remember not to go out Even so we stay connected And happiness can be detected

Untitled Letrell Richardson | Grade 8 During this pandemic I now understand the true definition of unity. My family and I caught Covid-19 in February of 2021. My mom was diagnosed and then we followed after my brother and I were asymptomatic and felt no symptoms. The rest of my household felt severe symptoms. We had to quarantine for 14 days. We had no physical contact which was hard for us as a family because we’re close. My sister Destanie felt better first so she cleaned and cooked for us until my mom got better. If I've learned anything from this it’s that life is short and wasting time isn't a luxury we have. I also learned how much family support I have. My family dropped off so many care packages and called everyday to check on us. In this we need to stay safe because there are a lot of people that are getting sick out so stay safe out there.

Still Life of Fruit in a Bowl Nathaniel King

Untitled Zakiyah Bullock | Grade 8 My experience during this mask season, Gave me many many reasons, To just give up and accept my failure, But nobody wanted to see me fail. I tried my hardest to complete work and turn in assignments, But my brain couldn't or wouldn't cooperate, but I kept reassigning. The image of being home all day is fun until your wish comes true, It's all fun and games until you're home in your comfort zone. You’re home, so you would think you would be able to play the game or go outside. But it's not like that at all, you have to get up early on time for online school. Everything you do after school when you come home is doubled times 10, It's just like an illusion that never ends.

Chapter V: Spring 2021 Spring 2021 was characterized by an increase in vaccinations (as three different COVID vaccines became available to the public) and openings, a shift towards “normal,” if you will. Baltimore City Schools welcomed some students back, turning school into a mix of virtual and in-person learning. This led to a rise of optimism and happiness at the hope that things could get and were getting better. CHARM published our first print publication since the pandemic began. CHARM: Culture focused on work by students discussing how their lives and experiences have been influenced by the cultures they are a part of. Parts of our world still felt very “virtual.” We hosted a publication celebration on Zoom, partnered with The Maryland Institute College of Art to offer illustration workshops online. We published two new anthologies: one in partnership with Dewmore Baltimore’s Youth Poet Laureate competition, and Baltimore City Public Schools’ Bmore Me initiative. CHARM also celebrated our graduating senior editors as summer approached and the school year came to a close.

~Elisabeth Paulk, CHARM Editor

365 Days Charlie Martin | Grade 7 Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle It’s been 365 days Since the entire world went berserk and went into lockdown Since stores closed Since mask and hand sanitizer stocks diminished Since bread baking and peloton riding spiked And social anxiety went through the roof It’s been 365 days since I’ve seen any of my classmates 365 days since I’ve gone out to eat 365 days since I’ve gone to a movie theater 365 days since I’ve felt truly fulfilled and satisfied Since I’ve felt happy There have been some highlights Sunshine on dark days, like a candle lighting up a room just after the power went out But the candle always seems to flicker out And as a whole, the past year has been defined by quarantine, separation, distance. Even when we’re with others We can’t come within 6 feet or see each other smile But none of us are alone, despite the profound feeling that we are Physically, we might be, but it’s a global pandemic The entire world is going through this same thing all at once We have all grown accustomed and familiar to the feeling of loneliness We all want to go out and meet each other Do fun things outside of our houses Hug and laugh and talk But unfortunately, the world is twisted in an ironically cruel way at the moment Hanging out with friends is a dangerous thing to do Instead of helping your mental health, it could destroy your physical health

After a lot of pondering, I've realized I’m not alone. I might feel lonely, but I’m not alone People across the globe, people I’ve never met understand Exactly what I’m going through What we’re all going through I wish no one had to feel like this Especially because I know firsthand what it feels like Throughout quarantine, Writing is the sunrise after a long, never-ending night of pain and suffering It helps me release thoughts and feelings that Only the endless wave we call quarantine that has been drowning humanity can provoke I don’t like sharing my writing But I have hope of someone in a different city, state, maybe even country Finding my writing and connecting deeply with it Them finding it Carrying it with them And allowing it to guide them through life in a way Maybe my writing will keep someone going. The spark lighting their fuse To bring them strength and courage And help them get through their 366th day.

Paths Jonathan Veale | Grade 12 78

Bedroom Window Evelyn Williams | Grade 7

My Truth Shawn Ware I haven’t been myself lately, I’ve been slain through the mud, Deprived of life’s joys, Unwilling to explore And working down to the bone I haven’t been myself lately, I’m starting to look forward to late night slumbers And rushing to get EVERYTHING down while people dial my number, Asking for help that I cannot give I haven’t been myself lately, Acting as if I’m some daredevil, Juggling multiple things at once, While balancing on a tight-rope, Bound to fall to my doom at any moment, I look down to see people cheering me on, They ONLY see my achievements, And believe that my life is simple, They DON’T see what happens behind closed curtains, I put on a show, And soar like a leaping Ballerina, At a grand theater where everyone is watching And waiting for me to get one move wrong, I put on my winning, Fake smile, As tears become Glistening, Rivers, Streaming down my face I haven’t been myself lately, I AM NOT Superwoman, I’m a man who hardly has a plan, Who trudges on, 80

I have NO idea where I’m going to end up in life And that thought horrifies me each night, But I have to get on that stage And act as if everything is alright, As I enter my Zoom meetings, And stagger through my daily tasks, I have to pretend, I don’t want my siblings to see me at my lowest point, I don’t wish for them to worry I haven’t been myself lately, When I ponder about everything that’s happening in the world, I ask myself And wonder, How am I so young, Untouched by the Earth’s, Evil, Cruel, Ways And so tired, Defeated, Stressed And overworked Is THIS ALL the world has to offer, Is THIS what EVERYONE has been aspiring to achieve, Is THIS REALLY what ALL humans have to experience at some point in their lives, I feel cheated, Even worse, Pawned, Is THIS really all to, My Truth

COVID-19 Dreams Zoe Muher | Grade 7 I believe spending the past year doing remote school and with a much slowed down schedule has changed the definition of a “big dream” for me. In pre-COVID times, maybe my big dream would be to become the first woman governor of Maryland. However, in this past year, I have embraced my small circle of friends to help me maintain some “normalcy”. Having a close connection with supportive friends of varied race and gender is my real dream to achieve a better world. Some may read what my dream is and think that it is not a big idea. However, in my group of friends, we support one another in everything from school projects to outside interest accomplishments, like debate, cheerleading, or even, role playing game fun. We help build one another up and encourage one another. It goes deeper than this though. We were glued to the news as we watched the protests around America and the world for Black Lives Matter. And sadly, the need for us to pay attention stays high from 2020 into 2021. My friends and I discuss how we may be treated differently because of the color of our skin, or because of whom we may choose to love. It is harmful to any community to be targeted for something they were born with and cannot change. Our teachers taught us that our ideas and initiatives, no matter how small, add up to be a part of bigger initiatives. Sadly, the need to fight for racial, gender, and LGBTQ+ equality is nowhere near done. I can guarantee though that my friends and I will be there, making our voices heard, and my dream a reality.

To Baltimore, With Love Ashley I came to you. You showed your ways. Where sometimes the world can have a phase. Where you showed me that your cultures are strong. That we can walk along. You also showed us these opportunities. That can show us unity. Together we feel positive. But stay away from all the negative. You showed us that many historical things can happen in one city. You showed us that we can protest. That we won’t suggest or request. We're going to tell them. That life isn’t a gem. That we also have our problems. But what is the outcome? The outcome is that we transform. We’re not in that storm. Baltimore you showed us that to be united is key. The key to being free. The key that’s not deadly. The key that’s doesn’t bully. But the key where we’re all friendly. So to Baltimore with love, You showed us more than we asked. And hopefully, we are masked. And not spread this big germ. For all we know this might be long-term.

Earth Day Poems Students from the Baltimore Montessori Public Charter School Riverstones Classroom, Lower Elementary Earth Day Remember the Earth Supporting us everyday Not just 4.2.21

Earth Day No trash saves the Earth So pick it up on Earth Day Why not everyday

Earth Day We love Earth so much We don’t wanna ruin it So, yea Don’t ruin the Earth

Spring Flower Painting Tessa

Baltimore Youth and the COVID Vaccine Article from The CHARM Report

Shantika Bhat, Khira Moore, and Kristiana Smith Logo: Kristiana Smith, Shantika Bhat, and Yifan Luo Earlier this month, teens who are 16 years of age or older became eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccines in Maryland. As of April 26th, 1.9 million Marylanders have been fully vaccinated. There are many teens who are relieved to have an opportunity to get the vaccine, however, there are some who still have reservations about the vaccine’s reliability. In this feature, we will be sharing a CHARM editor’s experience with the vaccine and insights on the stances of two other Baltimore teens.

KHIRA MOORE’S COVID EXPERIENCE + HER VIEWS ON GETTING THE VACCINE One of our editors, Khira Moore, contracted the virus in March. Around this time, the vaccine rollout began and Moore, a 17-year-old, wasn’t eligible. Her symptoms started out as a fever on Sunday afternoon and she was told that she had COVID the following Monday. That started two weeks of quarantine where she remained holed up in her bedroom. Moore described her feeling about the virus as “a constant pit of isolation and loneliness.” Her family placed food and water outside of her door during these two weeks and her friends expressed support as she dealt with her unfortunate situation. 86

It was revealed later that week that her father had contracted the virus and he became quarantined alongside her. They spent the majority of their isolation cracking jokes and watching tv as they watched from their windows as the world went on without them. Prior to getting sick her focus wasn’t on the vaccine. Before she spent her entire spring break in her bedroom, she largely didn’t think COVID affected the younger generation. By the end of those two weeks in quarantine, she had changed her tune. “This virus is no joke. We all need to be masked up and vaccinated. I would not wish what I had to experience on anybody!” Moore said. Moore got her first vaccine dose two weeks afterward. She is now enjoying the fresh air, and has high hopes for the future as vaccines are allowed for those 16 and over.

INTERVIEWS WITH BALTIMORE TEENS The news that those under 18 were eligible for vaccines caused a lot of mixed feelings for certain teens. Some were eager, some hesitant, and others just confused about whether or not they should get the vaccine. For one teen mixed messaging led to a dilemma. “I actually had a roller coaster ride debating on whether or not I wanted to get the vaccine,” said Mei Ling Gao, a senior at Baltimore Polytechnic institute. “At first I was influenced by many people to not get the vaccine because they weren’t well educated enough, however, my boss and friend encouraged me to go get the vaccine because I was a food service worker.” Gao started to educate herself by talking to her more educated peers and watching videos1 regarding the vaccines. Then she became eager to get the vaccine.

1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3odScka55A

However, not everyone was eager to get the vaccine. A Baltimore city teen, who chose to be anonymous for privacy concerns, said that they were hesitant to get the vaccine despite being eligible because they doubted the legitimacy of the vaccine due to the speed at which it was produced. They felt that the limited amount of information of the possible effectiveness against the mutations and possible risks are scary. And because the virus is most harmful for older people it made them question whether it's worth getting the vaccine. Gao’s reaction to the vaccine process was that it was very smooth and easy if you follow the steps. “The vaccine itself didn’t hurt at all which was really nice because usually I'm scared of needles and shots,” said Gao. “If you are scared of needles there is nothing to worry about because it didn’t hurt at all. My advice is to just look away. After I got the shot, I felt happy because I felt that I would have protection and gave me relief.” Both teens urged those hesitant about getting vaccinated to think about the benefits for the community. “This will help not only yourself but keep others safe. Contributing to herd immunity which is so important,” said Gao. Herd immunity is when enough people are vaccinated and/or immune to a disease that it can’t spread to people that are vulnerable to the disease. “In order for the vaccine to work to its maximum effectiveness, we all have to put in an effort to at least give it a try. The faster everyone is vaccinated, the faster the masks can go,” said the anonymous Baltimore teen. Many people are scared to try new things, and that can be said about getting vaccinated. Gao's biggest fear initially was related to side effects, but after doing her research, she realized the side effects are helpful in showing that your immune system is responding and getting ready to attack Covid. “Everyone is scared about the side effects of this vaccine but, there are side effects for a lot of things,” said Gao. “Everything has its pros and cons.” Looking ahead, both teens are hoping to return to normal in the future with no masks and no fears. 88

MAIN THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT EACH VACCINE In the United States, three vaccines have been approved to be distributed: vaccines from BioNTech Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson**, and Moderna. The BioNTech Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two shots for you to be fully protected. These vaccines are not interchangeable so whatever you got for your first shot, you must get for your second. If you receive BioNTech Pfizer you should get your shot 3 weeks after your first shot. If you get a Moderna Vaccine you should get your second shot 4 weeks after your first. However, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only 1 shot. (For more detailed information on the timing on the vaccines please check out the CDC2 .) BioNTech Pfizer can be given to people 16 years and older. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson can be given to people 18 years and older. While there is a difference in the rate of effectiveness, that doesn’t mean one vaccine is better than the other. The CDC encourages people to get whatever is available to you because all COVID-19 vaccines are “safe, are effective3 , and reduce your risk of severe illness4 . The CDC does not recommend one vaccine over another.” ** On April 13th, 2021, the CDC and FDA recommended a pause in the use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine. There were about 7 million doses of this vaccine injected into people so far and a small number of reports have been made over blood clots. All of these reports happened in women from ages 18 to 48, however, this shouldn’t be a worry to everyone. This is a very small number of people and out of precaution they are pausing it. Please don’t let this scare you and educate yourself more on this matter on the CDC website5 .

2 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/second-shot.html 3 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/effectiveness.html 4 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html 5 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/JJUpdate.html

BREAKING DOWN THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE VACCINE When our bodies encounter a pathogen, our immune systems are exposed to that pathogen’s antigen. An antigen is essentially any foreign substance that provokes a response from the immune system. One way that our immune systems tackle the invasion of a pathogen is through the production of antibodies, unique Y-shaped molecules that are able to neutralize infections. Once our bodies produce antibodies specific to a pathogen’s antigen, the immune system’s B lymphocyte cells form memory cells that can produce the new antibodies if we are re-exposed to the pathogen in the future. The generation of these memory cells promotes a faster and more effective immune response upon exposure to a bacterium or virus. Many modern vaccines contain biological instructions to produce the target antigen in our bodies. When the antigen is produced, the immune system is thrown into action, generating the necessary antibodies and memory cells. This ensures that our bodies are already prepared to produce antibodies if or when we come in contact with a certain pathogen. As mentioned above, the best-known vaccines targeting SARS-CoV-2 come from pharmaceutical companies Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson. Both Pfizer and Moderna have developed mRNA vaccines that introduce the immune system to the genetic information that carries instructions to produce the virus’s antigen. Johnson and Johnson, however, has developed a viral vector vaccine that transports instructions for the antigen through an inactive form of the virus. To learn more about the available COVID-19 vaccines and how they work, please visit the CDC’s website6.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines.html

ADDRESSING MISCONCEPTIONS There are many who have reservations about one or more vaccines and are wondering which one is the most effective, however, this is not an easy conclusion to make. While it may seem easy to rely on the efficacy rate of each vaccine, it is important to recognize that a vaccine’s effectiveness depends on the individual. Pfizer’s efficacy rate of 95% does not mean that 95% of the people receiving this vaccine will not develop COVID-19, but instead that an individual who receives the vaccine has a 95% chance of not falling ill when coming in contact with the virus. Many have also come to believe that they will not need the vaccine if they have already been infected with COVID-19. Even if you have previously had COVID-19, it is still advised that you get vaccinated; the vaccine will be a much more reliable source of immunity. 84.3 million Americans are currently fully vaccinated. While this is a big step toward overcoming COVID-19, precautions should still be taken. Even if you are vaccinated, you can still spread the virus, so it is necessary to continue wearing masks in public and following social distancing guidelines. For more information on the science behind vaccines and the vaccines being used to prevent COVID-19, please visit the World Health Organization7 and The Vaccine Alliance8.

ROLL OUT PLANS FOR VACCINATION IN MARYLAND AND BALTIMORE As of April 6, teens 16 and older are eligible to get the vaccine at any mass vaccination center in Maryland. On April 12, all Marylanders 16 and older will be eligible for vaccination through all providers. Baltimore City announced that by April 27th, all teens 16 and older can get the vaccines at sites.

7 https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/how-do-vaccines-work 8 https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/there-are-four-types-covid-19-vaccines-heres- how-they-work

Neighborhood Butterfly and Roses Sharon Vianney | Grade 10 I’ve always felt missing–something Something that I thought Something that I wanted Something that was coming Is that missing part of the metamorphosis in my life Slowly, I am forming a path that no one formed before Among dried and pale roses Among a dried skin Far away from those beautiful red roses Above beautiful and colorful butterflies Same but different from me But someday I’ll turn into a beauty I’II contemplate the sun at its best I’II feel the breeze in my wings I’II finally find red and beautiful roses I’II become a butterfly And I’II fly to new horizons But having always in mind my transformation That will be the day when I obtain what I missed What I wanted What I needed And what I came for The dried and pale roses will shine again with my beauty and shines They won’t be pale and dried But they and I will still be special and different from others I will longer crawl like a caterpillar Because I am a neighborhood butterfly among purple roses And I won’t forget where I came from and how

Student Editorial Board All projects from CHARM: Voices of Baltimore Youth are produced by our student editorial board, which consists of a team of middle and high school students. The following students were part of our student editorial board during the 2020-2021 school year:

TEAM LEADERS

EDITORS

JUNIOR EDITORS

Amaya Burke Annabel Morley Jonathan Veale Kaori Taylor Kristiana Smith Maiya Hall Olivia Koulish Shantika Bhat

Ariel Stevenson Arly Bencosme Elisabeth Paulk Iris Zheng Isabelle Richard Jasmine Scott Jheden Ayestas Kendra Bryant Khira Moore Liam Delaine Marian Tibrey Me’Shiah Bell Julian Koulish Rashad Holloway Shubhan Bhat Suhani Khosla Tehle Ross

Amir Muhammad Evelyn Williams Skyy Johnson

Students and editors featured in this collection attend the following schools: Baltimore City College, Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women, Baltimore Montessori Public Charter School, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore School for the Arts, City Neighbors High School, Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle School, Fallstaff Elementary/Middle School, Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle, Hereford High School, Kenwood High School, KIPP Ujima Village Academy, Margaret Brent Elementary/Middle, North Bend Elementary/Middle, Patterson Park Public Charter School, Roland Park Elementary/Middle, Western School of Environmental Science and Technology

Acknowledgements Our Voices, Unmasked was conceptualized by our team of student editors. Their aim is to document the unprecedented times in which we’re living, and create a collection that serves as a time capsule of this era. The cover art was created by CHARM editors Kaori Taylor and Maiya Hall Over the course of eight years now, we’ve received hundreds of submissions from students from all over Baltimore. We are always humbled and inspired by the enormous talent we see in our city, and we are grateful to have the honor to publish your work. Thanks to Shannon Light Hadley for leading the graphic design process and for sharing her expertise with our student editors. To everyone who has donated time, talent, or money along the way to support and amplify our students’ voices: THANK YOU!

About CHARM CHARM: Voices of Baltimore Youth is a literary-arts organization founded on the belief that kids’ voices matter. We are on a mission to support young people as they develop as writers, and create opportunities to amplify their voices. CHARM magazine was founded by a group of teachers and their students in 2013, and has since published ten literary journals (plus two online publications!) that feature the poetry, fiction, essays, and artwork of 850 students from more than 48 public schools in Baltimore City. CHARM projects and publications are led by a dynamic student editorial board made up of 30 middle and high school students from across the city. The board consists of four teams: Communications, Journalism, Partnerships, and Publications. Each team produces a variety of publication projects, including print anthologies and online collections that celebrate and amplify the voices of Baltimore youth. Want to get published? Want to get involved? Want to support our work? We welcome any contribution, and your gift is tax deductible! Check us out at www.charmlitmag.org for more information, and follow us on social media @charmlitmag. As we seek to grow our impact, we are committed to offering meaningful programming in the literary arts that Baltimore’s young people want and deserve.

Our Voices, Unmasked is a publication from CHARM: Voices of Baltimore Youth. It features writing and artwork from 70 young people in Baltimore who share their perspectives from living through the coronavirus pandemic. The book is organized by seasons beginning in March 2020, and navigates the experiences and emotions of young people during this tumultuous time. Conceptualized and created by CHARM's student editorial board, Our Voices, Unmasked looks unflinchingly at the past year, asks tough questions, and celebrates small, unexpected moments of joy. CHARM: Voices of Baltimore Youth is a nonprofit founded by students and teachers on the belief that kids’ voices matter. We aim to support young people as they develop as writers and create opportunities to amplify their voices.