CHARM: Culture by charmlitmag

A literary and arts magazine by Baltimore students.

CULTURE Culture, to me, is made up of the bonds we fear losing the most.

CULTURE

CHARM: Culture

A literary and arts magazine featuring writing and art by Baltimore students

Foreword Culture can sometimes separate us, but more often, it can bring us together. It helps individuals form a sense of identity and helps create a sense of family with people we may not even know. This year has been a hard time of separation from loved ones, but culture remains steadfast. This semester’s submissions reveal the complex emotions people feel towards their culture, and how these emotions may have changed with the current time. In a time where motivation can be hard to come by, we were all sincerely impressed by the creativity and passion shown in the submissions we received. We understand that with the onset of a long-extended quarantine, it can be doubly as hard to create, so we’re very grateful to all the students who submitted to CHARM this semester. We want to thank everyone for taking the time to read this edition of CHARM! We hope you enjoy it! —Annabel Morley, Publications Team Leader on behalf of CHARM’s Student Editorial Board

Table of Contents Bonds by Makensey Vanderburg

Wrapped Together by Elijah Furr

The Jamaican Culture by Nakayla Robinson

Untitled by Makhiya Culp

Grandma by Braelyn MacMahon

My Queen Mother by Janae Bartee

Me as a Mexican by Leslie Serrano-Rivera

Memories of Others by Betsie Rodriguez

What If by Octavia Caldwell

Mommy Tell Me a Story by Shawn Ware

Where I’m From by Tyon Sampson

Untitled by Jaisdel Ferino

Caged Animals by Mishelle Falcon

My Home by Keyona Smith

Baltimore by Tori Lasek

Untitled by Skyy Johnson

Hunger Pains by Devin Harris

Untitled by Nahomy Tewodros

Untitled by Wesley Hagin

Black Culture by Careem Johnson

Untitled by Takiyah Jackson

Helping Hand by Kaori Taylor

Untitled by Rayshelle Sydnor

Untitled by Kevin Crawley

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority For the Culture and 901 by Zoe Lashley

World’s Greatest Discoveries by Elijah Furr

Culture to Me by Kendra Bryant

Untitled by Estrella Vasquez

Bonds Makensey Vanderburg | Grade 11 Baltimore Polytechnic Institute culture is the way we hoard plastic bags in boxes, and napkins in the car glove box. culture is goopy edge control and the vacant smell of the hair store. culture, to me, is the way we love unconditionally. how everyone is family even if we look nothing alike. how blood is always thinner than water, how hot water scorches and seals the ends of braided extensions. culture, to me, is the way parents both love and fear for their children. it’s how they raise us to be leaders, not followers: it’s “if they jumped off a bridge, would you do it too?” it’s lay-a-way on khakis at Forman Mills, it’s put this coat on your back before you catch a cold. it’s getting your hair done, even if you don’t want to. culture, to me, is the way I am accepted. accepted through anything. family is family. family is what and who you make it. culture, to me, is made up of the bonds we fear losing the most.

Wrapped Together Elijah Furr | Grade 7 Fallstaff Elementary/Middle School

The Jamaican Culture Nakayla Robinson | Grade 6 Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women To me, culture is something that makes you who you are as a person. I would definitely share the food because the food has a variety of flavors. I wish that people knew that Jamaican culture is not just good for vacation. We take pride in unity and loving one another. My grandpa, Mike McCallum is a professional Jamaican boxer.

Untitled Makhiya Culp | Grade 8 KIPP Ujima Village Academy My culture is everything to me. Without it I wouldn’t be who I am today. My culture is all about having a good time with family and loving each other. I am African American and in our culture we are mostly Christian. We give our thanks to Jesus whenever we have the chance. Growing up in this culture you are taught to fight for what you believe in and to be strong. This is the main thing that I take from my culture. This is why my culture means so much to me.

Grandma Braelyn MacMahon | Grade 4 Tunbridge Charter School Greatest person in the world. Reading every book she can find. An awesome person in every way. No one better than her. Doing puzzles easily. Making everybody smile. Amazing grandma nonetheless.

My Queen Mother Janae Bartee | Grade 1 The Midtown Academy

Me as a Mexican Leslie Serrano-Rivera | Grade 6 Patterson Park Public Charter School Me as a Mexican Me as a Mexican has a BUNCH of relatives Me as a Mexican has to go to church every Sunday morning Me as a Mexican celebrates noche buena Me as a Mexican has hard working parents Me as a Mexican has a BUNCH of relatives in Mexico Me as a Mexican get to eat lots of yummy food Me as a Mexican loves spicy food Me as a Mexican has a dog that looks and acts like a chihuahua Me as a Mexican loves my relatives Me as a Mexican dislikes trump Me as a Mexican loves my culture Me as a Mexican

Memories of Others Betsie Rodriguez | Grade 12 Baltimore School for the Arts As a young immigrant You grow up with the memories of others About your home country You learn how that sun feels on your skin How the rain sounds when it hits the roof How the rivers roar while you sleep How the roads twist and turn How things are done from washing cloths to cooking Who’s house is who’s Who grows which plants Who has which animal All the kids in those stories, You still think they’re the same age even though though those stories were told to you ten years ago The aunts and uncles that you never met or talked to And now you don't know if their alive or not You feel like you been there your entire life, But when you think about it You don't have any of your own memories

What If Octavia Caldwell | Grade 6 Waverly Elementary/Middle School What if the world ended today I might find more meaning in my life What if I was the last person on earth I could run wild and free What if my family were gone I would find that meaning comes from others Does my life have meaning in “Me”?

Mommy, Tell me a Story Shawn Ware | Grade 8 Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women Alright chile, I’ll tell you a story, But I AIN’T going back, To the times where black boys Would become victims, Of the ongoing cycle, Of absent fathers, All of that built up, Trauma, Sadness, And pain, Followed up with Destruction, Anger, And frustration, Deeply rooted into their Mentally, Paralyzed brains, Crying every night, Wondering, “when’s daddy gonna come home?” Now, Their sons are roaming the streets, ALONE, Envying those, Purrty, White, Smiles and faces, ‘Cause they ALWAYS got new shoes and CLEAN laces, While I’m stuck with These beaten up, Battered ones, ‘Cause that’s all momma could afford, Nobody EVER listens to the black girl, ‘Cause they got scared when I roared, Worrying about which girl had the prettiest, Or longest hair, Followed by whispers and evil glares, From white girls who loathed OUR everyday wear, 10

Now WE’RE the reason they lay their “baby hairs,” Straightening my hair ‘cause it’s “too messy” And to fit in, Didn’t wanna come off as “too black” So I could be considered the white person’s kin, “You have an amazing vocabulary,” Now you’re talking “too white,” Act how they want you to, Now it’s scary and such a fright, Sneaker culture, Y2k aesthetic, Y’all stole that too, Back then it used to be “so, “Ghetto “ and “taboo” While they were making fun of us, They were mimicking us and taking notes too, Making sure my brother is home before noon, Because I fear of him becoming another Young, Dead, Black boy on the news, Black cries, And black joy, While black kids play with white toys, “Momma, the white doll looks prettier” Scrubbing hard, But you can’t rinse away my skin, Black faith is SO deep, That it’s something you can drown in, I wear black faith as a crown, But with that crown, Comes luscious jewels, That’s filled with Pride, Dignity, Class And renown 11

Where I’m From Tyon Sampson | Grade 7 Holabird Academy I am from West Baltimore, from struggle Air Force dragging and eating Denny’s food I am from the killings, drama, hate, life, dirt, heartbreak, begging, fighting. I am from the 1500 where people get hurt for nothing by talking the mud, culture I am from Sandtown and fighting From Smiley and Curlbsss From you only got one life to live and Fight your own battles. I am from no kizzy. I’m from stay silent, ham and chicken. From the streets, the lifestyle, and the things I see. I am from Bodymore/Murderland SANDTOWN

Untitled Jaisdel Ferino | Grade 7 Holabird Academy

Caged Animals Mishelle Falcon | Grade 9 Baltimore Polytechnic Institute Baltimore could be seen as a cage for dangerous and wild animals. Animals whose only purpose is to KILL and mate. To restart the cycle of bloody murders and filthy rats. But what people don’t realize is, there is so much more to these caged animals. If only people on the outside could see past this cage. They could see past the wild animals and see a whole new side. Most of these animals aren’t driven by the urge to kill or lust. But by pain and sorrow. By the pain of losing their son, daughter, mother, father, friends, and more to the actual wild animals. But because of these wild animals, people have to have this title and never have a chance to express themselves. As if the future is already decided because of some stupid title. They feel as if they too have become a caged animal because of society.

My Home Keyona Smith | Grade 11 Achievement Academy My home is a thunderstorm. And when it starts pouring it gets dark and lightning comes from the sky. My home is dark like the sky when it starts to thunderstorm. And when lighting starts to strike from the sky, something bad happens in Baltimore. When kids play outside they get caught in the crossfire. We walk towards the darkness. Baltimore can be a waterfall but when it starts to thunderstorm that’s when everything goes from rainbows to darkness.

Baltimore Tori Lasek | Grade 11 Baltimore Polytechnic Institute Churches on every corner yet this is a godless land No one ever wins its just all bad hands Clawing to survive the night It’s either fight or flight You got any dreams to sell? They go for the gram in this hell Empty shells of people lost to the fentanyl epidemic Kids even addicted by this impure family hemic Generations of drug dealing and high school dropouts Trapped by the constant anxiety and bill payment doubts Despised by our own nation Deprived of even the littlest salvation So many burned houses in Baltimore Forever kindling the flame evermore just like the people’s busted decaying dreams Get out of the city they scream But they’re stuck in the city, their futures are in the air to the crisp Nothing to grab on finally they just let it slip

Untitled Skyy Johnson | Grade 7 Holabird Academy

Hunger Pains Devin Harris | Grade 12 Paul Laurence Dunbar High School Hunger Pains All the focus is awoken On the story of others Because they teach it to us But it doesn’t arise from another brother Or sister Where is our story Does it begin and end With slavery And segregation But we all know the truth Well the ones that are moving The ones that are still Are still accepting But not expecting A World War 3 But visualizing and un-racial harmony It’s good to have hope If it’s a way you cope But it’s time to wake up And listen to the stories That I might have just made up But someone can relate Not just putting on makeup A little girl her life barely begun But forcefully ready to be hung So she cuts And she bleeds For the need Of hope That hell is better But nobody’ll tell her That she’s too young To understand That her veins are vulnerable 18

To be tampered with However Instead of giving her a bandage You call her weak because she’s suicidal And him a follower because his brother is his idol He wants to be him Because he gets ridiculed When being himself So he is discarded And Brother 2.0 is started No more comics and action figures Because men don’t play with paper and plastic figures But you don’t know why that kids stomach is always rumbling Trying to scrap the crumbs from every cookie that is constantly crumbling From the fed-ness of the privileged youth Who are shaded from the truth And whose lives are perpetually cooped In cages of green success Nonetheless That kid will be the President And he’ll finally put his belly to rest Let’s go back To the boy whose clothes never match His socks mix-matched All black Unable to warm him some Attached by pieces of bubble gum Holes like his been fired at by multiple guns And you tell him that Not knowing his mother is a business woman Selling flour and using it for her own anxiety But ignoring her sons wishes Saying she can’t Blames it on the father 19

Because he couldn’t bare the sight Of a smart woman smoking her life Keeping his son a secret his entire flight Afraid of what he might But he won’t And they bombarded these people in communities Ones that won’t rebel Ones that could never tell Because no one finished high school But everyone knows how to survive Within a lie Overtime But nobody seems to visualize Or cast aside This false reality of life To live to die To work until you die To learn until you cry Life is a secret that’s been kept away from us In a flag Fabricated with our skin Painted with our blood And we stand because you love? This place Where the pigs eat instead of serve Where the students fail instead of learn Where no one can love so they yearn For acceptance But shouldn’t be acceptable Or tolerable But a person With flaws And laws And not these unjustified ones But your principles That controls your morals But this is how we live This is the norm The unbearable storm The cramped dorm 20

Under pressure from disaster And political polyester With a sticker And your mind Woolen into wicker Shaving your life With a symbolic knife But also very real If you can feel The hot steel Piercing through your skin So the other can win Instead of using those knives As picks So you can climb higher Because why would you want to drop lower Fighting in a battle that won’t end Slash after slash Until you’re both down Ash to ash But this is the way Everybody seems to pay Not every once in a while But everyday If someone doesn’t do it I’ll be the one to say That you cannot give in To the roaring sound So resonant and loud Scoring across the grain Those aren’t instincts Those are just your Hunger Pains!

Untitled Nahomy Tewodros | Grade 7 Holabird Academy B - Baltimore is my home A - Abundant with people L - Love T - Thankful that I found my friends here I- It has a place in my heart M - More love less hate O - One stop for crabs R - Radiant E -Easy to find good things about Baltimore

Untitled Wesley Hagin | Grade 7 Holabird Academy

Black Culture Careem Johnson | Grade 6 Patterson Park Public Charter School I wish the world just knew that black culture is not dust or crust I wish they knew that black people are great and don’t act fake and we can really bake. I just really want to know why they treat us like this and treat us like we are king kong then we get stuck in a cage full of rage. I can’t live like this anymore We need to step on stage and let out all of our rage and then they can feel a bit of our pain but do you want to know what’s good about my culture? We got good skills in the kitchen we got great athletes that made it out We got lebron james, kobe bryant, michael jordan but they don’t seem to get that other black people can make it out too. we also got the brains George Washington Carver, Mae Jemison, and me I would not be where I am today without my brain now you see if black people put their mind to anything they can do it Even Better

Untitled Takiyah Jackson | Grade 8 KIPP Ujima Village Academy I think culture is something that brings people together and celebrates our differences and the way we view the world. A piece of my culture is “Baking with grandma”. Baking with grandma is an important part of our culture to me because it allows me to spend time with my grandmother, great-grandmother, mom, aunt, and female cousins. The tradition of baking with grandma is one day in December, all of my cousins, grandmother, great-grandmother, mom, and aunt come together to bake something that celebrates the Christmas spirit. We all absolutely love this day because it gives the chance for all the females to talk to each other, spend time together, and bake (which we love doing). Time with all of my girl cousins means a lot to me since I have 5 brothers and no sisters, so they are like sisters to me. I want the world to know that my culture is special to me just as other people’s culture may be important to them. So before turning down someone’s culture, you should really look into it because it may bring you and your family closer together in a fun way.

Helping Hand Kaori Taylor | Grade 12 Baltimore School for the Arts

Untitled Rayshelle Sydnor | Grade 8 KIPP Ujima Village Academy I think culture is a religion. It’s about what your ancestors gave up and did for you such as risking their lives and fighting for what they believe is right. I would share who I am and that my family has Cherokee in our blood, so half Indigenous people. I want others to know that life is hard but you have to fight for your life no matter what goes on or happens, to take the risk because that’s the only way you can feel like you have or enjoyed your life.

Untitled Kevin Crawley | Grade 8 KIPP Ujima Village Academy To me culture is the way you think, act, and interact. It’s about your environment and how you were brought up. I strongly feel that we are products of our environment, and that will sometimes ultimately determine who we may become, but not necessarily who we are. If I could share one part of my culture with someone, I would share the history of it. Learning more about how the culture came to be, and what part of history it was a part of. I wish the world knew that my culture is not about the color of my skin, and that my culture could be anything that involves me. Such as playing the game, or how I talk and sometimes my actions.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority For The Culture and 901 Zoe Lashley | Grade 6 The Midtown Academy

World’s Greatest Discoveries Elijah Furr | Grade 7 Fallstaff Elementary/Middle School

Culture to Me Kendra Bryant | Grade 12 Baltimore City College Cul•ture (/’kəlCHər/) The customs, arts, achievements and social institutions of a particular nation, people, or other social group. Since my people were brought into this country, The fight for independence has been everlasting. Fighting for everything from their respect, liberty, rights, justice, marriage and simply for “all men to be created equal.” Malcolm X spoke the truth, believed his words would set us loose. Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed a dream, while Ruby walked and ignored the screams. Harriet Tubman led the way, allowing for many runaway slaves to see another day. Culture to me means to never stop fighting. Culture to me means taking advantage of an education. Culture to me means knowing my rights by the law. Culture to me means creative. Culture to me means King and Queens.

Untitled Estrella Vasquez | Grade 9 Mergenthaler Vocational Technical High School

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 this year:

TEAM LEADERS Amaya Burke Baltimore Polytechnic Institute Annabel Morley Baltimore School for the Arts Isabelle Richard Baltimore Polytechnic Institute Jasmine Scott Jonathan Veale Baltimore School for the Arts Olivia Koulish Baltimore City College Shantika Bhat Baltimore Polytechnic Institute Kristiana Smith Baltimore Polytechnic Institute

EDITORS Ariel Stevenson Baltimore City College High School Arly Bencosme Baltimore Polytechnic Institute Elisabeth Paulk Baltimore Polytechnic Institute Iris Zheng Baltimore Polytechnic Institute Jheden Ayestas Baltimore School For the Arts Kaori Taylor Baltimore School For the Arts Kendra Bryant Baltimore City College High School Khira Moore Baltimore Polytechnic Institute Liam Delaine Baltimore City College High School Maiya Hall Baltimore Polytechnic Institute Marian Tibrey Baltimore City College Me’Shiah Bell Baltimore Polytechnic Institute Rashad Holloway Baltimore City College Shubhan Bhat Baltimore Polytechnic Institute Suhani Khosla Atholton High School Tehle Ross Baltimore City College / International School of Bologna

JUNIOR EDITORS Amir Muhammad Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle Evelyn Williams Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle Skyy Johnson Holabird Academy

Acknowledgements CHARM: Culture was conceptualized by our youth Publications Team. Their aim was to invite young creatives to explore how they relate to and engage with their culture, and what the word “culture” means to them. The cover art was created by the following artists: Kaori Taylor, Evelyn Williams, Annabel Morley, Jon Veale, Alicia Kunz. The cover follows our tradition of visually representing the letters of CHARM in a way that connects to the volume. The art featured before the Table of Contents and on the back cover is and will always be Emperor Tamarin by the artist, the myth, the legend: Ben Swimmer of the Baltimore Montessori Public Charter School. Over the course of eight years now, we’ve received hundreds of submissions from students from all over Baltimore. We are always humbled and flabbergasted 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. Thanks to Rob from Work Printing and Graphics for his continued support of student voices. Great writers deserve a great publication, and, Rob, you always provide that for us. To everybody who has donated time, talent, or money along the way in helping shape CHARM into the burgeoning literary giant it is: you inspire us!

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.

SHOUT OUTS! For a $10 contribution, families, teachers, and fans can show their support of CHARM’s writers in print. These contributions go directly towards printing costs and professional development for CHARM’s student editors. Thanks for your support! We are so very proud of you Janae! -Tyus Bartee ~ Congratulations Kendra! We are so proud of you! Continue to Soar and Be Blessed! Love you, Cousin Bianca and Zhen Abrams ~ To My Lovely Niece Kendra, Keep doing what you're doing. I love you, Uncle Rodney! ~ Kendra, Our Pearl, Maya, Zora! Pen to paper is where life stays alive. Don't stop! Love, Auntie Sonya and Crew ~ Congratulations: My Queen Kendra, continue to inspire and aspire! Your journey is just beginning! Stay true and steadfast to your path! -Auntie Renie ~ You are very creative Janae! I love your artwork! Peace and love, Ms. Tanya ~ The only way to find your voice is to use it. Kendra, I’m so proud of you! Continue to use your voice to inspire and empower others. -Tracey Lanier Thompson ~ Congrats Kendra! -Raynard Bryant ~ Kendra, you never cease to amaze us! Keep up the good work and we look forward to continuing to watch you grow! Love, Mrs. Carr and Ms. Anderson 39

SHOUT OUTS! Congratulations Kendra!!! The students and committee members of the Ascension Program are very proud of you!! -Mrs. Carr ~ Great job Kendra!! We wish you continued success in all your future endeavors. Love, Mama & Granda George ~ Shout Out to Janae Bartee who has blossomed into quite an artist. So very proud of her accomplishments! Keep up the great job you are doing. Mrs. Kathy Edwards, Prince of Peace kids ~ Our Shining Star Kendra, Continue to use your "Voice" in script to echo through your community and beyond. So Proud, Mommy and Daddy. ~ Congratulations Kendra, continue with your good works. I am very proud of you! Love, Uncle Timmy ~ Kendra Boo! I am so proud of you! Continue to be the smart & talented young woman poet and writer you are! -Ms. Waters ~ Nakayla I am so very proud of you! You're smart, intelligent, beautiful and funny. Keep up the good work!!! Love Mom. ~ Congrats Elijah! Thanks to Fallstaff Middle School for encouraging him and his ability as an artist. Keep up the GREAT work Elijah and the staff. -Ms. Corina Thomas ~ Congratulations Annabel, Isabelle, Kaori, Suhani, Elisabeth, Rosey, Shubhan, and Evie! I am so proud of your hard work and dedication this semester to bringing CHARM: Culture to life. With gratitude, Whitney

To All Published Students Congratulations on your feature in CHARM’s Culture Magazine! You should be very proud of your accomplishment, as your submission stood out in terms of meaning and writing style. We are so glad that you decided to share your voice with CHARM and thank you for your contribution. Make sure to keep writing! Sincerely, CHARM’s Editorial Board

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A literary and arts magazine by Baltimore students.

CULTURE Culture, to me, is made up of the bonds we fear losing the most.

CULTURE