The Knight Light Volume 2: Black History Month 2021

KNIGHT LIGHT THE BLACK HISTORY MONTH ISSUE

REFLECTIONS FROM THE STUDENTS OF CRISTO REY BOSTON HIGH SCHOOL VOL. 2: BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2021

Cover Art

by Grace Moncada-Perez, '22 "Even though we haven’t been able to be in person, we can still connect with each other. Hands are used for people to touch, so that’s why I painted hands instead of people. Every hand in the painting is able to connect with the other by how they are holding on to the gold thread."

IN THIS ISSUE

CRB

Black History Month Reflections & Artworks

KNIGHT LIGHT REFLECTIONS:

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

By Avante Young-Dabney Black history month is a proud time, people celebrate during this month for all the hard work people in the past have done for our future, and we deeply appreciate all the things our people have done for us because they have helped us and without them the world now would not be the same.

By Veronah Najjuuko

By Aaliyah Graham-Sack

By Josselin Pena

The month to honor and remember our ancestors who fought for us to be free Truly free We have yet to achieve that goal But a goal takes dedication Hardship and perseverance We still have a long way to go Change doesn’t happen in a day Nor does it happen out of just wishing for change Be the change for our descendants Be the change for our future If we remain stagnant, wishing for the change to come Hate starts to build up towards the ones who tried to oppress us But the thing is, no one can oppress us We are our own beings And we can bring the change our ancestors dreamt that will happen

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“Determined Queen”

O, HOW I LOVE MY BLACKNESS

By Viviana Gooding People never really understood why I Love my blackness, Or why I think it’s so attractive.

I love my blackness because not only does It makes me feel like I am different, but it also makes me feel like I am special most of all it makes me feel like a strong black woman Who will one day be independent.

People never really understood why I love my blackness, Or why I consider it as my happiness.

I love my blackness because not everyone does- there are some people who don't like to see a pretty black girl walking down the street with lots of melanin, But not only does my melanin make my true brown color pop, But it makes me one of a kind.

People never really understood why I love my blackness or why it’s my greatest tactic.

I love my blackness because it’s one of the things that show who I am, it's one of the things that makes me Me. There are many more things to tell you on why I love my blackness but Now people know why I love my Blackness.

By Tyrone Allen Black History Month is a time where all should think About the value of every human being No matter your skin you should always link And care for each other's well being We should all know how to be fair And help make everyone's life just Not to make our society a nightmare But instead to make it a place of trust We know our rights from our wrong Everyone should do their part to remind people that we are the same Humanity needs to work together and be strong And make equality our number one aim.

KNIGHT LIGHT REFLECTIONS:

BLACK HISTORY MONTH “We Are the People"

By Grace Perez-Moncada

By Kanaja Bleach

By Viviana Gooding

This piece is called “We Are the People”.

It’s in response to the “We the people”. It speaks on the hypocrisy and flaws in people” in the US have been let down and treated unjustly. The phrase “We the people” isn’t about all the people in America, it picks and chooses who “the people” are.

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that phrase, and it represents how “the

A REFLECTION ON BLACK HISTORY MONTH

By Rachel Rojas As I’m writing this, I can’t help to stop and wonder the importance of this month and to reminisce the lives that have been taken away so early simply because of the color of their skin. It’s crazy to live in a world where a black man is seen as a threat, and a black woman is considered to be ghetto. Or when a black person flourishing their culture is considered not appropriate and they must change who they are to fit the criteria and the standard norm. But I can’t stop to wonder, when is everything going to change? Or if it can ever change? Have we been so hypnotized of the dream where everyone is treated as equals and prejudice and bias no longer exist? Or have we hit the cold hard reality of what America truly is and can no longer be?

In the year 2020, we have witnessed a rollercoaster of emotions of where Black Lives came upon the news, social media, podcasts, any sort of platform about the heartbreaking situations happening.

There were protests, videos, looting, photos from the protests that were for the Black lives that have been lost, but to also make a change, a tiny change for the eyes that have been so blinded to realize the beauty in the diversity present. But I have yet to see the change, I have yet to see any more awareness about the situation, so has America treated it like a trend? Some can beg to differ, and some can see that it has been. And that right there, is where the flaw continues to grow, every day that we neglect the wrong doings to those black lives, and the black lives that are being treated poorly at work, school, social media, prison, etc. is pushing us away even further from the dream we dream of.

In the year 2021, a month has not yet passed by, and there was a show of white privilege. We all knew it existed, everyday it shows, but when that whole riot happened, that’s when everyone got a slap in the face. How can we have selected a president so racist, so childish, to support and bring up the idea of breaking into the white house. But as we are approaching a new month with a new president, the forty-sixth president, all we can do is hope he guides us into the new reformation of what the United States can be. And if not, does that mean we give up? Or do we continue to fix our past mistakes hoping it can get better and be better. We won’t really know the answer until whatever happens, happens. We won’t know if it’s been a loss or win. But I do know that for the month of February, all the lives that have been taken because of the prejudice and white power, I say may they live on forever and ever. And that upcoming generations understand they cannot give up, but they must persevere, and conquer the real truth of what America can be.

KNIGHT LIGHT REFLECTIONS:

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

By Mariah Ortiz-Falcon CHALLENGE like Rosa.

DREAM like Martin.

FIGHT like Malcolm.

LEAD like Harriet.

WRITE like Maya.

By Yeisli Abranson

By Kanaja Bleach

By Lashaya Ezell-Cuff 5 BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2021 | ISSUE 02

Beautiful Lacking rights All types of struggles Changing the future Kings and queens Honorable people Interesting culture Strong Trauma Over flowing with wisdom Reaching for the stars Yearning freedom ~

COMPARISON

By John Phan The similarity between all those who are born, No matter what one looks like, The insides are all the same, A heart, bones, and flesh Just like eggs, they come in different sizes and colors, But in the end – They all have a yolk.

One isn't superior to the other, But some may think so, Which leads to arroganceAnd ignorance.

No matter what race, what culture, or what beliefs, All humans are the same.

Just because one soldier in the army kills an innocent, Does not mean that the rest of the soldiers are bad.

The stereotypical abuse that one receivesDamages their pride, Which does not let the flower bloom to its fullest, Which does not let the baby bird spread its wings, Allowing one to be proud.

The backgrounds and past that one has to live withApparently joins them with that, And does not allow them to move forward.

The chain, Wrapped around their leg and the boulder on top of the chain, The lock that has no key to get through the metal door, The boat stuck in the ocean, that is surrounded by sharks, Is the feeling of inferiority and incompetence, That one should not feel Because they are all equal, Everyone has fears, has struggles, So what makes one superior to the other.

KNIGHT LIGHT REFLECTIONS:

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

By Mariam Mondjolo Black brothers and sisters take a walk down the street turn around, and get shot by the police they can't cry for help, their mother’s knees are knelt what did they do so wrong nothing.

The mother screamed and shout!

The system is broken the people are out-spoken we need a change it can only come from fame black brothers and sisters when you walk down the street hold each other’s hand cause next thing you know your skins are turned to sand.

"Say Their Name"

By Jayden Lassiter

We have to hold each other close we never know when our loved ones will go

By Joel Montes-Ruiz The streets were pretty.

For years we've dealt with abuse mentally and physically We ask for change We are the future of this country It's time to take a stand We have time for changes We should be heard We shouldn't have to go through this because of our color We are just like everyone else We want to be treated with respect that’s it God has made all of us to be equal It's time we join forces and finally rewrite history It's time we speak up Black Lives Matter

Where the kids would run free No matter who they be.

No matter where they came from Life in the city was just dandy.

The streets were pretty.

As the people waved to everyone As the people accepted everyone

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Because in the streets

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By Omari Seide-Riley

You can be yourself and free.

Because in the streets No one can break your spirit.

BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL

By Michelle Depina Santos Black is beautiful.

From the caramel warm skin, to the texture of my hair to the length of my coily curls, to the breadth of my smile.

My black is beautiful.

To the pace of my stride, to the span of my arms, to the glow of my skin... My black is beautiful.

It cannot be questioned. It will not be contained.

And only I will define it.

For when I look in the mirror, my very soul cries out at the beauty that spreads My black is beautiful.

Weather celebrated, imitated, or degraded Weather natural from inside or skillfully applied My black is beautiful.

To my mothers, sisters, daughters, nieces, cousins, aunties and friends, I speak for us all when I say again not only mine but...

OUR BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL.

KNIGHT LIGHT REFLECTIONS:

BLACK HISTORY MONTH "The Hill We Climb" Reprised By Eddy Baez

"Power to the People"

By Tynah Baptiste

The truth of America When is it enough How many more people have to get hurt the red have shown their true color which isn’t red The blues have shown their true colors which isn’t true When has the voice of the people turned into a penny on the street We see the truth in front of us but we look the other way When will we realize we are being manipulated They use excuses to control the public to sway the votes to silence the strong would the black man be shot if he stormed into the castle they shut down the peaceful protest but encourage the violence with corrupt officers We have become the laughing stock of the world When is it enough the truth is as clear as water When is it enough

By Destiny Frederick A whole month dedicated to our ancestors and big influences celebrating and remembering their strength, beauty, intelligence, and bravery encouraging young students to learn about important people reading and learning new things

Aretha Franklin, singer, songwriter, civil rights activist Whitney Houston, singer, actress Frederick Douglass, slave survivor, author, leader these are some big influences and important people there are many more people but these are just the first off my mind Black History is very important It's a month to celebrate Black people And some of the important thing people have done before us Now we pass down the celebration to our kids and continue to celebrate

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Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream and marched for a change

A REFLECTION ON BLACK HISTORY MONTH

By Joel McLeod Black History Month is an annual celebration to honor all the African American leaders and who have made a lasting impact on Black America today. Over the years Black History Month has solidified its name as an official holiday and gained support of other countries. Therefore, I will be writing about a few African American people from the past, who have helped shape the history of black people.

The first person I would like to talk about is Madam C.J Walker. Madam C.J Walker is the first ever self-made female millionaire and the mother of numerous hair products that inspired the ones we use today. According to Biography.com. “ Walker was born Sarah Breedlover on December 23, 1867 on a cotton plantation near Delta, Louisiana. Her parents Owen and Minerva were enslaved and recently freed and Sarah, who was their fifth child was the first on their family to be born free.” Throughout her life, Walker had a scalp disorder that caused her constant hair loss. This prompted her to do her own experiments in search of a solution to her problem. While perfecting her hair products, Walker traveled over the country advertising her products and making a name for herself in the process. She died on May 25, 1919.

Secondly, I would like to talk about William Edward Burghardt Dubois. W.E.B Dubois, born of February 23, 1868 was one of the founders of the NAACP. He was an African American historian, sociologist, civil rights activist, pan-Africanist, author, writer and editor. Along with other key figures such as Ida B. Wells, Dubois was a leading figure in fight against the oppression of black people.

Dubois founded the Crisis Magazine which became a voice for African Americans and other communities of color to express their thoughts and opinions. He has been awarded the Springarn Medal of Honor and the Lenin Peace Prize. Both awards were given to him for outstanding achievement, and for strengthening peace among others. He died on August 27, 1963.

Lastly, the last person I would like to talk about is Jackie Robinson. The man who broke the color barrier in sports for African Americans and other people of color alike. Jackie Robinson was born on January 31, 1919. According to biography.com. “Robinson became the first black athlete to play Major League Baseball in the 20th century. He also, from 1942 to 1944 Robinson served as a second lieutenant in the United States army.” However, his time their soon ended after he was arrested for refusing to move to the back of a segregated bus. However, this incident helped bring light to the injustice African Americans face daily. Happy Birthday Jackie Robinson. He died on October 24, 1972.

KNIGHT LIGHT REFLECTIONS:

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

By Dians Pierre Black History Month is a special month to me because I’m black myself, but I believe that it shouldn't be a month that is celebrated. It should be every month because it's celebrated only once a year.

That's beside the point, this month is special because it celebrates people who helped us black people be free, MLK, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X and many more. Without them I don't think we would have as much respect we have now from people. Black people also have their own unique culture like rap. Rap is a form of music that can be expressed in many ways, I know some of my rappers rap to be in their peace mode or to speak about what they're feeling. In conclusion BHM is the best month and the best time of the year for me… other than Christmas.

"BLM"

By Darvens Dorsainvil

By Denise Mejia Black History shouldn't only be celebrated in this month.

By Trang Le-Dao

Black History should be celebrated every day.

Does it take once a year for people to value our color?

We need to solve this today.

Ancestors might be our past, but we are the present.

In America today we are the change.

There's a difference between understanding chance and applying change.

This is the time to rearrange and exchange.

We have learned that no one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes, but mistakes don't solve the pain of those who have to experience.

Its never too late for never, lets refrain from heartbreaks.

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"Hidden Figures"

A REFLECTION ON BLACK HISTORY MONTH

By Alfredo De Los Santos The key words are Black and History The word month shouldn't exist because the time to appreciate these people should last longer These people deserve more than a month to be appreciated and dedicated.

To me it seems disrespectful to actually put a time period on how long these people should be loved These people in history deserve to be appreciated every single day throughout the entire year Just like how they struggled based on the color of their skin, So do millions to trillions of others on a daily basis that are apart of the same race.

So what's the difference?

I'm trying to figure it out because to me it seems like there is none.

The nation takes this month as a way to look back and thank certain people in history But if you really look back at these people They wouldn't have wanted this.

They wouldn't have wanted the world to look back and appreciate them.

What they wanted was for the world to appreciate EVERYONE that is like them.

The people of the same color and skin Dead or Alive.

They did what they did in history so that everyone like them can feel appreciated.

We all know throughout history this hasn't been happening.

It's crazy to think it took up until 1976 to appreciate certain people when they all should be appreciated... 24/7.

By Hami Shariff-Omar To me Black History Month is something that matters to me. It glorifies black power and the intelligence of my people. It helps young black people understand their power and beauty as a black person. I just don’t think that the shortest month of the year should be the only way we are able to do that. I think that everyday should be celebrated because we have come a long way from where we were and should be appreciated. This way, our actions won’t be so overlooked by other people and we get the appreciation we’ve earned.

KNIGHT LIGHT REFLECTIONS:

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

By Mia Arias-German

By Austin Gordon

By Ricardo Gay

BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2021 | ISSUE 02

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Cristo Rey Boston students are invited to submit their written and creative works to Mr. Ryan at tryan@cristoreyboston.org

CRB Cristo Rey Boston High School 100 Savin Hill Avenue, Dorchester, MA 02125

To learn more about Cristo Rey Boston, visit our website at www.cristoreyboston.org