C Alex P. Allen R. Angela G. Cynthia M. G. Elvia N. Francisco M. Joaquin M. Lillianna D. Yamileth G. Adriel F. Alexia C.G. Azaiah M. Brandon D. Dream W. Isaac E. K. Keila P. Neydin P. Sarahi B. Tatiana L. Yaretzi S. Eli R.
A A C E E J J N Y A A B B F Javier S. L O S V A R
Our Words Are Powerful
2026
theme
Volume 2 (
Youth Poetry Compilation by W
Our Words Are Powerful: Be Strong, We Belong Volume 2 (Middle School Students)
Words To Power
Our Words Are Powerful: Be Strong, We Belong Volume 2 (Middle School Students) This book is a publication of
Copyright © 2026 by Words To Power All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the author.
To the youth facing the struggles of today and tomorrow: Remember that you are strong! Your words are powerful. You belong.
Acknowledgments Thank you to the amazing middle school students who submitted your powerful poems to this collection. Special thank you to the schools that partnered with us during the 2025-2026 school year. We look forward to working with you! We greatly appreciate the financial support from America 250 – Colorado 150, Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Colorado Creative Industries, Community ACTS Fund, Denver Arts & Venues, Denver Economic Development & Opportunity, Genesis Inspiration Foundation, GES Community Investment Fund, Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, The Colorado Health Foundation, The Denver Foundation, and all our individual donors. With your investment, we can publish, celebrate, and distribute books of poetry written by underserved youth as part of our programs in schools (workshops, student presentations, and poetry videos), to encourage creative expression that reduces isolation, increases self-confidence, and increases the use of poetry for coping and resilience.
Foreword Welcome to “Our Words Are Powerful,” an annual youth-written series of poetry books from the Denver area edited, published, and distributed by Words To Power. Previous themes have included: • • • • •
“We Are The Dreams Of Our Ancestors” (2025) “Our Roots, Our Words, Our Power” (2024) “Our Ancestors Speak Through Us” (2023) “We Are Here For A Reason” (2022) “The Struggle Is Real, So Is Our Resilience” (2021)
For 2026’s theme (“Be Strong, We Belong”), over 200 youth submitted their poems focused on facing the current challenges with strength and a sense of belonging. These powerful words come from participants in Words To Power's poetry workshops and student presentations. Volume 2 includes poems from 42 students in our partner middle schools. We know their words will inspire you to be strong during these difficult times. Stay tuned to our social media for videos of youth reading their poems. Words To Power conducts highly engaging, culturally relevant, and SELfocused spoken word poetry workshops for underserved youth in elementary, middle, and high schools in the Denver metro area and throughout Colorado. As an extension of our workshops, we partner with schools to host presentations of youth poetry. Words To Power publishes annual books of youth poetry with submissions from our workshop participants. Every summer, we host book release events with contributors reading their poetry for their families and the greater community. The Words To Power logo draws inspiration from many sources. The overall structure is modeled after a corn plant, as our workshop curriculum uses it as a metaphor. The raised fist reminds us of our power to create change, as social justice movements before us have struggled to achieve. The scrolls on either side pull from Indigenous books in Mexico, as symbols of speech (thus the accompanying image from a codex of people talking to each other). Taken together, our words and power come from our roots.
Table of Contents Los Sacrificios por Alex P. (11 años de edad)................................................. 1 The Future for the Next Generation by Alexander G. H. (age 12) ............. 3 Imagining the Future by Allen R. (age 11) ...................................................... 4 The World Can be Seen Another Way by Allison Q. (age 11) ..................... 5 El Dolor de Mi Gente By Angela G. (age 11) ................................................ 7 Hopes for Tomorrow by Cesar R. (age 11) ..................................................... 9 Our Voices by Cynthia M. G. (age 11) .......................................................... 11 Our Roots by Elias M. (age 11)....................................................................... 12 Better Tomorrow by Elvia N. (age 11) .......................................................... 13 The Present and the Past by Elyssa V. (age 11)............................................ 14 All People Belong Here by Francisco M. (age 11) ....................................... 17 Ancestors by Jaylynn G. R. (age 11) ............................................................... 18 A Brown Kid by Joaquin M. (age 11)............................................................. 19 Show Them We Belong by Josie G. P. (age 11) ........................................... 20 Native in My Blood by Lillianna D. (age 11) ................................................ 22 Why Should We Cry? by Natalia S. (age 11) ................................................. 24 Nuestras Voces Pueden Cambiar Todo by Yamileth G. (11 años de edad) ............................................................................................................................. 25 La Unidad en Nuestra Voz by Yaretzy B. (age 11) ...................................... 27 The Man by Adriel F. (age 12) ........................................................................ 29 Somos Fuertes! por Alexa H. (12 años de edad) .......................................... 30 The Hope of Immigrants by Alexia C. G. (age 12) ...................................... 32 Struggle to Success by Andrielle G. (age 12) ................................................. 34 Road of Success by Azaiah M. (age 12) ......................................................... 35
I Am Just a Girl by Betsy R. (age 12) .............................................................37 Our Dreams, Our Goals by Brandon D. (age 12) ........................................38 Mis Secretos por Brian S. (12 años de edad) .................................................39 Spirit of Tomorrow by Dream W. (age 12) ...................................................40 Inspire Me by Fatima M. G. (age 12)..............................................................43 Races of All Kinds by Isaac E. K. (age 12) ....................................................45 Bloodline by Javier S. (age 12) .........................................................................46 Empires Are Not Built in a Day, Neither Am I by Keila P. (age 12) ........48 I Am Who I Am Destined to Be by Lincoln F. (age 12) .............................50 All About Me by Neydin P. (age 12) ..............................................................51 Speaking Up by Oscar A. (age 12) ..................................................................52 Dear Mr. President by Sarahi B. (age 12) .......................................................54 From the Scars to the Stars by Sofia Z. (age 12)...........................................56 Nuestra Fuerza, Our Future by Tatiana L. (age 12) .....................................58 A Simple Community by Victor V. N. (age 12) ............................................59 Our Community Speaks by Yaretzi S. (age 13) .............................................60 Forgotten Truths by Arely C. G. (age 14) ......................................................61 Mi Gente by Eli R. (age 14)..............................................................................63 Sacrifice and Success by Ruben B. (age 14) ...................................................67
Los Sacrificios por Alex P. (11 años de edad) I will always remember los sacrificios de mis padres. In my hands, I have the power to be the future of my family. I get inspiration from mi madre querida, que nunca se dio por vencida. En el espejo, veo el pasado de mi país que luchó. With my words, I can meet my goals. In my eyes, I can see the work of my ancestors. En mis sueños, veo mi futuro y muchas cosas más. I believe I can create my own world and bring my family to the top. Con nuestras voces, podemos lastimar o ayudar a personas. The power inside of us is too big. We can do whatever our corazón tells us.
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We carry the world and our future. Juntos, podemos crear algo nuevo. Our community can grow. Somos personas y cada uno existe por una razón. Podemos cumplir nuestras metas. The power we have is too much to understand, all with the love of our God and families.
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The Future for the Next Generation by Alexander G. H. (age 12) Con nuestras voces, podemos levantar a esos que ya se rindieron. We can speak up for them. We have the power to hold our ancestors’ hope and bring our community back together. In our hands, we hold the future for our next generation. We speak up for those who think we are forgotten. We find the strength to always remember where they came from. We are not illegal aliens. We are humans. We came to make the world a better place. The people who helped you live, make food, and build are now being kicked out of this land. Together, we can inspire others to fight back against racism.
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Imagining the Future by Allen R. (age 11) I am the hope for the future that I can create. In the mirror, I see the perfect tomorrow. I carry unbearable weight. In my dreams, I imagine success. My roots sprout with ideas to protect others. We are all human beings. No one is an alien.
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The World Can be Seen Another Way by Allison Q. (age 11) With our voices, we can speak up against injustice, dehumanization, and torture. We inspire our community with the power of our great-great-grandparents, all for those who come after us. We will inspire them to keep going. In our hands, we carry the hopes and dreams of our people, of our ancestors, for future generations. Together, we are free to bring unity to our culture. No police nor government will drag us down, not like what happened in 1930 Germany, or in March 2011 Syria. We will find strength against those who stereotype us. We are free.
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We have the power to connect with others, even if some do not accept us. They call us "immigrants" and complain that we “steal jobs.” Behind racist comments, they know they are envious and jealous of us. They cannot change how we see ourselves. We know that this world can be seen in another way.
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El Dolor de Mi Gente By Angela G. (age 11) We are a proud Chihuahuense and Jalisciense family, who are not afraid of speaking for what is right. We are always determined to fix things and speak our mind. Con nuestras voces, podemos levantar a nuestra Raza y unirnos juntos. We speak for those who have struggled, dealing with those with hearts as cold as ICE. We can be fierce as we fight for our rights. We have the power in our words to say: “We are not aliens!” “We are human!” “¡Pertenecemos aquí! Pero nuestras raíces son mexicanas.” “Viva Mexico!” Together, we can build courage and speak up so we are treated
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like everyone else. We find strength by protesting, voicing opinions, speaking our minds. And yet, we do not get treated fairly? We are a community. We are a family. We are a nation. Our ancestors are rooting for us. They say, “Si se Puede!” “Echale ganas!” “¡No tengas miedo!”
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Hopes for Tomorrow by Cesar R. (age 11) Our words are powerful. They can break through the walls and obstacles in our life. Our words have no limits. With the power of our ancestors, we can grow strong. In our hands, we carry our experiences and hopes. We give this hope to other people, so they can find their strength. Together, we can reach the future full of the endless possibilities. We are the dream of our family for a better tomorrow. Con nuestras voces, podemos hablar por nuestra comunidad y por lo que nos pertenece. Nadie en este mundo es illegal. Todos somos bienvenidos. Nosotros somos la esperanza
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de nuestro pueblo. Cargamos nuestros sueños. With our hands, we build our future. We will always remember the sacrifices our parents made for us.
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Our Voices by Cynthia M. G. (age 11) With our voices, we can inspire others to speak when they fear to express their powerful words. We speak for each other. We inspire each other. En nuestras manos, we carry our future. We can bring people together to share powerful words with each other. We are people who show our culture with no fear.
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Our Roots by Elias M. (age 11) With our voices, we can build a future. We get our inspiration from our roots. In our hands, we carry the legacy of our ancestors. We reach out to a better tomorrow. Together, we can inspire the ones who come after us to speak up for those who have been silenced. Our roots are the most important part of us. We are the echo of our ancestors.
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Better Tomorrow by Elvia N. (age 11) With our voices, we can speak for those who cannot. Our words inspire others for a better tomorrow. In our hands, we hold our future. We can give the new generation inspiration. Together, we can make a difference for a better life than today. We connect our success to our family. We surround ourselves with voices, telling us we can reach our goals. We are the dreams of our people. Our ancestors watch us succeed.
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The Present and the Past by Elyssa V. (age 11) I was born on this side of the line they drew, same skies above me, same school halls too. But some people look like they cannot see, like they are guessing, “Who is she supposed to be?” You do not know who I am from my face or the clothes you see. There is more to a person than what meets the eye, more than a name or a passing “hi.” They say “American” like it is new but they forget the people who were already here and what we went through. The first footsteps on this land were real, with stories
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you can imagine, stories you could feel. But land was taken, and lines were tied. They stole our land and said, “It is mine.” Whole ways of life were slowly changed. Our stories are still detained. Today, when they mention certain words or names, there is fear combined with rage. Many worry about ICE and papers when rules were never maintained. They fear being separated or sent away even if they were here for every step along the way. It is not just history far behind because it still shows up in the present mind. We were born here under the same blue sky.
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We carry more than what they see. A deeper story lives in me. So do not decide who we are too fast, and do not judge our present by the past.
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All People Belong Here by Francisco M. (age 11) With our voices, we can explain how we feel about the glory and the success that we have made. We speak for the people who belong here and are not illegal. In our hands, we carry success and God's love. We have the power to welcome the people who have helped us with what we need. They are like us, humans, not aliens. Together, we can be better and show people that we belong. Our community helps people do better. They should not be treated differently than us. We are not immigrants. We are humans who belong here, on stolen land. We are from a culture where we all feel safe.
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Ancestors by Jaylynn G. R. (age 11) Our ancestors were the first to be on earth, making humanity live. Our words are more powerful than the ones who are harming us. We bring unity because we are all family. Our community, humanity, and future was made by those who came before us. They pushed us to keep going. I will never forget the beauty of Chihuahua and Zacatecas because our ancestors built it. My roots are still growing. In my hands, I have my family and I am trying to make it better. That future is still in my dreams.
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A Brown Kid by Joaquin M. (age 11) I am a Mexican kid with skin that is brown. I am proud of my roots and my little town. My family works hard throughout the year. They have shown me to have big dreams and no fear. Every Sunday, I go to my church. Then, I come home for the best kind of search. I find menudo and the rice. Being with my family feels so nice. I wake up happy to start a new day. Gracias a Dios is what I always say. I have a passion and I have a heart. I am just getting ready for my life to start.
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Show Them We Belong by Josie G. P. (age 11) With our voices, we can show people who we really are, not invisible shadows but shine like a star. We can speak the truth for those who cannot, even if scared voices shake. Every word will matter in everything we say. In our hands, we hold our dreams even if they are not as big as they seem. We carry the power to make the future bright and new, for the others who decide to finally come through. In my dreams, I imagine my future shining so bright, like the girl my family sees, standing strong in my own light. We use our voices to let people hear words that come from the heart,
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showing others we are stronger, even from the start. Together, we can make the world better, make our words matter. We can all be strong and show people we belong here, to help one another all along the years. We are brave, strong, and full of light, even if we have difficult problems to fight. We are loud voices that stand up for our people, not whisper in fear. We carry all the hopes for the souls we held dear.
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Native in My Blood by Lillianna D. (age 11) I am a proud Native, Brown and Red in me. I will not feel ashamed. My ancestors whisper to me, “Show yourself, do not be afraid.” So, I will continue what they started, showing myself without fear. I come from the roots of this earth, the grass, the soil, the water. I am the original, not the ones who took opportunity from me. I get motivation from the ones who come from my veins, the ones who speak to me through my heart and brain. So, I do not fear the girl I see in my reflection, the girl who got stereotyped for being me and got called weird
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for expressing it. With my hands, I will lift the younger ones who come after me, and teach them not to fear, to lift their fists when needed, hoping they will not have to. In my dreams, I imagine racism would stop and I could be me, without being judged and told: “You do not belong.” “You are not like us.” “You are illegal!” “Go back to where you came from.” But I am from here. I believe nobody is “out of place” or “aliens” based on skin or heritage. We are all human, not aliens or anything else. Humans, that is all we are.
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Why Should We Cry? by Natalia S. (age 11) Why should we cry? With our voices, we can make a difference. Our words can impact lives. In our hands, we have the power to make our ancestors proud. We can spread awareness about ICE, who should not eat Latino food if they hate us. But, why should we cry? Juntos, podemos pelear por un buen futuro, como padres hacen para sus hijos. We find strength from our motivation. Our doubts we shout. We are a people who have a culture, a life, but they know us as illegal aliens. Again, why should we cry?
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Nuestras Voces Pueden Cambiar Todo por Yamileth G. (11 años de edad) Con nuestras voces, podemos crear un futuro sin personas que nos juzguen y que nos quieran robar nuestra cultura. Con esperanza, podemos cambiar cómo nos ven y ser tratados como humanos, no como aliens. En nuestras manos, temenos el poder de quitar las fronteras que nos separan. We have hope that one day, we could pass the walls that make us different. Juntos, podemos ser más fuertes de lo que somos. En realidad, somos imparables. We bring unity, protesting to change how people see us. Somos personas con sentimientos. Aceptamos otras personas sin problemas.
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Aunque hay discriminación, vamos a pelear por dignidad. Our roots can break but they can regenerate.
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La Unidad en Nuestra Voz by Yaretzy B. (age 11) With our voices, we can say out loud how we feel and what we know. Estamos aquí para soportarnos en cada detalle. Nuestras palabras son importantes a las personas que si nos quieren y a las que no. En nuestras manos, tenemos un razón por pelear por un futuro de los futuros, donde nuestros sueños sean más grandes que nuestros miedos. Nuestro futuro es lo más importante. Determina lo bueno, y lo malo. Together, we can protest for a better future, speaking now for those who cannot. Even if we have the same problems, we can bring unity to our community and no one can stop us.
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We are the light of our future. We will strike now for a better day, a better tomorrow, a better future.
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The Man by Adriel F. (age 12) I am the eyes of my family’s future. They see me as a window into tomorrow. I will always remember what I need to be, even through the tough times. El amor de mi mama is my motivation. In the mirror, I see my hopes and dreams. In my eyes, I see a version of me, as a kid flying away and bringing back a man. In my dreams, I imagine that I will see a man just like me and that man is me. That man will show what I have done for my family.
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Somos Fuertes! por Alexa H. (12 años de edad) En el espejo, veo una niña que le gusta vivir la vida. En mis ojos, veo a mi familia que sacrificó todo para hacerme lo que soy ahora. En mis sueños, imagino un lugar en donde todo es perfecto y maravilloso. Tengo el poder de ser quien soy en realidad. Con nuestras voces, podemos apoyarnos. El poder dentro de nosotros es más fuerte de lo que pensamos, porque podemos hacer muchas cosas que parecen imposibles. En nuestras manos, tenemos nuestro propio futuro. No está en manos de los demás porque nuestro futuro lo decidimos nosotros. Juntos, podemos ayudar a la gente
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que lo necesita, porque todos somos un pueblo. Nuestra comunidad no tiene que ser ese lugar donde vivimos. Nuestro pueblo son aquellos a los que amamos. Somos humanos, que merecemos respeto y dignidad. Qué importa ser de otro país si todos somos iguales. Nosotros siempre recordaremos y nunca olvidaremos como nuestra familia dejó todos sus sueños por nosotros.
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The Hope of Immigrants by Alexia C. G. (age 12) I am the hope of mi mama y mi papa. I will always remember que ellos me dieron la vida. Vengo de una familia que no tuvo tanto pero me dieron todo, incluso lo que ellos no pudieron tener. Su amor es algo muy bonito que no se puede reemplazar. In the mirror, I see somebody who is fighting for her family. Yo soy la niña chiquita who did not understand why Mexicans and other people were called “immigrants” or “illegal aliens.” In my eyes, I saw them as normal people. In my dreams, I imagine me being a doctor and earning money to return everything my parents have given me. I believe in myself. I remember
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that stereotypes do not define anybody. No por no ser nativos se significa que son inmigrantes en tierra que es robada.
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Struggle to Success by Andrielle G. (age 12) I come from a pocket with no money, but soon I will rise. The struggles make me stronger. In the mirror, I see the woman I want to be. In my hands, I see the dreams that I want to achieve. I imagine a future that I will build. I am the hope in my mother’s eyes. I will never forget her sacrifices. With our voices, we can inspire others and bring power to all. In our hands, we carry the motivation that we can give. Together, we bring unity. In this way, we can find strength and power. We are the dreams that will never be forgotten, the successes our ancestors will never forget.
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Road of Success by Azaiah M. (age 12) With our voices, we can make dreams for those who cannot. We can build for people and make the world better. We can give back to those who gave to us. In our hands, we carry our career. We need to make sure we stay here. I see a road of success that we need to make sure we cross and do not get lost. Together, we bring unity that can fix our community. I want to be a success for my ancestors. I will remember the risk they took and the sacrifices they made to build generations. I will try harder for them.
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We are what our ancestors made, and we will show them what we are capable of. We are their dreams.
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I Am Just a Girl by Betsy R. (age 12) I am just a girl, quiet yet loud, lost in a world that moves too proud. I come from a place made of light and ache. Yet, I am still smiling through storms I did not make. Soft does not mean weak, tears do not fall. I may be small, but I hold it all. In the mirror, I see just a girl but with me be, the fire, the waves, and the endless sea. In my dreams, you will come to see. I am everything I am meant to be.
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Our Dreams, Our Goals by Brandon D. (age 12) With our voices, we can inspire others to find the power inside themselves to touch their goals. In our hands, we reach out for our future that we can build with our dreams. Together, we grow a better tomorrow with the strength of our roots.
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Mis Secretos por Brian S. (12 años de edad) Yo soy la fuerza cuando hay miedo, la chispa pequeña que vence el silencio. Yo soy mis sueños, la historia que empieza a florecer. En mis manos, está lo que soy, lo que fui ayer, y lo que voy a ser. Y aunque el miedo quiere hablar, aprendo a volar. Somos la luz en la oscuridad. Estamos juntos en el tiempo y somos eternidad. Somos fuego que no se apaga aunque el viento intenta separarnos. En mis sueños, imagino un cielo que entiende mis silencios. y estrellas que guardan todos mis secretos.
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Spirit of Tomorrow by Dream W. (age 12) I am the hope of my culture, the creativity and spirit of tomorrow. I hold the strength of my mother, the stone of my father, and the passion of the future. I come from an unwanted kind. Deep in my hat, there is a little kid who believes in peaceful dreams. I get motivation from the night sky, where the stars are supposed to be. But they are gone because of broken dreams. In the mirror, I see a deep wish of many hopes of creativity, having the comfort of hearts and beliefs. On my shoulder, I carry the desire of trying to get a degree, of finishing school and following my dreams. I imagine the torture of hoping to be normal
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but with the pain that people give with trying. I believe that what you believe you can achieve. With our voices, we can make differences but only with the confidence of lions and tigers. We speak for the ones who cannot see, hear, or speak. In the end we are not different. In our hands, we hold words of power, the bite of hurt, the tenderness of love. We reach out to those in need and take our little money to get things we need. Together, we have the power of God, the hearts of gold, and the deepest of green grass. We bring unity to connect our people to the protest of injustice in the world.
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We are the structure of the statue of life, the heart of love, the power of God. Our roots make us family, but I thought that family is about love, to be respected not hated.
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Inspire Me by Fatima M. G. (age 12) I am the hope in my parents’ eyes. I will always remember those people who helped us and those who did not. I come from a loving mother who raised me and who I appreciate for being here today. I get inspiration from my older siblings who have a bright future ahead and who always help me keep my head up. In the mirror, I see my reflection, my human self, who I am proud of. With my voice, I speak up for those who are scared or who cannot. That is the reason we have voices for freedom. In my dreams, I imagine myself in a real world, not an imaginary one. My destiny is to fulfill every goal I have, making my parents proud. Together, we create roots
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to pass down to our family, inspiring us to stand up for our stolen land.
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Races of All Kinds by Isaac E. K. (age 12) With our voices, we speak for a beautiful legacy of those who became before us, while carrying our flag. Why would we need papers on stolen land? In our hands, we have the power to fight for justice because we are all humans, not aliens. We all come from God, our father, lord, and savior. We carry pride with our lord as our guide. We are still well-educated Chicanos y Chicanas. We protest, follow God, and spend time with family. We are the race with best food and nicest people, something that has been passed down to us from generation to generation.
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Bloodline by Javier S. (age 12) I am my future on my shoulders. Even though I have the power of my ancestors, I will always remember their peace and joy. I come from the people before me, del amor que me dieron. Their love is like the multiverse and the universe. The struggles sometimes make me want to give up but my bloodline whispers to me to keep going and follow my dreams. In the mirror, I see my heart filled with joy. I also notice a family that gave me the chance to surround myself with the bright love of my bloodline. They gave me un corazón como la luz del sol. In my dreams, I imagine my ancestors having peace with the people
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they fear, making our bloodline last longer. My family and I have the power to make it come true and make it through.
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Empires Are Not Built in a Day, Neither Am I by Keila P. (age 12) I am made of every storm that tries to shake me apart. Every “You can’t” becomes another reason to rise harder. I carry fire in my chest and courage in my footsteps. Even on the days when my voice trembles, my spirit does not. They recognize me as an ancestor who speaks for those who stay quiet, and a light that has power and inspiration. I come from the importance my mom thought of me and from the sacrifices she made for my love. In the mirror, I see a girl with inspirations tied to her goals and eyes
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that see power in herself. In my dreams, I imagine a future that follows me, and a motivation I can build. With our voices, we can speak for those who get judged, inspiring them to use their power to reach their goals. In our hands, we can connect our motivations and find a future that creates a better us. We are a reality with ancestors and dreams that we will never forget. It is about standing up again and again until the impossible becomes possible.
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I Am Who I Am Destined to Be by Lincoln F. (age 12) I am who I am destined to be, becoming a better person along the way. I come from the legacy of my ancestors who came before, like a torch guiding me in a cave. In the mirror, I see the mistakes I made and a person I want to become. In my dreams, I imagine creating a better future, being that person in my reflection, being the one who guides you with the light.
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All About Me by Neydin P. (age 12) I am the car that will drive my family out of danger. I will always remember to change for them. I come from a dad and mom who work hard for us. I will never forget to do the same for them. In the mirror, I see a kid who wants to make his parents proud. Their love is the thing that makes me want to keep fighting. In my dreams, I imagine me being successful. I will never forget how hard my parents worked for me and my siblings.
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Speaking Up by Oscar A. (age 12) They want our food but not our souls. Supposedly, we are illegal but we built half of what people call America. Ninos estan esperando a sus papas even though they will not come back, which is sad because all they wanted was to provide for their family. Thousands of videos appear every day, of people getting kidnapped by I.C.E. agents, which is normal for them. They do not know what it feels like to lose your life in a couple seconds. Lo único que queremos es que pare. Eso no es “Proteger al país.” Están robando a gente inocente que está tratando de crear un mejor futuro para sus hijos.
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We speak for those who cannot. We are proud of who we are and where we come from.
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Dear Mr. President by Sarahi B. (age 12) Dear Mr. President, Ever since you became president, you said that you would make America great again. Would making America “great again” mean pursuing racism towards different colored people or those who speak different tongues? Now, kids are starting to say, “I do not want to be an Indian” or starting to change how they speak and how they look to “fit in” with the whites, or with the gringos. Instead, you could speak up for the so-called “immigrants” and “illegal aliens” and defend them, by saying it is not the Hispanic people who are the bad guys. It is the people who claim to be helping the country and state by driving out the Hispanics. So please,
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help little kids to not feel ashamed of their culture and the tongues they speak. Help them understand that being Latino or any race is okay and that we are not illegal.
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From the Scars to the Stars by Sofia Z. (age 12) I am the dreams moving to the future, leaving only dust, never looking back to the ones who doubted us. I come from the blood, the sweat, and the tears my family sacrificed throughout the years. Determination flows through the veins, heart beating faster, breaking all the chains. In the mirror, I see the slander they talk about our kind, while we reach for the needy and leave them behind. In my dreams, I imagine a world in which none shall say, "They do not work hard." because we do not beg. We do not stay on the street. We come from nothing with dust on our feet. We work for each dime, unlike you guys
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who stole from our land and fed us the lies. With our voices, we speak with pride, never letting them into the mind’s inside. In our hands, we have the scars from the work that we do. We hold up the world, while we are overlooked by you. We are the heartbeat of life, finding our way. We are a force that breaks through the struggle and pain. We are the ones with pride, the ones with the heart. We are here to stay. We are the dream. There is nothing left to say.
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Nuestra Fuerza, Our Future by Tatiana L. (age 12) With our voices, we can speak up for those who cannot. Our words matter for people who live on stolen land, and do not want to be called “aliens.” In our hands, we can carry the love of our family and our future. We have the power to make people happy with our success. We try to build our family's life ahead. Together, we push ourselves to our bright destiny. We bring unity to our community. We are the people, with families that would lead to a better life. Nunca nos olvidaremos de nuestros antepasados. Our roots will help us grow. We are going to accomplish our dreams with our power.
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A Simple Community by Victor V. N. (age 12) With our voices, we can whisper into others' ears, to help them reach the goals they wish to achieve. In our hands, we hold our future. We can choose what we do with it. We can create a path that can lead us to find our biggest strength. Together, we control our community, our roots, and our ancestors' hopes for us. We reach out to inspire others to follow us to success. I believe we can be who we want. I believe we can do what we wish. We are a community. We help each other, binding together to create unity. We inspire. We create. We connect our weaknesses to make a huge strength.
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Our Community Speaks by Yaretzi S. (age 13) With our voices, we can inspire people to not be ashamed of their race. Our words become loud enough to be heard. In our hands, we carry the hope to be seen. We have the power to speak up for ourselves. Together, we have time to find our motivation, bringing more people to help our community to fight. We are the dreams of our roots, the power of our words. Together, we can be seen.
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Forgotten Truths by Arely C. G. (age 14) I am the color the world is starting to lose, the hope my community desires to renew. Our ancestors traveled from land to land without having anything in mind, not knowing the future would not treat them kind. They shared stories, cultures, and traditions, everything they had been shown. But a line would decide where they belonged and divide the land they once called home. I come from generations whose spirits still remain alive, carrying the colors of our culture so they never fade with time. In the mirror, I see a newer version of my roots, carrying stories
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and long forgotten truths. In my eyes, I see the colors my community refuses to lose, the reminder of who we are and the meaning behind our hues. In my dreams, I choose a world without division, where borders do not determine our positions. I imagine my ancestors standing beside me, strengthening my body, my mind, my soul. They watch their stories, traditions, and colors, surviving through my community as a whole.
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Mi Gente by Eli R. (age 14) I am a glass pane, the light of my community shining, reflecting, and flowing through me. I carry the strength, of my family who gives me everything. I come from the dreams of escaping the looming darkness of assimilating. My culture is mine and not something to hide. Their sacrifices give me the strength to hold the dreams of my community. In the mirror, I see the man my ancestors fought for with bravery. On my shoulders, I carry the weight of my people who have always supported me. In my dreams, I imagine a world in which my people
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would be able to be free. We have the power to make that a reality for you and me. With our voices, we can scream for the world to finally be at peace. In our hands, we hold the hopes of our community. Our words can make the government finally see the men and women who have a dream. Together, we have the opportunity to stand up for the communities that have fought for us in our time of need. In return, we can create a better way of living. We are the burning bush that commands Moses to free the Israelites, not letting the flames burn down our leaves. It gives us courage not to flee
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this country that really does not want you or me. We carry our ancestors' hopes and dreams. We are the people who work so hard in construction, cleaning, and even front yards. We are the people who work for our family, breaking our backs, while our bosses barely pay us a dime back. We are the people who do not hide when it comes to human rights. We are the people La Virgen appeared to, telling us to believe. We are the people who in battle do not bleed, as we are protected by the people who fought for thee. We are the people, colored or not, who can make a difference that can change a lot. We are the voices of our people
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standing up to those who do not care about us. As a wise man once said “I have a dream.” We have the hopes and dreams of our community.
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Sacrifice and Success by Ruben B. (age 14) I am the determination in my mother’s heart, giving me a safer and better start. I come from motivation, bringing me to greatness. The marks of my struggles will one day take me to success. In the mirror, I see my parents and the battles they fought for me. Their sacrifices will push me harder to succeed. In my dreams, I imagine the hope of my parents’ future. I get motivation from the struggles that I carry on my shoulders.
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