Addison G. l. Ariah Brenda V. Erick G. Gabriela P.-P. Jeremiah Justin Lili Satcha D. Abel Alex R. Ariana Z. Benjamin J.-L. David X. Emiliano R. Gabriel V.-U. Giles D. Isabella T.O. Jhonni Z. Kristinn P. Luciano Maxwell A. A. Nataly P. Rogelio B. Ximena B. Abigail C. Dominic M. Ever C. Ivan M. Matias Z. R.
C Adriel S.-F. Aysel Camila Estrella M.-G. Giovanni G.-N. Jianelly Kathy F. C. Mariangel S.-N. Victoria C. Alanie Angel L. Arriel C. Damian O. M. Diana B. G. Emmanuel R. Georgia S. Hector S. Jr. Isdeny Juan Leyla Luis Mia L. Pedro M. de la C. Selena Ximena I. Aleenah A. Elias D. H. Evy A. Jazmine P. Sophia
A B D F H Ju K R Aa A Ar B D El E G H J K L L M R T Z A E I K Y
Our Words Are Powerful
2026
theme
Volume 1 (
Youth Poetry Compilation by W
Our Words Are Powerful: Be Strong, We Belong Volume 1 (Elementary School Students)
Words To Power
Our Words Are Powerful: Be Strong, We Belong Volume 1 (Elementary 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 elementary 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 1 includes poems from 90 students in our partner elementary 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 El Futuro de Mi Familia por Addison G.-I. (9 años de edad) ...................... 1 Yo Soy por Adriel S.-F. (9 años de edad) ........................................................ 2 Power by Amaya W. (age 9) .............................................................................. 3 A Future We Can Build by Ariah (age 9)......................................................... 4 My Family by Aysel (age 9) ................................................................................ 5 Dreams by Bradley G.-H. (age 9) ..................................................................... 6 Mi Familia por Brenda V. (9 años de edad) .................................................... 7 Love by Camila (age 9) ....................................................................................... 8 Our Choice by Davinity (age 9) ........................................................................ 9 La Amabilidad por Erick G. (9 años de edad) .............................................. 10 Luz y Esperanza por Estrella M.-G. (9 años de edad) ................................. 11 El Poder de Mi Padre y Yo Fernanda C. (9 años de edad) ......................... 12 Mis Pensamientos por Gabriela P.-P. (9 años de edad) .............................. 13 Struggle by Giovanni G. N. (age 9) ................................................................ 14 Nuestro Futuro por Hannah C. (9 años de edad) ........................................ 14 A Team by Jeremiah (age 9) ............................................................................ 15 Power of We by Jianelly (age 9) ...................................................................... 15 The Struggle by Julian (age 9) .......................................................................... 16 Keep the Good by Justin (age 9) .................................................................... 17 My Family by Kathy F. C. (age 9) ................................................................... 18 Familia y Futuro de por Kenya F.-H. (9 años de edad) ............................... 18 The Power of We by Lili (age 9) ..................................................................... 19 La Educación de Mi Madre por Mariangel S.-N. (9 años de edad) ........... 20 Just Try by Ronan P. (age 9) ............................................................................ 21
Mi Madre por Satcha D. (9 años de edad) .....................................................23 Dreams by Victoria C. (age 9)..........................................................................24 Stronger by Aalianna V. (age 10) .....................................................................25 Motivation by Abel (age 10) .............................................................................25 Stop School Shootings by Alanie (age 10) .....................................................26 I Am by Alberto R. (age 10) .............................................................................26 The Power by Alex R. (age 10) ........................................................................27 The Story of My Life by Angel L. (age 10) ....................................................28 My Voice by Ari de G. (age 10) .......................................................................29 Voice by Ariana Z. (age 10) .............................................................................29 Power by Arriel C. (age 10) ..............................................................................30 No More Racism by Bella T. (age 10).............................................................31 Metas en Realidad por Benjamin J.-L. (10 años de edad) ............................32 All About Me by Damian O. M. (age 10) ......................................................33 Remember by David X. (age 10) .....................................................................33 The World’s Hope by Daniela (age 10) ..........................................................34 Foundation for Communication by Diana B. G. (age 10) ...........................35 My Godly Name by Elias G. N. (age 10) .......................................................36 My Motivation by Emiliano R. (age 10) .........................................................37 Sembrar Esperanza por Emmanuel R. (10 años de edad) ...........................38 El Corazón por Esmeralda J.-M. (10 años de edad) .....................................39 Becoming Stronger by Gabriel V.-U. (age 10) ..............................................40 We Are, We Can, We Will by Georgia S. (age 10) ........................................41 I Will by Gianna A. (age 10) ............................................................................43 Always Working On It by Giles D. (age 10)..................................................44 Our Words Hector S. Jr. (age 10) ....................................................................45 Our Hard-Working Community by Isabella T. O. (age 10) ........................46
Suenos de Mi Madre por Heydi I.-C. (10 años de edad) ............................. 47 My Family by Isdeny (age 10).......................................................................... 48 Our Ancestors by Jake (age 10) ...................................................................... 49 We Are The Power by Jhonni Z. (age 10) ..................................................... 50 On My Shoulders by Juan (age 10) ................................................................. 51 Love Comes with Me by Keily (age 10) ......................................................... 52 Our Dreams by Kristinn P. (age 10) .............................................................. 53 Kind by Leyla (age 10) ...................................................................................... 54 Our Roots Make Us Strong by Liam J. (age 10) ........................................... 55 My Family by Luciano (age 10) ....................................................................... 56 Power by Luis (age 10) ..................................................................................... 56 The Girl by Luna M. (age 10) .......................................................................... 57 In Our Hands by Maxwell A. A. (age 10) ...................................................... 58 Me by Mia L. (age 10) ....................................................................................... 58 Mi Futuro por Miguel (10 años de edad) ....................................................... 59 My Accomplishments by Nataly P. (age 10) ................................................. 60 My Future by Pedro M. de la C. (age 10)....................................................... 60 Use Your Power by Rayvon S. (age 10) ......................................................... 61 Ancestors by Rogelio B. (age 10) .................................................................... 61 Our Need by Selena (age 10) ........................................................................... 62 El Futuro por Troy G. (10 años de edad) ..................................................... 62 Love by Ximena B. (age 10) ............................................................................ 63 Always by Ximena I. (age 10) .......................................................................... 63 Power and Hope by Zevyn S.-M. (age 10) .................................................... 64 Love Your Community by Abigail C. (age 11) ............................................. 65 Like the Sun by Aleenah A. (age 11) .............................................................. 66 Determination is Key by Aria M. (age 11)..................................................... 68
True Selves by Dominic M. (age 11)...............................................................69 El Futuro by Elias D. H. (11 años de edad) ..................................................70 My Future and Past by Esteban P. (age 11) ...................................................71 Strength in Love by Ever C. (age 11) .............................................................73 Everyone is Equal by Evy A. (age 11) ............................................................74 The Power Of My Family by Isabella L.-B. (age 11) ....................................76 Helping Everyone by Ivan M. (age 11) ..........................................................77 Power to Create by Jazmine P. (age 11) .........................................................78 Life by Kevas N. (age 11) .................................................................................79 One to Many by Matias Z. R. (age 11) ...........................................................80 Love by Sophia (age 11) ...................................................................................81 Mi Querida Familia por Yoselin X.-C. (11 años de edad)) ..........................81
El Futuro de Mi Familia por Addison G.-I. (9 años de edad) Yo soy la luz de mi mama. Siempre voy a recordar sus palabras hermosas que me dan alegría. Vengo del poder de mi cultura. Tomo motivación de los bailes tradicionales. En el espejo, veo el futuro de mi familia. En mis ojos, tengo el poder de una niña que se va a graduar. En mis sueños, imagino algo dulce. En mi futuro, veo una mujer que va a la misa.
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Yo Soy por Adriel S.-F. (9 años de edad) Yo soy el poder de mi lectura. I will never forget my ancestors’ sacrifices. Vengo de mi familia. Their love is like a blanket giving me warmth. En el espejo, veo a Jesús con el poder de palabras. In my hands, I carry a book of knowledge. En mis sueños, imagino que Jesus me está buscando. My future is within my hands.
Words To Power
Power by Amaya W. (age 9) With our voices, we can say what is right because we cannot keep quiet. Our words are powerful like the sun. In our hands, we hold a perfect soul. Our future carries memories. Together, we are all family. We bring unity to the world. We are brave and smart, not migrants. We will always remember the people who forgot us.
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A Future We Can Build by Ariah (age 9) With our voices, we can sing. With our hands, we grow to be strong. Together, we work to build a family. In our dreams, we are powerful. You can look in the mirror to see the future person you want to be.
Words To Power
My Family by Aysel (age 9) I come from the sacrifices of my mother. There are many reasons why I love her, many reasons why I love my dad, and more reasons why I love my brothers. My love for my family is even more than they think, more than the last number in the world, a number that does not end. I am always grateful for what my family gives me, even if it does not seem like it. I will never forget what they did for me and how much love they share with me. They are all I need. I will always be grateful and happy for my family.
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Dreams by Bradley G.-H. (age 9) I come from a family of empty pockets filled with dreams. I get inspiration from the people who motivate me. I hold onto the roots of my family. In the mirror, I see the man, the chef, I want to be. I imagine that I can create and build our dreams into reality.
Words To Power
Mi Familia por Brenda V. (9 años de edad) Con nuestras voces, podemos animar a la gente que está triste o que tuvo un mal día. Con nuestras manos, ayudamos a las personas que se le caen. Tenemos el poder de ser amables y comunicarnos con otra gente. Juntos, podemos encontrar nuestros sueños. Somos una familia, poderosos en todo que pase. Siempre lo resolveremos juntos.
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Love by Camila (age 9) I stand on my mom’s shoulders. I will always remember how she takes care of us. In the mirror, I see a mom who helps people with her sweet, kind words. I come from my family’s sacrifices. In my dreams, I imagine the love of my parents. I have the power of love.
Words To Power
Our Choice by Davinity (age 9) With our voices, we can stop mean words so we do not hurt anyone. We can succeed with the words we say. We can speak with positivity, not negativity. We can be kind. Together, we can stop bad things. We can gain trust to succeed. We can help, not hurt, so the world can be healthy and we can live longer.
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La Amabilidad por Erick G. (9 años de edad) En nuestras manos, nosotros cargamos la llave hacia la salida. Con nuestras voces, podemos ganar en todo en cualquier momento y en cualquier lugar. Juntos, podemos hacer todo con esperanza y fuerza. Somos fuertes como nuestro señor, cargando la cruz que alguna vez cargo con amabilidad.
Words To Power
Luz y Esperanza por Estrella M.-G. (9 años de edad) Yo soy la vela de mi mamá y mi papa. Yo siempre voy a recordar los esfuerzos de mis padres. Vengo de la fuerza de mis abuelos. Sus sacrificios me recuerdan que tengo que seguir adelante. En el espejo, veo la esperanza de mi hermano. En mis ojos, cargo la luz de mi familia. En mis sueños, imagino la esperanza de un futuro brillante. Con mis manos, puedo construir una vida mejor para mi familia.
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El Poder de Mi Padre y Yo Fernanda C. (9 años de edad) Yo soy el poder de mi padre, que viene de mi sangre y mi cuerpo. Vengo de mi familia del mismo país y de la misma sangre. En el espejo, veo a mi papá trabajando duro para mantener a la familia. En mis sueños, imagino como seré grande, una buena trabajadora, y lograré mis sueños.
Words To Power
Mis Pensamientos por Gabriela P.-P. (9 años de edad) Yo soy el amanecer de mi familia. Nunca voy a olvidar que soy una persona importante para ellos. Vengo del corazón de Venezuela. Vengo de los sacrificios de mi pueblo. En el espejo, veo un león que nunca cae y si alguna vez cae se levanta aunque esté herido. En mis ojos, veo una persona amable. En mis sueños, imagino que a mi familia nunca les falte nada. Mi futuro va a ser feliz.
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Struggle by Giovanni G. N. (age 9) I am the hope in my mother’s eyes. I hold her love. The struggles in life make me more motivated. My roots make me grow. In the mirror, I see words that help me with all the pain. In my dreams, I imagine my future is marching me to my dreams.
Nuestro Futuro por Hannah C. (9 años de edad) Con nuestras voces, podemos seguir adelante a nuestro futuro. Somos valientes con la fuerza de lograr nuestros sueños. En nuestras manos, sentimos el amor y la amabilidad de todos. Estamos conectados con nuestro pasado y futuro. Somos inteligentes. Somos poderosos. Y no nos rendimos. Nuestra vida será mejor si siguemos nuestras metas.
Words To Power
A Team by Jeremiah (age 9) With our voices, we can talk to God. With the power inside us, we can make a team. With our hands, we can pray for racism to STOP! We work together, believing in ourselves. We find strength to help each other.
Power of We by Jianelly (age 9) With our voices, we can speak for ourselves in the future. We speak for our family. In our hands, we carry our blood, our culture. We create a better life. Together, we bring unity. We find strength in each other. We are the dreams of our family. We are their power.
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The Struggle by Julian (age 9) Con mi voz, puedo construir mi futuro. En mis ojos, cargo mis raíces que siempre voy a recordar. Any struggle I face gives me power. La lucha me hace mas fuerte. With my voice, I can speak up. En mis sueños, imagino que tengo el poder de crear un mejor mañana. Los sacrificios de mi pueblo me ayudaron, as I hold on to my dreams.
Words To Power
Keep the Good by Justin (age 9) With our voices, we can be loud or quiet. We speak our emotions. Our words can lift up the people we care about. Our actions carry them. With our hands, we touch and hold our future. The good will be our king. We bring evil to the judge, so justice will be served. We will never forget the good. We fight for justice.
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My Family by Kathy F. C. (age 9) I am the blood of my family. Their love is like the sun. I will always remember their feelings. In the mirror, I see the future in my eyes and in my hands. In my dreams, I imagine what is going to happen to my family. I believe it will be great.
Familia y Futuro de por Kenya F.-H. (9 años de edad) Yo soy el sol que brilla en los ojos de mi mama. Vengo de su poder. Sus sacrificios me hacen más fuerte y más valiente. En el espejo, veo a mi familia y a mi futuro. Con mi voz, puedo tocar los corazones de la gente. En mis sueños, imagino que mi familia tendrá un buen futuro. Seré excelente gracias a ellos.
Words To Power
The Power of We by Lili (age 9) With our voices, we can speak for our power. We speak for people of different cultures. In our hands, we carry the future. We bring people and our dreams together. We will never forget our roots. We connect with our ancestors. We are a community. We are the future.
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La Educación de Mi Madre por Mariangel S.-N. (9 años de edad) Yo soy la sangre que recorre por el cuerpo de mi madre. Nunca olvidaré las palabras de apoyo de mi pueblo. Vengo de la patria de mi familia y el sacrificio de mi madre al darme educación. En el espejo, veo el reflejo de una niña que llegará a grande como doctora. En mis ojos, veo a una mujer luchadora. En mis sueños, imagino que nunca sufriría mi familia por el dinero. Puedo construir el futuro de mi pueblo.
Words To Power
Just Try by Ronan P. (age 9) Just try, why not, it looks like you are going to stop. You might have anger and problems inside, but just try to ride the tide. You might be having just a bad day, but find strength in your love and be fine, hey. We face the future, fight hard times, but I will tell you something, just try. You could have challenges lying on your back, they could feel heavier than a 1,000 pound sack. But remember the promises you made to yourself, put the distractions back on the shelf. You can read books of all sizes, and win a bunch of prizes, if, you just, try. You could be taking a hard test in class, you do not know how long you will last, but try, test,
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and know that failing is okay. Everything will be fine if you just try, hey. I see a bully crying by the fence, they are mean to me but to help would be best. I am scared and do not know what to do, but I know what I want and so help I do. Things are crazy. People are telling a bunch of lies, but try your best, I am saying, just try.
Words To Power
Mi Madre por Satcha D. (9 años de edad) Yo soy una persona que es amable con su hermano. I will never forget my mom and her love. Vengo del corazón de Salvador. I will always remember my sister. En el espejo, veo a dios detrás de mí para dar la bendición. I keep my friends close to me. En mis sueños imagino que mi familia serían unos angelitos. En mis ojos, yo veo la luz de mi madre.
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Dreams by Victoria C. (age 9) I am the weight on my family’s shoulders. En mi hombros, yo cargo todo lo que no ven. I come from hopes and dreams waiting to be fulfilled. Puedo ver a mi futuro. In the mirror, I see the person I wish to be. Voy a complir mis sueños. In my dreams, I see everything, the opposite of what I am. El poder dentro de mi es diferente.
Words To Power
Stronger by Aalianna V. (age 10) I am a leader of today and tomorrow. I will always remember my mom telling me, “You got this!” I come from a powerful family. Their struggles make me stronger. In the mirror, I see a girl who lives by the idea In Lak Ech.
Motivation by Abel (age 10) My roots carry me to my goals. The sacrifices of my family motivate me. With my voice, I can change the future. In my eyes, I see the power that I can create.
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Stop School Shootings by Alanie (age 10) Kids are going to school worried and scared of hate-filled strangers hurting us. We go to school to learn, not to be harmed. In my dreams, I imagine no more school shootings, so we can all be safe.
I Am by Alberto R. (age 10) I am the man who lifts people up and turns them around, making their frown go upside down. I am the heart in my family that they love. I am the warmth when they put on a glove. I am braver than brave, even on a rainy day. I make a powerful sound when I come around.
Words To Power
The Power by Alex R. (age 10) I am the man who brings peace and unity. I do not have a lot but I have enough to be the best I can. I come from my parents' sacrifices. I get my power from my ancestors. In the mirror, I see the future man keeping my family together. I will always remember what my parents have been through to keep my siblings happy and proud to be Mexican. With our voices, we can change wrongs into rights. We can encourage people to be powerful.
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The Story of My Life by Angel L. (age 10) In the mirror, I see everyone who has lifted me up. I reach out to my mother, as she pats my back. I am the one to hold my family's culture. I still feel their power in my veins, growing stronger with their painful sacrifices. In my dreams, I imagine my generation growing up nicely with the power to control our future. We carry each other even when betrayed. We still must trust each other. Together, we hold our power to bring unity, so our future can be great.
Words To Power
My Voice by Ari de G. (age 10) I am the eyes of the future. I will always remember mis raices, passed down from my ancestors through their sacrifices. I come from a beautiful culture. With my voice, I have the power to create. En el espejo, veo las raices de mi familia.
Voice by Ariana Z. (age 10) I am frijoles with meat and arroz. I am also kind. I come from my mother’s sonrisa, su felicidad, su cultura. In my dreams, I imagine myself con una voz. In the mirror, I see a girl in the futuro. With these voices, we can bring unity to everybody who has lost hope.
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Power by Arriel C. (age 10) With our strong voices, we can sing our favorite songs. We speak for the trees and the pride that we have to never give up. In our hands, we hold our favorite things to gain power and strength. Our future is bright, strong, and filled with positivity. Together, we build strong friendships to feel happy and loved. We find strength in our souls and in our minds. We are loved, happy, and proud, even though we do not know what the future holds. We will never forget how much fun we had and how we worked together.
Words To Power
No More Racism by Bella T. (age 10) Making fun of other people’s skin tone is just sad. We can talk when others cannot speak, telling everyone: Racism is bad! Just stop! Stop being rude to other people that have different skin tones. Together, we all connect. We can carry our team to stop racism.
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Metas en Realidad por Benjamin J.-L. (10 años de edad) Yo soy los sueños de mi familia para darles un mejor futuro y una vida muy buena. Vengo a cumplir mis metas aunque sean difíciles. El sacrificio de mi familia no será en vano. En el espejo, veo el hombre que quiero ser. En mis manos, tengo los días de mi pueblo cuando trabajaba duro para cumplir mis metas. En mis sueños, me imagino yo siendo un futbolista para que mi familia esté orgullosa de mí y no trabajen. Se cumplirá dependiendo de lo que yo haga. Es un recuerdo que nuestras metas se hacen realidad con trabajo duro.
Words To Power
All About Me by Damian O. M. (age 10) I am a special, funny person. I come from a Mexican family. In the mirror, I see my perfect future. In my dreams, I imagine my family being proud of me.
Remember by David X. (age 10) We are the dreams of our ancestors, because we came from them. We will never forget what they did for us. Together, we bring unity and respect to the people. In our hands, we carry our future.
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The World’s Hope by Daniela (age 10) I am my mother’s hope to have a better world. My roots are Latin American. I want others to be proud of their roots too. I come from sacrifices with a lot of sweat and tears. In the mirror, I see myself changing the world and being a person who inspires other kids. In my dreams, I imagine a future without war, a future where we are all the same. With our voices, we can make a world where people are proud of who they are, a world where nobody is afraid of being different. In our hands, we have light and hope. Together, we can live in peace. We are a powerful creation of God, the world's hope.
Words To Power
Foundation for Communication by Diana B. G. (age 10) I am the hopes and dreams of my ancestors, the love in their eyes hoping to reply. I will never forget my ancestors pleading for me to grow more seedlings, each one a prayer for self-determination. I come from the image of empty pockets, no lockets. I get inspiration from my ancestors’ determination, my only motivation. In the mirror, I see an amazing woman who soon becomes someone else’s motivation! On my shoulders, I carry people who pout and shout. I reach out to them, so their heart does not long for justice. In my dreams, I imagine the unity
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in my community. I can create love instead of hate. I believe I can build the foundation for more communication!
My Godly Name by Elias G. N. (age 10) I come from the name of lord and whatever I believe. I am a blessing to others. Am I kind, a blessing, or more? All of the above.
Words To Power
My Motivation by Emiliano R. (age 10) I am a person with dignity. I come from farmers and hard-working people, who came to the US for a better life for my brothers and sisters. I will always remember my parents’ sacrifices. In the mirror, I see my ancestors’ future, a person who never gives up on his dreams. Together, we can make our community have better opportunities than those before us. In our hands, we carry our roots, our power, and our hopes. With our voices, we can bring unity to our community, which will create continuity. With our motivation, we will be the continuation of our ancestors’ roots, growing with inspiration.
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Sembrar Esperanza por Emmanuel R. (10 años de edad) Yo soy las raíces de mis antepasados. Me sembraron para que crezca a un nopal. Vengo de una familia trabajando duro para mi. Me recuerda que se sacrificaron para, al menos, darme de comer. Cuando me miro en el espejo, veo una esperanza para mi familia. Yo soy la siguiente generación. En mis sueños, imagino a todos con los mismos derechos.
Words To Power
El Corazón por Esmeralda J.-M. (10 años de edad) Con nuestras voces, podemos ser fuertes. Hablamos para sacar el poder dentro de nosotros. En nuestras manos, cargamos el cariño de nuestra mama y el corazón de nuestros familiares. Juntos, podemos formar un equipo fuerte y unido. Encontramos el esfuerzo en el sudor. Somos fuertes, y lo podemos hacer. Nunca olvidaremos lo amables y valientes que somos.
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Becoming Stronger by Gabriel V.-U. (age 10) I am the strength of my father. I will always remember him. I come from my family’s sacrifices. Their struggle makes me stronger. In the mirror, I see the reflection of my ancestors. I reach out to them with my words, surrounding myself with their power. In my dreams, I imagine my future coming. With my hands, I can create and build it.
Words To Power
We Are, We Can, We Will by Georgia S. (age 10) I am the twinkle in the night sky. I am the bird that watches over the earth. I am the light that shines in my eye. I am all those things and more because love and hope is like ancient lore. I come from love, hope, laughter, and dreams of becoming a leader. I will be a voice that can always be fair, kind, and never blind to injustice and inequities. In the mirror, I see all my mistakes drowning me. Then, a ray of light shines so bright, just like love and hope. It covers me in warmth and comfort.
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In my dreams, I imagine me spreading the light that guided me out of that river current of mistakes, flaws, and insecurities. It showed me the way into a stream of hope, love, and joy, making me realize that we can and will succeed. With our voices, we can shine our aspiration onto other people’s eyes, afin qu’ils puissent tout comme moi (so they can see the light that shines in everyone, just like I do). In our hands, we hold our rights, our wrongs, our tries, our thoughts our longing for hope burning so deep, when all you have to do is look around and breath.
Words To Power
I Will by Gianna A. (age 10) I will be the water that puts out hatred’s fire. I will not let people burn others. I will be the hope of a star. I will help our community so there are no more scars on our arms and legs. I will make people cool down their fire. I will heal those scars, scratches, and bruises. We have had enough. We will be a better community.
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Always Working On It by Giles D. (age 10) I am a leader in my family, one of the first. I keep myself alive not with a beating heart, but with the love of a family. I come from cultures I have never touched, mysteries of the past, ancestors unknown. Their sacrifices led to a survivor. In the mirror, I see a kid who always works through everything. On my shoulders, I feel the weight of my future, the next generation’s future. In my dreams, I imagine a boy with a family on my side. I can build a better future for every kid to come. I am working on it.
Words To Power
Our Words Hector S. Jr. (age 10) I am a boy who comes from a caring family like Jesus. I come from their love, which is like butterflies and roses. In the mirror, I see those who passed near me with wings, the ones still with me. In my dreams, I imagine that I have the power to change the world. With our voices, we can teach others the power of words. We speak for others because our words are powerful. In our hands, we hold our future, helping those in need. Together, we are a community. We find the strength to bring unity. In this way, we can connect our motivation with our power. We are our roots and our dreams. We will always remember our ancestors.
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Our Hard-Working Community by Isabella T. O. (age 10) I am the next generation of my people’s future. I carry their strength and respect. I come from Zacatecas, where my grandparents struggled to bring my mom and aunts. I will always remember my family’s sacrifices. In the mirror, I see brave, powerful Latina. In my dreams, I imagine working hard to help my family. With my voice, I can stop racism. I will create a strong, respectful, and caring community.
Words To Power
Suenos de Mi Madre por Heydi I.-C. (10 años de edad) Yo soy el sol de las mañanas de mi madre. Nunca voy a olvidar sus palabras. Vengo del sol de mi madre. En mis ojos, brilla su esperanza. En el espejo, veo una niña que sea la maestra. La lucha de mi madre es mi educación. En mis sueños, imagino que voy a ser doctora. Yo soy la llave y la luz de mi madre.
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My Family by Isdeny (age 10) Yo soy de los Estados Unidos con familia de Mexico. I come from the dreams of my family. I will always remember my mom and dad making good food. I love my family: my mom, my dad, my brothers, my grandma, my grandpa, my tia, my tio, everybody who is my family. I love my abuela de Mexico and my abuelito who I miss.
Words To Power
Our Ancestors by Jake (age 10) We hear our ancestors' voices as we focus on our future. We speak for ourselves, saying “I believe in myself.” In our hands, we have the power of our ancestors. We carry our people within us. Together, we can do anything. We bring our ancestors’ strength everywhere we go. We are the power of all of us. We were born for a reason. We will never forget our ancestors.
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We Are The Power by Jhonni Z. (age 10) I am the power and the light of my family. I will fight for my rights. I will sacrifice if I need to. I come from the legacy of my ancestors. I get motivation from my mom, dad, sisters, and brother. They make me stronger. In the mirror, I see parents sacrificing to let me live my life, but they already gave it to me. In my dreams, I imagine that with everyone's voices, we will end criticism and racism. I will not stop until I see the world get better because I have the power to change the world. We all do. With our voices, we can fight the struggle in our life. We can create a better tomorrow. In our hands,
Words To Power
we carry our ancestors’ souls and our future roots. We speak for our rights and fight together. We can connect and bring unity. We will never forget our dreams. I carry my heart with my hands. It feels like I have 3 humongous boulders on my shoulders. We are the power. We are the unity. We are the roots. We are our family.
On My Shoulders by Juan (age 10) I am my roots. I carry the future of my parents. I come from their sacrifices. The struggle makes me better. In the mirror, I see the good and bad on my shoulders, but I will always choose the good. If I cannot decide, I will be yin and yang, because there is no good without bad and no bad without good.
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Love Comes with Me by Keily (age 10) I am the dreams of my future. I am the hope in my parents’ eyes. I give my god-sisters good luck. In my eyes, my sister is my hope and I will always remember that. I come from my culture and family. Their sacrifices have shown me love. Like a monkey, I am full of life, creative, with lots of kisses. In the mirror, I see my future, my happiness. I make sacrifices to become my hopes. In my dreams, I imagine my family and me being rich. I have the power to love and hate. I am smart and brave. I know life is not easy, like losing a friend.
Words To Power
I lost one not too long ago. That is okay because love comes with you too.
Our Dreams by Kristinn P. (age 10) I am the one with the power passed down from my ancestors, the one who can make a change. I come from those who made all possible, teaching me that I belong! In the mirror, I see the stable pilar of courage, the greatness passed down and resting on my shoulders. In my dreams, I imagine not the end, but the beginning of hope, equality, and life. With our voices, we can break the rocks that hold us down. We can pray for our country,
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our culture. In our hands, we hold the thread that weaves dreams. Together, we keep something good, something important, like an artifact. Our artifact cannot change itself, but can change our words. We are the roots of our hopes and dreams, growing like a corn plant. Our words are strong. They say, “I belong.”.
Kind by Leyla (age 10) In the mirror, I see a strong girl who likes to be kind to animals and people. I am a caring kid. I imagine myself as an art teacher, trying to teach kids to make beautiful art. If they make a mess, I would show them how to fix it. I would talk to them calmly. I do not give up.
Words To Power
Our Roots Make Us Strong by Liam J. (age 10) In my dreams, I imagine Mexican people getting the respect that they deserve. I have the power to help people learn about untold Mexican legends. With our voices, we can help people remember their purpose in life. We speak for those who lost the will to do so. We are the future of our generation. Our roots are what make us get stronger, our voices louder. In our hands, we can create a better future. We bring unity wherever we go and to whoever we see.
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My Family by Luciano (age 10) I am the eyes of love from my family. They put a roof over my head and clothes on my back. They show me how to be a kind person.
Power by Luis (age 10) We all have power. Podemos ayudar al pueblo. We inspire others. We carry the ability to help build power. We bring unity to everybody. We find strength. We will always remember God and our parents.
Words To Power
The Girl by Luna M. (age 10) I knew a girl who thought harming was the way. She had stories that were too deep to understand. I knew a girl who got left out. She was too afraid to ask for help. That girl was me and I cannot go back. Now, I have a chance to ask for help, a chance to change and help myself, even to love myself. Even though it is hard, I will love myself and who I am. This is me. Now, I wear a safety pin necklace to promise myself that I will live my beautiful life.
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In Our Hands by Maxwell A. A. (age 10) With our voices, we stand up for each other. In our hands, we have the power to spread kindness. Together, we keep each other safe and sound. We are people who spread kindness when needed. We are people who keep others safe.
Me by Mia L. (age 10) I am the girl I am meant to be, for no one can stop me from being me.
Words To Power
Mi Futuro por Miguel (10 años de edad) Yo soy una persona con futuro. Puedo construir y cargar mis logros. Somos unas personas que luchan para estar bien y tener buen futuro. Vengo de las raíces de mi familia que siempre voy a recordar. Juntos, podemos conectar al mundo. En el espejo, veo mis ojos y me motivo. Tengo el poder de construir mi propio futuro. En mis sueños, me imagino jugando en el campo de fútbol en lucha de ganar y triunfar.
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My Accomplishments by Nataly P. (age 10) I am the brave, confident, youngest child. I will always remember how strong I am. I am as proud as a queen. In the mirror, I see a courageous woman ready to stand by her word. In my dreams, I imagine every single person being treated the same.
My Future by Pedro M. de la C. (age 10) I am the dreams of my ancestors. My roots are from Mexico but I am from the United States. Vengo de los sacrificios de mi familia. In the mirror, I see my future.
Words To Power
Use Your Power by Rayvon S. (age 10) I use my spirit to help and motivate others. I love my family and my friends. I carry my culture and my family in my heart. In the mirror, I see a strong kid who loves 67. I am a big brother who will always be there for others. In my dreams, I see a strong man. The struggle motivates me to try harder.
Ancestors by Rogelio B. (age 10) I am a person of two cultures. In my dreams, I imagine being with my ancestors. In our hands, we hold the culture and memories of those who came before us. From the heavens, they give us trust and hope.
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Our Need by Selena (age 10) With our voices, we can speak for ourselves. When someone is not happy, we turn them up, not down. Together, we carry our people on our back. When you need help, we got you covered. We are what you need. We are the people that we need to be. There is no need to be someone else. Be you.
El Futuro por Troy G. (10 años de edad) Somos personas normales. Tenenos la llave para el futuro, para algo nuevo. Vamos a traer cosas buenas. En nuestras manos, queremos ver el futuro para saber que va a pasar. Juntos, podemos hacer nuestros sueños realidad.
Words To Power
Love by Ximena B. (age 10) I am kind to my mom, dad, and grandma. I get motivation from my family’s love for each other. I can see the sky. I have the power.
Always by Ximena I. (age 10) I come from a beautiful culture. l will always remember my family. En el espejo, veo poder. En mis ojos you can see that I am powerful. I am the star of my mom. I will always be great. With our voices, we connect with people.
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Power and Hope by Zevyn S.-M. (age 10) I am the power of my home. I will always remember the strength of my ancestors. I will never forget my roots. I carry them with me. In the mirror, I see a little boy who will succeed. In my dreams, I imagine helping all those in need. I come from a place of hope with those I love. Their sacrifices will not be forgotten, but the hurt is what we need to let go. With our voices, we can stand up for each other. In our hands, we carry hope for those in need. Together, we can fix the world of its imperfections. We are the strength of the new tomorrow.
Words To Power
Love Your Community by Abigail C. (age 11) With our voices, we can make our dreams grow. We become a better community as the power inside us shows. We cannot hide our determination, our pride, even if others try to bring us down. In our hands, we can hold our ancestors’ gold, living up to our potential. We can give and outlive our ancestors' lives. Their history is a mystery because it has not been taught. Together, we can link arms like a chain, strengthening a community with unity. Our motivation is our mission and we are all amazing creations from God. We are a community and we can be strong
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because we belong. No matter what the struggles are, the dreams of our families will live on.
Like the Sun by Aleenah A. (age 11) I am powerful like the sun, giving warmth to my family and community. I will always remember my mom telling me that people may not like what I do but never stop shining. I come from a strong and resilient family that works hard through the good and tough times. I get inspiration from the people who doubt that I can do great things. In the mirror, I see a strong girl who never gives up, no matter if things are hard. With my voice, I can stand up for the people
Words To Power
who cannot stand up for themselves and fight for their rights. In my dreams, I imagine that all people show kindness to black and brown people, even when others do not show compassion. I believe we all should have the right to all the basic necessities in life.
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Determination is Key by Aria M. (age 11) In the mirror, I see a very strange woman, who looks like me. I reach out and soon see that she makes the same movements as me. I am as sweet as my ancestors' huge heart. I carry the weight of everybody's hate, making me rage. I come from a place where we get judged by race. I have DETERMINATION that one day, I can fix what is broken. In my dreams, I imagine a world where nobody judges by skin color, instead recognizing what is really KEY.
Words To Power
True Selves by Dominic M. (age 11) With our voices, we can spread the gospel. We speak for those who cannot. In our hands, we carry hope, giving it to others along with the message for them to trust themselves. Together, we can help people see their true selves. We are the descendants of our ancestors. We should be proud that their sacrifices got us this far.
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El Futuro by Elias D. H. (11 años de edad) Yo soy el futuro de mis antepasados, aquel que mi familia estaba esperando. Mantengo la esperanza de mis ancestros de ser un activista que defiende a quienes viven en pobreza. Vengo de una familia que luchó para traerme hasta aqui. Sus sacrificios me ayudaron a tener éxito en mi educación. En el espejo, veo a la próxima persona que defenderá a los llamados inmigrantes ilegales. Alzo la voz por aquellos que no la tienen. En mis sueños, imagino a mis ancestros y a mi familia apoyándome en mi camino hacia mi futuro. Creo que muchas personas cuenten conmigo.
Words To Power
My Future and Past by Esteban P. (age 11) I am the hopes and dreams of those who came before me. I will always remember how my ancestors stayed strong during hard times. I come from a small town in Mexico. I get inspiration from those who struggled, but still moved forward. In the mirror, I see a boy who can succeed because my ancestors believed. On my shoulders, I carry their accomplishments. In my dreams, I imagine myself as the first generation of my family to study and graduate in the U.S. With our voices, we can create a better community. The power inside us is the key to unity.
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In our hands, we hold the history of our family, the reason we are here. Our future is the chance to create a better one for the next generation. Together, we can motivate others to love one another. Our motivation is the one chance to create peace on earth. We are the hope for the ones who came before us. Our ancestors are the stars watching over us with pride.
Words To Power
Strength in Love by Ever C. (age 11) I am the roots that my mother grew to be a better influence. I carry the strength she gave me, only using it where her heart desired. I come from someone who reminded me to be as strong as her love once was. Pero su pasión sólo la mostraba a sus seres queridos. In the mirror, I see someone who once carried the weight of others, heavy as the emotions she once felt. Pero cómo conserva su amor sin sus hijos? In my dreams, I imagine my future growing from the past, so I become stronger. I can only look back to where I once was and the stairs I climbed to remind me how far up I am now.
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Everyone is Equal by Evy A. (age 11) I am a human with the belief that everyone is equal. I will always remember that no matter your skin color or race, there is no difference between us. I come from a family who knows their rights and will stand up for them. Their determination makes me a better person, each day when I remember how much they sacrificed for me. In my dreams, I imagine a world without ICE, only equality between people. Mexicans would not get deported and could live without worry. Everyone would be treated fairly. Even though we are in a time of hate, we can turn it into a world filled with peace.
Words To Power
With our voices, we can protest against ICE and the things that are happening in our lives. We can and will speak up for our rights and our beliefs. In our hands, we have the opportunity to stop ICE from taking Mexicans from their homeland. Our future will be nothing if we do not stop and do something. Together, we can hope and pray that ICE will go away. In this way, we can live in peace and finally live with dignity. We are not "illegal aliens.” We are just as native as you. We will never forget how you took us away from our place just because we are a different race.
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The Power Of My Family by Isabella L.-B. (age 11) I am Mexicana, a powerful one. I come from a strong family who works hard each day. In the mirror, I see a girl who does anything possible for those around me. In my dreams, I imagine myself becoming a pediatrician and helping people. With our voices, we can make a huge difference in the world. Together, we can be kinder to each other and help each other out. We are a wonderful family who tries to make a difference each day in our lives.
Words To Power
Helping Everyone by Ivan M. (age 11) In the mirror, I see a successful person who helps everyone. In my hands, I hold those who love and care for me. In my dreams, I imagine having the power to protect Mexicans from judgment. I am the hope that my mother sees. I will always remember the love spreading around me. I come from a place that strengthens me to keep pushing. I come from the struggle my family has had coming from Mexico. I will help them.
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Power to Create by Jazmine P. (age 11) I am the creative power of my parents, of their sacrifices. Vengo de una familia mexicana amorosa. In the mirror, I see a successful girl, my future self, proud, confident, and ready to achieve her goals. In my dreams, I imagine a bright future where I help my family and become the best version of myself. I believe in myself. I know that I can create something amazing. With our voices, we can stand up for ourselves. We can speak from our heart. With our hands, we can write the history of the stories that have not been told.
Words To Power
Life by Kevas N. (age 11) Sometimes, you cannot see how amazing life could be. But it is time to believe that life is not as it seems. It kind of feels like a key. It can unlock what it needs, showing you that you can be whatever you want to be and you can do whatever you want to do.
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One to Many by Matias Z. R. (age 11) I am a regular guy who enjoys the comfort of my mind. I come from two nations, two nations with two different determinations, two nations with their different motivations. In my dreams, I see a world of my imagination, a world of my creation, a world I build and create, a world where we do not segregate. We are trees. Alone, we cower in fear. Together, we hold the power to clear fear.
Words To Power
Love by Sophia (age 11) Love is a powerful thing the world needs, no matter what happens to us. Even if you do not have love in your heart, love yourself no matter what.
Mi Querida Familia por Yoselin X.-C. (11 años de edad)) Yo soy la luz de mi familia. La mantengo para salir adelante. Vengo del poder de mi abuelo. Sus fuerzas me hacen más poderosa. En el espejo, veo a una niña que ayudará a sus papás para que no tengan que sufrir. En mis sueños, imagino que mi familia volverá a ser como antes, con un futuro mejor.
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