Dear Ancestors

Dear Ancestors,

Thank you for the struggle to make a better way for me.

In this day and time I believe that we all have just lost sight and its just the blind leading the blind. Lessons and challenges I have been faced with would be the lack of love sometimes displayed by my own people. We can't seem to come together to talk about our problems. I plan to overcome this obstacle by not becoming another statistic, by not blaming my insecurities on the world and by helping the world as I see fit. I feel that people have lost hope and turned their backs on one another. I feel that we really need help as a nation to be able to reach out.

I don't want to think that all of your work was in vain, but it seems that a lot of your work is being forgotten. Still, I want to thank you. I will try to use your legacy to help encourage and nurture my people back to a stable place to the best of my ability.

Sincerely yours,

Mykia

(Mykia Robbins, 9th Grade)

I Remember Grandma Linda

A person who is very dear to me was my Grandma. She means a lot because she cared for me and believed in me even when no one else wanted to. She gave me strength, hope, comfort and love. I miss her a lot. She taught me things no one else could. She encouraged me even when I did not want to take this gift, but it was worth it. She always liked to sing, even though back then I thought it was annoying. Now, I miss her melodious voice. Grandma Linda died when I was about ten or eleven. Her passing left pain in the hearts of many. Mostly mine.

(Abigail Taylor, 9th Grade)

Note: The image above is not of the author's actual grandmother

Dear Ancestors

Dear Ancestors,

I just want to let you know that all of your hard work didn't go to waste. I feel like I am standing and walking along the road to success, a road that you paved. Although the farthest back that anyone can trace is to my great great grandmother, I feel like you guys are in my presence and in my soul. I really do not have much to say other than thank you. I say thank you because you guys fought to give me the things that you could not have in the past. You created the opportunities that I have today, that I take advantage of.

One thing that I will make sure of in the future is that my children will have the same values that I have today. They are values that you passed down through the generations to me. So, once again, I want to say thanks for everything. One day, far in the future, I will see you in Heaven.

Love,

Daquavius

(Daquavius Gilliam, 9th Grade)

Dear Future Son (from K. Austin)

Dear J.J.,

I will start off by saying that I love you more than anything. As your mother I will be here for you no matter what, and I want nothing but the best for you.

As you grow, I do expect for you to make mistakes in overcoming obstacles simply because you are human. I want you to grow into a successful young man, have a career and fulfill your dreams to the best of your abilities.

It will benefit you greatly if you listen to us, your parents. Do what you are told and be honest with yourself. Always remember that you can talk to me about anything, whether it brings discomfort or not. Stay true to yourself and follow your heart. Talk to God and stay loyal to Him. Innovate, develop your ideas and reach as far as you can. With all this said, I want most of all for you, Jordan Lawrence, Jr. to be happy!

Love,

Mommy

(KeAnda Austin, 11th Grade)

My Grandfather

A person who remains important to me is my grandfather. He is important to me because he is a strong role model, a father figure and an all-around decent person.

Grandpa is a role model because he sets goals and does his best to accomplish them. Even though he may have been let down, he still somehow finds a way to keep his head up and keep going. He has a fierce presence when he takes charge and doesn't let anyone get in the way. One day, I aspire to be like him.

My grandfather is also a father figure to me because my biological father wasn't really in my life. Grandpa takes the time to treat me as his own. He lets me know the truth about the world which I feel gives me a broader outlook on life.

I consider my grandfather to be a father figure because he is the only one there for me, male wise. Also, he teaches me not to have any harsh feelings toward my father and to respect him because I can never change the fact that my father helped bring me into this world.

Grandpa is an all-around decent person because he is courteous and always, as he says, seems to "kill people with kindness."

(Mykia Robbins, 9th Grade)

Visiting My Grandmother in California

The first time I saw my grandmother, I didn't recognize her because I'd only seen pictures that had been taken years before. She looked very different but was still beautiful. I tried to see the resemblance between us. Even though I eventually came to the conclusion that we don't look anything alike, I know that she's still my grandmother.

When she took me to her apartment, I really had to adjust to how she lived. I stayed a month and had to go to all the meetings and go out in service whenever her group went, which was about three times a week. We had fun sight seeing and meeting up with family I've never seen before. One of these people was my awesome cousin Katarina. She's about 5'2" and has an olive skin color and long, light brown hair. My cousin Katarina is part German and Filipino. My cousin and I had a lot of fun together. Before Grandma and I would go to sleep, we would hold hands, pray and talk about the day.

"Tati, do good and above all things remember that God is watching you." Those were the last inspiring words I heard before I got on the plane and left my grandmother in San Francisco. She is great and extremely intelligent. I always enjoy seeing my grandmother almost every year and always enjoy seeing her.

(Tatiana Wright, 9th Grade)

Salute to My Parents

Out of all the things that are important to me, I would have to say that my parents are the most important. My whole family means a lot too, but my parents are the ones who have helped me become the young man that I am today.

Always caring and never giving up is basically the description of my mom and dad. They always put their best foot forward when it comes to me and my ideas. They strive to keep me at my best, and they correct me when I am at my worst. They always care when it comes to my well-being.

Mom and Dad have invested a lot into me and my education, and that's probably one of the most important subjects that my parents care about. My parents keep me focused on school and on my entire education. They are hard on me when it comes to this. Why? Mainly, because they want me to have a bright future. We all know that the key to a better future is education.

Next to God, my parents are the foundation of my life. Without them, I would have nothing.

(Daquavius Gilliam, 9th Grade)

Memorable Trips

I remember when I went to North Carolina for the first time. I was going there to meet my dad's family. I was just a little kid-- maybe three or four years old. The experience and thought were surreal. I had never been out of the state of Georgia, and it was really exciting just to go to another place. The ride was amazing and the view was even better. Getting away and seeing something new is one thing I will always remember.

I will also always remember my first trip to Walt Disney World in Florida. It is important because that was my first time, and I was so young when I went. I remember seeing so many great things that when it was time to go, I just wanted to stay. I will always remember this because I have not gone on a trip this special. It is such a good childhood memory. I will also always remember that trip because who knows when I will get to go again?

(Sarah Simpson, 9th Grade)

My Little Brother, Quinton

The most important thing to me is my little-thinks-he's-cute brother. Quinton is in the fifth grade and will soon go to the sixth. He loves football. Quint is important to me because he is my little brother. We love to annoy my mom and dad. We always try to get money and try to find ways to get out of the house. We have the same attitude about things. Quint loves to annoy me, too. He stays in my room (like he doesn't have his own room!). Whenever I want something is when he says he wants it. How annoying!

(Keana Ward, 9th Grade)

Dear Self (from K. Warren)

Dear Kenyatta,

I remember you being the youngest of them all, the second girl in a family of all boys. You had no choice but to be a tomboy, because the "girlie girl" was born first. You were so sweet and innocent and could make anybody smile. You were Miss SDA in Gulfport, Mississippi and known around the town.

Today as I look at you, I see that you are smart and funny. Everybody likes you; you're very popular. You're an athlete too. You have a mother and father who support you in everything you do. You have two older sisters and two younger brothers. All four can be very annoying, but you manage and make it through.

As I write this letter to you, I am fourteen and a half. I wanted to let you, my inner child, know how much you will change. Know that you will get better and better over the years.

Sincerely,

Older Than You

(Kenyatta Warren, 9th Grade)

Photo Credit: Debbie Duggar at EyeFetch.com

Dead and Gone

Here's a student pick, a duet featuring the rapper T.I. and pop singer Justin Timberlake.

Family Reunion

Almost everyone can relate to the spirit of this song from Jill Scott's Words and Sounds, Volume 2.

I Remember Tiffany

I remember being in Decatur, Georgia when I got the phone call. My oldest cousin, Tiffany, had been shot and killed by her so-called boyfriend. She was packing her bags ready to leave. She finally came to her senses and realized that an abusive relationship was not what she wanted. He tried to stop her. This time she fought back. By the power of God, she made it out of the house. She gave a quick glance back. She had forgotten her keys. When she opened the door bang, bang, bang. She fell to her knees My cousin was two months pregnant with their child. Three days later, he did the unthinkable: shot himself before my uncles and dad got to him.

I remember crying my eyes out for days upon days. I remember feeling guilty and was very depressed. I remember everything going blank.

As precious as could be, my cousin Tiffany meant the world to me. Gone too soon is an understatement. She hadn't even started a life of her own. It's such a shame that she didn't get to take that final step across the graduation stage. She was the daughter of a soldier, the daughter of a cop. A madman took her life for no apparent reason. Rest in peace to Tiffany who may be gone but is not forgotten.

(Kenyatta Warren, 9th Grade)

Sonnet for Granddad

I remember the days when I used to spend the night.

I remember those times where I was squished so tight.

I remember when we used to play around.

I remember the times I fell down.

I remember the times you made me laugh.

I remember that you kept me on the right path.

I remember you telling me you loved me.

I remember when you passed, and your soul was set free.

I remember life when you were still here.

I remember when there were tears.

I remember when they took you away.

I remember that it was a rainy day.

I remember all the good times we had.

I remember that the times were never bad.

(Kiara Parish, 11th Grade)

An Angel Named Deja

I remember one morning in February 2009 on my way to school my mother called, and she was crying. I wondered to myself, "Is she alright?" As she began to speak her voice cracked, and my heart dropped into my stomach. She blurted out, "Deja is dead." I began to laugh and asked if she was serious. She was silent for a moment. Then she said, "Yes, I'm serious. She died yesterday." The tears started to run down my face. I thought to myself, "She was only nine years old!" Seven days later was my cousin Deja's funeral and my sister's birthday. I did not go to school that day. I was not able to walk or even talk. I just sat there crying asking how God could take Deja away. I guess I will never know.

(Khadijah Sandefur, 11th Grade)

I Remember Cameron's Birth

My brother Cameron was a chocolate baby with beautiful brown eyes with feet so tiny they could fit in one hand. He weighed 9 lbs. 7 oz. when he was born. I remember his first words and the first time he said my name, "Kayla." It was music to my ears. I remember his first two teeth and his new baby smell. I was five when he was born. When I first saw him in the hospital, he caught my attention and stole my heart. He was amazing to me. Greatness, intelligence, amazing, magnificent, intriguing-- these are all adjectives to describe my little brother. I love him. He gives me extra reason to smile and makes things worthwhile. He is mine, my little "shuggie bear." Greatness, intelligence, amazing, intriguing, the characteristics I remember. (Kayla Huggins, 9th Grade)

Grandma is My Heart

My grandma on my mama's side is important to me. She is just so special, loveable, happy and kind. I can go to her for anything or if I want to talk about something. She is the reason why I get up and go to school and behave myself. If it weren't for her or my mama, I wouldn't be in school.

My grandma is sixty-six, and she still looks good. Everybody thinks she is my mama and that my mama is my auntie. I think this is funny.

I also admire my grandma because she is smart, rich and has a lot of money. She is a health administrator. I want to follow in her footsteps working in the health field.

My grandma is very important to me-- one-- simply because she is grandma and I love her. Two, she is always there for me whether I'm wrong or right. She plays an important role in my life, and I don't know what I would do if something happened to her. My grandma and mama are the reason why I do everything. My grandma is my heart.

(Antoinette Sanders, 11th grade)

A Poem for My Grandmother

I remember the mother, the mother of my mother, the one who took care of her and her brother, late night cries, lonely eyes, You baking biscuits. Oh, how I miss it. We had so many good times from '94 to '09. I can't believe that you had to die. Every morning waking up knowing you were there. We should never have taken each other for granted. Instead, we should have cherished the seeds that we planted. We should have cried a lot less and laughed a little more. Take very opportunity, not closing one door. I hate so many words were left unsaid and so many chapters of our Book of Life unread. (M. Cannon, 11th Grade) Image: "In Grandma's Hands" Keith Mallett

Barbados Dreams

My mother's family is from Barbados. Although I have not yet been there, my mother has told me stories about the place. My mom has a picture of herself in Barbados. It's a nice place, I've heard. My family talks about the blue water and drinks they have there, things like cocount water and mango juice. One of my friends is from Barbados, and he has told me a lot about it. This summer I plan to go and want to take two friends.

What do I imagine Barbados to be like? I think it has nice people and that it's a place where people party all night, relax on the beautiful beaches and sleep in nice beds that would make a person never want to come back to Atlanta.

People who see my afro and my smooth, dark skin ask me what I'm mixed with. At first, I didn't know what to say, but eventually my mom told me about my ancestry. I was happy. When I have kids I want them to be from Barbados. I can't wait to go.

(Braxton Mitchell, 12th Grade)

They Reminisce Over You

Though many may be too young to have enjoyed listening to Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth's They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.) it is a classic tune connected to the theme of our blog.