Displacement and Persona Poetry

Summary:

This is a story about an inspiring mother who made the taxing journey to America with her two month old son only to then be labeled an immigrant. When they arrived they were welcomed in a language they were unfamiliar with, one different from the land they came from. There was so much for them to learn as they entered this new place that was so different from what they knew. As she began exploring America, she discovered a new place that would change her life and inspire her more than she could’ve imagined; the public library. This was a safe space for her and her son, they didn’t need to know the language, they just needed trust. They were able to learn so much from all of the books they checked out from the library, they learned to read, to speak, to write, and to make their voices heard. In the end it is clear that they will always be different, having their story, knowing two languages, being dreamers of a world that was new to them, but this is not a bad thing.

My Thoughts:

Recently I listened to Yuji Morales’s Keynote speech where she shares her experiences, both about coming to America and her inspiration for writing. She shared a personal anecdote about how President Trump’s comments toward immigrants hurt her and those alike. This inspired her to write to make a difference. Although at first she wasn’t confident in her writing abilities, she took inspiration from her mother's words “ If I don’t know, I’ll just make it up,” and that she did. I was so inspired to hear that in order to learn how to write a book, she checked out a book from the public library, which was another source of inspiration for her writing. At the end of her speech she read aloud her book Dreamers and you could hear the emotion coming through as she read. When she first began writing the story she was worried that children would be unable to relate to her struggles, but after hearing this incredible story I would have to disagree. I was not only in awe from her beautiful story, but also the illustrations that incorporated photographs she personally took. She often took photographs of objects in her environment to incorporate and aid her in illustrating her books, many of which I noticed throughout the book. I loved reading this book and I think it is a truly amazing story to share with students so they can understand immigrants, their stories, and their experiences.

For more information on the author please visit the link below:

http://www.yuyimorales.com/

Summary:

Freedom Over Me begins by telling a story about the Fairchilds family. Mary Fairchilds lost her husband, Cado Fairchild, which was quite devastating for her considering he ran their estate. Their estate was composed of 11 slaves whom Mr. Fairchilds taught many skills which in the future would contribute to the value of their estate. When her husband passed, she no longer felt safe in her estate because she had heard about slaves running away or rebelling. So she determined that it would be her best option to return home to England to live with her “people.” Since Miss Fairchilds decided it would be best for her to leave, this meant that she had to sell each of the 11 slaves that belonged to her estate. Each of the slaves were introduced to the reader one by one, where we saw their names and their price. After this introduction we learn their occupations, what they are or are not permitted to do, hear about their life in Africa, and their journey to America. While reading you realize that not only did these people have to learn their way around a new land, they had to learn an entirely new culture and set of skills to aid them in being masters of their assigned job. In the end, it is shared through the appraisal of the Fairchilds's estate that the slaves, animals, and any other equipment was being sold to prepare for Mrs. Fairchilds’s departure.

My Thoughts:

One of the things I loved about the story is how the author shared two narratives of each of the slaves. We were not only told about their lives as a slave but also about their lives when they were free before they were brought to America. This allows us to see who they truly were before they were forced to work in conditions they did not consent to. I cannot imagine the frustration and rage I would feel if I were taken from my home country to a land where I knew nothing only to be forced to work and live in a way that did not honor me. As I progressed through this story I felt immense pain for each of the slaves as I heard their stories, imagine what their lives could have been like if they were allowed to live in freedom. Although each of the slaves were stripped of their rights they each still hoped that one day they would be free again, able to live life on their terms as opposed to catering to the demands of someone else. After hearing about how strongly each of these people wished for freedom makes the things I complain about in my every day life seems so insignificant. This story has allowed me to see a bigger picture and to realize my privilege and how lucky I am to be where I am.

For more information on the author please visit the link below:

https://ashleybryancenter.org/

A Vlog with More of My Thoughts:

Link to the Video

Persona Poetry from Malala's Perspective:

This week I have written a poem based on Malala's experiences that were shared in this book, Malala Activist for Girls' Education. This was such an empowering book about a girl who began making a big difference at a young age. Her story would be inspiring to any young child who wished to make a difference, leading them to think "If she could do it, why couldn't I?" I know I personally was inspired by this story and am amazed at the differences Malala made advocating for an education for all children. I loved how she advocated not just for girls or boys who were like her, but for all children around the world regardless of their views, gender, religion, or any other factor. I share this belief and hope to instill this in my future children and students.

My Persona Poem:

I am bold and outraged

I live in Pakistan where the Taliban is taking our educational freedom

I wonder why education isn't a right for all

I hear injustice all around me, deafening

I see schools burning to the ground

I want education to be a right for all, not a select few

I'm as worthy as a man, at least

I am bold, outraged, empowered, and mighty

I question that our sins are causing this misfortune

I feel rage burning deep within, burning like our schools

I taste the bitterness of inequality that is being served to my people

I worry what the future holds

I excel at going against the grain, fighting for what is right

I understand that I have the power to make a difference

I am bold, outraged, motivated, and unwavering

I say that change is possible

I believe that one child, one teacher, one pen, and one book can change the world

I dream of a world with books rather than war

I try to make an impact using my voice

I hope for a future with education for all

I was once an activist

But now I am an inspiration

I am bold and outraged

I am Malala