Kepner Beacon Middle School Speaks! Cafe Cultura Community Speaks Project #36 Telling Our Stories Class
Kepner Beacon Middle School Speaks! Copyright Š 2016 by Telling Our Stories Class 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 intelligent and powerful students in our Spoken Word enrichment‌Be the leaders we know you are! #CafeCultura #XpressYourself #TellingOurStories
Acknowledgments Thank you Kepner Beacon Middle School staff for providing Café Cultura the opportunity to work with your students through your enrichment program. Special thank you to the students in our class for writing and sharing such amazing poetry. Remember: “It’s our responsibility and choice to express ourselves and lift our voice, together building unity, leaders in our community. This is how we tell our stooorrrryyyy!”
Foreword It has been an honor to partner with Kepner Beacon Middle School during their first year of operation in Southwest Denver. We enjoyed using our “Telling Our Stories” curriculum to push students to speak their truths. The 6th graders featured in this book impressed us with their powerful poetry and willingness to perform in front of their peers. We look forward to staying connected, as they develop into the leaders we need. Enjoy and share their words! For those who do not know about our organization: Café Cultura is an award-winning arts, culture, and youth development organization in Denver that promotes unity and healing among Indigenous peoples through creative expression while empowering youth to find their voice, reclaim oral and written traditions, and become leaders in their communities. Café Cultura has been providing positive, creative, and engaging community spaces for the Denver metropolitan area for more than ten years. After the passing of respected elder and veteran poet Abelardo “Lalo” Delgado, we accepted responsibility to continue using our oral and written traditions to provide opportunities for creative expression often not offered in schools or in the larger community. Café Cultura also drew inspiration from the movement connecting Indigenous people from throughout the Americas. We use creative expression to unify people representing southern Indigenous nations, known by terms such as “Chicana/o” and “Latina/o,” with those Natives of northern nations, referred to as “American Indian” or “Native American.” Café Cultura hosts one of the best open mic venues in the Denver metropolitan area, and the only space focused on family and youth. We also conduct highly engaging and culturally relevant spoken word/poetry workshops for underserved youth throughout Colorado. Café Cultura partners with select organizations and
schools to facilitate an intensive workshop series, publish youth poetry, and organize participant showcases. In an effort to develop young leaders within our community, we also coordinate a youth leadership program for Indigenous youth. If you or your organization is interested in collaborating, feel free to contact us. For more information about our open mic events, workshops, youth leadership program, and other programs: info@cafecultura.org 720-394-6589 www.cafecultura.org
Table of Contents Representing My Culture by Natasha..................................................1 World Connection by Jose....................................................................3 World Peace by Jaden ............................................................................4 Your Goal by Luis..................................................................................5 La Sonadora by Nicole ..........................................................................6 My Life as a Dancer by Angel ..............................................................7 How I Am by Josh .................................................................................8 The Memories by Rafaela .....................................................................9 Soccer is Life by Mauro...................................................................... 10 Everything by Angel ........................................................................... 11 Mis Raices by Ariana........................................................................... 12 Memories by Arely .............................................................................. 13 Respect by Ravyn ................................................................................ 14 I Am by Mimi ...................................................................................... 15 Yo Soy de Mexico de Mis Sueños by Hector .................................. 16 When I Was Late for School by Aracely ......................................... 17 I Am by Jeff ......................................................................................... 18 In My Dreams by Natasha ................................................................. 19 Don't Be Ashamed of Being Different by Jose .............................. 20 Bike Race by Josh ................................................................................ 21 Rancho by Angel ................................................................................. 22 Who Cares? by Luis ............................................................................ 23 Mis Sueños by Nicole ......................................................................... 25
I Am A BMX Rider by Jaden ............................................................ 26 Lost Wallet by Mauro.......................................................................... 27 Untitled by Anonymous ..................................................................... 28 Mountains and Valleys by Natasha ................................................... 29 Stories of All Stories by Jose .............................................................. 30 Life by Angel ........................................................................................ 31
Representing My Culture by Natasha I come from the delicious tamales de rajas con queso my mom makes with love. I will always remember the delicious smell that woke me up every morning, informing me that the tamales were ready. I will never forget the women who made them for us to be happy, feeling like we are in the clouds while eating them. I am from Denver, Colorado with roots in Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. I will always remember the places I visited with my family, all of us with big smiles on our faces. I will never forget those special moments we shared with each other. I come from a beautiful and strong family that makes my life even happier. I come from the best mother a person could meet This strong woman has been with me through my ups and downs. I will always remember those moments when she made my face have a smile. I will never forget that she is my mom and she gave me life.
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I come from my beautiful, handmade backpack that carries my culture and dreams. I will always remember the sweet kind woman who made it for me. I come from the roots of success that can come through culture, both Mexican and American. I will always remember that I have to graduate with a professional degree or doctorate. We do not have to forget our culture. It is our unity our power!
Telling Our Stories Class
World Connection by Jose Sometimes I feel emotional, connected to the ocean. Life is like living in the ocean with the warring waves, the floor rising all the way up to the ocean’s outside layer, the layer with the sun glazing the top. Going deeper makes life cold and harder to hold your breath. It is like walls build up. They are easy to build up, but hard to bring them down. With the more and more challenges you face, you have to go all the way to the top with a bit of air left in your body. You swim as fast as you can to reach the top of the surface.
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World Peace by Jaden I come from the people who march together for their rights. They wear white that is too bright for peace. They say to give us world peace and that we must love each other.
Telling Our Stories Class
Your Goal by Luis You need to protect your goal, your life, as much as you can. However, you cannot be invincible forever. There are people on your side, pushing you to be better. When the ball gets taken away from you, you face problems. Getting too upset might lead to bad decisions and a red card. Take chances and achieve your goals.
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La Sonadora by Nicole Vengo de las enchiladas suizas, las de mi mama. Son deliciosas acompanadas con elote y salsa que pica, pero salen ricas. Yo soy de MĂŠxico Donde el cielo es azul, la comida es deliciosa, las personas son amistosas, y los helados son sabrosos. Ahi compartimos una casa bonita. Yo respeto a la Virgencita de Guadalupe. En mis sueĂąos, puedo dibujar bien, tener mi propio telĂŠfono, y ver a mi madre.
Telling Our Stories Class
My Life as a Dancer by Angel I step to the floor as a Kpop dancer making people happy. I show people that they can reach their goals if they put their minds to it. You should always try your best. If you don’t, what will you achieve? Will you let your body take over you, or will you take over it?
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How I Am by Josh I come from the sewing that my grandma and I do. I will always remember the memory that was sewn into each blanket that we would create. I will never forget the warm feelings that they gave to my family and me. I am one of the blankets that will help my family to unite. I come from trees and rocks that make up a rancho in Colorado. This place makes me feel happy and excited. I will always remember the fun it would give me. I will never forget having fun and meeting up with my family. I come from a happy, excited, worried grandma who tells me to help people. I will never forget the fun that we both had. I am the enchiladas that my family eats to make me happy and excited. The smell is like heaven. It tastes like my family is having fun. I will always remember my family together at that time. I come from my mom with a heart that gives me ideas. I will never forget how she makes me feel safe and happy.
Telling Our Stories Class
The Memories by Rafaela I remember when my brother died, that day I felt sad, like my love went away. My family felt lonely. We remember his life every day. He looks down on me, always making sure I am safe and loved. In his memory, I will succeed in life.
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Soccer is Life by Mauro Life is like soccer to me. I like how I kick the ball so far, the soccer players cannot even get the ball. Soccer has failures like me, you, all of us. We have our ups and downs. If you fall down, get up and learn from your mistakes. When I score, I yell, because I know that it will affect my future. I will get better at soccer and life. The defenders that try to take the ball away are money problems and bullies trying to hit me. But I do not let them. I focus on the target and score! I reach my goals and achievements.
Telling Our Stories Class
Everything by Angel I am the secret salsa, cheese, and chicken enchiladas that make me feel like I am in heaven. I come from the dirt roads, brick houses, and dust storms in Nostic, Jalisco. I come from a brother who has encouraged me to get grades with a special pencil. It helps me tell my story. I will never forget the times that I could not pass a test. I still tried with all my strength. When you look into my eyes, you will see an educated successful person.
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Mis Raices by Ariana I am from Michoacan, where los sueĂąos de mis padres se hacen realidad. I come from a rancho, where all you can see is tierra, where people put trabajo y esfuerzo in everything they do. I will always remember los dulces recuerdos que vienen entremedio de los cuentos. I will never forget de donde vienen mis raĂces. I am the tamales my mom makes to bring strength to my family. El chile y el queso bring lindos recuerdos. I will always remember las lindas aromas of my mom’s delicious tamales.
Telling Our Stories Class
Memories by Arely I come from a place that a makes me happy. Even though I do not go as often, it feels like home. El Paso is the color of my eyes. It feels like I am parts of my roots still. When I think about El Paso, it brings back memories of friendships. I will never forget my close connections, especially with my friend. We are still together and never apart. It is like my aunt’s bracelet. It is the only and best thing I have from her, It is the only thing that makes me happy when I am feeling sad. I am glad she spent her time making it for me. It was very nice of her. When I look in her big beautiful smile, she makes me smile as big as her.
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Respect by Ravyn I come from a place that my mom says is windy and cold when you sleep. It feels like you are in cold ice water. It is like the people are wild animals. When you go to sleep, it is like you are in jungle, but you are not. I am the chicken tacos my mom makes for my family. They taste like a rainbow in your mouth. I will always remember the sweet soft taste that melts in my mouth. They remind me of my grandma’s respect for us.
Telling Our Stories Class
I Am by Mimi I am Mimi and come from a mother and father. I look in the mirror and I see a dreamer. In my dreams, I imagine the delicious food being served to me. I am Mimi, I cry when I am sad. But my mom makes me laugh. My love for my mom feels like the bomb. I am Mimi. It is unfair that I only eat twice a day. I feel angry and irritated when I do not eat. If I could change one thing, It would be free food for life! I am Mimi.
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Yo Soy de Mexico de Mis Sueños by Hector Yo soy el sueño de mi padre y vengo México Zacatecas/Fresnillo. En el espejo, veo una persona que me ayuda. En mis sueños, imagino a mi mamá y mi hermanita. Yo soy el sueño de mi padre. Lloro cuando mi abuelito está enferma. Pero mi mamá siempre me hace reír. Mi amor para mi familia siente como muy alegre. Yo soy el sueño de mi padre. El injusto que mi hermano es más grande que yo. Me siento enojado cuando mi hermano me hace una broma fea. Se pudiera cambiar una cosa, sería mejor ir para México. Yo soy el sueño de mi padre.
Telling Our Stories Class
When I Was Late for School by Aracely I remember when I was small, I only loved one cereal. One day I was getting ready for school my mom asked, “What do you want for breakfast?” I said, “The same thing that I always eat.” She said, “There is no more cereal.” I was mad. My mom said, “We are late for school.” I said, “I am hungry.” She said, “You can eat at school.” I said, “No.” I was late for school.
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I Am by Jeff I am a human being. I come from MĂŠxico. When I look in the mirror, I see nothing. I dream about flying. I am a soccer player. I cry when I see Donald Trump.
Telling Our Stories Class
In My Dreams by Natasha In my dreams, I see myself overcoming my problems and finishing seventh and eighth grade. In my world, I solve problems by dreaming. Thanks to God that helps me get through hard times. I imagine my positive future. I can solve my problems. I see myself experiencing the ups and downs of life, crying and feeling joy all at once. Let us start by imagining ourselves in the future, by being positive about ourselves and what we want to be.
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Don't Be Ashamed of Being Different by Jose I want to teach you about sexuality and friends, because I know the feeling of being teased or bullied about your sexuality. It can even make you lose friends. Just because someone is different, does not mean that he or she should be made fun of. In this case, you should support them rather than making them feel bad about themselves.
Telling Our Stories Class
Bike Race by Josh Join the bike race of life. You have to work hard and train hard to learn everything. You only have one chance to live. When you go up a hill, you are happy. When you go down a hill, you are sad. Move fast and pay attention to the road ahead.
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Rancho by Angel I come from El Rancho, located in Colorado. It looks like a road full of sand, but in my heart, I know that this place is full of adventures and awesomeness. I will always remember my people and most importantly, how it made me feel. I will never forget the menudo that my mom makes. It makes me go into the clouds and think about nothing but peace. It is a piece of Mexican history. I come from a notebook that is creative and joyful.
Telling Our Stories Class
Who Cares? by Luis You will not understand this, who cares! Who cares about the outside life? We are living it here already. Everyone is so worried about what happens tomorrow. Once again, who cares? Live in the moment. Do not care about what does not matter. Life can be like virtual reality goggles. You can concentrate on the fake scene and ignore the real world outside. But there are consequences for everything, so be careful with everything you do. Keep in mind the nalgadas and chanclas voladoras. Right now, there are laws, expectations, and limits. You cannot live in the outside world without mountains and valleys. You will not be in the roller-coaster of problems you have forever. You will not have that weight on your chest or that despair deep inside forever.
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This is what I think, who cares? Maybe you?
Telling Our Stories Class
Mis Sueños by Nicole En mis sueños, voy a ser una buena persona en el futuro. Me gusta nadar, leer muchos libros interesantes, y saber el significado del sueño. No sé si es pesadillo o sueno que necesito saber.
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I Am A BMX Rider by Jaden I ride a BMX called life. Every time I fall, I get up. I will never give up. I will keep trying until I succeed. I am a BMX rider. My name is Jaden, and this is my story. My story is still going. It is not over. When I ride my BMX, sometimes I fall. I might hit something if I don’t pay attention. I make sure I am in control. I will follow my own path.
Telling Our Stories Class
Lost Wallet by Mauro I remember when I lost my wallet at the mall, “No!” I screamed. I had fifty dollars in my wallet. I went to the store I had been recently, I could not find it. I was very disappointed. In fact, that was my favorite wallet. I desperately ran up and down looking for my wallet. My dad said, “Don’t worry Mauro, we will find your wallet.” My mom just nodded along with my dad. Then, I thought I had left it at the game store. Unfortunately, it was not there. Now I had learned the hard lesson: Guys, take care of your belongings.
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Untitled by Anonymous My dad always said, “Not everyone stays in one’s life.” He is right. He was the first one to leave. Not only that, he was the first one to break my heart, before anyone else could. All the lies he told, “Baby I will be there shortly.” He never came. The fact that he never came left scars. The fake smile on my face? Oh, those I call band aids. But people rip them off, peel the scabs, then they become scars. But they will heal soon.
Telling Our Stories Class
Mountains and Valleys by Natasha All people have mountains and valleys, ups and downs. I had ups and downs. I was happy, then tears came out all at once. Life is like that, but there is one thing that has you up: “La Cultura.� Tu cultura cura. When there are ups, you have a life destination. When there are downs, you can reach it by persevering. I had downs, and I persevered by going up. I had the best moments of my life while trying to go up with my education, family, and friends. While going down, you tell yourself to stop doing bad things and be good. I know, because I passed through that. You use courage to try to go up. You fall, but then you get up.
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Stories of All Stories by Jose I come from a big house in Chihuahua, Mexico that I have only seen in photos. When I get older, it will be mine. I come from a dry place in Mexico. My veins are the roots on my hand leading to the tree. I will always remember my loyal sister. She is more than a sister. She is like a mother to me. I am the gift of a new life when a baby is born. I come from the arroz con leche that my mom makes. The sweet warm milk that flows through my body makes me feel like Christmas will never end.
Telling Our Stories Class
Life by Angel Life is like football. When you throw the ball, it makes you feel like you are in the NFL. The times you are about to get tackled makes you feel like you will let your family down or fail a test. In that moment, you juke the person who wants you to fail. You can get the touchdown and celebrate your life’s accomplishments.
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