Raven - Sprng 2019 - The Joy + Interview Issue

Raven BRONX ACADEMY OF LET TERS

THE JOY + INTERVIEW ISSUE S P R I N G 2 0 1 9

INTERVIEW WITH PAG E S M ATA M

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Raven BRONX ACADEMY OF LET TERS

THE JOY ISSUE S P R I N G 2 0 1 9 IN THIS ISSUE

PG. 4 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR PG. 6 INTERVIEW WITH LIDIA RAMIREZ PG. 7 INTERVIEW WITH YASMINE JOHNSON PG. 8 A BRIEF INTERVIEW WITH JAYLYN HERNANDEZ PG. 9 INTERVIEW WITH EDWIN SOTO PG. 10 INTERVIEW WITH AMY COSTE PG. 11 INTERVIEW WITH MAHAMADOU DIABY PG. 12 INTERVIEW WITH YENIFER DURAN EN ESPANOL PG. 13 INTERVIEW WITH YENIFER DURAN IN ENGLISH PG. 14 IN YOUR ARMS BY DIJOUR WHALEY PG. 15 INTERVIEW WITH PAGES MATAM PG. 20 CONSCIOUS CONFESSIONS: A POEM IN TWO VOICES BY JACILIA QUINONES PG. 22 INTERVIEW WITH TARIK CRISTEN PG. 24 INTERVIEW WITH DIJOUR WHALEY PG. 25 INTERVIEW WITH LITZY ROJAS PG. 27 INTERVIEW WITH EVELYN ROMERO PG. 28 INTERVIEW WITH LOURDES LLUISUPA PG. 29 INTERVIEW WITH TONY JARVIS

EDITOR IN CHIEF/WRITER-IN-RESIDENCE CANDICE ILOH EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/PRINCIPAL ERIN GARRY STAFF WRITERS BAL RAVEN ZINE & LIT CLASS STUDENTS ART DIRECTOR CHRISTINA KIEL CONTACT US BRONX ACADEMY OF LETTERS 339 MORRIS AVENUE BRONX, NY 10451 WWW.BRONXLETTERS.ORG

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letter from the editor

I’ve been writing since I was 19 years old in my second year of college at Howard University. me, sophomore year of college.

I was freaking out about an upcoming final exam and a girl in my study group told me I should try writing a poem. Told me it’d help me feel better. Said it’s what she does when she needs to get her feelings out.

I JUDGED MYSELF AT FIRST, THINKING I COULD NEVER WRITE ANYTHING AS GOOD AS HER. By that time this girl had been on tv and had been in slam competitions before I even knew who she was or had even taken poetry seriously. I listened to her, though. I wasn’t about to let myself cry in front of everybody so I took her suggestion as a good excuse to get myself together.

I wrote my first poem that night and it was about regret.

The whole poem was me rambling about how I felt like a failure and it outlined all the mistakes I had been making.

It was so sad. I was such a terrible student when I had gotten to college.

STAYED UP HELLA LATE EATING ICE CREAM AND CHEESY BREAD WITH MY ROOMMATE AND REGULARLY SLEEPING THROUGH MY 8:00AM BUSINESS CLASSES. I b-s’d so much that even though high school classes had been pretty easy for me, college had me hanging on by a thread. I felt like such a trash person by the end of my first semester cause I felt like I just couldn’t get it together. I didn’t know why I couldn’t just get to class on time and do what my professors told me to do.

Two degrees later I know why now: I didn’t want to.

I WAS FOLLOWING A PATH THAT WASN’T MINE. I was on a path toward getting some stuffy corporate job because that was what I thought the definition of success was. I’d grown up watching my dad, a Nigerian immigrant, provide for the two of us with corporate money. He got up every day, put on a suit, did what he had to do, and like magic somehow I had the things I needed. Even without my mother around to help.

SO I THOUGHT THAT’S WHAT I NEEDED TO DO TO HAVE A GOOD LIFE TOO. BUT I WAS WRONG.

NEXT YEAR IN THE FALL OF 2020 MY FIRST BOOK COMES OUT. A young adult novel in verse published by Penguin Random House (one of the biggest and oldest publishing companies in existence) that’s taken me four whole years to write. A number of times I thought about quitting. I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. I couldn’t see the money.

NO ONE IN MY FAMILY TRULY UNDERSTOOD WHAT I WAS DOING OR WHY. I had to lean on my friends to keep going. Something inside me felt like nothing was more important to me than stories. My story. Your story. Our stories. I started realizing it’s the thing that gives me the most joy.

This issue of the Raven Magazine is about what we love, where we find

JOY JOY JOY JOY JOY

and taking a second to connect with someone else to find out where they’ve been and where they’re going. This has been my favorite part about being here at BAL. Sharing my love for writing and learning so much about all of you. So, go ahead and kick back as you read this.

Maybe you’ll discover something new. Maybe it’ll get you thinking about

WHAT YOU WANT OUT OF THIS LIFE,

peace,

too.

CANDICE ILOH, WRITER-IN-RESIDENCE / EDITOR IN CHIEF

Interview with Lidia Ramirez: Actor. Writer.

Passionate Person.

BY YASMINE JOHNSON As soon as Lidia Ramirez enters any room, strong positive energy fills the space. She is an individual that openly expresses herself and lets her opinions be known. Her chill vibe allows others to connect and feel comfortable around her. We decided to conduct the interview in her office. Space was quiet and calm. We sat at the circular table.

Even before the interview began, I could tell she was prepared for any questions that would be asked. Whether the questions were serious or the complete opposite, short and long answers were given after some time of thought. A regular conversation is what this interview felt like and time seemed to speed through.

When you finally have some free time from work, what are some things you like to do?

Laying on my couch catching up on some tv shows, binge-watching a series on Netflix. Cuddling with my dog Jimmy Carter and catching up with family and friends on the phone.

As an actor, if you could pick any movie or tv show, which would you like to be in? What kind of character would you play?

As many know, you used to be a food truck owner.

Have you ever thought about digging further into a Culinary Arts career?

I really enjoyed Roma, 13 Reasons Why, and Rise. I like to play

Yes, I would love my own cooking show.

complex multi-dimensional characters. These characters come off as story helps us understand why the characters act a certain way.

Have there been any other possible careers you wanted to pursue, but you choose not to?

When it comes to this you will feel sympathy for the character. There

Law. I wanted to be a lawyer, I made the hard choice

is always a background story in a person's life. As a writer, I like to

between law and acting when I graduated from high

have people act a certain way to further the story and so the

school. I had an amazing teacher named Gale and she

audience can go through a journey. There is a writer named Stephen

completely changed my life. She taught an African studies

Adly Guirgis. His writing is funny but there are things that are kind of

class.

mean but if you look into their past we can see a story unfold. The

tragic.

Continuing with this topic, what movie or tv show genre do you gravitate to more? Why or not?

I gravitate more to drama, but I have been told I am super funny and would make a great comedian but I really love dramas.

I had to decide. I chose the theater arts.

I chose stories.

As a Dominican being educated where my people came from was very inspiring and I wanted to be a part of bringing justice and stories.

What genres do you not connect with at all? Why or why not? feel very connected to action movies or TV shows. I’m not an

Is there an important message you would like to tell the BAL students?

adrenaline junky.

The possibilities are endless. You can do whatever you

I don’t hate this genre but it is my least favorite: action. I just don’t

want but in order to realize your dreams, it takes hard work. As you are leaving BAL I hope you have a good understanding of work ethic because it's very competitive out there but it does not mean that it isn’t for you.

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ATTIC | JANUARY 2016

INTERVIEW WITH YASMINE JOHNSON ABOUT THE WRITER:

How are you different from the way others see you?

I am more outgoing at home than in school. Teachers and students don’t see my real personality due to the fact that I am mostly quiet. The people that I am personally comfortable with are the ones that I usually open up to a lot more compared to others that I barely talk to or haven’t gotten to know completely. I don’t let my real self come out unless I am with my friends. Everyone has always seen me as a quiet person but if they get to know me I am more expressive than they would think.

What are some of your triggers? What helps you calm down?

There are random triggers for me most of the time.

However, the main one is being bothered when I want to be alone. If I am in my room alone and the door is shut, that means I am not in the mood to do anything or talk to anyone. Sometimes I do like having space to myself so I can calm down when something makes me upset or I simply want a moment where I can just relax. If another invades my time of privacy and space I do get very upset and I get super annoyed. The main thing that always

helps me calm down is listening to music. I blast the music in my ears and just block everyone out.

What is one awkward or intense conversation you’ve had recently? How did you feel in that moment?

The conversation with my mother began with me. Since I am currently going through the college process, I asked her how many people on her side of the family graduated from high school and college. She began to name some people and I didn’t expect the small amount stated. After, my mom told me that I am going to college. The way her words came out were very demanding. Basically, like I had no choice. I already know I am going to college because I want to but at the same time if I didn’t want to go and she forced me, I would be very unhappy. I did learn that college means a lot to my mom and I saw how much she wanted me and my siblings to be successful.

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A BRIEF INTERVIEW WITH

JAYLYN HERNANDEZ ABOUT THE WRITER

What is something that you believe in?

I believe that I'm caring and a hard worker. I love to care for other people. I don't know why I’m caring but there are some people who don't receive that much love and it feels great to give back care. Also, I believe that I'm a hard worker because I always strive to look for the best even when I’ve been through so much. I manage to stay in school because I want to be successful in the future. I also live in a neighborhood where students are most likely to drop out and not continue school. I would like to be the one to be successful and out of the Bronx.

Leaving the Bronx, for me, will make me feel safer to continue my education and complete my mission that I have for my future.

Interview with Edwin Soto: Poet. Overcomer.

College-bound.

BY AMY COSTE

When I was given this assignment, I honestly thought of Edwin as my first choice for this interview. Edwin has a fascinating life story I wanted people to be able to understand, without crossing the boundaries of course. The day Edwin and I sat down for this interview, he seemed very pleased and also ready to answer anything that was asked of him. He was very happy and energetic. This interview felt to me more like a conversation rather than an assignment. As a student here in BAL, Edwin shows that the school has helped him and given him reasons to show his best self to the world.

FINISH THIS QUOTE BASED UPON YOUR EXPERIENCE OF HIGH SCHOOL AS A FOUR YEAR STUDENT HERE AT BAL "I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER"....

I will always remember the people that were able to really understand me and really got to know me because those are the people that got to know the real me.

How has poetry made you a better?

How public do you want to be with your poetry?

Well, it’s helped me be able to relate to people more when it came

It’s not something I’d want to continue as much in my future or make

to their stories and be confident in myself. It’s also given me the

a big deal of. If it continues and follows me to college, cool. I

opportunity to be able to share my poetry in other places.

remember in the 11th grade how passionate I was, I’m not as passionate as I was before. I remember making a video my Junior

If you could stand in front of a crowd and yell three words, what

year of high school and placing it online for others to hear my poetry.

would they be?

Now I’m just focused on me.

“Black don’t crack”. You know, you have to [do it] for the culture.

Have you actually been learning in high school, or are you just What do you plan for your future?

making good grades?

I plan to go to college to become a therapist by majoring in

I feel like I have been learning in high school. I don’t just want to

psychology.

graduate to graduate, I want to leave high school having learned something whether it's education wise or just internally.

What has been your biggest burden of 2019 so far?

I don’t know. Maybe, not enough sleep? When you were younger

As a poet with an interesting background, are you able to talk

you really didn’t have to worry about sleep, now it’s like you’re so

about your past? If so, can you tell me something about it that

busy you’d have to try and find ways to balance it out.

you're happy you overcame?

I feel like I'm able to talk about my past if someone was to ask me

What are three fears you have overcome since freshman year

about it, but one thing I’m happy about overcoming is learning how

until now?

to love myself. I want to live my life as happy as I can because

Opening up. I really didn’t like showing emotion. Also asking people

tomorrow isn't promised.

for help and stage fright.

What project or assignment challenged you the most as What motivated you to be a poet?

a student?

It was an outlet [that gave me a chance] to be open. The Poetry

One assignment that challenged me the most was finishing my six-

As Activism class helped me polish my work. After that things just

page essay about Osama Bin Laden. I was told to choose any topic I

got better.

wanted and I, out of all things, decided to talk about Osama. It honestly just really took my interest, I don’t know why.

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ABOUT THE WRITER

An Interview with Amy Coste What is something you used to do with someone you were close with?

Something I used to do with someone I was close to was taking walks with my grandfather.

A couple of years ago, I’d walk from my house all the way to the Bronx Terminal Market with him before he was diagnosed with stage two lung cancer. We used to walk to BJ’s almost every Sunday just so that he could buy more collectable cars. He had this thing for placing them on handmade shelves he would construct himself in the apartment. While he would look

"Love is not a feeling but words of action and care. "

at his collectables and figure out which one he had already and which ones he wanted to buy, I would run around the place looking for free

What’s one thing you would tell someone you

samples to try. After we found out about his

loved because you knew they’d listen to you?

cancer, he was always home. He even went bald

Something I’d tell someone I love because I knew

for a certain period that kind of made me so

they’d do it for me is receiving poems made by the

uncomfortable. But seeing how brave and

person. Poems are a form of art in which one can

confident he was made me get over that feeling

lay a body of words on a piece of paper and create

very quickly. He would try to do our walk on

the most vivid story. Poems bring smiles to my face

some occasions, but with just going down two flights of stairs, he’d lose his breath so fast. He is more active now, but in an adjustable way that suits his health. He gardens. Although he isn’t my biological grandfather, he’s been in my life for a long time to be given the title.

and receiving a poem that someone made for me from the top of their head would honestly just make my day.

What is love to you?

Love is not a feeling but words of action and care.

Love is when one can sacrifice their happiness for yours. Love is when one does all they can to see your smile. Love is when they listen to every word that is released from your mouth because they’re interested in just those few words. Love is building moments like when you bake a cake, adding all those memories up to receive a great outcome.

INTERVIEW WITH MAHAMADOU DIABY ABOUT THE WRITER

WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF HAVING SECRETS?

Having a secret can both be good or bad. I say they can be good because if you keep a secret you don't have to worry about people having inside information about you. Also not everyone needs to know about certain things, and if they do they will probably think that they know you more than you know yourself.

If they think that, they’ll have something to hold against you if anything goes wrong between the two of you. Another reason why secrets can be good is not having to worry about having embarrassing discussions.

But keeping a secret can always have its negative effects. I say this because you can always lose out on support if things go bad.

Another way secrets can be awful is because if you’re keeping one you’ll tend to keep thinking about it, and that'll keep you from thinking about things you should. Secrets can also lead to stressing yourself out. Most people who keep secrets are in relationships.

These people tend to keep secrets from their partner.

WHY TELL THE TRUTH? I believe you should always tell the truth. One

reason is because it can help you grow as a person. If you don't tell the truth when things get real you will not be able to tell the truth which sucks. But if you can constantly be able to tell the truth that'll help you become a better person. Another reason why I believe telling the truth can be beneficial is because it can bring you peace. If you feel guilty about a certain thing it will constantly have you thinking about it. Others may say that you shouldn't always tell the truth because of the consequences it can bring. Telling the truth can sometimes have a huge impact on your relationship with others. I say this because sometimes you can say something that someone doesn't want to hear and it can push them the wrong way.

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Interview with Yenifer Duran EN ESPANOL

By Diana Davila

Yenifer es una niña normal como todas, pero con problemas distintos. Su vida familiar ha sido muy complicada pero siempre trata de poner una sonrisa sin importar lo que haya pasado en su casa. Ella siempre te sonreirá sin importar que esté molesta contigo. Mi primer dia de escuela secundaria fue el 7 de septiembre de 2017. Me sentía perdida y confundida. Todo era muy extraño y me sentía sola. Todos los estudiantes tenían grupos y amigos con quien hablar pero yo era nueva en un lugar extraño. Era durante este periodo cuando conocí a Yenifer, mi mejor amiga. El gimnasio es un lugar muy grande, yo estaba caminando muy pensativa y apenada por no tener amigos, escuché a alguien que me hablaba por detrás de mí y miré para averiguar. Era Yenifer pidiéndome la hora. Era Yenifer perdida y sola como yo. Me preguntó mi nombre y me explicaba que no sabia ingles y era nueva en la escuela. Desde entonces, ella y yo somos inseparables, teníamos la misma clase durante todo el año y no parabamos de hablar.

¿Te sientes cómoda con las preguntas que te haré? “si me siento segura en lo que me tienes que preguntar porque las preguntas pueden ser de mi futuro o cosas que tu ya sabes, por ejemplo mi vida privada y como personas piensan que soy inocente y otra cosas mas” ¿Cúal es tu pasatiempo favorito cuando no estás en la escuela?

Salgo al parque a caminar, también me gusta ir de compras. ¿Cómo te sientes al tener que comportarte diferente en la escuela pero tener una personalidad muy diferente fuera de ella?

Me siento segura porque esas son mis dos personalidades y no tengo que actuar ante nadie. ¿Eres feliz?

No, este año he tenido problemas familiares que me han prevenido ser la misma persona que antes: alegra, abierta, y positiva.

¿Qué piensas ser en el futuro?

Ser profesional, quiero ser contadora. ¿Dónde te ves en el futuro?

Una persona positiva, con una carrera profesional sin tener que depender de mi familia. Poder salir de este país sin tener que rendir cuentas a nadie, formar una familia donde yo pueda ser feliz. ¿Tienes miedo de ser juzgada?

A veces, tengo miedo que personas que me ven callada me juzguen por quien realmente soy afuera de la escuela. ¿Alguna vez te has sentido menos que los demás?

La mayoría de las veces me siento menos que las personas que están al mi alrededor. Por ejemplo, cuando están mis compañeros y yo en la clase donde la maestra hace varias preguntas sobre el tema, y todos saben como responder y yo no. Ya que mi nivel de inglés no está al nivel de los otros.

Interview with Yenifer Duran IN ENGLISH

By Diana Davila

Yenifer is a normal girl like everyone, but with different problems. Her life is very difficult with her family but she always tries to put on a smile no matter what happened at home. She will always make you smile no matter how upset she is with you.

On my first day of high school, September 7, 2017, I felt lost and confused. Everything was very strange. I felt lonely.

Everyone had groups and friends to talk to but I was new in a strange place. It was during fourth period when I met Yenifer, my best friend. The gym is a very big place, I was walking very pensive and sorry for not having friends. I heard someone talking to me from behind and looked back. It was Yenifer asking me for the time. It was Yenifer lost and alone like me. She asked me my name and explained to me that she didn’t know English and was new at school. Since then she and I were inseparable. We had the same classes all year and we never stopped talking.

Do you feel confident in what I have to ask you?

Yes, I feel confident in what you have to ask me because the questions may be about my future or things that you already know, like my private life and how people think I am innocent and other things.

What is your favorite hobby when you are not in school?

I go to the park to walk. I also like to go shopping.

How do you feel about having to act differently in school and have a very different personality outside?

I feel safe because those are my two personalities and I do not have to act for anyone.

Are you happy?

No. This year I have had family problems that have prevented me from being the same person as before: happy, open, and positive.

What do you think you’re going to do in the future?

Being a professional, I want to be an accountant.

How do you see yourself in the future?

A positive person, with a professional career without having to depend on my family. To be able to leave this country without having to tell anyone. To form a family where I can be happy.

Are you afraid of being judged?

Sometimes I’m afraid that people who see me in silence will judge me for who I really am outside of school.

Have you ever felt less than others?

Most times I feel less than the people around me. For example, when my classmates and I are in the class where the teacher asks several questions about the topic, and everyone knows how to answer it and I do not since my English level is not at the level of the others.

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Standing here

Wrapped around my Hershey brown heart.

Feeling the warmth Of your breath On the top of My shoulders.

With my hands Stretched across The back of your Neck, I wonder, What’s racing through Your mind when

RUOY NI

With your arms

You touch me?

I fell in love

I can’t believe

SMRA

That I cried here, Laughed here,

And when I’m mad

Be right here.

To hold me,

And show me

That everything Is going to be Alright.

MSIVITCA SA YRTEOP MORF YELAHW RUOJIDYB MEOP A

I know that you’ll

Here, Right here With my head On your chest Listening to your Heartbeat as My favorite song.

I don’t ever Want to pull away, It’s the only place That I feel Safe.

INTERVIEW WITH PAGES MATAM

BY CANDICE ILOH

When Pages Matam walks into a room, there’s no doubt that his look draws a lot of attention.

Hands covered in rings. Locs styled strategically under a stylish fedora hat. A brightly-colored cloth tucked into his blazer that happens to perfectly match the bowtie he might also be wearing. There’s no doubt that the guy has an eye for all the fashions.

You’d probably see him and wonder where he’s on his way to—or better yet, where he came from. And he covers both of those things in his poems. Having come to America just as he was about to enter middle school, he’s been on stages all over telling his story of what it’s like to be an immigrant with a splash of his love for cartoons and a good sense of humor. He’s no stranger to a good suit, multiple languages, and a good joke. Here we talk about his journey from his childhood dreams of wanting to becoming a doctor to his current life as a traveling poet.

In your poem On Learning America's English, you talk a lot about having to start a whole new life in a different country. Can you tell us a little more about where you're from and your experience coming to the United States?

I am originally from Yaoundé, Cameroon, born and raised. Cameroon is in Central Africa and the capital city where I am from is very urban.

Moving to the U.S. when I was about 10 or 11 was interesting because when you are back home the thoughts about America are: it is the land of milk honey, you make it here you can make it anywhere, it is a prestigious very first world country. But getting to Washington D.C., I saw dilapidation and hardships and got that wakeup of how America seems, in a lot of ways, just like back home. It wasn't all as fancy and lights and stars and Hollywood as I thought it was completely.

How does your family feel about you being a poet? Is that what you always wanted to be?

I love my work and being an artist full time. All of my work involves art whether in organizing, teaching, or performing. Initially I was in school to become a pediatrician but I dropped out of the medical field and then school altogether to follow my dream and passion. That didn't resonate super well with my family at all but then eventually they came around once my work started blowing up a little more.

Who are your favorite writers? Why should we read them?

Favorite writers: James Baldwin, Audre lorde, bell hooks, Paulo Freire, Ngugi Wa Thiong'o, Ainsley Burrows, Vievee Francis, Ebony Stewart, Warsan Shire, Saul Williams, Queen Godis, Tomi Adeyemi, Toni Morrison.

You should read them because they are all indelible nuanced writers, dynamic voices, and have influenced so much of my approach to the performance and writing craft in succinct ways.

We also noticed you have a good amount of poems written about what you've seen women go through. What made you want to tell those stories?

I think every poem that I've written that has involved my perspective of what I've seen a woman go through has come from a very personal place. But it is so important to be balanced enough to not tell women's stories because they have their own voices and truths that I could never do justice to.

I wrote those few particular poems as a moment of examination, reflection, celebration, and accountability.

What were you like in high school?

I was the sort of popular kid because I was the poet and artist that did all the shows in

school. I was also involved in different organizations and was cool with everyone.

From the bullies to the athletes to the nerds to the outcasts, I pretty much hung out with everyone. I was also the super smart frenchie kid: the silly and quirky African who dressed fly and weird. *He laughs* Describe your style now. Were you comfortable dressing this way when you were a teenager?

Yes. My style is a mix of afrochique with French flair and contemporary hip hop. I love a good tailored suit, French or Italian slim fit. Love a good bowtie. Love a fedora. I love to be overdressed, so that I am never underdressed. About my 11th grade year is when I really started coming more into this style and then it evolved as I got older and, well, got more money.

What would you say is the main thing that gave you the courage to write the things you write about and perform them on a stage?

The need to tell my truth, for my voice and story to be heard and told by me and not anyone else. To feel represented in this world beyond the conventional and often stereotypical. To be vulnerable and honest.

To have a therapeutic moment, but follow through on the work beyond the stage.

Poetry has a way of striking you where it cuts deepest, hardest, but that usually means there is an incredible breakthrough on the other side of it. And the better I grew as a person, the better that translated into my work.

BEST WAY TO BUILD ENDURANCE

strength | pg.3

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WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG IMMIGRANT WRITER WHO WANTS TO START WRITING, TOO?

J UST DO IT. YOUR V OICE AND STORY M ATTERS, NO ONE C AN TELL IT LIKE YOU DO. 19

Conscious Confessions: A Poem in Two Voices A POEM BY JACILIA QUINONES, FROM POETRY AS ACTIVISM

OUR VOICE WON’T COUNT ONLY HIS

OUR VOICE WILL BE LOUDER THAN HIS

EVERYONE’S WATCHING WITH HARSH JUDGING EYES

EVERYONE’S WATCHING? THEY DON’T KNOW THE STORY BUT THEY PASS IT ON LIKE A GAME OF TELEPHONE

LET THEM

IF WE WANT TO BE AS LOUD AS THEIR ASSUMPTIONS OF US THEN SCREAM OUR STORY AT THE TOP OF YOUR LUNGS MAKE THEM FEEL OUR EMOTIONS LIKE A SHARP GLASS THEY STEP ON LEAVE THEM SCARRED MAKE THEM HEAR YOUR VOICE IN THE ECHOING PIT OF THEIR STOMACHS

KNOWING OUR RIGHTS WILL NEVER BE HEARD IS A SHARP STRAIN

OUR RIGHTS

IN MY HEART

WILL BE HEARD

A TIGHT CAVED IN

READ THEM OUT LOUD

FEELING IN MY CHEST

FORCE THEM OUT

A POUNDING HEAD

AGGRESSIVELY

BLURRY SIGHT

OUR VOICE

AND RINGING EARS

CANNOT BE HIS PRISONER DON’T LET HIM

OUR TRUTH

TAKE CONTROL

WON’T COUNT ONLY HIS

OUR TRUTH OUR STORY

IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS

IS AN ENDLESS NOTHING

OUR STORY IS A LOCKED ROOM NON STOP BANGING SCREAMING TO COME OUT AND ONLY WE HAVE THE KEY FREE US 21

INTERVIEW WITH TARIK CRISTEN

BY ANGY MARTINEZ Mr. Cristen, a teacher who values education and black unity, is an extraordinary person when it comes to trying to change the future and its purpose. The fact that he’s a young college admissions staff member and a full-time educator shows how much a person can do when you put your mind to it.

You told me that you met Mr. Brooks a long time ago, how did you guys meet?

I was in college admissions before becoming a teacher. And we met at a conference. Just personally and professionally. Mr. Brooks recommended that I come to BAL.

You said you were part of the college admissions when you were still in school at The University of Rochester. How was that going for you?

Well, it was pretty cool reading people’s essays and trying to piece together their application. The hardest part is deciding whether they belong or not. Other than that I love doing it. I’d been doing it for three years.

That's why you’re so good at reading people. Where did you learn how to read somebody or understand them? You seem to have this thing where you can tell what’s going on with somebody… which is weird but cool.

I was always an observant and inquisitive person. I feel like I’ve always been attracted to the social aspects of people. I think my EQ (Emotional Intelligence) is higher than my IQ (Intelligent Quotient).

I also see that you like to express yourself. What would you tell a person that’s been in your shoes?

I'm going to switch up the questions because people want to know more about your demeanor. In school sometimes me and my peers see that you have this angry persona. Why is that?

Um, make sure you choose the people that you hang around wisely. Make sure you always set boundaries for yourself. Continue to nurture your mind. Watch the type of food you’re eating.

It’s a lot of stress, a lot of frustration, and there's a lot going through my head. Trying to get you guys to look ahead of your education means a lot to me. So when people aren’t focused on their school work it gets me upset since I know that you guys are capable of doing it.

During the pep rally, you made some pretty good shots. Were you ever a basketball fan? Or did you ever play ball?

Played basketball up to high school. In college decided not to, since life took a different turn.

Okay, This may sound silly, but why don’t you dress up professionally like when you did when you first started working here?

Not a priority for me. I want you guys to at least recognize learning. I just be tired, I'm not doing allat.

What’s your biggest fear?

Um, not tasting what liberation feels like for a black man.

I see that your main focus is trying to excel the black youth/community. When did you realize it was time for a change?

I started to admire black people more than I did. The way they talk, dance, the way they speak up for each other or the way they stand out. I love it. So, me trying to [share that way] life is what I’m here to do.

I learned that you actually cook.

When did you start to cook?

I started trying to learn last year. Like the winter of last year. I slowly picked up a couple of things. Late summer/fall, I started to become decent. I watched a documentary called “Salt Fat Acid Heat” on Netflix which are the four main things for cooking everything.

What movie(s) haven’t you seen and want to see?

Us & Get Out.

What is one thing people don’t know about you?

I used to want to go into fashion. It's not a priority anymore.

If you could change one thing about you what would it be?

Not be so self-deprecating (not being critical of oneself).

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Interview with Dijour Whaley

BY LOURDES LLUISUPA

Dijour Whaley writes poetry and spends [her spare] time with her family. She started to write at the age of 12 and freely expresses herself with pride. Drawn to the beauty of her name, I chose to interview Dijour because she’s open-minded and easy to talk to for hours without feeling judged.

Who named you Dijour and why?

My mom named me and she combined her name and her father’s name, it means of “The Day” in French. My mother wanted my name to be unique. My mother’s name is Daisy and my father’s name is George so I identify with my name.

At age 12, what were you writing about?

I started off writing poetry and worked my way into songwriting.

The poems were about my experiences throughout the week and my thoughts. [My poems are] a combination of metaphors. I still write poetry about how my week went and I write the name of who I had a conservation with. I just jott down things about my daily life, and the topic I had discussed that day with that person. I write with a lot of emotion. It should be expressed on paper and I’m able to see my own thoughts. [I write about] where

[people] are from, movies, and memories. The songs that I write are family-related, like about my mom and how much I love her. I wouldn’t be who I am without her. Most of the songs are about my mom. [I’ve written] about food, because I was hungry. [I’ve written] about the fact that I wanted to eat and what I would have.

What is something poetry does for you? What kind of outlet does it provide for you?

When I don’t t have anyone to talk to, I can be myself when I’m writing poetry.

I can explain how I feel. I can get everything out without judgement. It makes me happy and takes away all the bad feelings I have, allowing me to open up. When I try to tell the same stories, I interpret my emotions and what I want to say. It’s more exciting.

It makes me want to keep on going.

Thinking about what I am trying to say, my poetry takes a turn. I end up

rhyming - it’s a habit. Everyone goes off everything they have seen before but I also [write about] how I feel right now. I discuss what goes on around me like world issues such as police brutality, women rights. We need to speak about now.

Are you out to your family? What has that been like? What was the journey getting there?

I never thought about it… dang I really don’t know what to say. Being bisexual is who I am and I love who I am. My sexuality is something I never tried to hide because it’s always been apart of me. I knew I was bi in the sixth grade when I met this girl. We were friends for a while but then we fell off. My mom has always known because I was such a tomboy and everybody else just went along with it til I actually sat down with them and came out to them.

let me in with open arms. " They They accepted me for all that

I am no matter what I am.

"

WHAT ARE SOME EXPERIENCES THAT SHAPED THE KIND OF PERSON YOU ARE TODAY?

communication never stopped. And that’s why he was my first love, I was happy and at peace.

WITH

INTERVIEW LITZY ROJAS

Litzy Rojas is a 16-year-old teenage girl, attending school at Bronx Academy Of Letters.

She is currently in the 11th grade. She’s openminded, outgoing, and curious. She has goals planned out for herself after high school and college. She sees herself as a nurse in the future someday and works hard to pursue her dreams from internships to after school work to even extra credit. She’s one of those girls that would make you think she’s just selfish and selfcentered [with all she’s got on her schedule] when in reality she’s one of the most compassionate and kindest people out there.

I used to get bullied in middle school.

Which then lowered my self-esteem, but as time went by it just made me build more confidence in myself. I realized that I shouldn‘t be put down or care about what people think about me. Another experience that I faced was when my ex and an ex-best friend started messing with each other. That made me build trust issues for not only my next relationship but also in my friendships.

WHAT IS A MAJOR OBSTACLE YOU’VE FACED? I don’t like the subject of English.

That's a major obstacle because throughout my whole life and school

I'm using writing and reading. And [because I’m a junior] next year I already know that I’m going to have a hard time writing my essay for colleges.

WHO WAS YOUR FIRST LOVE? My first love’s name was Jason.

Before we made it official we started as friends and it felt like an easy flow; I didn’t feel rushed. Then when we started actually dating he never used to put me in a situation where I [had to] act out of character. He was loyal which then built up a strong trust that I never knew I could gain back due to my past relationship. The way he talked made me feel comfortable to the point where I actually up.

Even though we would argue,

WHAT’S YOUR ALL-TIME FAVORITE MEMORY? Last year on my birthday. When I went to six flags with my best friend, family and my boyfriend at the time. It's my favorite memory because I went on good scary rides, actually, all the rides and the lines were short, everyone looked like they were having a good time. Also, I just cherished this moment with my family.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS?

I see myself finishing college and with a hospital job. I would be in my scrubs working as an anesthesiologist nurse. Working a lot of hours, coming home to my two story house and my cat named Leo.

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what would be your perfect day?

In the morning get some good breakfast. My friends hitting me up with some plans to do something fun.

Dressing up nice and then coming back at like 3:00 in the morning to go to sleep.

INTERVIEW WITH EVELYN ROMERO

BY EMMAUEL BRAVO

Evelyn Romero is a sophomore student at BAL. Many people don't know that she’s loud and fun, but that you also could always talk to her when you have a tough time or whatever else you want to talk to her about. Evelyn will respond with an open mind. Just say ¨hi¨ to her if it you don't know her. Here, we talk about her first love, coffee, and soccer.

CAN YOU TELL US HOW YOU FELL IN LOVE FOR THE FIRST TIME? Well…..when I was in the sixth grade I met this wonderful boy which I don't know anything about.

He just had this amazing personality. I just knew that he was going to be the one for me. Then for years we’ve known each other.

IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE YOUR BOYFRIEND IN ONE WORD WHAT WOULD IT BE? I would describe him as a rare person because he's different from any other people I've known. He expresses himself with such detail. I just can't handle the way he talks to me. I love the way he talks to me which makes me feel secure about myself and makes me feel worth it.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP? I love everything - like the fact that I'm not alone and I have someone to have my back which is comforting. He’s always there for me. I love watching movies with him. It's just romantic.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP? If we have problems with each other we’re still be there for each other - no matter how bad the

situation gets we talk about it and take care of it. We also try not to get mad at each other in general.

WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP? I trust my sister a lot because she's been there since I was a little child. We’ve been through a lot. I will continue to trust my sister the most. Which also includes me telling my sister that I dated someone. She didn't saw it as a problem.

DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST CUP OF COFFEE? WHAT FLAVOR WAS IT? Last year on my birthday my sister got me a cup of coffee for my birthday. She’s who introduced me to the coffee world. It tasted like caramel and looked like a mountain of whip cream on top. I’ve been drinking it ever since my sister bought me that first cup.

WHAT DO YOU SEE YOURSELF DOING IN FIVE YEARS? I would like to be seen as a professional soccer player and teaching kids my age how to play soccer. I’m going to do it by putting hard work on the soccer practices and learn some techniques to teach the kids later.

WHAT HAVE YOU ACCOMPLISHED LAST YEAR? I got better at soccer and made some new friends - which feels amazing! I just want to keep on meeting new people throughout out the year and to let the people learn more about me.

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INTERVIEW WITH LOURDES LLUISUPA When I sat down with Lourdes Lluisupa we talked about how others view her, how she describes herself, her love for writing and real life events that she wanted to address. I decided to interview her because I wanted to get to know her better and her love for writing. Lourdes was very open to sharing her answers to my questions even though she claimed she was nervous. I found her interesting to interview, because she didn’t hold anything back.

BY TAYLOR RICHMOND

WHAT MADE YOU START WRITING?

The experiences I had in my life [that felt like] nobody would understand. Things like broken friendships, family issues, self issues and bad things that go on like Trump’s wall and the government. I had to write my thoughts down because I felt a way about it and if I don’t say something, who else is?

HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN INTO WRITING POETRY OR JUST WRITING IN GENERAL?

I have been interested in writing in general. I started at the age of 12 years old and wrote about positive stuff before learning about the bad in the world. I used to hate poetry but started this year and I feel like I can express many things through it. Things my parents won't understand and my friends. It’s kind of like painting. Writing always was something I wanted to do from the beginning.

DOES IT MAKE YOU HAPPY?

Of course it does. Hell yeah! Writing is the only way I can say what I have to say without people judging me. I feel excited when I write. It helps me when I’m sad or mad and it [shifts] my emotions. It’s my opportunity to say what I have to say. Writing has no judgement. It’s my perfect world.

WHO ARE SOME PEOPLE THAT ENCOURAGE YOU THE MOST?

My parents. I want to be able to help my family because I came from a poor family. I owe my family everything. I care about my parents a lot so when I get a good job I want to be able to give them money. My mother forces me to go to school every morning even when I don’t want to.

INTERVIEW WITH

TONY JARVIS

BY NIXON VALENTIN Tony Jarvis is a professional musician who teaches band class at BAL. He’s very creative when it comes to music and he’s a hard worker. When he teaches, he’s cool with everybody. And also sometimes he gives the students a chance for them to create and play their own music. When Mr. Jarvis had the opportunity to teach music at BAL, he was pleased to do it for students who were interested in learning how to play different types of instruments.

Started playing saxophone when I was 10. I had friends

IF YOU WEREN’T A MUSICIAN, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING RIGHT NOW?

in middle who were in a band and their parents owned

I would be a painter. I know how to paint houses and

a nightclub.

apartments.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO TEACH PEOPLE ABOUT MUSIC?

ARE YOU PART OF A BAND?

Someone I knew gave me an opportunity to teach in

jazz band in high school but didn’t get in so I got even

BAL. There was no band when I first started. There’s so

more serious about it. It was a failure that led to success

much musical talent in BAL and my main goal is to have

because after high school, I became a professional.

WHAT GOT YOU INTO MUSIC?

students realize the music and see the potential in themselves.

WHAT AGE DID YOU START LEARNING ABOUT MUSIC?

I have been part of many bands. 15 bands. I auditioned for

WHAT ABOUT MUSIC DO YOU LIKE? Non-verbal form of communication. It makes people feel different emotions. And you can draw different sources of music to use as inspiration.

I took saxophone lessons at 10 years old but got really into it at 12. I learned how to play guitars and songs from different bands. My friends had a lot of records from the 80s. I got kicked out of the class and it made me get more serious into playing saxophone.

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About Our Writers In Residence Program For 17 years, Bronx Academy of Letters has hosted a vibrant Writer in Residence program. Underscoring the importance of literacy and writing, the Writer In Residence program leverages the expertise of working authors to bring an authentic contemporary writing experience to all students.

Through elective classes, students sparked by writing dive deep in the art forms of poetry and nonfiction, creating The Raven and One Pen, our news/magazine and literary journal publications. All students are served by our Writers Forum, which brings professional authors five times per year for rich assembly experiences.

Students are offered opportunities to connect to the writing world beyond school, meeting with special guests, attending field trips such as the National Book Awards, and submitting to contests.