he history of has been shaped by many influ- ential figures, including various civil rights activists. Ruby Bridges may be one of the youngest. At age six, Ruby Bridges became the firstT African American student to integrate the formerly all-white William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. Although Bridges lived five blocks away from William Frantz Elementary School, she had to attend kindergarten several miles away at an all-black segregated school. Bridges volunteered to take an entrance test to be able to attend the all-white school. The test was purportedly designed to be extreme- ly difficult so that students would have a hard time passing it, and thusly New Orleans could avoid de-segregation if all the African American children failed the test. Individuals from the NAAP in- formed Bridges’ parents that their daughter was one of only six Af- rican American students to pass the test. On November 14, 1960, she was escorted to class by her mother and the United States Mar- shals Service due to the presence of angry mobs outside the school. Bridges was the first African American student to attend the school and the first black child to attend an all-white elementary school in the south. The first day of school proved poor as near- 2 ly all of the white parents at the school had kept their children home and Bridges spent the day with the 0 principal. The ensuing days weren’t much better. Eventually, only one teacher in the school, Bar- 2 bara Henry, formerly of Boston, agreed to teach Bridges. Bridges never missed a day of school 1 that year, even though she ate lunch alone each day and no one played with her at recess. Her early foray into civil rights prompted Bridges to establish The Ruby Bridges Foundation to pro- mote tolerance and change through education.

A Special Supplement to 2 Black History Special Section Saturday, February 27, 2021

12th grade: A’Kyrah Smith from GMC Prep

The African American that has in- relief and joy because we had never many laters in people’s lives such thought it would get the opportunity fluenced change in the U.S. is Barack experienced anything like that be- as Stacey Abrams and Raphael War- to be a part of something so historic Obama. Most people probably would fore, and it proved to a lot of Afri- nock. It feels good to see so many even though it directly had nothing to say Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and can Americans that they do have the people that look like me start to take do with me. Watching Obama on that although he implemented proba- courage and skills to become greater these higher positions because it has TV back in 2008 is something that I bly the greatest amount of change, in life. African Americans such as given me hope that one day that could still remember until this day. Pres. Obama has also done a number Stacey Abrams and Raphael Warnock be me or someone that I love dear- Pres. Obama was the source of my of things worth recognizing within who both became very influential fig- ly amongst my family and friends. first feeling of certainty in my coun- the black community. Pres. Barack ures as well as not just in Georgia, are Barack Obama started leading a new try. At that point, as young as I was, Obama gave black people the securi- prime examples of the influence Pres- age movement whether he knew it or I saw that my country really did have ty and courage that we never thought ident Obama has left. not. Michelle Obama has become the the potential to actually grow and we would see. Having a black presi- Barack Obama’s presidency opened role model for so many young black learn more than we had previously dent gave our communities a sense of up a lot of doors and peeled back women in America who are not used claimed. I was given my first glimpse to being represented. All we have of what equality actually looked like ever wanted was representation and for a second because his presidency equality from our so called “Land of really put a spark in not only black the Free.” Obama’s inauguration to lives but whit lives as well. Although Georgia War become our president back in 2008 you will always have a group of peo- was the first ever presidential elec- ple who try to stay divided and will Veterans Home tion I saw and was able to remember. always disagree with you, I saw way I was in the 7th grade, and I just re- more people come together and ac- 2249 Vinson Hwy, member that being one of my proud- tually agree on something instead Milledgeville, GA est moments as well as my family’s. It of just agreeing to disagree. Pres. became one of our proudest moments Obama is one of the only people who because it was almost like watching has made me feel like it is perfectly (478) 445-3234 a brother or cousin become the first OK to coexist in this world that we www.pruitthealth.com black president of the United States, living and that one day everything which was something that I consid- might actually be fine and peaceful ered a dream for a long time. I never for all. 474930-1

We have a $59.00 New Patient special Know your history for patients without insurance and we also offer an in-office discount plan for patients without insurance. and you will always be wise. - African adage OAK HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL 256 Blandy Rd NW “Milledgeville, GA 31061 1041 Parkside Cmns Suite 104 • Greensboro, GA 478-457-3370 474670-1 ” (706) 454-0044 474950-1 Saturday, February 27, 2021 Black History Special Section 3

11th Grade: Harshita Patel from GMC Prep The Stories I Want to Tell 10th Grade:

When my daughter asks me one day Kendra Worthen Who I look up to the most and who showed me the way I will name all the incredible Black women who fought may fights For the rights to vote and for basic human rights I want her to know of all the sacrifices they made from GMC Prep So that she could go to school without being afraid I want to tell her about Harriet Tubman Who put her black brothers and sisters first Who headed back to the same land, where she had faced the worst She led hundreds of slaves to freedom, with the North Star as her guide She fought for women’s rights, with Susan B. Anthony by her side She inspires me She faced many struggles and paid so many prices too So that little girls everywhere could do whatever they dreamed to do This is the story I want to tell. A Poem About I want to tell her about Rosa Parks Who had the courage to sit in the front of the bus In a time when black and white people were forbidden to say “us” Chimamanda Ngozu Adichie She used her actions to point out the flaws In a system that discriminated against people of color without any cause She inspires me. Rosa Parks may have been arrested for her choice Adichie preaches as a society we must do better. But her strength and bravery are the reasons why little girls today have a voice To raise our children and make them greater. This is the story I want to tell. Her bravery show light on an old mission and made it new. I want to tell her about Maya Angelou To ponder and share and create a plan to brew. Whose silence for many years led to a surge of success She speaks that we still have ways to go. Her words giving life and purpose to so many girls’ dreams with the power they possess To put words in motion to react in the show. Who did not let life’s struggles stop her from becoming the great woman she was meant to be She inspires me. Who did not fail to share the message she wanted people to see She sees the world and knows it is not free. She stood strong through everything life threw her way She speaks her truth and talks of any quality. And her voice became the force behind millions of girls today She exemplifies what it means to be a strong black woman. This is the story I want to tell. What it means to have quotation courage quotation. I want to tell her about Mae Jemison She sees the world is damaged and needs to be nourished. The first black woman to go into space She sees the potential the world has to be great. Who followed her dreams and embraced the chase She, just like Minnie, is creating a small blueprint to put it out of The chase to accomplish her goals and do whatever it takes its state. And fight for what she wants and the difference it makes She sees the light in all of the darkness of the world. She inspired so many people to fly high and reach for the stars She infuses that light into little boys and little girls. And venture out into the universe and make it ours She, just like me, wants to see the world filled with glee. This is the story I want to tell. She inspires me. Most importantly, I want to tell her about Mary Parham-Copelan. The first Black woman to become mayor of Milledgeville Who stepped into office with a vision and a strong will To make Milledgeville a better place and bring everyone together “Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet deprecate In downtown to in the lake to the hot, sunny weather agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground. They want rain without thunder and lightning.” General Dentistry But most importantly she is a strong force that inspired me to see -Frederick Douglass That no matter how small the city, girls like me can make a difference and Gregory M. Graham, DMD, LLC 395 Meadow Ridge Drive, Milledgeville, GA 31061 Be whoever we want to be Phone: (478) 452-0270 This is the story I want to tell. gregorymgrahamfamilydentistry.com There are many women in this world whose stories I want my daughter to hear But these women inspire me the most because they fought for their race and their gender, Without any fear Their stories need to be told and their voices need to be hear So that this societal line dividing people can be blurred I’m going to make sure my daughter hears their stories loud and clear and well Because these are the stories I want to tell.

476531-1 4 Black History Special Section Saturday, February 27, 2021

9th Grade: Ashlyn Alford from GMC Prep Freeing Faith

The life of Frederick exhausting, but the dispar- saw glaringly in American falling short of the glory restored relationship with schools, and all the way Douglas has caused me ity between the Christian society after he was freed, of God, and the common God thru Christ. Douglas to political America as the to search deeper in my virtues white slave-own- could have driven him to- redemption is through used every opportunity in Nation’s Capital. Douglas Christian faith. While ers professed compared ward Christ of away from Christ alone. his freed life to promote had the courage to call Douglas might be most to their treatment and Him. As Douglas turned Douglas frowned freedom as a follower of slavery a sin, which God widely remembered in judgement of people based to the freeing words of the upon black and white Christ. He urged people will ultimately punish with history textbooks for es- on their skin color was in- scripture, he became move churches that did not con- to turn from their sin and eternal separation from caping a life of slavery, he excusable. Douglas found convinced that God is demn slavery because he follow Christ’s example Him. IF Americans today was most passionate about God in the midst of his op- good, and that slavery, and was convinced that slavery of righteousness, grace, were brave enough to call the liberation he found pression and accepted that all sin, is evil. That dis- was injustice to God’s peo- kindness, and self-control. riots and looting, prostitu- in Christ. As a young Af- slavery was an expression tinction brought his free- ple, based on the color of He was certainly passion- tion and pornography, lar- rican-American boy who of fin, rather than the will dom. He was unashamed their skin. According to the ate about exposing the ceny and murder all sins, grew up under the owner- of God. to share his faith among Bible, one God created all sin of slavery, but he also America would be able ship of one of Maryland’s After finding the historical societies of of humankind, with differ- wanted all people, despite to move one step close to wealthiest slave-owners, physical freedom from a white women or among ent skin colors, origin and the color of their skin, to Christ-likeness. I hope to he questioned God’s very life of racial slavery at the interracial Christian cir- nationality, both male and recognize their own sin be as brave as Frederick existence. He struggled young age of twenty, he cles. He had a passion for female. Due to the sepa- and fin freedom in Christ Douglas to recognize the for years to find peace used his emancipation as categorizing all people ration between a holy and alone. sin in my own life, and the and understand in the in- a platform to preach about as slaves to sin, oh which perfect God and sinful and The message of sin in the world around justice and cruelty he and the freedom he found some are in bondage as rebellious humanity, God Frederick Douglas still me, and be drawn toward his family faces as slaves. through faith in Christ. freed men and other as un- provided sacrifice to wipe rings true today, and the freeing faith God has The physical abuse he The injustices he faced freed laborers. The com- away the sin of the world quite possibly needs to for me to represent Christ endured was painful and as a young boy, and even mon bond of humanity is and bring people into a be preached in churches, in a fallen world.

Congratulations to the 2021 Essay Contest Winners

Southside Equipment Company 140 E Andrews St • Milledgeville, GA (478) 452-5523 www.southsideequip.com

476492-1 474944-1 Saturday, February 27, 2021 Black History Special Section 5

8th Grade: Kaylee Bell from GMC Prep Martin Luther King, Jr.

An African-American that has most influenced change in the United States is Martin Luther King Jr. Born on January 15,1929, he was a civil rights leader that helped to end segregation in the States. To do this, he gave his I Have A Dream speech on the Lin- coln Memorial in front of the 250,000 people that marched with him for their rights. Sadly he was as- sassinated by, James Earl Ray on April 4, 1968. He has influenced the way that we live today be- cause if it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be able to have friends of different colors. I also would have been taught to see people in a different way then who they actually are based off of their skin type. We would still be a divided nation, and we wouldn’t be able to accomplish any unity among us. He has inspired us to try non-violence, and to try and see things from other people’s perspectives instead of jumping to our own conclusions and being angry all the time. His many works and speeches have made our nation the way it is today, with all of us of different colors standing together as one nation.

Honorable Mentions

Kisah Brown Heather Dickey 8th Grade 5th Grade Oak Hill Middle School GMC Prep Listen to Kisah’s original song and video presentation View Heather’s spoken word presentation on our web- on our website by hovering your phone’s camera over the site by hovering your phone’s camera over the QR code. QR code.

Wilson Bryant Air Conditioning

866 Harmony Rd, Eatonton, GA Baldwin County Board of Commissioners 706 438-4706 1601 North Columbia Street, Suite 230 www.bryant-air.com 474937-1 Milledgeville, GA 31061 474674-1 6 Black History Special Section Saturday, February 27, 2021

7th Grade: Corinthian Austin from GMC Prep Stacey Abrams

Stacey Abrams is an African American as a typist for a congressional campaign, rights for all. She has voiced her opin- me; African-Americans. She has shown politician, lawyer, voting rights activist which would later serve as her introduc- ions in what she believes. During the us what it means to organize, and stand and author who served in the Georgia tion to politics. Stacey graduated as vale- Jan. 6 Georgia Senate run-off she was the up for what you believe and how you feel. House of Representatives. Abrams was dictorian from Avondale High School in main advocate promoting people to get Her efforts ignited the entire nation to nominated as Democratic minority leader 1992, as a freshman at Spelman Univer- out and vote. In the Black community, become more involved in eliminating vot- in 2010. Abrams became the Democratic sity, she joined in on civil rights protests. there has not been an enormous amount er suppression. I feel that everyone has a nominee in the 2018 Georgia gubernato- One organization that Ms. Abrams of registered voters in presidential and voice, and we have the power to use it for rial election, which led her to be the first co-founded and served as a member of congressional elections to date. When justice and prosperity for all. African-American female major-party when she was a member of the Georgia giving her speeches we were all enlight- I too have participated with my mother gubernatorial nominee in the United General Assembly were Corporation, and ened by the voter and social disparities and siblings in protest for racial justice. It States. In February of 2019, Abrams be- Nourish Incorporated. This organization of the underprivileged populations. This is not just about racial justice for me, but came the first African-American woman was founded as a way to influence finan- gave us insight into what we had to do justice for all. I am, and plan to, continue to convey a response to the State of the cial literacy and provide proper nutritious to make sure the state of Georgia’s voice to stand up for what is right, and to pro- Union Address. beverages for children. Ms. Abrams also as a whole was heard. As a result of this tect anyone I see being unjustly wronged. Stacey Abrams was the second of 6 chil- founded Fair Fight Act in 2019, an orga- information, more people in the black The efforts of Ms. Abrams make me want dren born to Robert and Carolyn Abrams. nization to build voter protection teams community voted. When people listened to be more active in my community to She was born in Madison, Wisconsin, and in 20 states. to Ms. Abrams, they understood where ensure that every child has a fair chance raised in Gulfport, Mississippi. The fam- Stacey Abrams has influenced me and she was going with situations and how it at being their best self. Ms. Abrams rep- ily moved to Atlanta, Georgia. While she others in so many ways. She has fought would affect them, us and other Ameri- resents perseverance and hope for wom- was in high school, Abrams was employed injustice by promoting equal voting cans, especially individuals that look like en and minorities around the world.

6th Grade: Sean Lehrman from GMC Prep Neil deGrasse Tyson

Neil deGrasse Tyson is the African-Amer- fascination with astronomy only grew as a Due to being one of few African-Ameri- students sooner. ican that has most influenced change in teenager, where he vigorously studied the can astrophysics, Dr. Tyson takes his rela- Neil deGrasse Tyson is an active scientist the United States. His work has influenced stars and even gave lectures in his teens. tionship with the public very seriously. He who continues to research new ideas. He in- not only me but has inspired millions in Tyson earned a doctorate and a master’s is quoted in saying that he was doing some- spires me to ask questions and help human- the science community and beyond. Tyson degree in astrophysics from Columbia Uni- thing “that people of his skin color were ity venture to the stars. He has taught me graduated from Harvard and has written versity in the 1990s. never meant to do.” Being one of only 40 how brief our existence is on this planet, but many books on astronomy and beyond. He then made a name for himself in the African Americans to obtain a doctoral de- what an impact just one person can have. Tyson graduated fro Harvard and has writ- science community for over 20 years, di- gree in astrophysics was no small feat. The Much like many activists, he focuses less ten many books on astronomy and physics. recting the Hayden Planetarium, releasing science community acknowledges his bril- on the differences of humanity and more Some of his other accomplishments include several books on astrophysics and space, liance, which inspires a more open-minded on what unites each of us. After years of that he has been interviewed many times and starring int he hit television show, community; one that does not judge based dodging the “curveballs” he was thrown in and even had his own television show. Ty- “Cosmos.” When asked about the struggles not he color of one’s skin but on the devo- the science community, Tyson has made a son was born in Manhattan, . He of being an African American in the science tion to one’s research. In an interview, Ty- name for himself and paved the way for any was one of three children, and he grew up community, Dr. Tyson mentions the “cur- son openly questions how many more sci- person of color to follow in his footsteps. in the Bronx. Tyson became interested in veballs” in every corner of his journey. Con- entists of color there would be today had the The standard is now set by the merit of the stars at the age of nine after visiting the tinuous setbacks due to his race made his science community been more open-mind- one’s research and not the color of their sky theater of the Hayden Planetarium. His scientific pursuits even more challenging. ed and supported young African-American skin. Saturday, February 27, 2021 Black History Special Section 7 5th Grade: Lila Jones from GMC Prep Rosa Parks

Honorable Mentions

Emma Kate Godin 9th Grade GMC Prep

Amanda Gorman Where does the path to justice begin? Is it in empty words and closed ears, Or does it reside in what lies within the soul as the light of truth is shed upon a tender face of tears? A revolutionary girl only two years over twenty has spoken words that have reached many. From Presidential Inaugurations to football games, she has brought forth what our hearts need to hear to make a change. When she speaks, it is with dignity and grace, and her words reach the root of many troubles we face. Amid the confusion that we have grown accustomed to, We hear a voice that speaks of unity and gives us a reimagined point of view. The sunlight that is her song shines so brilliantly onto the glimmering waters of the soul as she gives life to the thoughts most of us are not able to make whole.

Olivia Monjaras graduated with a medical doctorate in Dr. Jemison received many awards for her have inspired and influenced change in 6th Grade 1981. Dr. Jemison then spent two years achievements and has been recognized as the United States. When I hear stories like GMC Prep serving the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone such an inspiring woman. hers, it always makes me feel like I can also and Liberia. She was part of many suc- Mae Jemison has influenced many achieve anything I set my mind to, and I Mae Jemison is the African American cessful research projects. These projects Americans, including men, women, and hope it does the same for others. that has most influenced change in the paved the way for vaccinations that have children of all ages and races. Her mes- Another notable African American, Mar- United States. Her work has influenced not eliminated preventable diseases. Dr. Jemi- sage to me has been that no matter your tin Luther King Jr., once said, “darkness only me but has inspired may others. Jami- son then applied for admission to NASA’s race or gender, if you apply yourself, you cannot drive out darkness: only light can do son was the first black woman astronaut. astronaut training program. She was even- can achieve anything you set your heart on. that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love Just that sentence alone is inspiring to me. tually chosen for the program in 1986. She Her accomplishments have shown every- can do that.” That is just what Mae Jami- Jemison was born October 17, 1956, in was one of fifteen accepted out of 2,000 ap- one who knows her story, you can do any- son did. She served as a beacon of hope, a Alabama. As a young child she aspired to plicants. What a feat! Finally, in September thing you want, that with hard work, dedi- ray of light, that through your merit, you be a scientist. In 1973, Jamison graduat- of 1992, Dr. Jemison became the first black cation, and determination, you can achieve will be recognized. She overcame racism ed high school with honors and earned a woman in space when she flew on the En- great things. This inspirational woman is and adversity to inspire people across the scholarship to Stanford University. She deavor Mission with six other astronauts. just one of many African Americans that country and even to inspire a girl like me.

Jackson McCant Every single day he risked his life so that he equal rights at all so he assassinated Martin lots of African Americans have done a lot too. 7th Grade could get equal rights for the African Ameri- Luther King. They had a really big funeral for Like Fredrick Douglas, John Lewis, Micheal GMC Prep can race. But mostly everyone remembers them and after that there wasn’t much more Jordan, ect. him from his I Have A Dream speech but one racism out there because that affected the And it’s a good thing we celebrate black his- M.L.K ( Martin Luther King) day he did it the president finally signed the whole country. tory month so that people know that they did He has done a lot so that the African Amer- paper saying every race will now have equal And because of Martin Luther King the so muchfor this country. Even so much so that ican race can have equal rights. He has got rights. And it wouldn’t have happened if he schools went from separated race to all race we’ll all be happy. And have the privilege to be beaten and found forgiveness in his heart for wasn’t there to help them. schools. And it didn’t change anything most free. But one thing about black history month them; he worshipped god and made sure to But the racism wasn’t over yet there was people think of all races the same. But even is don’t judge people by the color of their skin, conclude that in every single protest he would still lots of violence towards African Ameri- today there are racist people out there that treat everyone equal no matter what they look also pray and beg for the lord to let him live cans. And the police officers still thought they should change their mind. But without Af- like or what the color of their skin is. But ev- another day. He would also only do peaceful should get the fire department on them to rican Americans in this country some of the eryone should celebrate black history month protest. Even when one of his best friends help get blacks out of the street. But then they things we have today wouldn’t be here. And so that everyone knows that the black race has died he told everyone not to use violence. day came where a guy didn’t want to tolerate not only did Martin change this country but done a lot of for everyone in the country. 8 Black History Special Section Saturday, February 27, 2021

Honorable Mentions

Helen Chow 10th Grade lens that leads to a vision decrease and questioning my barriers. With research, random, and race is genetic; how we GMC Prep they are likely a consequence of aging. I quickly realized the grades you need to are born should not define who we are. According to the NIH, “approximately go to medical school, the MCAT scores, It only takes one person to go up a step Patricia Bath once said, “Believe in the 10 million operations are per- and the tie someone must sacrifice. I be- for everyone else to take a step. She took power of truth … do not allow your mind formed each year in the world…” (NIH). gan to doubt my ability to make it into that one step and had and will inspire to be imprisoned by majority thinking. This stresses the importance of a good medical school and make a mark in this others to take another step. Her inven- Remember that the limits of science are treatment for . She demonstrat- world by saving others’ lives by giving tion has been treating approximately ten not the limits of imagination.” Patricia ed her aptitude in biology early in high people a second shot at life. After read- million people a year, which means that Bath was a trailblazer for African Amer- school with her many science awards ing about Patricia Bath, I realized that she has improved the quality of a hun- icans and females in the medical field. and created a mathematical equation she too had barriers. She was an Afri- dred million lives within ten years. She invented the Laserphaco Probe to to predict cell growth as a soph- can American woman. While she was Patricia Bath fought to save the blind treat cataracts and fought for the treat- omore. In 1981, she became famous for brilliant, she also combated sexism and and she has made a lot of progress by ment, prevention, and cure of blindness. her invention of the Laserphaco Probe, racism. Even I have had an encounter improving the vision of those with cat- This device allowed for more precise and which vaporizes cataracts using a . where a friend told me that they did not aracts. Her hard work and perseverance less painful treatment of cataracts. Patri- She then became the first African Amer- think I could handle a certain number of have paid off. People and the elderly can cia Bath most influenced change in the ican woman, as mentioned, to receive a advanced classes, and I will prove them see their loved ones clearly. People can United States as she helped improve the medical invention patent. wrong as Bath proved people wrong. see the horrors and light of the world treatment of cataracts and demonstrated Since I was approximately five years She inspired others today, especially clearly. People can read stories and let the breaking of barriers, influencing me old, the medical field has fascinated those in the medical field, as she over- their minds wonder clearly. People can and others. me. As I grow older, I still show inter- came several obstacles based on her see the mark that they made intros world Cataracts are a cloudy area in the eye est in the medical field, but I find myself gender and race. Gender is something clearly.

Mya Hall that have been influenced is American Hillary Clinton. She also had extraordi- following the attack on Capitol Hill on 11th Grade poet, Amanda Gorman. While only being nary achievements while being in college. January sixth and says that even though GMC Prep fairly new amongst many seasoned influ- With just her acceptance to Harvard be- it “nearly succeeded,” democracy ”can encers, she has delivered powerful mes- ing impressive, her becoming the first never be permanently defeated.” Which What African-American has most influ- sages of hope and healing through these National youth Poet Laureate while being how much pandemonium is happening in enced change in the United States? challenges that the nation is facing. there is quite special. Now, she continues the nation right now, these were the exact There has been an abundance of in- Now, Gorman may not sound familiar to share her encouraging words and more words I needed to hear as they inspired fluential African Americans who have to the crowds of many, and most may people are listening. And, I am glad to be me to persevere and encourage others to inspired the hearts of many. It was the just know her from the speech she gave one of them. do the same. first African-American president, Barack at the recent inauguration of President Although I was one of the many peo- Amanda Gorman is an important influ- Obama, who showed that anyone can Joe Biden. However, there are several ple who first heard of Gorman during the ence for the American people. She has al- achieve their dreams, no matter the color noteworthy things that she has been rec- inauguration, I was quite surprised by ready accomplished so much just through of a person’s skin. It was African-Amer- ognized and awarded for. From starting how empowered I felt after hearing the her love for writing and desire to encour- ican civil rights activist and renowned to write at just a few years of age to be- speech. The poem that she recited was age others. And because of that, she is able poet, Maya Angelou, who reminded oth- coming an outstanding award-winning one of her own works called “The Hill to motivate others to continue to build ers of their strength through her eloquent writer, she has inspired others through We Climb.” The one thing that stuck out and create a better future. Although she speech. And there are more who not only her poetry. She has even performed to me the most about her poem was how may not be well-known, I believe that as influenced change I the United States, but some of her work to a variety of promi- she invoked a sense of hope and purpose she continues to deliver her impassioned influenced other African-Americans to do nent figures ranging from the Hamilton amongst her listeners. She also managed massages of hope, more people will be the same. One of these African-Americans star, Lin-Manuel Miranda, to Secretary to capture the emotions of Americans there to listen.

Labronze Boyd message of black pride and black resis- offer and was sentenced to 5 years in jail. have you set for life. Never be scared to 12th Grade tance to white domination and for refus- The way Ali impacted my life is I want accept a challenge, also setting for more Baldwin High School ing induction into the U.S. Army during to be a great boxer and speaker like him. and never less. One more thing he taught the Vietnam War. He taught me to go chase my dream and me is no matter how big the challenge or An African American who has changed Muhmmad Ali’s impact on society don’t tell anyone my plan. All they have to opponent, fight hard and never give up. and helped people in the mind and heart shows that you can do whatever you like know is that my plan is to succeed in life. Ali devoted his life to helping promote is Muhmmad Ali. Muhmmad Ali was an as long as you put your mind to it and you He also taught me when you speak people world peace, civil rights, cross-cultural American professional boxer and was don’t have to do anything you’re not com- listen but if you’re quiet how would some- understanding, interfaith relations, hu- known for one of the greatest boxers of all fortable doing. Ali not joining the army one know what’s wrong what you’re trying manitarianism, hunger relief, and the time. He taught others to believe in what and not fighting in the vietnam war is to do. I have been more open to people. commonality of basic human values. All they believe in and don’t listen to what something he was later punished for. Ali, I am able to communicate with my mom those things makes Ali a great leader and another person has to say; he also taught a Muslim, believed that the war was un- better and watching him makes me want a good person. He stood up for what he others to speak their mind and speak up just, that the war was another example of to do more in life. He influenced me to believed in and what he wanted to do in to people doing wrong. He went on to the white U.S. government forcing African fight harder and strive for more, always life. He didn’t let the government decide become an icon for American muslims. Americans to work for them. Ali didn’t accepting the big challenges because one his future; he decided on his own and In addition, he was known for his social want to be a part of it so he declined the hard challenge can change your life and succeeded.