Dropout Prevention PSA Video From Akansas

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Where I Come From

I was struck by the power of this poem. It comes from a student at one of the high schools in Chicago where we have deployed the Right Back on Track Mentoring program. Despite the circumstances, the author clearly has a gift for language.


WHERE I COME FROM
By: Diaunta Smith

Black History Month
1st PLACE WINNER

Late night wilding
Wind blowing smiling
Heat in control
Every corner full of those
Who chose to live blank
Take a walk up the street
No one great you will meet
They get down and distasteful
And every teen ungrateful
Usually mama and dad make the wrong decision
Or one or another deceased and not living
8 out of 10 black males end up dead or in jail
While the other two try their best not to fail
Females on the other hand are faster than cars
And if you got money they want to know who you are
Dogs fighting dogs but, being led by people
Compared to the rich
We will never be equal
Let them tell it we were born to fail
That’s why asking where I’m from is like asking how is living in hell?