Young Poet Nikita Shares Moving Words On Race And Unity
The ability of words to both hurt and inspire is the theme of a stunning new poem by a talented Moseley Park student.
Nikita Bangerh, who is only in Year 8, wrote ‘We Have Power!’ as part of a Black History Month competition, run by the Humanities department.
Students were invited to produce a piece of work celebrating the lives and achievements of important black figures as part of the competition.
Nikita has now received a Headteacher’s Commendation for her work and it will be printed and displayed in the school reception.
She said her poem had been inspired by the life of Marai Larasi, a lesbian and activist for women’s rights and black minority ethnic groups. “Marai hopes to inspire others. I have written a poem that shows a narrative in her view and how she feels towards cultural identities. I hope this poem brings awareness of her and promotes her values,” she added.
Miss White said: “I was blown away by Nikita’s entry to our Black History month competition. Nikita’s poem powerfully captured the significant contributions which figures such as Rosa Parks and Mae Jemison have made, while simultaneously emphasising the dangers of racism and hatefulness more broadly.
“Nikita, you should be so proud of this work. It is a testament not only to your awareness and understanding of the past, but also to your talent as a poet.”
Here is Nikita’s poem in full:
We have power!
Diversity is beautiful
Gender is wonderful
Why should we fight for possession
For control and oppression
Abusing each other
The hate for what
Inequality leads to chaos
Greed getting the best of us
Power is harmony
Together we are mighty
Like Michelle and Barack
We can make a difference
Follow your dreams to the stars
Like Mae C Jemison
Raise your voice
Like Beyoncé
Protest the wrong and make them right
Just like Rosa Parks
Fighting for our rights
Isn’t just a passion
It’s a privilege
Come out to the world
Sexuality has no limits
Neither does race
These words are harmful
Be it Black, Brown or White
We all deserve the right
For justice I will fight
Childhood trauma; everyday drama
Affecting our mentality and ability
Tearing us down until we drown
In our own sorrow
With no hope of tomorrow
As parents shower us with comfort and love
We can be reborn
We are born black and stay black
Black is natural and black is black
We will go out black
I entered a world of black and still am
People looking down their noses at me
The stares of a thousand followed
As I strut down the road
With my hope by my side
Who supports my decision
Openly expressing my love
Whatever form it may take
The challenges in life I must face
I face head on
I head to inspire
Young children who tire
Of hiding themselves
Concealing the true beauty
That they have within
My mission is clear
Please adhere
The magic in life we create
Comes when we relate
Then our spells can begin
So our dreams can win
Make this a reality
We have to cooperate
For the eventuality
Of a blessed fate
My voice alone is not enough
Together as one we can change
The laws that once were tough
And a future worth living in
Is what we can arrange
All you need is to fight for yourself
And help one another
In you we trust
My spirit lives on this sacred trust
The bonds we make will last eternity
So live happily, live happily
I say live happily
