Beyond the lines by Makayla

In a world that wants to define me

By the color of my skin they see,

I refuse to be boxed in, confined,

I am more than just a simple line.

I am black, yes, it's true,

But my Hispanic heritage shines through,

I won't let anyone dictate

The pride I have in my mixed state.

I am a blend of two worlds, both strong,

A fusion of cultures where I belong,

I won't let anyone put me down,

With their narrow views and judgments brown.

I am black, I am Hispanic, I am proud,

I won't let others silence me with a shroud,

I'll break free from this cage they've built,

And stand tall with the strength I've built.

I'll embrace every part of me,

My roots, my history, my identity,

I am black, I am Hispanic, I am a boricua,

And that's all I'll ever need to be.

About the Author: 

Makayla G, a proud Afro-Latina ninth-grader at Germantown High School, is well on her way to becoming a published poet. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Germantown High School's Spanish Department hosted a Poetry Contest, where Makayla's poem stood out for its depth and powerful message. Inspired by her Puerto Rican heritage and her family's experiences, Makayla penned a powerful poem titled "Beyond the Lines."

Her words delve into the complexities of her identity, challenging the stereotypes and preconceived notions often associated with individuals who don't fit neatly into a single racial box. Makayla's poem is a testament to her resilience and determination to embrace her multifaceted heritage. It's a call for understanding and acceptance, a reminder that we are all more than the labels society tries to place on us.

When she's not expressing herself through poetry, Makayla is a volleyball player, a Spanish I student, and is inspired by her friends Janiya and She'tericka. She takes great pride in her mother's heritage and her grandparents' Puerto Rican roots.