This week MLK Academy 6th, 7th, and 8th students explored the symbolism of flags in our society. Students were shown different images of flags, such as the American flag that stands for pride and allegiance and the Confederate flag which is often used as a symbol of hatred towards people of color. Together we read and discussed the poem “Mi Bandera/My Flag” by Sonia Gutierrez, a poet who was featured in the anthology Poetry of Resistance. In her poem Gutierrez designs her own unique flag that expresses unity and love. My flag is the color of water—clear embracing me with its arms without fighting over skin color: in it—I laugh, I rejoice, I sing, I cry and I feel loved again.
Inspired by Sonia Gutierrez, students wrote their own poems, visualizing flags that can uplift and empower their communities. Please enjoy these published poems.
What My Flag Is
By London
My flag is the colors of hope and everything lost
My flag is the symbol of all the lost black lives
My flag is a peaceful flag for friendship
My flag is not the murderers of the innocent blacks
My flag is the ones who lost their homes
My flag is the ones who need food
My flag is the ones who need justice
My flag is for Breonna Taylor
My flag is also for George Floyd
My flag is the ones who were silenced
My Flag Is Everything
By Stephon
My flag is a sign of social justice
My flag is a sign of hope
My flag is is peace
My flag is honor
My flag is love
My flag is a sign of the whole world
My flag is a thing that brings people together
My flag is a sign of independence
My flag is joy
My flag is Black, Brown, White, Yellow, Purple
All colors for all people
