Mi Bandera, My Flag

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.