The Right To Live

This week MLK Academy 6th, 7th, and 8th students explored what it means to have “rights” Rights are the liberties and freedoms that belong to everyone as human beings. Together we read and discussed the poem “Right To, After Claude McKay” by poet and activist Mahogany L. Browne. Throughout her poem repeats the phrase “If we must live,” to describe what life she imagines for herself and the black community. If we must live let it be a true life/One full of choices and opportunities/ One that isn’t designed to push us in a corner. Browne believes black lives are important, and deserve to have dignity, respect, and chances to succeed.

Inspired by Mahogany L. Browne students wrote poems about their rights and how they wish to live their lives. Below is a poem by London, whose profound words reflect the struggles this young generation faces to gain equality and justice. Please enjoy her poem.