Urban Leadership 101 students collaborated with local photography duo INEZ (a.k.a. Joe Crimmings & Jami Graves) to send a message. Here’s what they had to say:
Danaeja
“Love the skin I’m in.”
Doneika
“My body is a temple, not property.”
Davonte
“Be what they say you couldn’t.”
Mia
“Am I light enough.”
Alejandra
“16 and not pregnant.”
Ahlam
“I’m a Muslim, not a terrorist.”
Kathryn
“If a boy can do it, so can I.”
Maddie
“Hip-hop is my 2nd language.”
Danna
“Speak what hasn’t been spoken.”
Leah
“My femininity doesn’t come with shackles.”
Callie
“Don’t tell me to get over it.”
Kylee
“My name is not white girl.”
Sebit
“I’m not ghetto.”
Shellvonne
“A 4.0 isn’t four shades lighter.”
Tytiaunna
“I’m 210 lbs. and I’m still beautiful.”
Breonna
“I refuse to be what you call normal.”
Susan
“Ethnicities do not equal enemies.”
Sharon
“Bright like the diamonds in Africa.”
Sam
“Black, but not ignorant.”
Mario
“I speak 3 languages, ignorance isn’t one.”
Harry
“It’s okay to be smart.”
Imelda
“I didn’t jump the border, I was born here.”
Torianna
“Women gave men the ability to live.”
Brionna
“I will not grit my teeth; I will speak.”
Dezejanee
“Being gay is not a phase.”
Rhaniesha
“I’m a teen mom trying to give my son a brighter future.”
Russhaun
“Too black for whites, too white for blacks.”
Ma
“Be strong. Be you.”
Julio
“You don’t need a throne to speak like a king.”
Leslie
“I’m not illegal.”
Dazunear
“I am not a nigger.”
Akai
“Asian, but not Chinese.”
Emily
“I’m the present, not the future.”
Thank you for sharing your courageous and inspiring work! There is such freedom through the authentic expression of self. By standing in your power and sharing your work with the world, you are truly effecting change. Thank you!
You are all amazing!! I love that you are given the opportunity to express yourself and that you have done it in such a beautiful way!!
you all had something really great to say
I am in awe of your honesty and courage. Thank you for sharing.
I love every one of these pictures. Bold, bright kids!
Beautiful work. I am often reminded, as I am by this display of courage and strength, that even adults can learn something from our youth. Well done and thank you for saying what needed to be said.
Beautiful you inspiration!