Editor's note: Last year, the Minnesota Urban Debate League and Star Tribune Opinion put out a contest call to students between the ages 10 and 18: The task was to create an original written essay, video or audio file that described one or two specific changes our community, state or nation should make to reduce racial inequities and injustices in the criminal justice system. The following is one of the finalists. Click here for more information and a full list of winners.
Criminal justice reform student contest: Third place, middle school
By Bre’Jhnae Washington
February 27, 2021 at 11:50PM
A world like this
I may not be the loudest
But my voice still matters in a world like this
A world where they will crush you
your very soul
A world where Black Lives Matter —
Will I ever see that is my world?
Some days are dreadful counting another
Young Black life that was taken by an officer —
A different name
the same story
A world where generations will be taught their full
History and not parts — we have learned all
The horrific things that have happened but what about
All the great things that have happened —
Shirley Anita Chisholm the first Black woman who was
Elected to the Congress
What will happen in a world like this?
Bre'jhnae Washington lives in St. Paul.
about the writer
Bre’Jhnae Washington
Despite all our divisions, we can make life more bearable for each other through small exchanges. Even something as small as free snacks on a flight.
