Page 14 - Florida Sentinel 9-20-19

Feature
Youngster Turns To Writing To Combat Bullying
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
Her poetry has won her a 2nd place in competition, and being published.
A current 7th grade, ‘A’ and ‘B’ student, who was often bul- lied because of her skin com- plexion and size, turned to writing to combat those feel- ings of low self-esteem.
But Kahlia Bouler’s mother, Ms. Iola Pierce, was not about to let her daughter go out like that.
“Yes, there were times when I had to deal with her being bullied, self-esteem being low, suicidal feelings. ButIletherknowthatsheisa smart, beautiful child. I told her that beauty stems from the inside,” Ms. Pierce stated.
With the assistance of teachers at Booker T. Wash- ington Elementary School, where Khalia spent her first 5 years, this past summer she placed 2nd in competition and her work will be published in the spring edition of the Odet.
Kahlia first shared her passion for social justice writ- ing when she was in 5th grade at Booker T. Washington Ele- mentary School. One of the school’s literacy coaches, Marie Lakins, worked with Kahlia in a reading group and she would often ask when she was finished with her reading, if she could free write in her
Mrs. Wendy Dulin, left, with Khalia Bouler and her certificate, and Mrs. Marie Lakins.
Kahlia Bouler with members of her family: little brother Gar- rett Bouler; granddad, Leomon Williams; mother, Iola Pierce; grandma, Betty Pierce; and auntie, Raquel Blackshear.
notebook instead of doing other tasks.
After a couple weeks of this, she was finally ready to share with Mrs. Lakins what she had been working on. When the literacy coach read her pieces, she was completely blown away with the maturity in Kahlia's voice and with her choice of topics. She had cov- ered topics ranging from racial equality, to autism awareness, to societal norms on the per- ception of women's beauty.
Kahlia was reluctant to share her work widely at first, but eventually agreed (with some encouragement from her teachers and principals) to share some of her work on the school’s morning show.
Kahlia was invited back as a 6th grader to read a selec-
tion for BTW's teacher pre- planning kick off. She contin- ues to spend time at Booker Washington.
“Kahlia exemplifies what is possible when adults create space for student choice and voice. She has a gift and a drive for social justice that will never be measured by any standardized test. Writing is her outlet,” Ms Pierce said.
Booker T.'s other literacy coach, Wendy Dulin caught wind of the Romeo Lemay Po- etry and Prose Contest for the Odet Literary Journal. Kahlia immediately came to mind. Dulin contacted the former student to see if she would be interested. She was ready to go public. Dulin and Lakins guided Kahlia through the submission
process.
“I am so proud of her and
how she has developed, and
how her writing can take her so far. We’re now excited and waiting for the spring.”
Our Perspective Part 2
He asked for some identification.
I reached for my identification.
He yelled. “there’s a gun! Shoot!” They followed the command.
The officer knew it was a wallet.
I’m pretty sure he said he felt threatened.
Or was it because I was black?
Can you please tell me this: Why haven’t we gotten an F.S.A. writing prompt on the justice system? I’m not talking about informative. We need an argumentative piece. They need to hear our voice.
Innocent black people killed or beaten over a wallet they asked for. Using their own words against them.
“I need identification.”
We proceeded to pull out our wallet, scared any movement will make them think we have a gun. It can be a boy or girl. We are tired of seeing our people leaving this world just
because of our skin color.
There is no “land of free.” ARE WE PRIVILEDGED enough to be treated right?
Our justice system is broken.
PAGE 2-B FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2019