MLK Academy 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students continue to explore social issues this week by looking at the poetry of the late rapper Tupac Shakur. Throughout his career Shakur wrote songs and poems that reflected the racial violence and inequality he saw while growing up in the inner cities of New York, Baltimore, and Los Angeles. Together students read and discussed Shakur’s poem “Can You See the Pride in the Panther.” In his poem Shakur uses the symbol of the panther to express the sense of pride he has for his black community. Can you see the pride in the panther/as he grows in splendor and grace/toppling obstacles placed in the way/of the progression of his race. For Shakur, his poem is paying homage to the Black Panther Party, an organization founded in 1966, that stood for black unity and empowerment.
Inspired by Tupac Shakur the students created their own poems that reflects the sense of pride they have for their own communities. Please enjoy these published poems.
Can You See the Pride in the World
Stephon
Can you see the pride in the world?
Its black, people, white people, mean people and nice.
We got Chicago, New York, Washington, D.C., and Florida.
Can you see the pride in the technology?
It helps you know the time and helps you solve crimes.
You can call, text, and get information form the internet.
Can you see the pride in homeless shelters.
They give homeless people food.
They give homeless people clothes.
They give them a place to stay.
My Community
Elias
My community is strong.
They can be anything.
They are smart.
They are black and white.
They are all around.
They love everyone and you
will always be greeted with
a warm smile or welcome.
