I chose to begin this Multi Genre Project with a list of game rules that resemble the rules that Starr’s parents would give her and her siblings. These rules set the stage for the reader. In reading these rules, readers will begin to be aware of the injustices that Black girls face on a day to day basis. These rules are a mix of reassurance and confidence boosters for Black girls people as well as rules that will make them successful in the current American society. These rules reflect the unfair things that they face in their lives such as having to work twice as hard, having to live in a society that is not built for their success, and for them even to know that their hair is not a problem. This rule was especially powerful to me. I have been following news articles that talk about the injustices of Black hair in America. Black women have been fired for expressing themselves through their natural hair. As someone who regularly wears her natural hair to work, I cannot fathom losing my job for something as simple as my hair. This list is meant to illustrate the many ways in which Black girls are policed and it is my hope that readers are as shocked and disheartened as someone hearing these rules would be.
Genre #2
In this genre, I pulled a section from the last page of The Hate U Give. This inspired a poem for two voices where two voices, Garden Heights Starr and Williamson Prep Starr have different responses to the same thought. The Garden Heights voice talks about being proud of her identity as an African American woman and celebrates her new found voice while the Williamson Prep voice talks about the struggle of being proud enough of her identity. Though Starr does find her voice at the end of this book, this poem for two voices is an ode to code switching. By seeing the different feelings and the push and the pull of her consciousness- readers are able to feel the uncomfortable feelings that Starr feels. As you read this, be mindful of how differently each voice is saying the same thing. This allows for readers to understand that the identity of a Black woman is often conflicting and draining. This poem ends with the reassurance that although this dichotomy can be draining; that Starr is enough no matter what.
Genre #3
This letter was inspired by a manifesto of all of the things that Black girls should be reminded of. Many of these things are forgotten because of all that's going on in the world. As a society, I feel as if the identity of the African American man has been heavily discussed, as it should be. In this project, I wanted to shine a light on a vital, often unheard voice: Black girls. The advice given in this letter was inspired by all of the advice that Starr's mother and father gave her throughout the novel. Especially when talking about her race or her civic duty to be a voice for Khalil. This open letter includes advice that was also inspired by things my grandmother, mother, and many aunts have always told me. Even though I didn't believe them growing up, I realize now how valuable and special these affirmations of love and support truly are. This letter is a letter to all Black girls, but also to my past self. This advice has pushed me to be proud of who I am despite the challenges that surround me. This letter was healing to write. This genre was one of the pieces that I felt my voice could shine the most- I was able to be vulnerable, honest, loving, and include little mannerisms about myself throughout the piece.
Genre #4
This genre was Black Out Poetry created from the last pages of The Hate U Give. I chose to black out certain words and phrases to create a poem that talked about the future of the African American activists. I titled it “So What Y'all Gon' Do Now?” to leave the reader questioning the fate of African Americans. These are the same questions that Starr leaves this novel wondering now that she has become an activist. This text leaves readers wondering what the fate is for African Americans. I wanted to mirror these questions and leave readers with a sense of not knowing- simply because Thomas does not conclude this novel with knowing. Rather, she concludes that even though she doesn’t have any solid answers, she has hope that there will be a better future for African Americans in America. I want readers to leave this MGP being aware of the injustices that African Americans face and to give them hope for a better future. Perhaps they will find a way that they can contribute to better these injustices.
Genre #5
This playlist should be listened to after readers have been exposed to the injustices that African Americans face. Readers can enjoy these songs knowing that these songs are meant to empower and legitimize the struggles that African Americans have faced. These songs have power and talk about important topics in a way that I was not able to put into words in this MGP. I have included the most important lyrics of most of these songs. As you listen to these songs, consider what they mean to Black girls, to African Americans, to people of color, and to anyone who has faced any kind of discrimination.
“Lift Every Voice And Sing”
God of our weary years, God of our silent tears Thou Who hast brought us thus far on the way; Thou Who hast by Thy might, led us into the light Keep us forever in the path, we pray Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met TheeLest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget TheeShadowed beneath Thy hand, may we forever standTrue to our God, true to our native land
“DNA”
I got power, poison, pain and joy inside my DNA I got hustle though, ambition flow inside my DNA I was born like this, since one like this, immaculate conception
“Only God Can Judge Me”
That which does not kill me can only make me stronger That's for real And I don't see why everybody feel as though That they gotta tell me how to live my life
“All Eyez on Me”
Screamin', "Thug Life" every time they pass, all eyes on me
“This is America”
This is America (skrrt, skrrt, woo) Don't catch you slippin' now (ayy) Look how I'm livin' now Police be trippin' now (woo) Yeah, this is America (woo, ayy)
I recommend you watching the music video to this song. It is incredibly powerful.
“No Role Modelz”
No role models and I'm here right now No role models to speak of Searchin' through my memory, my memory, I couldn't find one
“Ghetto Gospel”
If I could recollect before my hood days I sit and reminisce, thinkin' of bliss and the good days I stop and stare at the younger My heart goes to 'em, they tested with stress that they under And nowadays things change Everyone's ashamed of the youth 'cause the truth look strange And for me it's reversed We left 'em a world that's cursed, and it hurts
“Change Gonna Come”
It's been a time that I thoughtLord this couldn't last for very long But somehow I thought I was still able to try to carry on It's been a long long, long time coming But I know a change is gonna come Oh, yes it is