Symbols and Ceremonies

I wrote about the role of symbols and ceremonies in our society.

By Allie B. from Gerstell Academy in Maryland

Symbols and ceremonies create unity.

A rite to become one with the nation.

The flag for equal opportunity,

Where all are free despite their station.

A black fist rising from the oppression;

We march and protest under this symbol,

And call the state’s systems into question.

We desire a change even when nimble.

Yet ceremonies and symbols show hate.

Flags and groups that represent racism,

Ugly symbols that are still used of late.

But emblems anew of activism

Overthrow symbols of hate to create

A community sans systemic hate.

Gerstell Academy

Leadership and Change Section 3

Senior level Leadership class responses, section 3/3

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Writing Our Future: American Creed is part of the National Writing Project’s family of youth publishing projects, all gathered under the Writing Our Future initiative.

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