As I rise

As I rise, I ask God to guide me through the day ahead
I have become a person who has risen from the dead

When I was a kid I had dreams
I used to think that the world was strong and beautiful
Like growing trees

Today I see the struggles among the streets
Tomorrow I’ll ask God to help us, please

As I rise, I ask God to guide me through the day ahead
I will become my own leader with no regrets

Because I’m from a place where no one has been
Still I’m going because I am free

As I rise, I ask God to guide me through my day ahead
I am the only person that can change me to help the world
Before it ends

–Shadae Roach

Discussion: White Lines by Tracy Brown

Question: Born’s mother is protective of her son and watches out for him. She doesn’t condone what he’s doing however at the same time, she accepts his money. Is she a decent role model? And Edna chooses her boyfriends over her daughters, although in the end, she is there for Jada. How would you compare the two mothers? Which is the stronger woman?

Answer: Both mothers love their children. Born’s mother appreciates him so she knows he’s a smart, young man who knows what he’s doing. Even though she doesn’t want him to do what he does, they both know that that’s the only way they can get through. She understands the situation very much.

Jada’s mother is clearly lost and weak, you could tell she wants to be comforted by a man and wants to live as a big happy family. But she thinks about her own happiness before her daughters.

- T’Shante Johnson-Whittaker