Jaela Horton, the featured writer of this week, wrote poems centered around the mistreatment of African Americans in the U.S. Horton wrote the piece last year during the rise of the Black Lives Matter Movement. She stated that “Though it started as a class assignment, I felt that what I wanted to say could stretch beyond the MLA format.” Horton was able to utilize her innovative abilities in order to discuss the importance of the movement. Her work was a song of mourning, sung through the lenses of lives that were unjustly lost. The imagery that she wrote was powerful and heartbreaking, which resonated with individuals.
Horton is a sophomore at MCLA. She is an English major with a concentration in film studies and creative writing.“When I write for people, I know my voice, and identity will be heard, and it really feels good to be someone who starts that conversation for others.” Horton expressed that sentiment through her writing. Her words were not just creative; they were a call to action for the people. She wanted to make sure that she spoke out for her community so people could know that ignorance is no longer an option. Action must be taken in order to create a brighter future.
Horton’s poems are attached below for your reading pleasure!