Redefining Life

MAY 2009: ART & POETRY MONTH VOL. 16, ISSUE 8
T E E N NEWSPAPER

T H E V O I C E O F
O U R G E NERATION

W W W . V O x R O x . O R G
A T L A N T A ’ S O N L Y C I T Y W I D E N E W S P A P E R C R E A T E D B Y A N D A B O U T T E E N A G E R S
Cutting Out the Pain, page 5 | Rejected by My Dream School, page 12 | How Religion Divides, page 14

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ABOUT THIS ISSUE
PAGE 2
VOX: The VOice Of OUR GeneRaTiOn | mAy 2009
www.VoxRox.oRG
hey readers,
Mirror reflection
a Mentor’s impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
no More Cutting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
T E EN NEWSPAPER
theMe
This is the last issue of
VOX this school year, and
ISSUE COORDINATOR
what better way to close
art & Poetry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 9
Meron Woldetensae, Westminster
Contest Winners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 - 11
MAY ISSUE TEEN STAFF
out the year than with
Kenya Adeola, Towers
Modupe Alabi, Stephenson
you?!
Angelica Avery, Towers
Kamalia Blunt, Washington
We received lots of submissions from
GrADUAtion coUntDoWn
Vonciel Bryant, Columbia
Simon Bryant, Creekside
denied by My dream school . . . . . . . . . 12
Veronica Coates, Washington
Georgio Conroe, McNair
readers like you all across metro Atlanta
the Fine Print in Financial aid . . . . . . . 12
Sasha Daniels, Lithonia
Melissa DePeaza, Faith Academy
for our annual Art, Poetry and Essay
take a teen to Work reflections . . . . . 13
Amanda Dixon, Dunwoody
Miles Franklin, Lithonia

Octavia Fugerson, Towers
contest. This year’s theme was “What’s
Jasmine Gallman, North Atlanta
Aja Hall, McNair
your Dream for your Generation?” We
thirD eye
Raven Hathcock, Riverdale
Tracy Jackson, Westlake
how religion divides and Unites . . . . . . 14
Elizabeth Jordan, McNair
chose this theme because it’s always
Ariana Kendricks, Atlanta Tech
the Freedom to kill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Latazia Kendricks, Atlanta Tech
Felicia Lankford, Carver
important to think ahead. Even if you are
the right to Choose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Shanel Little, Riverdale
Alexander Mead, Homeschooled
Isha Mitra, Westminster
unsure of your future, which most teens
Vanja Pantic, Druid Hills

Rebecca Stein, Yeshiva Atlanta
are, it’s still great to have aspirations.
extrAs
Neko Veal, Sandy Creek
photo by melissa depeaza |
Thinh Vu, Tri-Cities
hot on the streets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
vox staff
Chad White, Roswell
When we dream big, people around us
Deontez Wimbley, Columbia
Web time Wasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Fenell Wilkins, Cedar Grove
Nia Williams, Grady
learn to dream big as well, and we change our generation!
Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Freedom Wright, Holy Innocents
top 10 things to do this summer . . . . . 16
THE REST of the VOX TEEN STAFF
This issue also features stories of strength and survival, a summer style guide, and lots of
Akure Imes, Allen Pullen, Ariana Hoyos, Chernail Arnold, Crystal
spoken Word: summer Plans . . . . . . . . 16
Jordan, Deja Davis, Daphne Jackson, Demitria Sanders, Halie
ideas of things to see and do while you’re out of school.
hot summer songs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Brimelow, Idrees Syed, Imani Williams, India Irish, Isis Tramell,
Jada White, Janelle James, Jasmine Fowlkes, Jibri Morton,
summer style Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
We also have a new readers survey on page 20. Please remember to fill it out and send it
Joseph Hayes, Justin Tuitt, Kalina Harrison, Kenobia Newton,
Khadijah Brown, Kiersten Nurse, Kristy Lyons, Latirce Williams,
rental review: “slumdog Millionaire” . 18
LaToria Dixon, L’uana Washington, Lynda Bourne, Machelle Tran,
in because it helps us know what we need to improve and what we need to keep doing in the
Maia Miller, Maria Weaver, Marjon Wolfe, Maya Johnson, Michele
Book review: “Brisingr” . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Delpeche, Michelle Karim, Millicent Parks, Mooni Abdus-Salam,
paper. you could win a cash prize just by submitting your survey.
Comic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Nicole Ayilola, Nigel Jackson, Octavia Wright, Olivia Veira, Parys
Grigsby, Queen White, Qunita Little, Rakhety Livingston, Raquel
Word search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Walker, Razjon Standifer, Romaine Phillips, Sade Jamison, Sam
Thanks for reading, reviewing and supporting VOX this school year, and don’t forget to
Colt, Sasha Daniels, Sequoyah Armour, Sherita Walker, Tristin
horoscopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Travis, Umi Adul-Mateen, Uri Smiley, Yasmeen Malik
look out for the next issue of VOX coming out this September! Also check out our blog at
readers survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
VOLUNTEERS/MENTORS THIS MONTH
Ann Abramowitz, Emory University; John Cadenhead; Pete
VoxRox.org/blog and our Web site, VoxRox.org for even more reader submissions to our Art,
Corson, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution; Christina Donaldson;
Taylor Gandossy, CNN.com; Tanya Isley, TAInk Communications;
Eassay and Poetry contest!
Ebonie Ledbetter; Ray McNair, CNN; Anne O’Niell, MS&L; Devika
COVEr CrEdit: tracy Jackson | voX staff
Rao; Jacquinn Scales; Simit Shah, CNN.com; Danielle Thompson,
Puma; Elizabeth Westby, Atlanta Magazine; Aaron Williams, WGKA
— Meron Woldetensae/VOX Staff
VOX BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Modupe Alabi, Stephenson High School
deLille Anthony, Community Volunteer
Jessie Bond, Communications Consultant
Jimmy Ewing
VOX thanks its dOnOrs at the following sponsorship levels
Paula Frederick, State Bar of Georgia
Lynda Greer, Portrait Photographer
Through VOX, diverse groups of teens learn skills to express themselves and build a stronger community. Thanks to these companies, foundations and individuals, our doors are open to teens six days a week.
Chris Haggerty, Alston & Bird
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Trailblazer ($50,000+)
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Fayette Daily News
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Anonymous
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Shana Harbin
Georgia Power Co.
Tracy Jackson, Westlake High School
Attenex
Jay Bernath
Karol Mason
Laura & Jack Harris
Horseradish Grill
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Heroes ($25,000-$50,000)
Dow Lohnes PLLC
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Jeckil Promotions
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Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mindy Larcom & Lacey Lewis
Crawford & Company
Rebecca & William McMillan
Sharon Hill
Kennesaw State University
Monica McCullough, Jones Day
Atlanta Women’s Foundation
Second Mile Foundation
Brian Fitzpatrick
Kajori Mitra
Mike King
Deptartment of Visual Arts -
Ray McNair, Turner Broadcasting Systems
COX Enterprises
Simit Shah
Candace & Lynn Fowler
Elmer Poole
Isha & Allen Lee
Graphic Communication
Isha Mitra, Westminster Schools
McCormick Tribune
Carolyn & Tom Wingfield
Paula Frederick
Nadia Rahali
Michael Karim
Jerry Poole, Farrington Design Group
Howard Lolli
Foundation
Nadia Rahali, Loudermilk Center
Philip S. Harper Foundation
Kelly & Paul Ribes
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Murphy’s Wine Shop
Turner Broadcasting Systems
Coaches ($1,000 - $2,499)
Debbie Segal, Kilpatrick Stockton
The Hartford
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UPS Human Resources
United Way
Alston & Bird LLP
Simit Shah, CNN.com
Liza & Fuzz Hogan
Ed Tharp
Thompson
Atlanta Magazine
Veronica Johnson Vargas, UPS
Champions ($10,000-24,999)
Nancy Clair Laird
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These donors contributed
Carolyn Wingfield, Southern Company Services
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Atlanta Foundation
Susan Mangum
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between April 2008 and April
Marjon Wolfe, Riverdale High School
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Friends ($100-$249)
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2009.
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VOX ADULT STAFF
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Executive Director, Rachel Alterman Wallack, MSW
FRESH
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Foundation has issued VOX
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a challenge grant to raise
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Editor, Erica Kamara, MAJ
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$30,000 in new gifts
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Supporters ($250-$499)
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If we succeed, they will provide
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VOX is an independent newspaper and Web site produced by and
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summer program!
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Join our effort.
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WORD Of mOUTH
www.VoxRox.oRG
VOX: The VOice Of OUR GeneRaTiOn | mAy 2009
PAGE 3
hot on the streets
fernbank planetarium
decatur Beach Party
$3 for students
hit the “beach” with 60 tons of sand, live
Web time Wasters
www .fernbank .edu/planetarium .htm
music, a boardwalk and lots of games .
friday, June 19, 5 p .m .-midnight
decatur arts Festival
advanced-sale tickets are $6 .50
this festival celebrates art, literature, music
Decatur square
and dance . what more could you ask for?
www .decaturga .com
Don’t miss the special teen’s art festival,
sat . May 23, 10 a .m . - 2 p .m .
national Black arts Festival
the festival runs May 23 - 24, times vary
enjoy this feast for the eyes, ears and mind .
free
Check for details online as the dates
Decatur square
approach .
www .decaturartsfestival .com
July 29 - aug 2, times vary
woodruff arts Center
atlanta Jazz Festival
www .nbaf .org
this is the 32nd atlanta Jazz festival, and
the tradition gets better each year . live
BBQ, Blues & Bluegrass Festival
performers, vendors and a great crowd
live music, barbeque (tasty vegetarian
illustration by thinh vu | vox staff
make this event memorable!
meals, too!) and special events .
May 23 - 24, concert times vary
sunday, august 15, 4 - 11p .m .
free
$5 admission
Wikidot .com
grant park
harmony park in oakhurst
if you’ve ever wanted to build an information
www .atlantafestivals .com
www .decaturbbqfestival .com
database for yourself on, say, your science
illustration by ricky riley |
class, for future references, wikidot is
vox alumnus
screen on the Green
a day at the Park
a great way to do it . on the site, you
pack your picnic basket and grab a blanket
Cool off running through the fountain of
can easily create a wiki, a collaborative
there are lots of fun things to do this
for this summertime favorite . this year’s
rings, then chill out listening to live music
document of information in the form of
summer, from street festivals to star
series outdoor film features “Back to the
every tuesday, wednesday and thursday
a web site, which stores all the notes
shows . the best part is everything here is
future,” “Dreamgirls,” “field of Dreams,”
this summer . they’ve got everything from
from your classes . Classmates can even
under $10! so check out these events and
“home alone” and a viewers’ pick . get there
jazz to acoustic rock . then bring your whole
add notes to your wiki if you allow them
have a great summer!
early for a good spot .
family to the park every fourth saturday to
administrative access . You can use a wiki
thursdays, May 28 - June 25
fly kites, play games and learn about new
for other things too, like keeping a list of
sweet auburn springfest
6 - 11 p .m ., films start at sunset
cultures!
your favorite animes or making a journal .
find out what’s so sweet about atlanta’s
Centennial olympic park
times vary
historic auburn avenue at this 25th annual
free
Centennial olympic park
howcast .com
street fair . Don’t miss the artists market,
www .centennialpark .com
free
watch different how-to videos to learn a
local flavors and live music .
www .centennialpark .com
range of things, like learning how to belly
May 8 - 10, fri . 5 - 10 p .m ., sat . 11 a .m . -
Virginia-highland summerfest
dance, how to use your cell phone as a
9 p .m ., sun . 2 - 8 p .m .
with an artists market, a music stage, a run
Lasershow spectacular
wingman and how to breakdance .
auburn avenue in Downtown atlanta
and local food vendors, this is by-far one of
relax on the lawn and watch stone
free
the best events in the virginia highlands .
Mountain’s 40 min . light show with surround
Jinni .com
www .sweetauburn .com
Jun 5 - 7
sound and special effects .
are you in the mood to watch a movie but
fri . 6:00 p .m parade of wacky hats,
thru oct . 31, times vary
not sure which title to get? take a look at
stargazing
8 p .m . acoustic street party
admission is free, but parking is $8 per car
Jinni, a new site in private beta (you have to
these planetarium shows make great cheap
sat . 10:00 a .m . - 6:30 p .m .
stone Mountain park
sign up and be invited before you can use
dates that are sure to leave you star struck .
sun . 11:00 a .m . - 6:00 p .m .
festivals .stonemountainpark .com
the service) that finds programs based on
galileo’s Universe runs thru May 16 .
free
your mood . You can choose from movies, tv
More than Meets the eye runs May 28 -
virginia highlands

—By LaTazia Kendricks and Vanja Pantic/
shows, short films, and online videos to find
aug . 8 .
www .vahi .org/summerfest .html
VOX Staff
something that fits your mood and taste .
times vary
Ptable .com
if you are trying to make it out of your
Chemistry class alive, chances are you’ll
letters to the editor for prom . [Mo] talked about budgeting, while everybody doesn’t have a father present need the periodic table of elements . ptable
still looking fly . she also encouraged having
in their lives and it can affect you . i never
is a cool periodic table with a detailed
fun, while at the same time being mindful of
thought about how people without fathers
graphical representation for each element .
what you’re doing . overall, the article was
feel, but now i realize that i should consider
it can help end your semester of Chemistry
great .
other people and their experiences .
with a bang .
—Chelsea Mitchell, 15
—Teralyn Griffin, 16
academicearth .org
get a head start on college-level courses
i liked the aBC’s of prom . it was very
i liked that [Deontez] showed all the feelings
with academic earth, a video directory of
informative to me, especially being in my
you get when you live life fatherless . i
lectures from scholars both in the Unites
sophomore year . if i would have just gone
related because my father and me had this
states and abroad . You can learn about
in head on, i probably wouldn’t have known
type of relationship for a while . i now realize
almost anything for free, including physics,
what to do . i would have just gone in with a
that there are people that felt just like i did .
robotics, entrepreneurship, computer
suit and called it a day . so thank you very
science and ancient greek history .
much .
—Tevin Williams, 15
Mylivegallery .com
—Brian Sawyer, 15
dr . seuss’s Greatest Gift
this is an online image gallery creator
that allows you to quickly create nice-
i know how it is to feel that you lack
looking image galleries, photo albums
self Esteem: Our Most Valuable accessory
a certain something in life . i felt that
and slideshows for all of your friends and
illustration by ricky riley |
same way about my range of knowledge/
families to see . after your gallery is done,
vox alumnus
what i liked about this story is how Kayla
experiences . Because of that, i also looked
the site automatically generates a link to
calls self-esteem an accessory and how
elsewhere to find it . from reading your story,
send out .
Thanks to the newspaper staff at Carver
to use it as an everyday necessity . i could
i realized that i wasn’t the only one who felt
Early College for your letters!
relate to this story by building my self-
this way, and that we have to acquire some
Zinch .com
esteem and just trying stuff even though i’m
skills ourselves .
Zinch helps you create your own profile to
not the best at it .


showcase to colleges around the nation and
the aBC’s of Prom
—Paul harris, 16
abroad . then those colleges will send you
—Yasmeen Stokes, 15


information about themselves so you won’t
as i flipped through the voX newspaper,
have to go searching . Zinch also provides
several stories caught my eye . i enjoy
If you’d like to raise your voice on a story
scholarships for students and has an entire
reading things that are fun and enjoying, so
Father’s absence to God’s Presence
in this issue, email us at vox@VoxRox.org.
social network that encompasses the site .
when i saw the aBC’s of prom, i just had

Please include your full name, age and
to tune in . i think the aBC’s of prom was a
i liked the story . i liked how real [Deontez]
school. Letters may be edited for space and
—By Thinh Vu/VOX Staff
very good idea . prom season is when many
was with his own experiences . i really
grammar.
students become overwhelmed planning for
couldn’t relate to the story because i live
Teachers, we welcome classroom sets!
the big day . i liked this article because it
with my father, so i’ve never known what
gave me useful tips that i can use preparing
it was felt like to be fatherless . i realize

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Mirror reflection
PAGE 4
VOX: The VOice Of OUR GeneRaTiOn | May 2009
www.VoxRox.oRG
Small actions, Big impact
the Mentor Who Shaped Me into a More Positive Person
By Veronica Coates
VOX Staff
the first day I walked into VOX’s
downtown Atlanta teen office, I
kind of panicked. I didn’t know
who was going to help me with
my writing or if I even was going to write a
story. As I walked into a big room filled with
other teens, I thought, What am I going to
do? There were so many people with talents
and ideas that I thought were so much
better than mine.
As the day went on I learned that I had
advocates, adults who work there and help
support the teen staff, to guide me through
my time at VOX. I gained a sense of security
knowing that those same advocates were
experienced journalists. Erica Kamara, in
particular, was the editor who guided me in
matters of professional and personal issues
from the very beginning.
Erica’s peaceful and genuine smile,
her infectious laughter, her encouraging
sidebars and the nurturing, yet firm way
she coaches me through my stories has
inspired me. She gives without expecting
anything in return. Her actions motivate
me to give laughter, love, and sincere,
positive praise to everyone I come into
contact with in hopes of affecting another
life just as positively as she has mine.
My First Confidant
I knew I wanted my first story to be about
my father as soon as I joined the VOX staff.
But I needed help focusing my ideas. At
Photo by octavia Fugerson | voX staFF
VOX, when you write a story, the editors
take turns editing your writing so you’ll
learn different styles and get to know the
We all need someone who will tell us the truth, but also be empathetic
editors, too.
Erica was my first editor. When we
and encouraging.
initially sat down to talk about my story,
I was kind of nervous because I thought
she was just going to edit my grammar and
punctuation. She did that, and so much
more! She praised the courage and strength
started on the blog we talked about.”
to go home.” I walk up to him and make
I help someone else shine, too. That’s what
I displayed in tackling such a difficult story.
Little things like that let me know she
a joke about him missing his old students
Erica taught me.
I never thought I would end up telling
listens to what I say and cares about what
and a smile blossoms on his face. Even
Erica about the abuse I endured when my
is going on in my life. I never knew a simple
though I can’t make his whole day great, I
Veronica is a junior at Washington High
father wasn’t around, but when I did, I felt
question or smile could show how much
feel warm and fuzzy knowing that for one
who earned a perfect score on her Georgia
this huge weight lift off my shoulders. She
people listen and care enough to push you
moment I’m a part of someone’s happiness.
High School Graduation Writing Test! GO
was the first person outside my immediate
to go that extra mile.
I actually like it when my teachers are
“350!”
family or close friends who knew, and
Even when Erica feels down and tired,
happy, especially the ones who’ve had a big
it seemed easier telling her because she
she always gives VOX teens her all. I
influence on my life.
was objective and approachable. It felt so
remember one time I came to VOX and she
The people who have most noticed the
good to have someone to talk to who didn’t
was really sick. I mean, she was congested
change in me are my friends. I used to walk
judge me or try to cuddle me. When I’d told
and had a runny nose, but she was still the
around with an expression that came off as
What to Look for
people before, I felt like their actions and
upbeat Erica I know. It seems minor, but
an attitude, but really wasn’t. I would also
feelings were either fake or out of pity.
her happiness despite being sick amazed
give people the silent treatment if I was
I wasn’t looking for sympathy. I just
me.
mad or wasn’t feeling well.
in a Mentor
wanted people to know that issues like
It’s hard for me to understand why she
I would listen to my friends, but I never
abuse shouldn’t be pushed under the rug
is so nice and happy, even when she’s not
was very good at giving them advice. Now I

because they happen every day. I wanted
feeling well. If it were me, I would have
give people heartfelt encouragement.
Find someone you respect, relate to
my readers to know that they weren’t alone
probably been very quiet and given a little
Erica showed me how my friends’ issues
and connect with.
in the world because, for a long time, I felt
attitude to anyone who said anything to
are just as important as my own. For
alone. We all need someone who will tell
me. But I’m gradually learning that just
example, one of my friends has a problem
A good mentor offers positive
us the truth, but also be empathetic and
because I’m miserable doesn’t mean I have
with how she looks, and every day I tell her
guidance, support and
encouraging. Erica is that person for me.
to make someone else’s day miserable, too.
to stop focusing on what she doesn’t like
encouragement.
I’m also learning to smile a little more or
about herself and try to love what she does.
Never-ending Smiles and Laughter
say things to help improve other people’s
It’s hard to have to tell her this all the time,
A good mentor is a good listener who
Erica isn’t just a person to share my
days. Erica has shown me how without
but I truly believe that she’s a beautiful
helps build you up. He or she speaks
deepest hurts with. She gives teens at VOX
even trying.
person, and I want her to believe it, too.
less and listens more.
much more. Every day I walk into the office,
I’ve learned that sometimes it’s difficult
she seems to radiate happiness. Every time
Modeling the New Me
to stay positive and say nice things to
A good mentor may not have all the
I’ve come to VOX, she has smiled and said
I truly believe that because of Erica,
people, but if you’re sincere, it becomes
answers, but he or she helps you find
hello, making me and the other VOXers feel
people have started to see me as a more
easier as you continue to try. I am not
help.
welcomed.
positive person. I don’t walk around school
completely reformed. I will never be Erica,
“Hey, Veronica, how are you?” Erica said
or home frowning all the time. I laugh and
but I have learned from her. I am a solitary
—By Veronica Coates/VOX Staff
one day.
smile a lot now, even if I’m sick. Sometimes
person and I don’t smile all the time, but
“I’m OK,” I replied. “How about you?”
I help encourage my old teacher to smile
that’s OK because no one is perfect. I have
“I’m fine. Just wanted to know if you
when he has this look that says, “I can’t wait
learned that when I let my inner self shine,

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Mirror reflection
www.VoxRox.oRG
VOX: The VOice Of OUR GeneRaTiOn | May 2009
PAGE 5
rising from the ashes
By Anonymous
like this anymore. Seeing
VOX Staff
myself in the mirror every
cutting out
morning with puffy eyes
I’ve gone through more bull crap than
from crying, I knew I had
any other teen I know. A few months
to change.
ago, I felt I was nothing, a little vermin
to everyone and everything in the world.
A New Me Emerges
I’ve been cheated on by my ex-boyfriend
I finally decided to seek
the Pain
and hated by every member of my
help toward the end of
family. I’ve been emotionally beaten and
winter, around March.
heartbroken by the ones I love.
I knew that I couldn’t
I’m tired of it! I’m ready for everyone
help myself on my own.
in my life to see me as I see myself — a
So I walked into my school
wonderful person to know and have in life.
counselor’s office one morning
I’m ready for the tears to go away.
and told Ms. Pope* everything.
I’ve tried to physically rip the pain out
I felt a huge weight off my
and go on with my life, and I’ve finally
chest when I was done. Ms. Pope
come to realize that I can’t punish myself
gave me encouraging smiles and
for what other people have done to me. I
told me everything would be all
know that what I’m going through now will
right. She encouraged me to focus
only make me stronger for the future.
on my dreams and put myself first.
Ms. Pope also suggested that I go see
Hate
my school social worker, Helen*, which
I’ve always had to pretend around my
“That’s
I did. Helen told me I could come to her at
own family, to hide my feelings, afraid that
impossible!
any time.
they would hate me even more than they
I’m his
I also visited TeensHealth.org, a Web
already do.
girlfriend.”
site that gives teens doctor-approved
When I was 6, my mother left me with my
“Well, if you are,
information on all sorts of health issues.
step-father, so she could go meet up with
than too bad cause
The Web site helped me understand why
some drug dealer. I never saw her again. I
I’ve been sleeping with
it isn’t good to cut and how cutting will
lived with my grandmother for a while, but
him since January.”
only make you feel worse, not better. The
eventually my grandmother and I had to
I felt angry, hurt and
site gave me good tips on how to treat my
move in with my cousin. My cousin Louisa*
betrayed. At that point, she put
cutting and depression. One of the ways
treated me like crap because of my drug-
him on the phone.
is to channel my sadness and anger into
addicted mother.
“Why did you do this to me?” I said,
a sport, which is one reason I like to play
Louisa hated her for leaving me to
sobbing, I could barely speak.
soccer. I’ve also been writing music and
someone else’s responsibility. She didn’t
“You weren’t there for me.”
poems, and I’m finishing my own novel.
allow me to eat any of her food and started
The first thought in my
I try not to cut myself. So far I’ve only cut
making me pay her rent this past winter
head was that he had just
once since I talked to my counselor, and
when I got my first job (which I was proud
used me for sex when we
I’m getting better. It still pains me to know
of). My other family members just sat back
were together. All I thought
that I had all this love for David, and he
and watched. I was so angry.
about was how lonely my life
just threw it away. But I’ve come to realize
was going to be. David was
that only I have control over my life, and I
art by thinh vu |
Love
everything to me. Even from far
away,
shouldn’t let one stupid boy or my family
voX staFF
My high school sweetheart was my savior
he was my rock. I had always called him
change my life for the
from this mess. I met David* when I was a
to look for guidance in my life and now he
worse.
freshman and he was a senior. We dated for
left me alone. I cried all that week.
From now
a while, keeping everything on a boyfriend/
on I will see
girlfriend level, but we soon fell in love.
A New Low in Life
life through
I will always believe that love is the most
My grades started to slip. I sat in the
my own eyes
powerful emotion in this world. Love can
front of the class, but my mind roamed
and no one else’s.
make men and women cry, scream and feel
between the good and bad times of our
I will live life to the
both pain and happiness. This love made
relationship. After school, the thoughts
do it. I didn’t
fullest and follow my dreams. This
me feel like I was on cloud nine for once.
of David and the good times we shared
know if it was my
new attitude is my relief, and the new
David and I loved, laughed, cried and
persisted. I cried every day.
dreams of becoming
an actress or
start to my life!
sighed. He sent me gifts and goodies when
David had been my lifeline. When things
my fear of death. All I know is that for many
he decided to travel after high school, and
in my house weren’t going well, he was
nights, I wanted to hurt myself, but I only
This writer is a junior at a metro-Atlanta
we talked on the phone every day and
there to tell me everything was all right.
cried. Then I started cutting.
high school who is writing a novel.
night. We were together for two wonderful
When he left me, I felt my lifeline was cut.
years. We were like Siamese twins, always
It got worse one day when I got home
Loneliness
*Names changed
together — hanging out at the mall, movies
and checked my MySpace. I saw a message
I thought that physical pain would be
or each other’s house. I felt that nothing in
from some girl named Angel,* the girl
so much better than emotional pain. I had
the world could take David away from me.
David had cheated on me with. She said he
this knife in my dresser that I had bought
But soon everything went wrong.
was hers and continued messaging me for
from a MomoCon. Every day and night,
The pain started after he graduated from
three weeks.
every time I felt the tears coming up, I
high school and moved to the West Coast.
I checked out her page before I blocked
would cut my arm. I thought I could take
GET HELP
The long-distance thing worked perfectly
her and found out that she is only 15 years
the pain away, but that didn’t help either
for a year, but this past February, David
old. David is 19. I kept thinking: What
because I still hurt.
started to become distant. I did what most
does that girl have that I don’t have? Why
I wore only long sleeves to hide the scabs
If you or someone you know struggles
girls would do and asked him if he was
someone so young? Curiosity killed this cat.
and scars, and continued going to school
with self-harm, here are some places
cheating on me. He yelled and said that he
For once, I asked my grandmother for
and playing soccer. My teammates didn’t
to find help.
loved me too much to do that. Like an idiot,
help. I cried on her shoulder all night.
even notice anything because we never had
I fell for his lie.
She hugged me, rocked me and told me
conversations about life.
TeensHealth
Within two weeks, I was the only one
everything would be OK, but the words
I kept everything to myself. I even kept
teenshealth.org/teen
doing the talking. I called David, but he
went in one ear and out the other. When I
my friends away from me, avoiding them,
never called me. I texted, but he never
went to bed, I only pulled the covers over
because I didn’t want them to know how
Self Abuse Finally Ends
texted me. I got so tired of initiating that I
my head and cried more.
weak I had become. I didn’t want them to
www.selfinjury.com
decided not to contact David at all. I was
I felt betrayed and alone. Thoughts that
be ashamed to have me as a friend when
going to see how long it would take him to
I hadn’t had in years came into my head.
they thought that I was this cool laid-back
FOCUS Adolescent Sevices
call me.
At that moment, I seriously wanted to kill
person.
www.focusas.com
After a week without talking, I called him
myself. There were times when I kept a
Instead, when I got home every day, I
and a girl picked up.
knife in my hand and stared at it, wanting
stayed in a small corner of my already-
—Kenya Adeola/VOX Staff
“Hello?” she said.
to jab it into my heart. I wanted to cut my
small room. I listened to music with my
“Who is this?” I practically yelled.
throat. I wanted to do anything to take the
headphones on and ignored my family.
“This is David’s girlfriend.”
pain away, but for some reason I couldn’t
After a few weeks, I knew I couldn’t live

---

Art & Poetry
Paint brushes, pencils and pens have graced paper with their artistic and poetic sparks to bring you this special issue of VOX. Through the words of one’s soul to the artwork of another’s
inspiration, the pages in this month’s theme unveil the experiences and dreams of VOX readers and staff. Hopefully, they will inspire you to write and draw something too.
—Natalie Cook/VOX Staff
The Truth
Naiveté
Do me a favor
And open your eyes
Standing, shivering, trembling in the wind,
Because I want you to realize
Thinking back to when it all began
How much I despise
Skeptical and prudent though I was,
The blindfold put on our society
I could not help but fall prey to my naiveté.
We are blinded by the truth
And we lack knowledge
Could not with words articulate
Of our history
How surreptitiously that smile would
A lot of us don’t even know
infiltrate,
Where our family
And break down those barriers and
Came from
ultimately,
We give into the glamour
Incarcerate my sense, inevitably.
That the media hypes
Without realizing that
Skin sizzling, brain fizzing,
Every day we are being stereotyped
So deliciously satisfying to my
They think that black males
fastidiousness
Will only end up in two places
Feigning compassion, with luscious deceit,
And that is jail or maybe even hell
Your chocolate melody did stab, though
When they get done killing
exquisitely.
One another
And just thinking about
With beautiful audacity,
The degradation of women
You exploited my empathy
Truly makes me shudder
Making my misery
Females don’t take action
Seem not agonizing, but lovely.
When being called out of their name
But I know a female dog
And I, the lamb, foolishly
And myself is not one of the same
Found truth in your “integrity”
We have a mask over our eyes
Only to end up regretfully
Because we don’t see
Numbering the scars in solitary.
The value of education
And sometimes we think
—Amanda Dixon/VOX Staff
That love is our only destination
We don’t see the importance of money
Art by JAleel rAnsome i speciAl to VoX
That people throw and flaunt
And we are sightless of
Artist stAtement
Issues of racism that truly will haunt
With the rate that we are going
I was trying to convey the beauty and peace that nature holds. I
What if we really do
hope that this piece shows our generation that nature, and more
Turn back into slaves
importantly the earth, is a beautiful treasure that should be cared
The only exit out of this
for so that the future generations can enjoy it.
Terrifying maze
Is if our society
—Jaleel Ransome/Washington High
Takes off the blindfold
And we change our ways!
—Teyonna Ridgeway/VOX Staff
I Dream
Will She Come?
A forgotten dream just as well has died
I dream of the ever-flowing tears being dried
All evening he waited
I dream to put together my heart, snatch it off my sleeves and stuff
anxiously eyeing the clock
it inside
retracting my steps over
I dream to stop the coercion of the force of the tide I call life
and over counting the
and grab a surf board and for once...just ride
minutes until her arrival.
I dream the pain being ripped and my soul being revived
I dreamed of sitting on the stars going beyond the sky
Kneeling before a crackling fire
someone once dreamed of me the brightest of the bright
adding another log. I rose
but then they forgot and lost dreams...well we die
to check again my preparation
and my last dream was them and the last one of the night.
for tonight.
—Octavia Fugerson/VOX Staff
The thick sheepskin rug
lay lovingly spread before the
flames waiting for her...
Will she come?
Mother
—Tyrel Wilson/North Atlanta High
Art by neko VeAl i VoX stAff
Your Mother is like a flower,
A rose to be exact,
Artist stAtement
Or maybe like a brand new gate that never comes unlatched.
Are you a poet or artist?
Your Mother is like an owl, both beautiful and wise.
Send your original art and poetry to:
This is a picture I drew one day when I kind of let the weight of
Or perhaps Your Mother is like a ghost,
VOX Teen Communications
the world finally begin to pull me down.
Whose spirit never dies.
229 Peachtree St., Suite 725
Your Mother is like a heart that goes strong until the end.
I was just in a state of melancholy, and the emotion started to
Atlanta, GA 30303
Where would we be in this world if we didn’t have her as a friend?.
bleed its way onto the paper.
vox@VoxRox.org
Include your name, age and school!
—Kevin Donaldson/North Atlanta High
—Neko Veal/VOX Staff
PAGE 6
VOX: THE VOICE OF OUR GENERATION | mAy 2009
www.VoxRox.org

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Live United
Pain
A nation divided
With only ignorance united
In states of catastrophe
Pain, one thing that’s been in my life
America defining blasphemy
Pain, one thing I’ve been trying to fight
Pain, from those I thought had love
Committing profane acts in
Who were high on crack and other strong
this sacred entity
drugs
Like, taking away people’s
lives selfishly
Pain, from those I thought were friends
Where do I hide and when will it end?
Sweet land of liberty;
I packed up and ran to Stacy Sr.
home of the free
To find out he didn’t want me either
Home of the free,
that’s where we must be
The only time we weren’t fighting was when
he was sober
But America has not been the
Man, I just want the pain to be over
country that our forefathers
With grades so low they’d hit the floor
thought would bring a lot of
He had an excuse to beat me more
prosperity
The wealthy thought they
With nowhere to go and nowhere to hide
would always be well off,
I wondered if mom was still alive
until something crashed
Out of the Pen and into the den
called our economy
Mom would begin to bring pain again
So what if the rich become
Man she got skinny! How did she do it?
the poor and the poor
Then I saw the powder. I just knew it
become the rich?
Man I’m tired, I just want out
The switch will eliminate
Where can I scream? Where can I shout?
the ignorance as Febreeze
eliminates a stench
Then a stranger came in and took my bed
And gave me no place to rest my head
Giving our citizens an open
This man came in and ate up food.
mind
What should I say? What should I do?
Art by cAdie minus i speciAl to VoX
Changing our sights from
fore to hind
When my mom lied on me and put me in
Artist stAtement
jail
Making ignorance divided
It was better than staying with her, living
This picture is a symbol of my hope that all generations may find peace, beauty and
So that America can live
in hell
tranquility in this hectic and rushed world we live in.
united
I look at rich kids acting like brats
While I’m at home being hit with a bat
—Cadie Minus/Washington High
—Natalie “Poetic Soul” Cook/
VOX Staff
Why is my life like this? I wish I were dead.
So I took my mom’s gun and aimed right at
my head
Karma
Should I live or die? It doesn’t matter to me
When you can’t even rely on family
The trigger pulls back. I choose death
I used to feel all alone
Why aren’t there any bullets left?
Be on my own
Is it a sign? It may not be my time
I don’t really know where I belong
Or is it a trick? Man I don’t deserve this
I’m trying to find
A place where I will be just fine
The next day I’m kicked out of the house
So many questions I had going through my mind
Just to make room for the stranger’s spouse
Why doesn’t anyone have time?
Due to all my pain that wasn’t a must
Does any one care?
It’s hard to love and hard to trust
It’s cold and my body’s bare
From granny to Grady for lots of tests
I waved my hand
I was hoping and praying just for the best
Jumped up and down
Screamed at the top of my lungs
Pain, one thing that’s been in my life
But still, nobody knew I was around
Pain, one thing I’ve been trying to fight
So there came the frown
Pain, from those I thought had love
Who were high on crack and other strong
Saying you LIKE me is one thing
drugs
But saying you LOVE me is another
I’ve been knowing you since 14
Pain, from those I thought were friends
Been three years,
Who said they’d be there to the end
But you were closer than a brother
Learning to love and learning to trust
We did everything for one another
But it’s hard because I’ve been through so
photo by AJA hAll i VoX stAff
much
We were stuck, like glue
You were my baby, I was your boo
Artist stAtement
As I begin life again, with a hope in the
You were the one
wind
And I lost virginity to you
My dog, Rocky, and I have a special bond. This picture turned out to be
I pray that pain won’t happen again
Then you told me we were through
one of the best I have ever taken on my mom’s cell phone.
Putting trust in those I don’t even know
Because I wasn’t enough woman for you?
Are they a friend or are they a foe?
You kicked me to the curb and gave me the boot
—Aja Hall /VOX Staff
Pain, man it’s hard to fight
I realized
Pain, it could take your life
Don’t worry about people from the past,
But if you keep up faith, which is hard to
Because there’s a reason why they aren’t in your
do,
future
Maybe pain won’t get you
When karma comes
Untitled
Don’t go crying to your mother
—Stacy Evans/Druid Hills High
Be more like a man and be tougher
Don’t even think about calling me
You broke my heart
Because the only thing I’m going to say is
So really you made me cry and really sad
You’re not enough man for me
I thought we lost forever
PEACE
We did not
So whatever
—Angelica Avery/VOX Staff
—Jasmin Velazquez/Radloff Middle
www.VoxRox.org
VOX: THE VOICE OF OUR GENERATION | mAy 2009
PAGE 7

---

Time To Go
Shout Out!
Hurry hurry,
Let’s pack.
Where are you going?
I don’t know yet.
As life goes on, history is forever

remembered.
Be sure to bring what you value most.
I want to give a Shout out to all the
Don’t forget the jelly
Activists, politicians, athletes, poets, and
Or the toast.
musicians who paved the way.

Indeed! We stand here today,
Have you cleaned your room,
Their contributions wouldn’t be historical
Made your bed?
without recognition.
All this rushing
Dig deep! Pay attention!
Is hurting my head.
Shout out to Rosa Parks,

For not leaving her seat.
Where is mom?
And Dr. King preaching, “Let Freedom
Where is dad?
Ring.”
Look! The puppies,
I can’t forget, Malcolm X, teaching the value
They’re getting sad.
of self-respect.

Shout out to Black Panther, I’m glad to
I got new toothbrushes
scream, “Fight the Power!”
And the paste.
Man! Whenever my vibe is on the ride,
We already have some,
I just shout out to the lyrists from the
What a waste!
Harlem Renaissance time.

I, too, am America and my eyes are forever
Did you get your tickets?
watching GOD!
They’re in the den.
And big ups to the athletes
I forgot my hat
Jackie Robinson, Michael Jordan and
Upstairs again.
Muhammad Ali

Who encouraged and embraced physical
Come on down,
talent.
We’ll wish you well.
Last but not least, SHOUT OUT to
Make it quick,
Barrack Obama, “The People’s President.”
I’m sad. Can’t you tell?
I’m proud to be a United States resident.

Art by ChArles tAylor i speCiAl to VoX
Thank God, for MLK’s dream!
Be sure to call us before the night
Now we can say, YES WE CAN! YES WE WIll!
and one more thing,
Artist stAtement
YES WE DID!
don’t forget to write.
Just do it! Dream! The sky is the limit!

Believe! Achieve!
This work shows how an evening of star gazing can let your dreams take flight. Future
I’m really going to miss my friends.
SHOUT OUT to the dream!
generations should always keep looking to the stars and follow their dreams.
When camp is over
They’ll welcome you home again.
—Fenell Wilkins/VOX Staff
—Charles Taylor/ Washington High
—Darrecia Champion/North Atlanta High
Drama
Drama is a representation of your background.
Altercation of your status
Remaining of your action
Conditions of the Magnus
Expressing your anger physically, especially when you’re rudely disrespected.
Hitting in the face and spitting of the body.
Throwing punches with the fist, from kicking towards the private.
Blaming the other and not yourself, tells a lot about boldness, a sign of fear the crowd felt.
“Do only what you want done to you” by all means.
Instead talk out your problems than make a scene.
A story designed to be acted out
The definition that drama spills.
Understand drama leads to two selective restraining orders,
nevertheless the death will.
—Michaella Davis/North Atlanta High
My First Love
He is my first love, my first true love.
That he is?
He’s my night and my day even when he’s so far away.
Can’t you see he means so much.
Even though I show it he just doesn’t know it.
At times I feel like a playtoy, but others times I feel much joy.
This is my love, the first true one!
Some people say why black why?
Art by trACy JACkson i VoX stAff
But can’t you see he means soooooo much to me.
I wish I could write a song that would last so long on the way how he makes me feel.
Artist stAtement
The way he touches me, squeezes me, “ooooohhh”
Yeah, this is true, my first love.
This illustration is a graphic replica of Margaret Warfield’s “Glad About It” painting.
—Aliesha Ward/North Atlanta High
—Tracy Jackson/VOX Staff
PAGE 8
VOX: THE VOICE OF OUR GENERATION | mAy 2009
www.VoxRox.org

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I Am A Trapped Mine

I’m trapped!
I feel like a boxed mime
Silent and unable to speak
I try so hard to move this invisible cubed
object that I’m trapped within.
I try to push forward, but the clear wall is
not budging.
I stop and think.
There has to be a better way to escape.
I then begin to create my rope using
nothing but my hand.
Once finish I stared at the transparent wall
and gave it a smirk.
I threw one end of my air rope over the
wall.
I climbed and I climbed, I didn’t even think
to stop,
All I was trying to do was to make it to the
top.
As I made it