Our community is no longer a community
While we strive to become one
We are let down
Told we are not yet an endangered species
While we are told we are the future they let us die
So where does our future stand
What happens to all of our fallen soldiers?
After they are left to rot on the streets
Given no chance of survival
Or to start a new revival
What will happen to the children of these men?
When the women are left vulnerable
To be raped and taken advantage of
How can we move forward from the violence?
What happened to 'we are here to serve and protect'
Are we not worth protecting or fighting for?
Let us put up our heads to become what we strive to become
A community of all races where we listen to our elders
Support our youth
Cause we are the future and the future is ours

 

By Asheka Campbell

 

Asheka Campbell is a summer student at FYI and works as the Cultural Arts Director. She uses poetry to express her inner most feelings, ideas and experiences with life.

 

FOR YOUTH INITIATIVE

 

For Youth Initiative (FYI) is a by youth for youth agency that uses pop culture to bring critical theory and social systemic change to the streets of the former City of York, North Etobicoke and West Toronto areas.

 

FYI's Cultural Arts and Production programming stream involves numerous artistic and media related projects. A very large component of its Real Alternatives Program (RAP) works with young men to use hip hop and pop culture for self-expression and social awareness/change. Girlfriends, a program for young women, also uses spoken word, poetry and writing for cultural arts development and self-expression.

 

For more info please visit: http://www.foryouth.ca