This month, our Middle Ground participants participated in the Museum at Home: Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture creative writing program presented by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Each contestant chose a piece of art from the following options and wrote a poem or essay about it: Walking by Charles Alston, Arty by Nelson Stevens, or Rev. Martin Luther King by Charles Alston. See the submissions below: 

Christian C., 7th Grade 

Rev. Martin Luther King by Charles  

I think piece that I have chosen is show that the author is saying to hold your head up don’t give up. I say this because Martin Luther King never gave up. My favorite piece is walking. I say this piece is my favorite because they are walking as a family, staying by each other side. This artwork relates to my life because I have a quote “Stay up till you come up.” I still haven’t came up but I’m pushing to success one day at a time. “I have a dream.” 

Royality H., 4th Grade 

This artwork is beautiful. It shows how hard people work. This artwork shows justice for Martin Luther King Jr. The person who murdered Martin Luther King Jr. Was wrong because he needed to life a long life. I hope Martin Luther King Jr. Children pass away they are all buried in the same cemetery too.  

I like when he says in his “I had a dream” speech that all children, Black and white will get a chance to play together. It is not wrong for Black and white children to play together and Martin Luther King Jr. Wanted this for everyone. When I think of Martine Luther King Jr. I think of George Floyd because both men were murdered by white men and that wasn’t right. Martin Luther King Jr. Was alive, he would have made justice for George Floyd.  

I hope that Martin Luther King Jr. And George Floyd are dancing in heaven. I am glad they are both away from the pain in this world. Keep their spirit together.  

Samuel G., 4th Grade

StepUp’s program for school-aged children is now called Middle Ground! This age group has stayed connected in the last two months through weekly ZOOM calls on Wednesdays. During our time together, we recap our weeks and try to maintain some sense of normalcy amidst this pandemic. 

One of our favorite partners, the Poe Center, typically visits in April. The Poe Center always brings  fun, informative, and interactive lessons that keep the students engaged and learning. We were really sad about our children missing these opportunities, but luckily we did not miss a beat! The Poe Center has some great online resources that we have been able to utilize and make sure our students are still receiving valuable weekly lessons as planned. 

Each week we visited a different topic, including healthy eating habits, cooking, and medicine safety. The kids completed online activities and discussed the topics. Thanks to the Poe Center for providing materials and concepts for us to explore.