Poetry can be a powerful way to raise awareness of the many diverse experiences of young people. Kids Help Phone had the chance to team up with youth artist TMP on their poem “Black Child”, highlighting the unique experiences that many Black youth face. Here, Kids Help Phone shares TMP’s poem and learns more about using art for wellness and self-expression.
TMP shared with us, “I have so much fun creating art and writing poetry. There’s so much to say and speak on, and I find it easiest to write about them. I get all my thoughts together. And I use fun metaphors or personifications to give what I have to say, life and sometimes deep meanings. There’s never a limit to the fun that I have while I write.”
Writing, poetry and art can help to build community and raise awareness of social injustice (unfair rules or practices in society). A teacher asked TMP for their thoughts on a new course about anti-Black Racism in North America, and why this type of course was needed. TMP decided to use poetry to express why they felt the course was so important. “I thought, what better way to talk about the importance of the course, than to talk about Black experiences?”
Black Child
Art can bring up strong emotions in a short amount of time. If you need support after watching the video or reading this poem, our e-mental health services are available 24/7 to support you. Black youth can text RISE to 686868 or Facebook Messenger to connect with a trained, volunteer crisis responder. If you’d prefer to chat with other young people about how you’re feeling, you can check out the Peer-to-Peer Community at Kids Help Phone.
Kids Help Phone would like to thank TMP for sharing their powerful poem and story with young people across Canada! TMP is one of many young artists involved with Leadership by Design, a program that provides leadership development opportunities to youth of Black and African-Canadian heritage.
