Sitka High School, 3rd Place Essay Contest Winner

Enhancing Everyone

by Lindsay Anderson

As I walk downtown, I glance at all the signs,
different faces pass by.
“Native people not allowed”
is the slogan upon each sign.

As I am allowed to enter the movie theater,
what do they think about me?
Will they one day be able to watch Gone with The Wind?

I notice the sad faces upon the small children,
I begin to ponder an idea.

What can I do to stop this?
A separation between two individual groups, but both unique,
I see strong bonds between Native groups.
Each group told stories from generation to generation,
oral tradition through song and dance.
Would they ever allow me to be apart of them?
Why can’t they be a part of me?

I present this issue to different people in the community.
I tell everyone how racism is a superior issue.
Each day I explain how we can all come together as one,
to create an equal environment for all.
How come some listen and some don’t?
I come to realize racism is far worse than
I ever thought.

The ones who lift their noses I can’t even convince that
racism is present among our community.
This small town is divided and some people do not even notice.
I know the people who took the
time to listen can help me find a solution.

As a child I play with someone just because
they are friendly.
Just because they do not look as I do,
does not make them different.
We play hopscotch, tag, and ring around the rosy
We hold hands, and it
does not hurt me.
Why can’t we all be equal?
Why can’t my friends come with me everywhere?

I begin to feel more anger build inside of me.
How do they expect people to get along
if we can’t even be together?

I bring more ideas toward change.
I do not give up and educate people on what racism actually is.
So many forms of racism people do not understand.
I continue to talk to people, until I find the people who want results,
just as I do.
Finally, I have found the group of people willing to listen.

We discuss the issues and create a resolution.
We all decide everyone needs the equal opportunity to vote, and be where they want.
No one should be left out due to the color of their skin.
There are not allowed to be signs that create a boundary.
After everyone agrees on equal rights and civil rights, we decide what to do.
One brave one suggests going to the legislature.

After we make a lay out, we all head to the meeting.
We sit in the room with the legislature.
I can feel who will be on our side.
Some of the members glare, but other smile and keep their composure.
We do not separate.
We sit as one, whites and natives together.
The groups are not separate, we are one.

She has such a powerful voice, which catches everyone’s attention,
no matter what their stand is on the horrific issue.
Even the people on the legislature who disagree stop to ponder
what she has said.

This women, Elizabeth, the start, to a
difficult continuous process.
Can we join together, or will she be alone?

One brave women fighting for that equal chance.