Hey, my name is Karimah Jones, and I’m 12 years old. I was born and raised in niskayuna. My mother is guatemalan and my dad is African American. I have grown to love poetry, and music. I started singing before I could walk, before I could talk. I have a passion for music, and I have a passion for poetry.

I am a proud Muslim girl, and have grown to learn that people don’t know the difference between “religion” and “race”. I have been bullied before for being a Muslim, or as some people call it, a “terrorist”. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but, hey, words hurt.

I have also grown to learn that no matter what people say, you are who you are and that is all, no more, no less. you may see me as shy, weak. But my words by themselves can knock down a building, and build it back up. I don’t need to know how to fight to stand up for myself with my words. That’s why I hate it when people ask me “can you fight?”. yes, i can fight. i fight with my words.