Budding poet

"Now Blacks and Whites were just not ‘different’/ And Blacks not any ‘worse.’/ America was taking one step forward,/ To become a country ‘diverse.’

"Even though Dr King’s voice was heard,/ He was not there to see it heeded./ The Blacks that were still alive got freedom,/Something they desperately needed…

"While giving hope to a new generation,/ Obama is making the news headline/ I hope racism will continue to decline/and children’s eyes with hope will shine…”

These verses penned by 11-year-old Noor Bhagwagar were part of his poem What does Black history month mean to me? that earned him the first place in poetry among all US sixth graders.

Noor Bhagwagar (center) displaying certificate for prize winning poem

The month of February is celebrated in USA as Black history month. It traces the struggle of generations of Black Americans, remembering people and events that made history. From slavery to Presidency is a long journey. Across schools and campuses in USA students are encouraged to read, know and express themselves on Black history through art, essay, music and poetry.

Studying in Saginaw, Michigan, Bhag­wa­gar was among the 1,000 students who submitted entries, of whom 70 received awards. The awards ceremony was on March 27 at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn where young Bhagwagar was presented a certificate and a laptop for his prizewinning poem. Yesteryear boxing ace Muhammad Ali’s daughter Laila was the keynote speaker who motivated the children to give life their best and not be afraid to pursue their dreams.

In January this year Noor and his sister Somya were in Nagpur for their navjote ceremony.

Dilnavaz E. Bhagwagar