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Last issue The Voice asked "How do you identify yourself Black, Af
rican American or other?" One lucky student published here is the
winner of the essay contest and $75
by Arabhis Nicholson
I see my life as a never-
ending journey, and in this time,
f m meant to create who I am
through a series of prophetic
experiences. Now, f ve come
into a brand- new chapter of my
youth, and college has been very
significant in my personal self
development. I had an epiphany
when I entered school that didn't
resonate until I fully understood
my purpose in life, which is to play
a major role in changing the world
aroii^me. In addition, I decided
that I would redefi ne myself apart
from society s narrow standards.
Beyond the formulaic archetype
of society, I consider myself to
be a highly melinated being of
the indigenous ancestral body
of the world, and I am blessed to
have hair of 9Ether, which curls
towards the sun and the heavens.
From a broader point of view, I
am artistically, spiritually, and
intellectually multi- faceted, and
there are various ways in which I
exemplify these qualities.
subconsciously, groupthink
has never been a part of my
personality, and through my
artwork, f ve learned to express
myself in the most free and unique
way. That is to say, f m striving to
be my most genuine self, and allow
only divine truth to shape my daily
thoughts and ideas creatively.
On the intellectual front, I
have studied many great authors
such as Lorraine Hansberry,
Langston Hughes, Henry David
Thoreau, and Zora Neale Hurston,
just to name a few. I revel in their
tones and methods of story- telling;
it shifts my view of life and where
I stand in the world by allowing me
to see societies various idealisms
and patterns. Thus, it elevates
my mind. In addition to my love
for reading, I also enjoy writing. I
fi nd myself imagining stories of
great significance and depth, all in
my head. Intellectually, I identify
myself as cultured and deeply
complex due to the fact that
my poems reflect my innermost
thoughts while at the same
time, examines the world that
transcends my own lenses.
So, in essence, I identify with
every single person on the planet. I
am not only black, with a few drops
of native- American blood; I am also
a descendent of Caribbean culture,
African culture, middle-eastern
culture, and yes Eurocentric culture
as well.
I take pleasure in exploring
many realms of culture and
spirituality. At my core I have an
Afrocentric drum putting my heart
in motion, and in the background
Eurocentric melodies move
my spirit to sing. Currently, f m
developing a passion for Northern
African culture, and a taste for
Middle- eastern style and belief
systems. Mesh all of these ideas
and creative thoughts together,
and you still only have a small idea
of my full personality, which is
infinite. Nevertheless, the people
close to my heart know me as an
energetic person, who has flaws
like every human being. I sincerely
strive to be my higher self, and I
know my life's purpose, which is
to be a prolifi c writer and teacher.
Overall, the point I want to make is
that we are all one people, and no
race or label is more superior to the
other. I am proud and blessed to
be black, but I can identify with any
and every race on mother earth
cri