“Summa Noir Laude: The Highest Black Honor” by Alona Leoine

Within these Maize and Blue walls, where Victors stand

I strut with intention, my heart in my hands.

With roots so deep, a rich ebony shade,

In this sea of ivory, I still strut unafraid.

I carry the songs of my black people’s fight,

Through endless days and North Star nights.

A tapestry of dreams, just waiting to start,

In this freshman world, I’m off to play my part.

I catch the echoes of my ancestor’ cheering me on,

Giving me their superpowers to be wise and strong.

I walk with grace, a queen uncrowned,

With every step, I claim my ground.

Dark in beauty, but a mind so bright,

Talents and ideas ready to ignite.

Books in hand, I rise, I learn,

In diligent flames, my spirit burns.

A melanin woman, magical as can be,

I cherish my roots, my identity.

For in the mirror, I see the truth,

I’m a powerful legacy for future black youth.

Alona Leoine is an anxious freshman from the Class of 2028 who is looking to make many strides in college, in her community, and in her career. She is a whirlwind of creative energy from art to filmmaking to writing. She wrote her first published work in the 1st grade and she recently directed, filmed, and edited her first short film this fall. She even writes to an elementary student through UofM's K-Grams penpal program. To dive deeper into her world, visit her blog and store at www.AlonaLeoine.com