Taiylor Ball was banned from attending her senior prom at Homewood Flossmoor High School. Although Ball is a member of the National Honor Society, was accepted to 11 schools, and received over $1 million in scholarships she was denied the opportunity to attend prom and possibly graduation.

During an end of the year talent show, Ball recited a poem entitled, Dear Black Girl. A poem she wrote to promote self-love amongst girls of color, she described it as a wake-up call for black girls. The school took action because of the use of the N-word in the poem. They said they never approved the piece for the talent show.

Some bits and piece from her poem read:

“Dear Black girls your mind is filled with self-hate, and emotion but let me tell you brown girl, you are one of a kind…love yourself cus they don’t…there is power in your melanin…Dear Black man, brothers, n***a? Kim K wearing you like an accessory, be conscious black man…”

I am extremely proud of this new generation of conscious black teens. I’m sure the school is up in arms about the use the N-word, I understand that we are still in limbo about who should and should not use that word and in what context but to band her from prom and graduation is harass. Especially since she is a great student but our youth is quickly learning that when you are black and you mess up once, an example will be made out you. It’s an unfortunate but harsh truth they must understand.

Although she the school did not let her participate in prom, WILL be participating in her graduation ceremony Sunday, May 29^th. Just look at this as water under the bridge and enjoy that full ride to Florida A & M. Ms. Ball will be majoring in biology/pre-med!