21/06/2026
I want to make them feel.
That was my primary goal when I was planning Beyond Labels. Emotions make you think and then, act. If I can make these teenagers feel my words, my poems and my lectures, then I did a good job.
I did that and more. We talked, we played games that connected to their emotions, we discussed how teenagers could be biased or bigoted, and how to challenge it.
Hearing these kids freely interact and genuinely ask questions was the highlight of my day. We erased ideas and formed new ones. A seed was sown and I look forward to these children growing into adults that are not controlled by bigotry.
I was the happiest person at the end of the day. In fact, I kept whispering, "Thank you, Jesus" over and over. It wasn't just a two-hour event. It was intentionality, soul and pure art! And I was right at the centre of it all. Wow.
To the team that made the dream, Anita Okeke, Eby P. Onyekwena and Emmanuel Charles, thank you!
To D**e Chukwumerije, thank you.
To Simply Poetry Foundation and Ford Foundation, thank you.
To the management of St. John Vianney Science College for partnering with me on this project, thank you.
Officially a BBPC alumna! 😊
