Jayla S,
New Orleans, LA
When I was younger, my last name would get called for attendance, and when students heard it, they would make side comments like you’re black, and you have that as your last name. Just because I don’t have a last name like Hernandez, Smith, or Johnson doesn’t mean I must be like you all. People have different last names. Growing up, it was difficult in school. I used to hate my last name because they would make the seal’s sounds, but now I look at them and think they look like clowns making crazy noises. Yes, I am a Black African American with a last name that’s an animal. And I am proud to have a unique and different last name.
