Woke

1.)

Kiara:

"Miss Washington, this is the fifth time this semester that you have been sent to my office." My principal wearily rubbed his temples. "It's always over the same issue, and you always have the same excuse."

I felt my eyebrows furrow, and I folded my arms. "Excuse? Mr. Karr, with all due respect, me feeling like this school has little to no regard for its students of color is not an excuse. I'm just trying to bring to the attention of my peers and teachers that neither I, nor they, should tolerate ignorance." 

"Yes, I'm aware... you inform me of this every time you're in here. Your teachers themselves share with me how you react to them in class, and your classmates complain that they feel uncomfortable around you. You're becoming out of line."

"How am I out of line?" I asked. "Do you hear the aggressive, angry Black woman stereotype you're accusing me of--"

"Miss Washington, that's what I'm referring to! You treat our school atmosphere as if it's out to get you and every other Black student."

"Is it not?" I questioned. "Like you said, I've been in here five times now. I'm starting to feel a little targeted."

My principal gave me a warning look. "These are serious allegations you're making. Have you ever considered you might be the problem?"

"Not at all, actually." I responded politely. "Why am I in here again?"

Karr rolled his eyes, pulling up the white slip that my AP English teacher sent to him along with me.

"Mrs. Greene wrote that you were disruptive and disrespectful in her class today: constantly talking back, disagreeing with her perspective on A Raisin in the Sun-- you called her a white supremacist?"

I shook my head in frustration. "That's not what happened! I said she embodied white supremacist ideologies during our discussion of A Raisin in the Sun. So because I don't agree with her 'perspective' and called a spade a spade, I'm disrespectful?"

"Kiara," Mr. Karr pinched the bridge of his nose. "What are we going to do with you? You do realize I can suspend or even expel you, right? I've got half a mind to just do so--"

"Mr. Karr, please." I had to fight back my snappy remarks. The last thing I needed was suspension or expulsion on my record, especially after what happened at my last high school. "Is there not an alternative solution? I don't think being expelled for something like this is really fair."

He sighed. "You're a very smart girl, Kiara-- one of our top students. Very talented as well. The entire school knows it. Your potential shouldn't be overshadowed by hatred. What can we do to let everyone see a more positive side to you?"

I kept quiet, figuring he was talking to himself more so than me. Suddenly, he snapped his fingers with a grin. "I know just the way."

I watched wearily as he pulled out a file. "We have a new student coming next week. His name is Christiano Marks. Based on his academic performance at his previous school, he'll be in advanced placement courses here. Conveniently, your schedules are identical. I want you to be his welcoming committee for the next month. You'll walk with him to classes, show him the ropes of how our school works, and help make Chancely feel like home."

"But that's the student ambassadors' job!"

"Consider yourself an honorary member." He retorted. "I've also heard that you're a very athletic and artistic girl. Your band and gym teachers just marvel at your abilities and wish they had your talents on the field."

"Yeah, I'm sure they're low on token--" I quickly shut up, due to the principal's glare.

"Based on the pre-rosters the coaches have collected, we're short on cheerleaders and spring track athletes this year. It would be amazing if you so happened to try out for both."