My name is Demarion Martin, and today I’m going to talk about my experiences so far as a young black writer.
It’s been hard. Coming to Lincoln Park was basically the start of my artistic journey with writing, I have had to overcome a lot of challenges and an immense amount of social pressure to be where I am today, but that’s what makes my story so unique. Last year I found myself out of my element. I was attending New Castle High school, and I just feel like I wasn’t getting the opportunities that kids at other schools got because the school was more hyper focused on sports.
One day though, sitting in class my friend had walked in and started talking about Lincoln Park and how he got in for Media so I followed suit but media/art didn’t fit me… writing did. I started the application process and I felt like the world was crashing down on me because, I hadn’t written anything that wasn’t academic up until that point. I had to stretch and pull myself creatively and become a better writer.
Now I sit here almost eight months later as someone who can stand tall, as someone who found what being a black artist meant. You can forever feel out of your element but that’s what will make you grow, that’s what will make you become the best you can be.
I have the opportunity to be in Vegas around fellow black innovators in the arts and sciences now because I won the ACT-SO competition regionally. Just thinking about how full circle my journey has come makes me feel so full of confidence because last year around this same time, I would’ve never thought I’d be where I am today.
When people tell you that the sky is the limit, the sky is literally the limit. Don’t let people tell you that you aren’t talented enough, or you shouldn’t be a writer or dancer, don’t let them tell you that sports is the only option or academics because its not. Make your own path and carve your own way because that’s how you’ll become the best version of yourself.
Being a black writer has not been easy, but it has paid off? Will you take the leap to follow your dreams too?
