“I think that if you are an artist you could also be a Black power activist, or a Korean power, Hindu power, or Dominican power activist.  I don’t think It matters what kind of person you are.”

-Athena (grade 5)

“I don’t know what happens—-maybe because I’m Latin or maybe just because I love music—but when I hear Celia Cruz it just gets in my blood and I have to dance!”

-Angelic (grade 5)

“I like the way Joni Mitchell sang the words to ‘Love is patient, love is kind…’ (Corinthians) because it really showed the mood she is in when she is praying.  When you pray you want to be calm and close to God, and that music fit.”

-Kassandra (grade 7)

“Janelle Monae is saying that no matter if you feel great or not, you have to keep going forward on a straight path.  It doesn’t matter what other people think, as long as you keep moving.”

-Esmeralda (grade 8)

“Janelle Monae dresses the same as her backup singers and her band because she doesn’t need to pop out or steal the attention from the group.  It shows that she is humble and confident.”

-Kyla (grade 6)