This Black Panther article highlights the IYI poetry unit, an integral part of the language arts curriculum. At the IYI, students are encouraged to use their imagination and express themselves, while typical public schools at the time had a greater focus on productivity than creativity.

The article includes five moving poems from students aged 5 through 11, some more light-hearted and others which showcase a deep understanding of oppression, inequality, and the importance of education. Not only is the students’ understanding of these difficult subjects impressive, but they also express themselves powerfully through their poems.