Moving Like Heroes: PJL’s Summer of Justice
By Gemella Marey Punongbayan (Gem)
Despite the summer heat, members of Carrboro High School’s Poetic Justice League (PJL) spent their break being one with the community. Instead of staying inside to escape the harsh temperatures, they matched the summer’s heat with their own fire, sweating through hours of volunteering and breathing life into the mic.
The League kicked things off with a featured performance at the annual Chapel Hill-Carrboro Juneteenth Celebration. Performing at the Hargraves Center, PJL delivered a powerful chain poem that the poets collaboratively wrote, inspired by Juneteenth.
The power of their voices didn't stop there. The very next day, the League took flight again at the M.A.N.iFest event at the Fuquay-Varina Arts Center, delivering another moving recitation of their Juneteenth Chain Poem.
PJL advisor Raquel Harris enthusiastically shared, “This summer has been packed with the dual joys of community and creativity. From participating in two Juneteenth celebrations, radio performances, and volunteering for Carrboro Farmers’ Market’s legendary Tomato Day, it has been a brilliant experience to see the students thrive.”
PJL member Adri Urlaub reflected, “Having the opportunity to share my work with the community has been amazing and so exciting. It’s always a great feeling to see your words resonate with an audience and these experiences have definitely helped me find more confidence in my own voice.”
The team brought their fiery energy to Carrboro Farmers’ Market’s Tomato Day. Despite sweating profusely in the summer heat, PJL members rolled up their sleeves, chopping tomatoes and handing out samples at the Market. They worked alongside fellow volunteers, and the poets embraced the opportunity to give back, showing that for PJL, being part of the community means showing up, lending a hand, and serving the community—one tomato at a time.
Amid the heat and tomatoes, I couldn't help but think about how volunteering at Tomato Day was such a unique experience. Even though I felt the heat radiating through my whole body, it felt good to be outside and interact with the community.
And PJL isn't done yet! With more performances, community events, and opportunities still ahead, the League has plenty more in store for summer and beyond. If this summer has taught us anything, it's that PJL is just warming up.
