Cierra Gibson
MLK High School 11th Grade Student
Stop and listen, we are supposed to be the future leaders now and forever, not the future killers or drug dealers. We listen to these rappers and that say all these things in their raps about where they live. Did they really grow up in the hood, or were they raised in working parents? They have money and live in big mansions., but they portray themselves as violent criminals. Yes, some glorify committing crimes, but the ones that do commit crime, sometimes get away with it because they have money. Some don’t and have to serve time in jail. Some individuals sometimes think that they can get away with crimes from watching videos, but when someone in the community commits a crime they will more than likely service time in prison. When celebrity rappers get shot, the police hurry up and try to find out who shot them, but the average individual has to wait to find out.
I am here to tell you to stop and think before you commit a crime. Do you say to yourself, “what will happen to me if I do this?” Can I do the time if I get caught doing the crime? Is this a good decision and who am I hurting and why. I am tired of hearing about people dying and getting hurt with weapons because they had a conflict earlier or shot someone for no apparent reason or possibly been in the wrong place at the wrong time. As the lyrics to a song say, “We are supposed to make a brighter day.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the people that marched with him did not use violence to show their opinion, they used words. That’s what we suppose to do, show with words not weapons
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Crime Prevention-Raise Your Child
Myleatta Wilson
Graduate
Osborn University High School
“Posted: 11:26 a.m. Aug. 19, 2009
Eastpointe ordinance targets parental duties
BY CHRISTINA HALLFREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
Parents or guardians who fail to supervise children age 17 and younger could be charged with a misdemeanor offense under a parental responsibility ordinance unanimously adopted Tuesday by Eastpointe City Council.
Many communities in metro Detroit already have similar ordinances on the books. It is intended to establish parental duties in preventing children from committing delinquent acts.
According to the ordinance, it is the duty of parents or guardians to keep illegal drugs and firearms out of the home and legal firearms locked up; know the city’s curfew law; arrange for proper supervision of children when they are not home; prevent children from destroying property, and forbidding children to keep stolen property, illegal firearms or drugs.
If convicted, parents or guardians face up to 30 days in jail for the first offense and up to 93 days for the second and subsequent offenses. The fine in both cases is up to $500, Councilwoman Wendy Richardson said.
The council has been talking about the ordinance for nearly three months and introduced it Aug. 11. Richardson said the ordinance is not as much of a punishment to parents as it is to “reinforce the responsibility of parents to parent.”
She said the council asked for a report in a year to determine how often the ordinance was used.
Contact CHRISTINA HALL: 586-826-7265 or chall@freepress.com.”
Its only a matter of time before Detroit starts to pick up on this ordinance that has been developed in Eastpointe to make sure parents fulfill their parental duties as far as knowing what their children are involved in. This is the beginning of something that’s going to change the outlook on the activities that youth partake in when their not with their parents. Too bad their not going to be too happy about it.
It’s all about trust when it comes to a child or teen being able to do what they want to while on their own. But when the child goes as far as getting into trouble that involves a crime, things start to change for the better, thus the ordinance being introduced. I’m happy to know that someone has finally made the intitiative to put the heat not only on the children but the parents as well. The child had to get the behavior from somewhere, and with proper monitoring I never think tat child would do something so serious as a crime in front of their parents.
We have to understand the importance of parental guidance. The youth committing crimes are being rasied by the streets and with that being said, how much longer are we going to shake our heads at the issue of the missing parents? Yes they are missing, and even though we are less than likely to get into the issues of someone else and especially their children, it should be our duty as a community in Detroit to start taking advantage of the responsibilty of making sure the children in the community stay out of trouble just as well as the parents should. It takes a village to raise a child, so my question is this- are these the kind of chidren we would really raise in our household? Are these the children, the ones who commit crimes, the ones we want our children to bring home as far as when their ready to date? People, we must understand that we are a product of our own surroundings and to be honest I'm sick of being labeled as another statistic.
Graduate
Osborn University High School
“Posted: 11:26 a.m. Aug. 19, 2009
Eastpointe ordinance targets parental duties
BY CHRISTINA HALLFREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
Parents or guardians who fail to supervise children age 17 and younger could be charged with a misdemeanor offense under a parental responsibility ordinance unanimously adopted Tuesday by Eastpointe City Council.
Many communities in metro Detroit already have similar ordinances on the books. It is intended to establish parental duties in preventing children from committing delinquent acts.
According to the ordinance, it is the duty of parents or guardians to keep illegal drugs and firearms out of the home and legal firearms locked up; know the city’s curfew law; arrange for proper supervision of children when they are not home; prevent children from destroying property, and forbidding children to keep stolen property, illegal firearms or drugs.
If convicted, parents or guardians face up to 30 days in jail for the first offense and up to 93 days for the second and subsequent offenses. The fine in both cases is up to $500, Councilwoman Wendy Richardson said.
The council has been talking about the ordinance for nearly three months and introduced it Aug. 11. Richardson said the ordinance is not as much of a punishment to parents as it is to “reinforce the responsibility of parents to parent.”
She said the council asked for a report in a year to determine how often the ordinance was used.
Contact CHRISTINA HALL: 586-826-7265 or chall@freepress.com.”
Its only a matter of time before Detroit starts to pick up on this ordinance that has been developed in Eastpointe to make sure parents fulfill their parental duties as far as knowing what their children are involved in. This is the beginning of something that’s going to change the outlook on the activities that youth partake in when their not with their parents. Too bad their not going to be too happy about it.
It’s all about trust when it comes to a child or teen being able to do what they want to while on their own. But when the child goes as far as getting into trouble that involves a crime, things start to change for the better, thus the ordinance being introduced. I’m happy to know that someone has finally made the intitiative to put the heat not only on the children but the parents as well. The child had to get the behavior from somewhere, and with proper monitoring I never think tat child would do something so serious as a crime in front of their parents.
We have to understand the importance of parental guidance. The youth committing crimes are being rasied by the streets and with that being said, how much longer are we going to shake our heads at the issue of the missing parents? Yes they are missing, and even though we are less than likely to get into the issues of someone else and especially their children, it should be our duty as a community in Detroit to start taking advantage of the responsibilty of making sure the children in the community stay out of trouble just as well as the parents should. It takes a village to raise a child, so my question is this- are these the kind of chidren we would really raise in our household? Are these the children, the ones who commit crimes, the ones we want our children to bring home as far as when their ready to date? People, we must understand that we are a product of our own surroundings and to be honest I'm sick of being labeled as another statistic.
Leaders Of Our Time
Dimitris Yang
Senior
Warren Woods Tower High School
Through my life there have been countless people who has come and gone. Many of whom influenced me greatly in positive ways, teaching me things that can open the doors to new opportunities in life. As we can see, there are exceedingly more negative influences than there are positive. So therefore it’s easier to notice bad things. There is so much negative influence in the world that people have come to accept it as a way of life.
Through my life there have been countless people who has come and gone. Many of whom influenced me greatly in positive ways, teaching me things that can open the doors to new opportunities in life. As we can see, there are exceedingly more negative influences than there are positive. So therefore it’s easier to notice bad things. There is so much negative influence in the world that people have come to accept it as a way of life.
One individual that I believe is a perfect example of a positive influence is Ronald Norwood. He is one who takes care of business. He’s just one of that people who comes through and leaves an impact upon everyone surrounding him. I look at him as an older brother, although I’m 10 days older than he is. Ron helped me see life in a different perspective. As he left for college to chase his dreams of becoming someone great and unforgettable, I thanked him for his encouragement and empowerment he has passed on to me.
We, as the Youth Initiatives Project need more young leaders like Ronald Norwood. Instead of looking up to negative role models in the media, our future generation should really be looking up to none other than the leaders of their communities. I commend Ron for making great use of his God-given gift to encourage all young people to become leaders. I wish Ron the very best, and may God continue to pour blessings upon him as he strives for the future.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Live, Learn & Teach
Pao Kia Yang
Graduate
Osborn University High School
You see cars pulling over to the far right of the road as the siren of a police car echoes behind them. Everyday these law enforcement officers put their lives at risk to save the people who they service; us. They get up for work knowing that on a regular day like this may be their last. They work hard to make sure we get the help and safety we need. Putting your life at risk is like pushing yourself near the edge of the cliff, yet some police officers do it anyway. It is their passion to do this for a good cause, while others do it for pride.
There is a difference between pride and passion. Passion is when you do something that’ll benefit others and yourself, while pride is something you do to benefit only yourself. Pride and passion is as different as putting your life at risk of being a police officer and a gang member. Gangs have increased rapidly from streets to inside schools. Children from as young as 12 have signed their own life to such pride of joining gangs. They kill and die over the pettiest thing. Some of which survived, are being haunted by memories of sin or by the decease one’s family and friends. Is it worth dying over a bag of weed that’ll soon sink in and destroy your body’s system? Is it worth killing someone over a chain that you soon found out was not made out of real gold? Is it worth throwing away your future by spending life in prison?
We youth need to come to a realization of throwing away our lives over things like this. You need to be able to look after yourself and think outside of the box. You want to be protected? Well, don’t depend on your gang to be your shield. They won’t help you pay for the money you owe someone else, nor would they help you overcome fear of defining your path. Learn to protect yourself by not exposing yourself to such pity. When you learn to do so, it’ll open many opportunities to your younger siblings, peers and anyone else who follows. Take advantage of positive things that are handed to you, such as education. Further your future, because life is too short and too precious to die for making stupid decisions. Live, learn and teach…to the fullest.
Graduate
Osborn University High School
You see cars pulling over to the far right of the road as the siren of a police car echoes behind them. Everyday these law enforcement officers put their lives at risk to save the people who they service; us. They get up for work knowing that on a regular day like this may be their last. They work hard to make sure we get the help and safety we need. Putting your life at risk is like pushing yourself near the edge of the cliff, yet some police officers do it anyway. It is their passion to do this for a good cause, while others do it for pride.
There is a difference between pride and passion. Passion is when you do something that’ll benefit others and yourself, while pride is something you do to benefit only yourself. Pride and passion is as different as putting your life at risk of being a police officer and a gang member. Gangs have increased rapidly from streets to inside schools. Children from as young as 12 have signed their own life to such pride of joining gangs. They kill and die over the pettiest thing. Some of which survived, are being haunted by memories of sin or by the decease one’s family and friends. Is it worth dying over a bag of weed that’ll soon sink in and destroy your body’s system? Is it worth killing someone over a chain that you soon found out was not made out of real gold? Is it worth throwing away your future by spending life in prison?
We youth need to come to a realization of throwing away our lives over things like this. You need to be able to look after yourself and think outside of the box. You want to be protected? Well, don’t depend on your gang to be your shield. They won’t help you pay for the money you owe someone else, nor would they help you overcome fear of defining your path. Learn to protect yourself by not exposing yourself to such pity. When you learn to do so, it’ll open many opportunities to your younger siblings, peers and anyone else who follows. Take advantage of positive things that are handed to you, such as education. Further your future, because life is too short and too precious to die for making stupid decisions. Live, learn and teach…to the fullest.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Open Your Eyes: Enough Is Enough
Ashley Brown
Graduate
Martin Luther King, Jr. High School
Anger fills me when I think how often I receive phone calls telling me that I will have to attend another peer’s funeral due to the act of gun violence. Not to mention, I’m over whelmed with sadness when I look through my wardrobe and notice that I own too many t-shirts with pictures of my friends on the back, labeled “rest in peace.” Because of these facts, I become enraged that people find the time to take someone else’s life. I become furious when someone doesn’t realize the value of the life they are taking. Do you know the value of a brother, sister, mother, father, aunt, uncle, son, daughter, and loved one?
Many people need to understand that a gun is not the answer to their problems. The state of mind that comes with receiving a gun illegally is that you buy it for protection. You obtain a gun for power, and you use it for respect. Did you ever notice that you lose your self in the process, not thinking of the consequences or the ones you will hurt? For one life that is taken; many lives are breaking down with sadness and pain.
Someone has to stand up against gun violence. And when I say “someone” I mean many because there is strength in numbers. You have to understand that the longer we sit back in our communities and let violence invade it, break down our families and take the lives of the ones we love, the more it will happen. We have to show that we are angry, and that we will no longer protect the thugs of Detroit. The code of not snitching epidemic has gone too far. We are letting murderers run free through our neighborhoods. We are letting the enemy sleep in our own guest rooms.
Think of that the next time you think of purchasing an illegal fire-arm. Think of what you are doing to your community the next time you choose to use it. There have been more than 200 homicides due to gun violence in the city this year and Detroit is on pace for 450 by end of the year. We cannot afford to lose any one else to gun violence. Guns are not the answer, and killing does nothing but make more problems. Please wake up! Become enraged and fight back for justice in the city of a Detroit.
Graduate
Martin Luther King, Jr. High School
Anger fills me when I think how often I receive phone calls telling me that I will have to attend another peer’s funeral due to the act of gun violence. Not to mention, I’m over whelmed with sadness when I look through my wardrobe and notice that I own too many t-shirts with pictures of my friends on the back, labeled “rest in peace.” Because of these facts, I become enraged that people find the time to take someone else’s life. I become furious when someone doesn’t realize the value of the life they are taking. Do you know the value of a brother, sister, mother, father, aunt, uncle, son, daughter, and loved one?
Many people need to understand that a gun is not the answer to their problems. The state of mind that comes with receiving a gun illegally is that you buy it for protection. You obtain a gun for power, and you use it for respect. Did you ever notice that you lose your self in the process, not thinking of the consequences or the ones you will hurt? For one life that is taken; many lives are breaking down with sadness and pain.
Someone has to stand up against gun violence. And when I say “someone” I mean many because there is strength in numbers. You have to understand that the longer we sit back in our communities and let violence invade it, break down our families and take the lives of the ones we love, the more it will happen. We have to show that we are angry, and that we will no longer protect the thugs of Detroit. The code of not snitching epidemic has gone too far. We are letting murderers run free through our neighborhoods. We are letting the enemy sleep in our own guest rooms.
Think of that the next time you think of purchasing an illegal fire-arm. Think of what you are doing to your community the next time you choose to use it. There have been more than 200 homicides due to gun violence in the city this year and Detroit is on pace for 450 by end of the year. We cannot afford to lose any one else to gun violence. Guns are not the answer, and killing does nothing but make more problems. Please wake up! Become enraged and fight back for justice in the city of a Detroit.
Protest Gun Violence
Myleatta Wilson
Graduate
Osborn University High School
Small protest targets violence in Detroit
BY MATT HELMS • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER • August 6, 2009
A group of mostly young people fed up with the toll of gun violence on Detroit took to the streets to protest today on the city’s east side.
Many of the youths work with Detroit’s Neighborhood Service Organization on programs aimed at preventing gun violence, substance abuse and other social ills among young people and were stunned to learn that the brutality had hit close to home.
A 15-year-old girl involved with the NSO’s youth initiatives program lost her 19-year-old brother to gunfire Saturday in Detroit, said Tavarus Lewis, 17, a peer educator in the program. The girl lives a couple of blocks from where the group was protesting.
“We’re out here supporting her and trying to stop the gun violence in the community,” Lewis said as he and others held up signs and drivers passing by honked their horns on Mack Avenue near Yorkshire.
“We’re all pretty close,” Lewis said of the young people in the NSO group. “When we promote for it not to happen and it happens, it hurts.”
“This happened to someone close to us, so we were shocked and saddened,” added Gaoia Vang, 17, also a youth program peer educator. “It sucks. It totally sucks.”
The protest came after a 13-year-old girl in a separate incident was shot in the head in an altercation when a group of people in a car threw gang taunts and then opened fire on about four or five friends walking near 7 Mile and Ryan in Detroit on Wednesday night.
Detroit Police said they were still investigating the shooting, and the girl was in critical condition today at Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit.
Protester Tyrone Owens, 49, of Harper Woods said he was there to stand up against gun violence that’s sending a chill through the city.“It’s very shocking and it’s senseless,” Owens said. “It’s got to stop.”
Contact MATT HELMS: driving@freepress.com.
They Aren’t Going Anywhere
Ladies and Gentlemen of Detroit, this is just the beginning. Over the past several weeks NSO’s Youth Initiatives Project has been protesting against gun violence in our community. There is no need to be silent anymore, and through our protesting on main streets such as Gratiot and Van Dyke, the honks of many supporters’ shows that were not alone.
I want to express how important the participation of the community is and what steps we need to take in order to make our community a safer environment to live in. It is no longer safe to walk down the street. It is no longer safe to go to the park. It is no longer safe to visit the local store. What is our community coming to? I hate being restricted of something just because someone isn’t responsible enough to know that children are in the area. Gun violence is killing my peers, but in the place of my fallen peers, I will overcome the statistics of being the next victim.
I will take the stand in my community of educating others on the effects of not making sure a crime is being prevented. I will educate my community on the importance of staying in school and obtaining an education that will enable them to go to heights above the street corner or the gas station. Community, it’s time for you to start doing the same. Knowledge is the key to success, and in order to successfully overcome gun violence we must overlook turning the other cheek to what we know is wrong and start facing it straight forward. I am urging you as a community to take back your community and help us not only as neighbors but as family to protest against gun violence in the community. Honk your horns when you see our signs, they aren’t going anywhere.
Graduate
Osborn University High School
Small protest targets violence in Detroit
BY MATT HELMS • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER • August 6, 2009
A group of mostly young people fed up with the toll of gun violence on Detroit took to the streets to protest today on the city’s east side.
Many of the youths work with Detroit’s Neighborhood Service Organization on programs aimed at preventing gun violence, substance abuse and other social ills among young people and were stunned to learn that the brutality had hit close to home.
A 15-year-old girl involved with the NSO’s youth initiatives program lost her 19-year-old brother to gunfire Saturday in Detroit, said Tavarus Lewis, 17, a peer educator in the program. The girl lives a couple of blocks from where the group was protesting.
“We’re out here supporting her and trying to stop the gun violence in the community,” Lewis said as he and others held up signs and drivers passing by honked their horns on Mack Avenue near Yorkshire.
“We’re all pretty close,” Lewis said of the young people in the NSO group. “When we promote for it not to happen and it happens, it hurts.”
“This happened to someone close to us, so we were shocked and saddened,” added Gaoia Vang, 17, also a youth program peer educator. “It sucks. It totally sucks.”
The protest came after a 13-year-old girl in a separate incident was shot in the head in an altercation when a group of people in a car threw gang taunts and then opened fire on about four or five friends walking near 7 Mile and Ryan in Detroit on Wednesday night.
Detroit Police said they were still investigating the shooting, and the girl was in critical condition today at Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit.
Protester Tyrone Owens, 49, of Harper Woods said he was there to stand up against gun violence that’s sending a chill through the city.“It’s very shocking and it’s senseless,” Owens said. “It’s got to stop.”
Contact MATT HELMS: driving@freepress.com.
They Aren’t Going Anywhere
Ladies and Gentlemen of Detroit, this is just the beginning. Over the past several weeks NSO’s Youth Initiatives Project has been protesting against gun violence in our community. There is no need to be silent anymore, and through our protesting on main streets such as Gratiot and Van Dyke, the honks of many supporters’ shows that were not alone.
I want to express how important the participation of the community is and what steps we need to take in order to make our community a safer environment to live in. It is no longer safe to walk down the street. It is no longer safe to go to the park. It is no longer safe to visit the local store. What is our community coming to? I hate being restricted of something just because someone isn’t responsible enough to know that children are in the area. Gun violence is killing my peers, but in the place of my fallen peers, I will overcome the statistics of being the next victim.
I will take the stand in my community of educating others on the effects of not making sure a crime is being prevented. I will educate my community on the importance of staying in school and obtaining an education that will enable them to go to heights above the street corner or the gas station. Community, it’s time for you to start doing the same. Knowledge is the key to success, and in order to successfully overcome gun violence we must overlook turning the other cheek to what we know is wrong and start facing it straight forward. I am urging you as a community to take back your community and help us not only as neighbors but as family to protest against gun violence in the community. Honk your horns when you see our signs, they aren’t going anywhere.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Gun Violence In the New World
Mariama McGhee
Junior
UPREP High School
Gun violence is now a deadly, chaotic form of violence. Lots of people don’t know where it came from or are confused about why the youth made it into such a popular mascot of daily troubles. Gun violence has become so admired that kids no younger then fifteen are using it as an excuse to make themselves feel safer when walking down the school hallways. They understand that the weapons they carry are very unmerciful towards the victims. It doesn’t matter if you’re a child, elder, or teen.
I was never raised around such atrocities but the people I know have been through it their entire lives. Their mostly friends, family, or mentors and the images from that old incident will never leave their memories. Gun violence is an ugly monster that will never leave their minds and what’s worse is that the youth who have been through it…see it as a daily lifestyle in which they have adopted. I had friend whose family members have started training the youngsters in the community on how to load a gun and how to shoot. My friend said that it was to help the children defend themselves but I didn’t believe her.
As a concerned youth I do talk to people about the dangers of gun violence and I’m not the only one. A lot of teens are upset about the terrible change everyone has adapted to and I can’t help but worry. I want the adults to stop ignoring what’s happening in the city and to speak up along with us. I want the whole community to raise their voices against this evil. Ignorance won’t help…but our voice will.
Junior
UPREP High School
Gun violence is now a deadly, chaotic form of violence. Lots of people don’t know where it came from or are confused about why the youth made it into such a popular mascot of daily troubles. Gun violence has become so admired that kids no younger then fifteen are using it as an excuse to make themselves feel safer when walking down the school hallways. They understand that the weapons they carry are very unmerciful towards the victims. It doesn’t matter if you’re a child, elder, or teen.
I was never raised around such atrocities but the people I know have been through it their entire lives. Their mostly friends, family, or mentors and the images from that old incident will never leave their memories. Gun violence is an ugly monster that will never leave their minds and what’s worse is that the youth who have been through it…see it as a daily lifestyle in which they have adopted. I had friend whose family members have started training the youngsters in the community on how to load a gun and how to shoot. My friend said that it was to help the children defend themselves but I didn’t believe her.
As a concerned youth I do talk to people about the dangers of gun violence and I’m not the only one. A lot of teens are upset about the terrible change everyone has adapted to and I can’t help but worry. I want the adults to stop ignoring what’s happening in the city and to speak up along with us. I want the whole community to raise their voices against this evil. Ignorance won’t help…but our voice will.
Why Goal Setting Is Important
Ronald Norwood
Freshman
AAMU “2013”
In our society today we have an emergency that’s taking the minds of many young males and females in our city. It’s an illness that doesn’t attack a particular race or gender. It doesn’t affect everyone either. It can only affect you if you have a weak sense of how your life is going to be. This illness is call a lost future with no goals.
In many cases if you walked up to a DPS student or a child on the streets, and asked them “what are your goals in life”, you would more than likely get an answer like…..I Don’t Know. Many of my males and females I service through this program have no sense of a goal or what they want to be in life. This is a huge issue not only for that person who doesn’t know what there future will hold for them. It affects me as well because they don’t know what they want in life so they may see something they want and try to take it from me. In life that’s called stilling or robbing. This is not the path we want our peers to take.
If you don’t have a goal in life how will you know where you need to be? You don’t. That means they could do something that could jeopardize there future. Things like smoking, drinking and gangs are all things that’s not going to help you become a successful person. But they want know that or think of that if they don’t have anything to stop them from doing the wrong types of things.
They have to Define there path. Webster or we can’t define it for them. But what we can do is guide them in the right direction with the challenges we have encounter in life. Every child should have a sense of an ideal on what they want for there selves in life.
Freshman
AAMU “2013”
In our society today we have an emergency that’s taking the minds of many young males and females in our city. It’s an illness that doesn’t attack a particular race or gender. It doesn’t affect everyone either. It can only affect you if you have a weak sense of how your life is going to be. This illness is call a lost future with no goals.
In many cases if you walked up to a DPS student or a child on the streets, and asked them “what are your goals in life”, you would more than likely get an answer like…..I Don’t Know. Many of my males and females I service through this program have no sense of a goal or what they want to be in life. This is a huge issue not only for that person who doesn’t know what there future will hold for them. It affects me as well because they don’t know what they want in life so they may see something they want and try to take it from me. In life that’s called stilling or robbing. This is not the path we want our peers to take.
If you don’t have a goal in life how will you know where you need to be? You don’t. That means they could do something that could jeopardize there future. Things like smoking, drinking and gangs are all things that’s not going to help you become a successful person. But they want know that or think of that if they don’t have anything to stop them from doing the wrong types of things.
They have to Define there path. Webster or we can’t define it for them. But what we can do is guide them in the right direction with the challenges we have encounter in life. Every child should have a sense of an ideal on what they want for there selves in life.
We No Longer Care
GaoIa VangOsborn Graduate
MSU Freshman
These days, when we surpass we want others to fall behind. It’s now an everyman for himself kind of game. We don’t want to support, we could care less, and we have become selfish. It’s sad to know this is the cold truth about Detroit. The love that was once there has vanished and I’m afraid to say it might have disappeared forever.
We have bind and played with time for too long enough. Time is almost up and if we don’t do anything right now, the city will slowly reside into dust. Detroit has been waiting long enough for its people’s help. But yet the people wait for someone else to help them. Better yet, they want someone else to fix their city for them. Have we become that unwilling that we can’t even fix our own lives?
People abandon their homes but don’t they know they’re just hurting Detroit evens more with what they’re doing? An abandoned house, which use to be a home of memories, has now just become a space for criminals to sell drugs…a place to rape young girls. Trash fills our city’s streets and yet we walk past it like it’s supposed to belong there, next to the shattered glass.
Each day I come upon more and more memorial sites. Young people die each day due to car accidents. Just the other day, my mom and I almost got into two car accidents because the people in the other cars decided not to stop at the stop sign.
I know that Detroit has no money now. I know that most Detroiters have no jobs and no money. I know because both my parents are unemployed and relying most on the government’s aids.
But that does not explain why we have trash surrounding our streets! That does not explain why people have to set fire on their house to get that insurance money. And that especially doesn’t explain why we have so many people driving recklessly around the area. Is it ignorance or simply because the people don’t care about Detroit anymore?
For the youth, this is what they grew up in and will probably continue to see if we don’t take action. For some of the youth I’ve talked with, they don’t care about their city. They could care less about the violence that’s happening right on their streets. Because this is what they grew up with; they’ve gotten use to it
We spend so much money to clean Downtown Detroit because the attractions are there and yet nothing is being done for the rest of the city. People from outside look at our city and think we have dirty people live in it because we choose to do nothing but to live with the trash that surrounds us.
We complain and complain but that’s all that we do. We use our mouth but not are arms and feet. We continue to hope that something fortunate will come to us but hope can only take you so far. It’s a habit that must be stopped. Waiting is only making Detroit dying quicker. It’s time to finally stand up and it’s about time for us, the people, to be the one first to do something.
MSU Freshman
These days, when we surpass we want others to fall behind. It’s now an everyman for himself kind of game. We don’t want to support, we could care less, and we have become selfish. It’s sad to know this is the cold truth about Detroit. The love that was once there has vanished and I’m afraid to say it might have disappeared forever.
We have bind and played with time for too long enough. Time is almost up and if we don’t do anything right now, the city will slowly reside into dust. Detroit has been waiting long enough for its people’s help. But yet the people wait for someone else to help them. Better yet, they want someone else to fix their city for them. Have we become that unwilling that we can’t even fix our own lives?
People abandon their homes but don’t they know they’re just hurting Detroit evens more with what they’re doing? An abandoned house, which use to be a home of memories, has now just become a space for criminals to sell drugs…a place to rape young girls. Trash fills our city’s streets and yet we walk past it like it’s supposed to belong there, next to the shattered glass.
Each day I come upon more and more memorial sites. Young people die each day due to car accidents. Just the other day, my mom and I almost got into two car accidents because the people in the other cars decided not to stop at the stop sign.
I know that Detroit has no money now. I know that most Detroiters have no jobs and no money. I know because both my parents are unemployed and relying most on the government’s aids.
But that does not explain why we have trash surrounding our streets! That does not explain why people have to set fire on their house to get that insurance money. And that especially doesn’t explain why we have so many people driving recklessly around the area. Is it ignorance or simply because the people don’t care about Detroit anymore?
For the youth, this is what they grew up in and will probably continue to see if we don’t take action. For some of the youth I’ve talked with, they don’t care about their city. They could care less about the violence that’s happening right on their streets. Because this is what they grew up with; they’ve gotten use to it
We spend so much money to clean Downtown Detroit because the attractions are there and yet nothing is being done for the rest of the city. People from outside look at our city and think we have dirty people live in it because we choose to do nothing but to live with the trash that surrounds us.
We complain and complain but that’s all that we do. We use our mouth but not are arms and feet. We continue to hope that something fortunate will come to us but hope can only take you so far. It’s a habit that must be stopped. Waiting is only making Detroit dying quicker. It’s time to finally stand up and it’s about time for us, the people, to be the one first to do something.
Speak Up Against Gun Violence
Davonna Ware
Junior
Osborn University High School
I wonder what makes teens want to carry guns around although sometimes people say they need it for protection. In the law it says you have the right to bear arms but you don’t have the right to kill peers. The federal law makes it illegal for anyone under the age 18 to have a hand gun but I think they should raise the age.. Sometimes teens buy, borrow, or even steal guns from each other and from family members. Many teens have access to guns in their homes with no trigger locks on them. Over 43% percent of house holds have at least one gun.
As a teen I truly think guns should be banned from our city. Detroit used to be called the Motor City. Now, people call it the Murder City. It hurts me because my family can’t come visit us because they always hear about somebody who got shot and killed and they don’t want to be next. I think if we worked together we can make our city better. When people argue about pointless things then go get guns. I think that’s just not responsible, especially if you are having guns talk for you. We put ourselves in danger, when we use guns to communicate.
Although people can get threatened by others, it doesn’t mean one needs to get a gun for protection. Guns are not always the answer. We should talk more. If you are in school or even at home don’t take matters into your own hands by getting a gun. Find an adult and let them know what’s going on. And if you know of someone who is under age and carrying a gun, you should let somebody older know about it. Don’t sit and stay quiet. Speak up and save somebody’s life. Make sure your voice is heard. Some people call it “snitching” but they really don’t know the real meaning between a “snitch” and a “leader”.
Last Friday one of my friends lost her brother due to gun violence and it hurt her so bad. I hurts me too, even though I didn’t know him. I think of this saying “Less Peers Brings Many Tears” every time a teen gets killed over gun violence. I told my family I’m tired of crying over my family or friends and tired of having to bury them too. I’m tired of the gun violence and wish it would end. People need to open their eyes and see that with guns your putting your family, friends, and yourself in danger. Remember three people die a day from gun violence. It really it should be 0.
Junior
Osborn University High School
I wonder what makes teens want to carry guns around although sometimes people say they need it for protection. In the law it says you have the right to bear arms but you don’t have the right to kill peers. The federal law makes it illegal for anyone under the age 18 to have a hand gun but I think they should raise the age.. Sometimes teens buy, borrow, or even steal guns from each other and from family members. Many teens have access to guns in their homes with no trigger locks on them. Over 43% percent of house holds have at least one gun.
As a teen I truly think guns should be banned from our city. Detroit used to be called the Motor City. Now, people call it the Murder City. It hurts me because my family can’t come visit us because they always hear about somebody who got shot and killed and they don’t want to be next. I think if we worked together we can make our city better. When people argue about pointless things then go get guns. I think that’s just not responsible, especially if you are having guns talk for you. We put ourselves in danger, when we use guns to communicate.
Although people can get threatened by others, it doesn’t mean one needs to get a gun for protection. Guns are not always the answer. We should talk more. If you are in school or even at home don’t take matters into your own hands by getting a gun. Find an adult and let them know what’s going on. And if you know of someone who is under age and carrying a gun, you should let somebody older know about it. Don’t sit and stay quiet. Speak up and save somebody’s life. Make sure your voice is heard. Some people call it “snitching” but they really don’t know the real meaning between a “snitch” and a “leader”.
Last Friday one of my friends lost her brother due to gun violence and it hurt her so bad. I hurts me too, even though I didn’t know him. I think of this saying “Less Peers Brings Many Tears” every time a teen gets killed over gun violence. I told my family I’m tired of crying over my family or friends and tired of having to bury them too. I’m tired of the gun violence and wish it would end. People need to open their eyes and see that with guns your putting your family, friends, and yourself in danger. Remember three people die a day from gun violence. It really it should be 0.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Rethinking Youth Activities
Myleatta Wilson
Graduate
Osborn University High School
I can remember being young during the summer time and having absolutely nothing to do. I would constantly nag my mother if we could go somewhere, knowing that she was busy doing something in our home. She had told me before that she had somewhere for me to go and something for me to do but it wasn’t really something I wanted to do.
Frequently this happens all the time with almost every parent of a child that just seems to have nothing to do at home. But when the parents’ overlooks what their child truly wants to do they become upset at the actions that come about when the child falls into trouble.
The activities that children participate in when out in the streets or hanging with their friends are surly not the same as they were about three years ago. When playing outside with my friends all day my mother had strict rules on exactly what I could and could not do. There was no playing in the street. I could not go inside anyone’s house unless she was aware of me visiting, and who was going to be there. I could not leave the block for any reason, if she couldn’t see me from her kitchen window I was in trouble. Lastly, I always had to be in the house before the streetlights, if not then I was definitely in trouble.
These rules were kind of harsh to me a couple years ago, but when I finally found out why they were in place I began to quickly understand why something so simple as coming home before it was dark was so important.
Over the last couple months there have been various crimes committed in the Detroit area, most of them occurring after dark where there are little to no lighting in certain Detroit areas. As I’ve stated before my mother warned me about coming home before the streets lights come on, she stated that there are many things that go on at night that I know nothing about and should never be apart of. Many crimes are happening at night especially the gun violence crimes. It’s dark, late, and not too many people outside to view everything that’s going on.
Too many of your young teens are being taken due not just to being victims of gun violence but also to being out late. We are not sure of what exactly it is that is keeping these teens out late but for some reason they are and the results of them being out late are not acceptable. Through the teachings of my mother, there is no reason to be out late at night except if theirs an emergency. Yes it’s cool to hang out a little late with your friends but its important to understand what happens when it gets dark outside.
I feel it’s important to always give a child and especially a teen something to do at anytime of the day. Finding activities on the internet or simply giving chores to do everyday at their homes gives them no excuse to be bored.
I want to see my peers make it in today’s world so let’s take the initiative to end our teens from being victims of gun violence by giving them something to do.
Graduate
Osborn University High School
I can remember being young during the summer time and having absolutely nothing to do. I would constantly nag my mother if we could go somewhere, knowing that she was busy doing something in our home. She had told me before that she had somewhere for me to go and something for me to do but it wasn’t really something I wanted to do.
Frequently this happens all the time with almost every parent of a child that just seems to have nothing to do at home. But when the parents’ overlooks what their child truly wants to do they become upset at the actions that come about when the child falls into trouble.
The activities that children participate in when out in the streets or hanging with their friends are surly not the same as they were about three years ago. When playing outside with my friends all day my mother had strict rules on exactly what I could and could not do. There was no playing in the street. I could not go inside anyone’s house unless she was aware of me visiting, and who was going to be there. I could not leave the block for any reason, if she couldn’t see me from her kitchen window I was in trouble. Lastly, I always had to be in the house before the streetlights, if not then I was definitely in trouble.
These rules were kind of harsh to me a couple years ago, but when I finally found out why they were in place I began to quickly understand why something so simple as coming home before it was dark was so important.
Over the last couple months there have been various crimes committed in the Detroit area, most of them occurring after dark where there are little to no lighting in certain Detroit areas. As I’ve stated before my mother warned me about coming home before the streets lights come on, she stated that there are many things that go on at night that I know nothing about and should never be apart of. Many crimes are happening at night especially the gun violence crimes. It’s dark, late, and not too many people outside to view everything that’s going on.
Too many of your young teens are being taken due not just to being victims of gun violence but also to being out late. We are not sure of what exactly it is that is keeping these teens out late but for some reason they are and the results of them being out late are not acceptable. Through the teachings of my mother, there is no reason to be out late at night except if theirs an emergency. Yes it’s cool to hang out a little late with your friends but its important to understand what happens when it gets dark outside.
I feel it’s important to always give a child and especially a teen something to do at anytime of the day. Finding activities on the internet or simply giving chores to do everyday at their homes gives them no excuse to be bored.
I want to see my peers make it in today’s world so let’s take the initiative to end our teens from being victims of gun violence by giving them something to do.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Gun Violence
Danielle Welcome
Junior
Martin Luther King High School
Gun violence is a growing problem in our community that needs to stop. Being violent is a state of mind, once you think positive your actions will follow. When I hear about someone getting shot or killed by gunfire, it hurts, whether I knew them or not. Everyone is capable of achieving something great but because of gun violence most people don’t live long enough to ever get the chance. Gun violence is a complete waste of time. Personally I think it’s stupid. People who participate in gun violence will either end up shot or in jail themselves. You can tell most of them accept that fate because nothing is changing. When you think about it, gun violence is never worth the risk of facing the consequences that are sure to follow.
What gives anyone the right to take someone’s life? It’s not yours to take. I think if people spent less time shooting people and more time helping people the world would be a better place. Gun violence is never the right solution to any problem, there is always a better and safer way. The problem is when people will realize that. In 1999 alone about 10,096 people were murdered by guns in the U.S. Here’s something to think about, gun violence rates continue to increase because so many people have access to guns. 43% of households in the U.S. with children and teens had at least one gun. Also, a gun that is kept in a home is 22 times more likely to kill a friend or family member than it is used to be used against an intruder. People say they need guns for protection but they sometimes end up hurting the people they are trying to protect.
I don’t think it should be legal for anyone to carry or own a gun no matter how old, how mature, or how responsible. No matter who you are you will face a situation that might cause you to make the wrong decision and someone might get hurt. I believe that actions speak louder than words so once people make wiser decisions and act more positively more people will be influenced by actions and change their ways. Some people say gun violence is all they know because it’s what they grew up around, but it shouldn’t be. Gun violence is a never-ending cycle,
AND IT NEEDS TO STOP!!!
Junior
Martin Luther King High School
Gun violence is a growing problem in our community that needs to stop. Being violent is a state of mind, once you think positive your actions will follow. When I hear about someone getting shot or killed by gunfire, it hurts, whether I knew them or not. Everyone is capable of achieving something great but because of gun violence most people don’t live long enough to ever get the chance. Gun violence is a complete waste of time. Personally I think it’s stupid. People who participate in gun violence will either end up shot or in jail themselves. You can tell most of them accept that fate because nothing is changing. When you think about it, gun violence is never worth the risk of facing the consequences that are sure to follow.
What gives anyone the right to take someone’s life? It’s not yours to take. I think if people spent less time shooting people and more time helping people the world would be a better place. Gun violence is never the right solution to any problem, there is always a better and safer way. The problem is when people will realize that. In 1999 alone about 10,096 people were murdered by guns in the U.S. Here’s something to think about, gun violence rates continue to increase because so many people have access to guns. 43% of households in the U.S. with children and teens had at least one gun. Also, a gun that is kept in a home is 22 times more likely to kill a friend or family member than it is used to be used against an intruder. People say they need guns for protection but they sometimes end up hurting the people they are trying to protect.
I don’t think it should be legal for anyone to carry or own a gun no matter how old, how mature, or how responsible. No matter who you are you will face a situation that might cause you to make the wrong decision and someone might get hurt. I believe that actions speak louder than words so once people make wiser decisions and act more positively more people will be influenced by actions and change their ways. Some people say gun violence is all they know because it’s what they grew up around, but it shouldn’t be. Gun violence is a never-ending cycle,
AND IT NEEDS TO STOP!!!
Substance Abuse and Gun Violence
Da’Vonna Ware
Junior
Osborn University High School
Teens may not know how substance abuse can affect your body and your life.
Although teens these days think drugs are okay to use or sell its not and that’s why us as
a community need to stop substance abuse and gun violence on our streets. More than
nine teens are killed a week do to gun violence because they got involved in the business
of drugs. Every time I turn on my television to get a glance at the news I get more than a
glance the news casters are always saying somebody got shot and killed or their in critical
condition. And it makes me think a lot we can stop all of this from happening on the
streets but nobody wants to get involved.
When I walk into a liquor store I see so many young teens in their looking at the
liquor section waiting on somebody to come back their so they can get them to buy their
liquor. That upsets me because adults rather put us teens in danger than to speak up and
be a leader in tell these teens don’t do substance abuse. During school or even the
summer I see teens just walking around in the community or standing on the corners with
their hands in their pockets. Then kids or maybe even adults go buy drugs from them and
they don’t know what the teens put in these drugs. When people buy drugs I sometimes
wonder are they smart enough to notice these drug dealers could of put something in their
to make them have one puff of it and then their dead.
About two and a half weeks ago we got a call from my aunty saying that my
cousin got shot in one of her kidneys. We went up to the hospital and I was able to talk to
my cousin about what happen. She told me she was hanging around the wrong crowd
when she should have been at home with her son. Then she told me that they were
smoking in drinking over at a friend house then decided to go walking around the block
to the store. They finally got to the store and got what they wanted and starting walking
back when one of her friends decided to sell Marijuana but didn’t know that was
somebody else block ( territory) who did the same thing. After that a car drove by slow
pointed a gun at my cousin and her friends in started shooting at my cousin and her
friends.
Everybody got a way but my cousin she wasn’t watching what was going on
around her because of substance abuse. And because of that she was in the hospital lying
in the bed with one kidney left. Teens need to be more careful about there surrounding
and know what how fast substance abuse can change into gun violence. My cousin story
was so life inspiring to me because her story opens my eyes up more widely than they
had ever been. And I know her story can help other teens notice what’s more important in
their life. “So teens don’t let substance abuse in gun violence affect your life in always
stay passionate about your life”.
Junior
Osborn University High School
Teens may not know how substance abuse can affect your body and your life.
Although teens these days think drugs are okay to use or sell its not and that’s why us as
a community need to stop substance abuse and gun violence on our streets. More than
nine teens are killed a week do to gun violence because they got involved in the business
of drugs. Every time I turn on my television to get a glance at the news I get more than a
glance the news casters are always saying somebody got shot and killed or their in critical
condition. And it makes me think a lot we can stop all of this from happening on the
streets but nobody wants to get involved.
When I walk into a liquor store I see so many young teens in their looking at the
liquor section waiting on somebody to come back their so they can get them to buy their
liquor. That upsets me because adults rather put us teens in danger than to speak up and
be a leader in tell these teens don’t do substance abuse. During school or even the
summer I see teens just walking around in the community or standing on the corners with
their hands in their pockets. Then kids or maybe even adults go buy drugs from them and
they don’t know what the teens put in these drugs. When people buy drugs I sometimes
wonder are they smart enough to notice these drug dealers could of put something in their
to make them have one puff of it and then their dead.
About two and a half weeks ago we got a call from my aunty saying that my
cousin got shot in one of her kidneys. We went up to the hospital and I was able to talk to
my cousin about what happen. She told me she was hanging around the wrong crowd
when she should have been at home with her son. Then she told me that they were
smoking in drinking over at a friend house then decided to go walking around the block
to the store. They finally got to the store and got what they wanted and starting walking
back when one of her friends decided to sell Marijuana but didn’t know that was
somebody else block ( territory) who did the same thing. After that a car drove by slow
pointed a gun at my cousin and her friends in started shooting at my cousin and her
friends.
Everybody got a way but my cousin she wasn’t watching what was going on
around her because of substance abuse. And because of that she was in the hospital lying
in the bed with one kidney left. Teens need to be more careful about there surrounding
and know what how fast substance abuse can change into gun violence. My cousin story
was so life inspiring to me because her story opens my eyes up more widely than they
had ever been. And I know her story can help other teens notice what’s more important in
their life. “So teens don’t let substance abuse in gun violence affect your life in always
stay passionate about your life”.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
A Call for Greatness
First of all, I would like to welcome all of our distinguished guests, friends and most of all, parents to this wonderful occasion—our commencement ceremony for the class of 2009. Again, good morning 2009 graduates! It’s been a long time coming. Twelve long hard years in the making has brought us to this wonderful day and this precious moment.
This day is special because it is the beginning of something much greater. It is the start of a new chapter in our lives that will set us forth into the real world. Over the coming months, we will go forth and fulfill our destiny as future leaders of the 21st century. That is a special calling laid down by our predecessors.
Many of us will be leaving to college within the state and around the country. Some will go to trade schools and will become great chefs and architects for the next skyscraper or modern marvel. I can see Latrina on the cover of Avon magazine promoting her new perfume. I can see Kevin being the next great NFL player. I can also see Triana being a top news reporter for The Detroit Free Press. There’s no doubt in my mind that we all are going to be doing something amazing in the years to come.
However, we truly owe thanks to our ancestors who died for us; parents and guardians who worked by our side and teachers that never gave up on us. Most importantly, we have to thank ourselves. In all reality we made the decision to be here today. But what begins today must not end tomorrow. Our journey is a never ending fight for success. Our city, in fact, our country needs us now more than ever before.
Today, black men make up 45% of the inmates in federal, state, and local prisons. Only 4% of black males are in higher education institutions. WHAT IS THIS? THIS SURELY IS NOT THE BRIGHT YOUNG MEN THAT I KNOW AT OSBORN! BUT THAT’S NOT MY CALL TO SAY WHO WILL FAIL AND WHO WILL SUCCEED. Instead, I will issue a challenge to us all. I dare you to overcome the fears that have plagued so many of our peers, by embracing the ideals of hard work, commitment and the rigors associated with education. Nurture the opportunity given to you by our ancestors. As my wise mentor Frank McGhee once said….YOU MUST DEFINE YOUR PATH! Webster can not do it for us. We can not continue to live as victims to the system. Instead, we must reach the summit of our true potential. This is the path I dare all of us to take. It is a path that will transform you into champions of transformation.
Yes, we have managed to crawl out of the rubble of a challenging school life filled with many different wars. There were many pit falls along the way. We had to prove ourselves by climbing the mountains of self doubt in order to reach the summit of opportunity. But it’s not over. This opportunity can last a life time. Ladies and Gentlemen wake up!!! Young black males are an endangered species to the virus of not having an education. Let’s eradicate this virus by staying the course. We must not falter. We must not quit. Our community is depending upon us.
It has been a true honor to be your class of 2009 President and no matter what anybody says about the job I’ve done, know that I have enjoyed and will miss all the different things we have done together. You have helped me become a better person and a strong leader. Therefore, I thank you.
We thank all the counselors that stayed late after school for us and all the security guards that broke up the fights or disagreements we may have had. WE THANK EVERYONE WHO GAVE ALL THEY COULD TO SEE US THROUGH TO THIS DAY, BECAUSE THEY CAN SEE THE PEOPLE WE WILL BECOME.
I would like to thank our Principal Steven McGhee, Senior Sponsor Ms. Hardwick, Mr. Martin, my Vice President Marcel Anderson, Secretary Angel Hall, and Treasurer, Lachell Holien. This has been a challenging year for us all, but one that many lessons have been learned from. In the end, we all understood the true purpose of this journey of 12 years and that was to get to this day. LOOK TO THE PERSON ON THE LEFT OF YOU SAY, “ WE MADE IT”. LOOK TO THE PERSON TO THE RIGHT OF YOU AND SAY, “WE MADE IT”. Always remember this moment and what it meant to you.
For all the people that think they knew the class of 2009 and what we’re about…….We want you to remember this…..THE CLASS OF 2009 IS THE FUTURE DARING TO BE DIFFERENT AND CHALLENGING ANYONE WHO THINKS OTHER WISE!!! As we walk across this stage with our heads held high, we want you all to know that indeed we will make great dreams possible and the nature of those dreams into reality.
This day is special because it is the beginning of something much greater. It is the start of a new chapter in our lives that will set us forth into the real world. Over the coming months, we will go forth and fulfill our destiny as future leaders of the 21st century. That is a special calling laid down by our predecessors.
Many of us will be leaving to college within the state and around the country. Some will go to trade schools and will become great chefs and architects for the next skyscraper or modern marvel. I can see Latrina on the cover of Avon magazine promoting her new perfume. I can see Kevin being the next great NFL player. I can also see Triana being a top news reporter for The Detroit Free Press. There’s no doubt in my mind that we all are going to be doing something amazing in the years to come.
However, we truly owe thanks to our ancestors who died for us; parents and guardians who worked by our side and teachers that never gave up on us. Most importantly, we have to thank ourselves. In all reality we made the decision to be here today. But what begins today must not end tomorrow. Our journey is a never ending fight for success. Our city, in fact, our country needs us now more than ever before.
Today, black men make up 45% of the inmates in federal, state, and local prisons. Only 4% of black males are in higher education institutions. WHAT IS THIS? THIS SURELY IS NOT THE BRIGHT YOUNG MEN THAT I KNOW AT OSBORN! BUT THAT’S NOT MY CALL TO SAY WHO WILL FAIL AND WHO WILL SUCCEED. Instead, I will issue a challenge to us all. I dare you to overcome the fears that have plagued so many of our peers, by embracing the ideals of hard work, commitment and the rigors associated with education. Nurture the opportunity given to you by our ancestors. As my wise mentor Frank McGhee once said….YOU MUST DEFINE YOUR PATH! Webster can not do it for us. We can not continue to live as victims to the system. Instead, we must reach the summit of our true potential. This is the path I dare all of us to take. It is a path that will transform you into champions of transformation.
Yes, we have managed to crawl out of the rubble of a challenging school life filled with many different wars. There were many pit falls along the way. We had to prove ourselves by climbing the mountains of self doubt in order to reach the summit of opportunity. But it’s not over. This opportunity can last a life time. Ladies and Gentlemen wake up!!! Young black males are an endangered species to the virus of not having an education. Let’s eradicate this virus by staying the course. We must not falter. We must not quit. Our community is depending upon us.
It has been a true honor to be your class of 2009 President and no matter what anybody says about the job I’ve done, know that I have enjoyed and will miss all the different things we have done together. You have helped me become a better person and a strong leader. Therefore, I thank you.
We thank all the counselors that stayed late after school for us and all the security guards that broke up the fights or disagreements we may have had. WE THANK EVERYONE WHO GAVE ALL THEY COULD TO SEE US THROUGH TO THIS DAY, BECAUSE THEY CAN SEE THE PEOPLE WE WILL BECOME.
I would like to thank our Principal Steven McGhee, Senior Sponsor Ms. Hardwick, Mr. Martin, my Vice President Marcel Anderson, Secretary Angel Hall, and Treasurer, Lachell Holien. This has been a challenging year for us all, but one that many lessons have been learned from. In the end, we all understood the true purpose of this journey of 12 years and that was to get to this day. LOOK TO THE PERSON ON THE LEFT OF YOU SAY, “ WE MADE IT”. LOOK TO THE PERSON TO THE RIGHT OF YOU AND SAY, “WE MADE IT”. Always remember this moment and what it meant to you.
For all the people that think they knew the class of 2009 and what we’re about…….We want you to remember this…..THE CLASS OF 2009 IS THE FUTURE DARING TO BE DIFFERENT AND CHALLENGING ANYONE WHO THINKS OTHER WISE!!! As we walk across this stage with our heads held high, we want you all to know that indeed we will make great dreams possible and the nature of those dreams into reality.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Gun Violence
Tavarus Lewis
Junior
Roseville High School
I believe that gun violence should be addressed by the youth in our community. You may not know this, but more children and teens die from gunfire than cancer, HIV and AIDS combined. Controlling gun violence is a huge challenge because there is treatment for diseases, but the only way that gun violence and even be controlled is with our hard work.
Did you know that 60% of high school kids and 31% of middle school kids can get a gun if they wanted to? These are very serious statistics, and it is horrible that young males and females have this kind of access to guns.
I believe that if illegal guns continue to remain in the streets, gun violence will never end. I believe that there should be strict laws on firearms to help solve some of these problems. This is why the Youth Initiative Project sets high goals for finding solutions to gun violence in our scho
Junior
Roseville High School
I believe that gun violence should be addressed by the youth in our community. You may not know this, but more children and teens die from gunfire than cancer, HIV and AIDS combined. Controlling gun violence is a huge challenge because there is treatment for diseases, but the only way that gun violence and even be controlled is with our hard work.
Did you know that 60% of high school kids and 31% of middle school kids can get a gun if they wanted to? These are very serious statistics, and it is horrible that young males and females have this kind of access to guns.
I believe that if illegal guns continue to remain in the streets, gun violence will never end. I believe that there should be strict laws on firearms to help solve some of these problems. This is why the Youth Initiative Project sets high goals for finding solutions to gun violence in our scho
Strict Gun Laws
TAVARUS LEWIS
Junior
Roseville High School
I believe gun laws in the U.S. should be stricter because gun violence is increasing every year. I think people commit most of their crimes because they are not afraid of the consequences. It seems as if gun laws don’t hold people accountable, and therefore it causes them to feel that they can get away with a crime easily. Gun laws should seriously affect people who are distributing the illegal firearms in our country.
There are two different distributors, a licensed distributor and a non-licensed distributor. I think gun violence is increasing because individual get their guns from the illegal distributors from the street.
Illegal distributors give guns to anybody and that’s wrong, while on the other hand licensed gun dealers are required to run background checks on who ever purchases a gun.
What is happening is people choose to buy guns from the illegal dealers more and that is the reason why there is a lot of violence in our communities.
In conclusion, the law should crack down more or anybody who deal guns illegally. I believe if they make stricter laws, people would be more hesitant to sell illegal guns and individuals may be more hesitant to commit crimes.
I also believe that background checks should be run monthly. I think that gun control should also be put in the hands of the federal government and by state to state. I think stricter laws can solve a lot of the country’s problems and will help to get these illegal firearms off the street and decrease gun violence.
Junior
Roseville High School
I believe gun laws in the U.S. should be stricter because gun violence is increasing every year. I think people commit most of their crimes because they are not afraid of the consequences. It seems as if gun laws don’t hold people accountable, and therefore it causes them to feel that they can get away with a crime easily. Gun laws should seriously affect people who are distributing the illegal firearms in our country.
There are two different distributors, a licensed distributor and a non-licensed distributor. I think gun violence is increasing because individual get their guns from the illegal distributors from the street.
Illegal distributors give guns to anybody and that’s wrong, while on the other hand licensed gun dealers are required to run background checks on who ever purchases a gun.
What is happening is people choose to buy guns from the illegal dealers more and that is the reason why there is a lot of violence in our communities.
In conclusion, the law should crack down more or anybody who deal guns illegally. I believe if they make stricter laws, people would be more hesitant to sell illegal guns and individuals may be more hesitant to commit crimes.
I also believe that background checks should be run monthly. I think that gun control should also be put in the hands of the federal government and by state to state. I think stricter laws can solve a lot of the country’s problems and will help to get these illegal firearms off the street and decrease gun violence.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Gangs
Dimitris Yang
Junior
Junior
Warren Woods Tower High School
Gang violence has been an unpreventable and incurable disease in the American society for centuries. Many people may ask the question, “Can gangs be stopped?” The answer simply is, no. There will always be a gang out there. Whether it’s a well-organized gang or a mediocre gang, there will always be gangs dwelling in corrupt parts of cities. Annually, gangs and criminals together cost the U.S. a mind-blowing $400 billion. The thought of completely ending gang establishments is like trying to move a mountain. The possibility of completely ending gang violence is pretty much slimmed down to zero. However, we can prevent gang establishments before they happen by informing young adolescents about the harms of gang activity and the negative effects in joining one.
I feel that it’s our job and duty to positively impact our younger generation by passing on our knowledge of gangs down onto them. Hopefully they will do the same with the generation under them. Before taking initiative, we must become leaders. And to be a leader we must be followers, like Jesus and his Disciples. We must have wisdom and knowledge, along with experience and testimonies. After gaining enough of those qualities, we can then pass it on.
What kids should know is that, becoming a member of a gang or mob has tons of negative effects. This trend is similar to a domino effect. One thing leads to another. It effects your family, friends, even yourself. You most likely will become addicted to drugs. And drugs can affect you in every aspect of life. Your friends or family members may become victims of murder because of the things you did. Finally, you can end up 6 feet under, or locked up. All these examples are results of what may happen if anyone becomes part of a gang or mob.
Respect, power, and money are all important components of any type of gang. They work together to gain supremacy and dominance over other competing gangs. People who are in gangs seem to believe that their gang members are family when they don’t have anyone to turn to. That’s really true and acceptable. However, will an individual’s gang be there when that individual gets locked up? Absolutely not. Parents and siblings are the ones who always have your back no matter the circumstance. True ‘Family’ has unconditional love.
I encourage everyone to help the society pass on the message about gangs. The good news is that gang violence has quieted down in the recession of our economy. Now it’s our chance to make a difference. We can prevent gangs from establishing and hope for a more positive and better future. It’s a difficult challenge, nevertheless it will help us significantly.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Gun Violence and Our Peers
Ronald Norwood
Senior
Osborn University High School
The Youth Initiative Project is a program devoted to improving the lives of youth with teen mentors. I am one of the many Peer Educators who is passionate about accomplishing our goal to fully service our peers, who face many issues. A pressing issue we see a lot of our peers face is gun violence. The rate of firearm deaths among kids under age 15 is almost 12 times higher in the United States than in 25 other industrialized countries combined (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). This is a big problem for America because it is so easy for young children and teens to get access to weapons that could potentially harm them. No child should even have access to firearms that can cause harm to others.
In one recent study 81% of children played with guns. This is something we all should be cognizant about because young lives are being influenced by the power of a gun. This is one of the main problems with young children in our community. They find guns that their parent may have left out and they decide to play with them and as a result they may kill themselves or someone else. Children are no longer afraid of guns because they have been exposed to them their whole life. In today’s society they may not take that second thought that’s needed to think about the decision they need to make about pulling the trigger. I see and hear it everyday in our schools and community. I hear my peers talking about how they “just got done shooting someone” for some type of material thing. We as a people have lost our fundamental values and our treasured beliefs.
Studies have proven that aggressive behavior may carry on over into adulthood and can foster an environment where teenagers feel unsafe. For example, many teenagers are commonly involved in physical fights. A national study reported that 42.5% of high school students were in at least one physical fight in the year preceding the survey, and 26% of students carried a weapon, including a gun or a knife, at least once in the past 30 days. Problems that teens may have had that used to be taken care of with just a fight now is resolved through the use of guns. Students hearing gunfire in their neighborhoods more than twice a week are twice as likely as other students to own a handgun. Likewise, teens living in inner city neighborhoods cite self-protection as the main reason to own a gun. Despite these facts, I believe we as a people have deeply embedded in our hearts a common goal to rid our community of all its illegal weapons, and eliminate the element of teen gun violence that is robbing our community of progress.
Senior
Osborn University High School
The Youth Initiative Project is a program devoted to improving the lives of youth with teen mentors. I am one of the many Peer Educators who is passionate about accomplishing our goal to fully service our peers, who face many issues. A pressing issue we see a lot of our peers face is gun violence. The rate of firearm deaths among kids under age 15 is almost 12 times higher in the United States than in 25 other industrialized countries combined (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). This is a big problem for America because it is so easy for young children and teens to get access to weapons that could potentially harm them. No child should even have access to firearms that can cause harm to others.
In one recent study 81% of children played with guns. This is something we all should be cognizant about because young lives are being influenced by the power of a gun. This is one of the main problems with young children in our community. They find guns that their parent may have left out and they decide to play with them and as a result they may kill themselves or someone else. Children are no longer afraid of guns because they have been exposed to them their whole life. In today’s society they may not take that second thought that’s needed to think about the decision they need to make about pulling the trigger. I see and hear it everyday in our schools and community. I hear my peers talking about how they “just got done shooting someone” for some type of material thing. We as a people have lost our fundamental values and our treasured beliefs.
Studies have proven that aggressive behavior may carry on over into adulthood and can foster an environment where teenagers feel unsafe. For example, many teenagers are commonly involved in physical fights. A national study reported that 42.5% of high school students were in at least one physical fight in the year preceding the survey, and 26% of students carried a weapon, including a gun or a knife, at least once in the past 30 days. Problems that teens may have had that used to be taken care of with just a fight now is resolved through the use of guns. Students hearing gunfire in their neighborhoods more than twice a week are twice as likely as other students to own a handgun. Likewise, teens living in inner city neighborhoods cite self-protection as the main reason to own a gun. Despite these facts, I believe we as a people have deeply embedded in our hearts a common goal to rid our community of all its illegal weapons, and eliminate the element of teen gun violence that is robbing our community of progress.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
MORE VIOLENCE, FEWER LIVES
Tavarus Lewis
Junior
Roseville High School
My name is Tavarus Lewis and I believe that violence is senseless. When I was younger, I got into a lot of trouble and believe that I was a contributor of gun violence. I engaged in everything from fighting to selling drugs, and even robbery. It took being locked up for me to stop committing some of these acts, but even after being locked up, I went back to my old habits until my cousin was killed. That was my reality check. My cousin wasn't very old at all, and he was just a regular kid who didn’t get into as much trouble as I did. My cousin’s death opened up a new world of thinking for me. I have seen so many young people die over petty arguments, and my cousin is not the only young person that I’ve lost to gun violence.
I believe that putting your guns away is the solution. Not only are you taking someone else’s life away, your life will also become meaningless if you are in prison. Families are also affected by gun violence because they are also losing loved ones. Take my advice, before you pull a gun to shoot someone, think about whether it is worth spending the rest of your life in prison. Take my blog into consideration. Violence is very serious, and it needs to stop or we will continue to have unnecessary deaths in our communities.
Junior
Roseville High School
My name is Tavarus Lewis and I believe that violence is senseless. When I was younger, I got into a lot of trouble and believe that I was a contributor of gun violence. I engaged in everything from fighting to selling drugs, and even robbery. It took being locked up for me to stop committing some of these acts, but even after being locked up, I went back to my old habits until my cousin was killed. That was my reality check. My cousin wasn't very old at all, and he was just a regular kid who didn’t get into as much trouble as I did. My cousin’s death opened up a new world of thinking for me. I have seen so many young people die over petty arguments, and my cousin is not the only young person that I’ve lost to gun violence.
I believe that putting your guns away is the solution. Not only are you taking someone else’s life away, your life will also become meaningless if you are in prison. Families are also affected by gun violence because they are also losing loved ones. Take my advice, before you pull a gun to shoot someone, think about whether it is worth spending the rest of your life in prison. Take my blog into consideration. Violence is very serious, and it needs to stop or we will continue to have unnecessary deaths in our communities.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Gun Violence ( A Serious Issue)
Tai-Tyana Miller, Duffield Elementary School
7th Grade Student
Gun violence is a very serious matter. Many take it as a game. Many individuals have learned the hard way. Now as they continue in life, they have to deal with the consequences a gun can bring. Either they have been shot or they have shot someone else and damaged their lives. Because of this, everyone’s lives are damaged, such as family members and friends. Let’s take this issue seriously.
7th Grade Student
Gun violence is a very serious matter. Many take it as a game. Many individuals have learned the hard way. Now as they continue in life, they have to deal with the consequences a gun can bring. Either they have been shot or they have shot someone else and damaged their lives. Because of this, everyone’s lives are damaged, such as family members and friends. Let’s take this issue seriously.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Youth Leadership
Dimitris Yang
Warren Woods Tower High School
Youth leadership is a characteristic that all teens need. It’s essential in the lives of ones who don’t have anyone to look up to. Leadership is a process of getting things done through people. Leaders take authority, responsibility, and make strategic decisions. Like a quarterback for example. The quarterback calls the plays, leads the players, and receives much of the credit for a victory. Everyone relies on a leader to get the job done. Without one, there will be no achievements, success, or accomplishments.
Many people may ask, “What does it take to be a leader?” Youth leaders are role models. They set the example for those who follow. Youth leaders should have, or develop these character traits. They should be honest because everyone depends on a leader. We all believe in whatever a leader says. A leader should be competent or knowledgeable because experience builds a person up into being a leader. They should be an expert at what they do and be proficient. Great leaders are made by experience. Time plays a major role in the development of a leader. Great leaders are made, not born. All of these traits should fit an effective leader.
The community is the perfect place to start developing the skills needed to become a leader. Starting in the community can help a person be familiar with the types of obstacles a leader deals with on a daily basis. Taking initiative involving the issues in communities is something individuals can do to take leadership. Things like violence prevention programs and substance abuse prevention programs can impact a life significantly. Some other things we can do to build up our leadership are to inform others about your purpose. As youth leaders, we should not stand back and watch. We should be the ones humbling ourselves and serving others instead of letting others do the job for us. Do not place yourself in a higher standard than others.
In my life, youth leadership has taken a great role. I’m really not much of a leader. I’m still striving and trying to discover my own talents and potential. Youth leaders are often looked down upon because of their age and experiences. We shouldn’t be discouraged by that because we as the youth can lead the wise as well. Although it may be intimidating, older folks like hearing from the younger generation as well. I’ve come a long way in becoming a youth leader, but I still have another journey ahead of me. Everyday I learn new things that help contribute to improve my leadership role. I have to admit, it is difficult being a leader, and one who many people look up to, but at the end of the day, the things I do could has the potential to turn a life around.
In conclusion, a youth leader is someone who is courageous. Youth leaders are not afraid of what comes next. We as teenagers should take initiative and make a difference in our communities. It doesn’t have to be in the community. We can all start somewhere small like an individual or a group of young people, teaching them about the harms of substance abuse or gun violence. Who knows? It may even plant a seed in one of them and build them up into becoming a great leader. So, as young adults, we must be aware of the issues amongst our surroundings, become a leader and change lives.
Warren Woods Tower High School
Youth leadership is a characteristic that all teens need. It’s essential in the lives of ones who don’t have anyone to look up to. Leadership is a process of getting things done through people. Leaders take authority, responsibility, and make strategic decisions. Like a quarterback for example. The quarterback calls the plays, leads the players, and receives much of the credit for a victory. Everyone relies on a leader to get the job done. Without one, there will be no achievements, success, or accomplishments.
Many people may ask, “What does it take to be a leader?” Youth leaders are role models. They set the example for those who follow. Youth leaders should have, or develop these character traits. They should be honest because everyone depends on a leader. We all believe in whatever a leader says. A leader should be competent or knowledgeable because experience builds a person up into being a leader. They should be an expert at what they do and be proficient. Great leaders are made by experience. Time plays a major role in the development of a leader. Great leaders are made, not born. All of these traits should fit an effective leader.
The community is the perfect place to start developing the skills needed to become a leader. Starting in the community can help a person be familiar with the types of obstacles a leader deals with on a daily basis. Taking initiative involving the issues in communities is something individuals can do to take leadership. Things like violence prevention programs and substance abuse prevention programs can impact a life significantly. Some other things we can do to build up our leadership are to inform others about your purpose. As youth leaders, we should not stand back and watch. We should be the ones humbling ourselves and serving others instead of letting others do the job for us. Do not place yourself in a higher standard than others.
In my life, youth leadership has taken a great role. I’m really not much of a leader. I’m still striving and trying to discover my own talents and potential. Youth leaders are often looked down upon because of their age and experiences. We shouldn’t be discouraged by that because we as the youth can lead the wise as well. Although it may be intimidating, older folks like hearing from the younger generation as well. I’ve come a long way in becoming a youth leader, but I still have another journey ahead of me. Everyday I learn new things that help contribute to improve my leadership role. I have to admit, it is difficult being a leader, and one who many people look up to, but at the end of the day, the things I do could has the potential to turn a life around.
In conclusion, a youth leader is someone who is courageous. Youth leaders are not afraid of what comes next. We as teenagers should take initiative and make a difference in our communities. It doesn’t have to be in the community. We can all start somewhere small like an individual or a group of young people, teaching them about the harms of substance abuse or gun violence. Who knows? It may even plant a seed in one of them and build them up into becoming a great leader. So, as young adults, we must be aware of the issues amongst our surroundings, become a leader and change lives.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Everyone Should Be Safe From All Violence
Kayla Cannon
7th Grade
Duffield Elementary/Middle School
People shouldn’t have to worry about going out in the community and being shot, killed or beat up. You should be able to go outside or go to school and make friends and have fun. Every one shouldn’t have to worry about being a victim because there’s supposed to be peace in the world. We should end all violence now!! If we cannot stop woman from being sexually harassed, and individuals being shot and killed, this may go on to the year 2012 and these acts of violence may get worse. I hope that more people believe that there can be peace in this world and help to end all violence.
There are some individuals in some of our schools that are violent. Students are there to learn, and if you don’t want to learn, you should not be there. Schools should be more involved with students, because some student’s parents don’t get involved in with their education. If our schools work with the students more, some of the violence in school may end.
7th Grade
Duffield Elementary/Middle School
People shouldn’t have to worry about going out in the community and being shot, killed or beat up. You should be able to go outside or go to school and make friends and have fun. Every one shouldn’t have to worry about being a victim because there’s supposed to be peace in the world. We should end all violence now!! If we cannot stop woman from being sexually harassed, and individuals being shot and killed, this may go on to the year 2012 and these acts of violence may get worse. I hope that more people believe that there can be peace in this world and help to end all violence.
There are some individuals in some of our schools that are violent. Students are there to learn, and if you don’t want to learn, you should not be there. Schools should be more involved with students, because some student’s parents don’t get involved in with their education. If our schools work with the students more, some of the violence in school may end.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
We Need Help To End Violence In Our Community
Kayla Buffington, Duffield Elementary School
7th Grade
I think gun violence should stop. I feel that way because some people are afraid to even leave out of their homes at night and when it is not even dark outside. For example, at night time some people think that they might get robbed or sexually assaulted. Also, I think gun violence and sexual harassment should be stopped at all schools. I think at every school they should have metal detectors, security guards and camera to keep children safe. Parents send their children to school to learn, not get harassed or killed. That’s why I think gun violence and other violent acts should be stopped.
7th Grade
I think gun violence should stop. I feel that way because some people are afraid to even leave out of their homes at night and when it is not even dark outside. For example, at night time some people think that they might get robbed or sexually assaulted. Also, I think gun violence and sexual harassment should be stopped at all schools. I think at every school they should have metal detectors, security guards and camera to keep children safe. Parents send their children to school to learn, not get harassed or killed. That’s why I think gun violence and other violent acts should be stopped.
Efforts To End Gun Violence
Iesha Wakefield
7th Grade Duffield Elementary Student
We can stop gun violence by starting a petition in our schools, but not only in our schools, also in our community. We should not carry guns around because if someone gets made at the wrong person, they may accidentally shoot that person and that person might be someone that you know, maybe a close friend or family member. The more signatures we get, the more effort is shown that may help to stop the gun violence.
7th Grade Duffield Elementary Student
We can stop gun violence by starting a petition in our schools, but not only in our schools, also in our community. We should not carry guns around because if someone gets made at the wrong person, they may accidentally shoot that person and that person might be someone that you know, maybe a close friend or family member. The more signatures we get, the more effort is shown that may help to stop the gun violence.
Stop The Violence In The World
Akil Alvin, Duffield Elementary School
8th Grade Student
Violence could be stopped in our community by us. Gun triggers don’t pull themselves. We can’t complain to President Obama, saying, “stop the violence in the world”, when we are living in violence in our own community, and acts of violence are being committed by our own peers!!!
8th Grade Student
Violence could be stopped in our community by us. Gun triggers don’t pull themselves. We can’t complain to President Obama, saying, “stop the violence in the world”, when we are living in violence in our own community, and acts of violence are being committed by our own peers!!!
We Must Be Protected!!
Torry VanLeer, 8th Grade
Duffield Elementary School
Children and adults should be protected from all kinds of violence, such as guns. Guns are a big cause of most violence in our community. Guns can affect our lives in negatives ways, for example, kill a child or an adult even if it is by mistake. A gun is very dangerous for so many reasons. All kinds of violence are wrong. We should do every that we can to stop the violence and keep all people in our community
Duffield Elementary School
Children and adults should be protected from all kinds of violence, such as guns. Guns are a big cause of most violence in our community. Guns can affect our lives in negatives ways, for example, kill a child or an adult even if it is by mistake. A gun is very dangerous for so many reasons. All kinds of violence are wrong. We should do every that we can to stop the violence and keep all people in our community
Gun Violence Is Going To Be A Thing Of The Past
Aariel Alexander
Duffield 7th Grade Student
Have any of your family members ever been shot in your community? If they have, I know you really want to stop gun violence. Even if no one has been shot with a gun in your family, it is a strong possibility that it could happen. Gun violence is mostly from gangs and if we help to end gun violence, maybe gangs would go with it. NSO is trying to stop gun violence, but need your help. Please help us. I know you would want to help if you or your family member was a victim of gun violence. So let’s stop these horrible acts of violence!!! ….. before it reaches our youth of the future.
Duffield 7th Grade Student
Have any of your family members ever been shot in your community? If they have, I know you really want to stop gun violence. Even if no one has been shot with a gun in your family, it is a strong possibility that it could happen. Gun violence is mostly from gangs and if we help to end gun violence, maybe gangs would go with it. NSO is trying to stop gun violence, but need your help. Please help us. I know you would want to help if you or your family member was a victim of gun violence. So let’s stop these horrible acts of violence!!! ….. before it reaches our youth of the future.
What We Can Do
Paris Smith, 7th Grade
Duffield Elementary School
There are lots of things we can do to end the violence in our community:
Talk to our friends about gun violence.
Talk to our family about gun violence.
Talk to elementary students at Duffield.
Talk to the police department about what is happening in our community.
Help people that have been affected by gun violence.
Speak up in our community.
These are some of the things we can do to stop the violence.
Duffield Elementary School
There are lots of things we can do to end the violence in our community:
Talk to our friends about gun violence.
Talk to our family about gun violence.
Talk to elementary students at Duffield.
Talk to the police department about what is happening in our community.
Help people that have been affected by gun violence.
Speak up in our community.
These are some of the things we can do to stop the violence.
Stopping The Violence
Gregory Strickland, 8th Grade
Duffield Elementary School
There are some things we can do to stop gun violence. We can stop gun violence by donating our guns to our local police stations. Also YIP participants can provide trigger locks in order for parents to protect their family members and other individuals that may come into their home. Another thing that we can do is to sign a petition to stop gun violence. If you want assistance in keeping your community safe, you can go to http://www.hugsnotbulletscampaign.blogspot.com/ or you may call the Youth Initiatives Project directly.
Duffield Elementary School
There are some things we can do to stop gun violence. We can stop gun violence by donating our guns to our local police stations. Also YIP participants can provide trigger locks in order for parents to protect their family members and other individuals that may come into their home. Another thing that we can do is to sign a petition to stop gun violence. If you want assistance in keeping your community safe, you can go to http://www.hugsnotbulletscampaign.blogspot.com/ or you may call the Youth Initiatives Project directly.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Parent Talk
Shaniqua Madison
Senior
Senior
Catherine Ferguson Academy
Hey parents let’s have a talk. Now some of you may be wondering she’s just a teen what can she have to say? Well, I’m more than a teen, I’m a teen mother. As a teen I have had many ups and downs. What I want to talk about is one thing I hope I never have to go through. Let’s talk about the violence that happens on New Years. Protect Children, Not Guns 2007 statistics shows that 58 preschoolers were killed by firearms, while 57 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty. Now just imagine how much can happen on New Years alone. New Years is a day when not only adults, but teens decide to drink and get involve in violent activities. So let’s make a change. Let’s protect not only the children but ourselves from all the harm that can happen on New Years. The first thing we can do is show them that there are other things that can be done for fun besides what they see everyone else do. In order to prove this to them we have to do the same thing. So let’s make a change in our lives so that we can make a change in the world. Here are 20 ways to make your child feel great.
Hey parents let’s have a talk. Now some of you may be wondering she’s just a teen what can she have to say? Well, I’m more than a teen, I’m a teen mother. As a teen I have had many ups and downs. What I want to talk about is one thing I hope I never have to go through. Let’s talk about the violence that happens on New Years. Protect Children, Not Guns 2007 statistics shows that 58 preschoolers were killed by firearms, while 57 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty. Now just imagine how much can happen on New Years alone. New Years is a day when not only adults, but teens decide to drink and get involve in violent activities. So let’s make a change. Let’s protect not only the children but ourselves from all the harm that can happen on New Years. The first thing we can do is show them that there are other things that can be done for fun besides what they see everyone else do. In order to prove this to them we have to do the same thing. So let’s make a change in our lives so that we can make a change in the world. Here are 20 ways to make your child feel great.
1. Show unconditional love
2. Express your anger responsibly
3. Make clear request
4. Learn to listen
5. Take your child’s feelings seriously
6. Validate your child existence
7. Find something to appreciate daily
8. Spend time alone with your child
9. Allow your child to do things for him/herself
10. Respect your child’s possessions
11. Respect your child opinions
12. Acknowledge you child’s abilities
13. Respect your child abilities
14. Teach children that they are more than just their body
15. Intervene when your child puts her/himself down
16. Express love nonverbally
17. Speak to your child at eye level
18. Avoid mixed messages
19. Share your feelings
20. Focus on each child’s uniqueness
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