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.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
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.
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