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Dialogue//Dec. 16, 2015
A c ad e m i c s
Student Life
Amnesty club takes on transit issues
Relaxing to learn
Page 23 » Western students use meditation improve academics
Page 2 » Benjamin Carson club pushes city to take action on transportation issues for students trying to get to and from school
The Student Voice of Detroit’s High Schools
KING 40, Lowell 38
STATE CHAMPS
Page 15 » Last-second TD secures title for Crusaders Elonte Davis/Special to Dialogue
Student Life
Hoverboards roll into Cody Page 17 » Cody students take a test ride on one of the year’s trendiest devices, after scooter manufacturer ships one to DIT
Student Life
Cooking chops Page 9 » Cristo Rey after-school program connects students
A c ad e m i c s
application season
Page 7 » CMA seniors prep to attend college A Publication of
Crain Michigan State University Detroit High School Journalism
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2 DetroitDialogue.com Dec. 16, 2015 Student Life
Amnesty gives voice to student safety
Dialogue Vol. I, No. 2 | Dec. 16, 2015
Detroit Dialogue is published by Crain Michigan State University Detroit High School Journalism to showcase the work of student journalists in the city of Detroit. Dialogue has been established as a forum for student expression and as a voice in the uninhibited, robust, free and open discussion of issues.
All content is prepared by students at participating Detroit high schools. Students receive advice and training from program staff and professional journalists from Crain Communications Inc. throughout the publication process. Michigan State University, Crain Communications and participating schools assume no liability for the content of Dialogue, and urge all student journalists to recognize that with editorial control comes responsibility, including the responsibility to follow professional journalism standards.
About Crain MSU Detroit High School Journalism Crain MSU Detroit High School Journalism enriches the educational experiences of students in the city of Detroit. Our work brings high school students together with professional journalists, Michigan State University faculty members and MSU journalism students to produce a newspaper and news website about the issues affecting students’ schools and their peers. The program is coordinated by the faculty of the School of Journalism at MSU with the support of Detroitbased Crain Communications Inc. and other partners throughout Southeast Michigan.
Our Team Joy Visconti, joyvis@msu.edu Director, Crain MSU Detroit High School Journalism
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Jeremy W. Steele, steelej @msu.edu Scholastic journalism outreach coordinator, MSU School of Journalism Joe Grimm, jgrimm@msu.edu Program adviser & editor in residence, MSU School of Journalism
Design Haley Kluge The Edmund C. Arnold Chapter of the Society for News Design at Michigan State University
Production Terri Driscoll & Andy Spanos Crain Commuications Inc.
supported by
BCHS group takes on transportation issues By Myeasha Perry, Jonathon Ramseur and Sabrina Thurmond The Diagnostic With so much attention on the 440 minutes spent in school each day, many students feel their voices go unheard about the time spent traveling to and from school. Even though many drive to school or their parents or guardians take them, students still face the reality of living in the city. Whether one rides the bus or walks, they encounter many different things getting to and from Benjamin Carson High School and other Detroit high schools. “Transportation “Hopefully can affect a student’s Amnesty will mood and perforget people mance in school,” said Curtis Valasek, talking about BCHS health careers the issue and forensic science more, and teacher. Because of this connection, many will lay some people have begun to groundwork try to do something for the city to about the issue. take collective The Amnesty action.” International Club at BCHS is taking Sadie Murphy, a stand on student Amnesty adviser and safety and making it BCHS teacher their first campaign, called the #Walksafe Movement. Among other things, they plan to pass out safety tip flyers and discuss their importance during students’ first hour advisory courses. Amnesty adviser and BCHS teacher Sadie Murphy said she has high hopes for this effort’s ability to get people talking. “Hopefully Amnesty will get people talking about the issue more, and will lay some groundwork for the city to take collective action,” she said. Many students feel like it is a subject that gets swept under the rug and they are excited to see someone doing something about it. Though there are many factors related to transportation, safety and timeliness are one of the main worries for students. Though an extreme case, BCHS junior Christopher Williams had a first-hand experience with how student transportation can affect one’s life. “I was walking to the bus stop on my way to school and a car was parked there,” he said. “When I got to the stop, two guys got out of the car and robbed me at gunpoint and took all of my belongings.” Though the process is slow, safety for student
The Diagnostic
BCHS junior Antoinette Deisch-Rodgers, like many students, takes the bus.
travel is becoming a hot topic of conversation, and now, action. There are many things students can do now to take safety measures into their own hands, and BCHS freshman Shaiquan Ayers
has a few suggestions. “Students should walk in groups, stick to the main streets, and always be aware of their surroundings,” said Ayers.
Crain msu detroit high school Journalism participating Schools Benjamin Carson School for Science & Medicine Principal Charles Todd
Communication & Media Arts High School Principal Donya Odom
Douglass Academy for Young Men Principal Berry Greer
Loyola High School Principal Wyatt Jones
Cass Technical High School Principal Lisa Phillips
Detroit Cristo Rey High School Principal Susan Rowe
East English Village Preparatory Academy Principal Charlene Mallory
Pershing High School Principal Shirley Brown
Cody high schools Principals Latoya Hall-King, Johnathon Matthews and Michelle Parker
Detroit International Academy for Young Women Principal Beverly Hibbler
Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School Principal Deborah Jenkins
Renaissance High School Principal Anita Williams Western International High School Principal Angel Garcia
Thank you to our crain mentors and supporters In addition to the professional mentors listed along with student staff members in this publication, we wish to thank the following Crain employees for their assistance: KC Crain, Jason Stein, Krishnan Anantharaman, Phil Nussel, Jennette Smith, Rory Carroll, Richard Truett, Mike Colias, Steve Massie, Dan Jones and Don Loepp.
the diagnostic Benjamin Carson High School of Science and Medicine | carsondiagnostic.com A c ad e m i c s
looking toward
the future Students learn about options for college at BCHS fair
By Tarek Miah, DeiVion Drew and Deontay Cobb The Diagnostic College events brought a great opportunity for Benjamin Carson High School students to speak to university, college, and technical school representatives. Students learned about different scholarships and financial aid programs and, afterward, felt even more inspired to attend college. Dr. Derschaun Sharpley, the founder of the Clinic for Success and college transition adviser, started these events to expose students to college early. “Since I’ve been with the district for 15 years I’ve built relationships with the college admission reps I’ve gotten to know them, so what I do is just go through a list of all the local and out of state colleges and if I know that rep I’ll ask them to come,” Sharpley said. These model events provide students with a more advantageous experience that helps them to choose the right college for them. “My experience was great,”
Dec. 16, 2015 DetroitDialogue.com 3 TRANSPORTATION SAFETY
Page 2 » Club pushes city to take action
Student Life
BCHS students join Red Cross By Zahid Salam and Gregory Crawford The Diagnostic Benjamin Carson High School, students are getting involved with the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross is well-known for its emergency assistance and disaster relief as well as their quick response in the face of many disasters, such as the tsunami that hit the coast of Japan in 2011 and the earthquake that hit Nepal in 2015. The members
of BCHS’ Red Cross Club aim to spread awareness locally on topics such as fire safety and basic CPR, but have also organized many events to raise money and collect blood for those in need. Suma Taher and Nyah Kidd, BCHS juniors and the Red Cross Club president and vice president respectively, look for new and inventive ways to raise money and awareness. See RED CROSS on page 10 »
S TU D ENT LIFE
Carson boosts spirit
The Diagnostic
BCHS students interact with a college admissions representative from Western Michigan University. Students from left to right: Da’Shea Dobbins, Lashonzell Barnes-Spries, Va’Lesia Ross.
Benjamin Carson junior Mozella Henderson said. “I learned about the different opportunities each college had to offer,” said Henderson. She said she felt it was an inspiring and beneficial event and rated it 10 out of 10. “Attending these fairs opened my eyes a lot in choosing which college is suitable for me” junior Angel Hargrove said. Students like Angel are finding these events as an eye-
opening adventure for planning out there future. Not all schools have the benefit of these opportunities like these, so Benjamin Carson students are positive about taking every advantage that comes their way. Overall, the majority of students from Benjamin Carson gave positive feedback and felt motivated about what the events had to offer and look forward to similar events in the future.
By Joy Johnson and Whitney Vaughn The Diagnostic Spirit Week at Benjamin Carson High School was a week of fun, laughter and amazing activities. Throughout the week of Nov. 9-13, every day was assigned a different theme, each being amusing or educational. On Monday, Nov. 9, the advisories teamed up against each other in a Homeroom Wars where the each advisory/homeroom had to pick their own themes and dress to impress. Tuesday was Senior Citizen Day where the students and teachers dressed up as if they were elderly people. Wednesday was College Day where everyone wore their favorite college attire. Thursday was Twin Day where everyone paired with another student to wear matching clothing. Finally, on Friday, the classes represented their class by dressing up in class colors. These class colors were assigned to them by the Student Council Committee.
Spirit Week was also turned into a competition at the end of each day. On the last day the points were added up and the class with the most enthusiastic participation won. This year, the Class of 2016 took home the victory and won the Spirit Trophy. Spirit Week culminated in the BCHS Pep Rally on Nov. 13, when the whole school took to the field to team up against each other in numerous activities such as tug-of-war, a cheering competition, flag football, skin the snake, and many more. BCHS senior Najiyyah Bellamy was strongly involved in spirit week. “Spirit week was fun,” Bellamy said. “We got to dress up as old people. It was fun to be out of our uniform for a week. This year the students were more engaged than years before, which, for many, made it all the more fun. “Spirit week was so fun this year. The themes were better which really made me want to participate,” said BCHS student Cameron Campbell.
Student Life
BCHS provides space to LGBT community By Gregory Freeman The Diagnostic At Benjamin Carson High School, along with a portion of the student body, health careers and forensic science teacher Curtis Valasek founded the school’s very own Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), or Spectrum. “This GSA allows student to speak about LGBT issues that cannot be easily spoken about at home
or at church,” Valasek said. “It is a safe zone for students of the LGBT community.” At one meeting, the discussion centered on how each member of the club can provide support for one another. Most of the students were brought together by Spectrum’s president, BCHS junior Daylon Shelton-Clark. “We would like people who either support or are themselves in
The diagnostic
the LGBT community to be a part of the membership,” said SheltonClark. LGBT Spectrum designate leaders in the club to tackle specific issues in the LGBT community. BCHS junior Nadia Dearing said she believes GSA can unite everyone so that bullying and hatred toward the LGBT community can stop. Spectrum meets every Friday from 3:30 p.m. until 5 p.m.
Editor-in-chief: TBD Adviser: Sean Henry Crain Mentor: Vince Bond Jr.
The Diagnostic
BCHS Spectrum unites at the annual homecoming dance.
Staff: Mark Buford, Deontay Cobb, Gregory Crawford, DeiVion Drew, Lamonie Dudley, Gregory Freeman, Alanna Greenlee, Joy Johnson, Tiona Jones, Tarek Miah, Chantel Oliver, Myeasha Perry, Sean Radden, Jonathon Ramseur, Zahid Salam, Daijah Sims, Sabrina Thurmond, Whitney Vaughn, Sean Waters
4 DetroitDialogue.com Dec. 16, 2015
CT Visionary
Dual Enrollment
technically speaking
Page 8 » Students enroll at WCCC
Inside the music industry
Page 10 » Cass Tech launches new program
A public forum for the community of Cass Technical High School | ctvisionary.com A C A D E M IC S
Ivy League colleges become more accessible
Student Life
Cass Tech gets dramatic
By Alyson Grigsby CT Visionary Harvard, Yale, Brown, Stanford. As the regular decision deadline for many colleges quickly approaches, the names of these highlyselective, world-renowned schools as well as many others attract tens of thousands of applications each year, and this year is no exception. However, to any student from a low-income or minority background, applying to any of the eight Ivy Leagues or any other highly-selective school seems like a lost cause, and is much less likely to apply. In fact, out of a study of 900 different valedictorians from various American public schools, only about half of those from lower-middle or working-class backgrounds had applied to selective schools, even when they had the same credentials as the 80 percent of upper-middle or upper-class students who had applied to similar schools. The reasons why many highachieving, low-income students do not apply is due to many reasons, one of them being the high cost of See IVY on page 5 »
Isaiah Williams/CT Visionary
The CT Theater Department, under the direction of Marilyn McCormick, performed Ntozake Shange’s Broadway production “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf” in November in the Wheatley Grand Theater at Cass Tech.
A C A D E M IC S
Aspiring journalists take tour of WDIV-TV newsroom By Dominique Jackson CT Visionary On Nov. 23, the CT Visionary Newspaper staff and journalism classes visited the WDIV-Channel 4 newsroom in downtown Detroit. The aspiring young journalists got first-hand experience to see the broadcast of “Live in the D” broadcast and tour the station. Local broadcasters Rhonda Walker and Evrod Cassimy along with meteorologist Brandon Roux spoke with producer Greg Robinson about how professional the demeanor of the CT students and stand-out football team members were during the tour. Robinson organized the tour with CT journalism teacher Anita Crouch and told Crouch:
“Rhonda, Brandon and Evrod and I were talking and we were all very impressed with the students,” Robinson said. “They asked relevant questions, and seemed to be genuinely interested in journalism. Our general manager Marla Drutz, is a huge supporter of Cass Tech and really believes in what they are trying to do there.” Walker spoke in depth about her career journey to become an anchor woman and the student’s interest was surely peaked when she began to answer relevant questions about her career. “I think the most important thing in this career is to stay at it,” Walker said. A lot of times you are going to hear how tough it is to get a job and how much this industry
is changing. But if you really have a passion for writing, and finding out what’s going on, and getting involved in the community, and you really have a love for storytelling and meeting people, then don’t let anything discourage you.” Walker also talked about what made her stand out as a broadcaster, which helped her become who she is today. “I use to wear suits every day; that’s how I was raised; you wake up and get every little hair in place, and make sure that your clothes are good and tailored, and that showed that I made an effort,” she said. Dana Session, Dajheonna Perry and Ebony Tyson contributed to this report.
CT Visionary
Channel 4 WDIV Producer Greg Robinson organized a tour with the CT Visionary newspaper and journalism students, with journalism instructor Anita Crouch.
Editor In Chief: Ikeya Lake Social Media Editor: DeAnna Howard Sports Social Media Editor: Dwight Blakey Sports Editor in Chief: Kaelyn Collins Sports Co-Editor: Dervon Thompson Scholarship & Senior Event Editor: Alyson Grigsby Community Editor: Ebony Tyson Broadcast Editor: Abriana Walton Editor of Photography: Startia Dodson Adviser: Erika Jones Crain Mentor: Brennan Lafferty and Jennifer Vuong
Staff: Dana Session, Tiontia Bell, Joi Arnold, Dajheonna Perry, Taylor Reeves, Victoria Singleton, Trinity Mix, Ananda Irving, Destini Jackson, Ijeoma Onyene, Jazmyn Ollis, Startia Dodson, Eann Dixon, Krishana Castro, Mackenzie Galloway, Alexandra Robinson, Karen Cyars, Jasmine James, Matthew Lewis, James Farley, Michael Farmer, Dervon Thompson, Dazhane’ Williams, Charles English, Brittany Waugh, Horatio Hampton, Jeshaunna Francis
Dec. 16, 2015 DetroitDialogue.com 5 S TU D ENT LI f e
Cass Tech robotics program gets students ready for tech future By Ananda Irving CT Visionary Cass Tech’s robotics is offered as a class and as a club after school. The program opens many doors for students interested in careers related to engineering. Technology is changing so fast and robots are being using in many aspects around the globe. There are many different majors in college and many scholarship opportunities in the robotics field. From computer engineering, mechanical engineering and even electrical engineering; the robotics program is an awesome field of study or club to join. CT senior and robotics team member Avery Shaw said, “There is also an undeniable need for technology in this rapidly growing society.” The CT Robotics Program consists of two separate teams. The first is VEX Robotics, which deals with five robots that are entered in competitions during the fall competition. The first competition was Nov. 21 at Cass Tech. The next will be Dec. 19 at Cranbrook. “We had a great run at our last competition,” CT junior
Jordan Tucker said. “Though we did not win the competition, we did get five robots to compete and gather lots of experience and knowledge of how to improve our designs.” The second team is FIRST Robotics, which takes place during a hectic six-week season of building during January and February. There are 17 other Detroit High Schools involved in the FIRST Robotics team that participate in this competition. Finally, the international competition takes place at the Michigan Engineering Zone (MEZ), which the University of Michigan sponsors. After the release of the theme for the competition there are only six weeks to put together a robot with a $1,500 spending restraint, 120-pound requirement weight restraint, as well as a design restraint. “Students have the opportunity to succeed in this field,” said Cass Tech’s robotics adviser Karl Balke. “We give them ideas to use very similar to the actual engineering design process. We utilize STEM to creatively solve problems. It’s an intricate process to go through, until you find something that works.”
IVY
Opportunities exist for students to attend highly selective schools from page 4
attendance, which can reach to more than $250,000 over four years. Other reasons may include a lack of information about the schools, or because they may be the first in the family to attend college and do not know about the additional benefits or resources these schools may bring. However, applying to an Ivy League school if you are low-income is obtainable, even without the Gates Millennium scholarship. Many Ivy Leagues such as have adopted very extensive financial aid packages for lowincome applicants. In fact, for any students accepted into Harvard or Yale with an annual income of less than $65,000, there is no expected family contribution, and universities such as Brown and Swathmore offer financial aid packages without loans for low-income students. As well as the extensive financial aid packages for lowincome students, fellowships and other scholarships are also available for low-income and/or minority students, such as the Nasir Jones Hip-Hope Fellowship, created by both HipHop Archive & Research Institute and the W. E. B. Du Bois Research Institute at Harvard University in order to help students “who demonstrate exceptional capacity for productive scholarship and exceptional creative ability in the arts, in connection with HipHop.” An Ivy League education is not completely unattainable for low-income or minority students. However, as students continue their college searches, it is important to not forget our historical black colleges and universities who have been excelling in pre-med and law programs. Schools such as Howard and Spelman have been ranked in the top five schools for entrance into medical school and into law school.
Hor atio Hampton
Cass Tech Robotics consists of two separate teams, VEX and FIRST Robotics. The CT teams entered five robots into fall competitions.
SPorts
CT hires new basketball coach By Dervon Thompson CT Visionary This year marks a clean slate for the boys’ basketball team at Cass Tech. The hiring of new head coach, Steve Hall, represents the move towards hope of a brighter future. Hall is also the school’s new athletic director and has high expectations for the athletes at CT. Being a former Technician, Hall set records and was a basketball standout in 1988, when he averaged a little more than 30 points a game. His success followed him to college where he played at Virginia Tech. “My high school and college years were memorable, we had a lot of success as a team, I had a lot of success as a player, and it was some of the best memories of my life.” Hall said. That success easily transitioned into his coaching career, being one of the most accredited coaches in the Public School League. Hall took Detroit Rogers to consecutive Class D state titles in 2003-2005, then led Detroit Northwestern to their first Detroit Public School league title in 2008; and was named coach of the year. Steve Hall coached college ball for Duquesne and Youngstown State from 2009-2015. Hall is excited to bring all of his experience back to his CT roots.
Eann Dixon/ CT Visionary
Boy’s basketball at Cass has a new head coach, alumnus Steve Hall. Hall is a former coach of Duquesne and Youngstown University.
“Cass Tech was the only high school job that I considered when I was at the college ranks,” Hall said. “The fact that this is the school I went to and I have obvious attachments to Cass and a desire to see Cass at the top.” With the season approaching, Hall is walking in expecting nothing more and nothing less. “It’s a work in progress, learning every day; going into a new situation you know it’s going to be challenges,” Hall said. “My expectations are just to get better every game and by February ideally be able to compete at a championship level.” Hall has an experienced Cass
Tech team by his side. With five returning seniors, guard Michael Farmer is one of the returning seniors looking forward to get the season rolling. “We are very excited but understand there is more work to be done,” Farmer said. “We just want to continue to improve and make progress everyday as the season goes on.” When asked about working with new head coach, the senior guard was even more excited. “Coach Hall is tough, but I feel that he is preparing us for the next level,” Farmer said. “He constantly throws new things at us and brings out the best in all of us.”
6 DetroitDialogue.com Dec. 16, 2015
The Cody Connection
Teacher vacancies
Page 8 » New concerns raised
A public forum for the students and community of the Cody high schools | thecodyconnection.com student life
Game day fundraiser gives head start to Thanksgiving
SAVANNAH ZELLOUS
Juniors Donte Love and Dy’Ante Murphy play 2K at Cody DIT on Nov. 25.
By Alisha Reeves The Cody Connection High school is all fun and games, right? The Cody DIT senior class made that dream come true for the last two hours of school before Thanksgiving break. For the Game Day fundraiser, 80 students paid $2 each to play cards, board games and video games. Participants paid another dollar if they wanted free dress. Twenty minutes after Game Day started, a fire drill forced everyone to take a break. After the short time-out, players picked up where they left off. The interruption didn’t ruin the experience for senior Jasmine Golden. “It was the best thing to happen to our school! We should do things like this more often,” Golden said. Proceeds from Game Day will go help some class members pay their senior dues.
Sports
Cody alum mentors students, fights for coaches By Shanika Kelly and Emier Metcalf The Cody Connection Go to a Comet’s football game and you might see Cody alum Marc Bland on the sideline cheering for the team. “And when I attend, I get right down on the sidelines; I don’t mess around,” said Bland, who supports Cody on and off the field. Lately Bland has been working with others fighting to reinstate Cody’s football coaches, who are still suspended after an Oct. 16 incident during a game with King High School. Bland said he feels blessed to have relationships with the Cody coaches who have turned the Cody football team into a winning program. Bland is the vice president of diversity and inclusions for IHS Automotive, the largest autodata provider in the world. The company provides data consulting and information to auto manufacturers to help them make better marketing decisions. Bland has hosted Cody students for a mentorship program for the last three years to intro-
duce them to the business world. Groups of juniors and seniors from Cody DIT and Cody MCH spend four Fridays attending workshops that are conducted at the IHS offices so students can experience spending time in a professional environment. “You don’t know what you can be or what you can achieve if you don’t ever see it, touch it, and feel it,” Bland said. Bland said he wants students to know that they can do whatever they set their minds to or be whatever they would like to be. Bland played linebacker for Cody, starting when head coach Calvin Norman was a senior on the team. “Coach Norman is a spiritual guy who not only talks to the kids about football, but just as much talks to them about life,” Bland said. Bland said he believes the media coverage following the game with King was inaccurate, portraying Cody as the aggressor and the side that couldn’t control the students, but Bland saw it another way. “Altercations are going to
The cody Connection
Adviser: Sara Hennes Crain Mentor: Shiraz Ahmed
Cody connection
The current senior mentorship class poses with Marc Bland, right, in his office at IHS on Nov. 20. The students are (from left) Shanika Kelly, Gregory Scott, Darcha’ Dates, Emier Metcalf and Deante Clark.
happen in football,” Bland said. “I mean it’s a violent game, and it’s an all-male testosteronefilled fight. And if they tried to stop every program that ever had a fight, there wouldn’t be a single college football program in existence today, and half of the pros wouldn’t even be playing.” Bland said key individuals at Cody kept him on a good path when he was in there, and he
feels it’s his duty to show his gratitude by helping to have a positive influence for future Cody graduates. “Because of them,” Bland said, “I’m blessed now to live where I want and be able to take care of my family, so it only seems right to say, ‘Well, here’s what I learned and what I wished someone would’ve taught me.”
Detroit
BRIAN JAMES
The new Cathedral St. bridge opened on Nov. 18. A waste hauler hit the pedestrian bridge last fall causing it to collapse.
After collapse, new bridge garners praise By James Johnson The Cody Connection Cody DIT senior Brian James was on his way to school Sept. 26, 2014 when he was forced to take a detour. As he crossed over the Southfield Fwy. on W. Chicago, James took a photo of the Cathedral St. pedestrian bridge he usually used to get to school. “It was a mess,” James said. “I didn’t know what happened.” A few hours earlier, the bridge collapsed after it was hit by a waste hauler with its boom extended. After the old bridge collapsed, many students were forced to find longer routes to school. Many were glad to see the new and improved Cathedral Street pedestrian bridge open Nov. 18 with decorative accents, lights, “It was a and new mess. I don’t fences. know what According happened.” to the Brian James, Michigan Cody DIT senior Department of Transportation, construction took four months and was paid for with nearly $2.9 million in emergency funds from the federal government. Cody DIT freshman DaVaughn Smith uses the bridge when he stays with his uncle. He said he’s glad the old bridge fell. “It felt wobbly and it had holes in it. I felt like I could fall straight through,” said Smith. “The new one looks beautiful and feels stable. It’s an improvement to the environment.” James agrees. “The new bridge is cold,” James said.
Staff Writers: Selena Braxton, Bria Cummings, JohnMichael Gonzalez, Kianna Harris, Alexis Hudson, Carlisle Jenkins, Shanika Kelly, Omar Lopez, Emier Metcalf, DeQuan Moore, Andre Russaw, Nyla Shields, Ryan Thomas, Kashell Washington, Robert Williams, Tyler Zellous
The Communicator
Dec. 16, 2015 DetroitDialogue.com 7 Urban spaces go green
Page 19 » Detroiters take up gardening
A public forum for the students and community of Communication and Media Arts High School | cmacommunicator.com Detroit
Streetcar system to be added by 2016 By Taylor Jenkins The Communicator Twenty-seven years have passed since the last streetcar pulled into downtown Detroit. The city of Detroit will have the streetcar finished by the end of year 2016. The M-1 Rail is a nonprofit organization formed to lead the progress of the streetcar along
Woodward Avenue between Congress Street and West Grand Blvd. in Detroit. Even though it costs $140 million to build -- and $5.5 million dollars to run each year -citizens are thrilled to see the new train being built. “I’m so excited to be able to get around downtown without having to use the buses anymore,” said Richard Taylor, who
lives downtown. Being accessible for older and disabled people will bring in more business because during the week the majority of people who will ride the train will be senior citizens and others trying to get to work. The streetcar is meant to be an investment to bring in more money. At $1.50 per ride, you can enjoy
the scenery of downtown Detroit. There will be six 60-foot driveroperated conventional cars riding along the lower part of Woodward. “I am really happy to be able to ride on a train for the first time,” said local Tori Satchel. “I’ve never been able to ride one because of the area we live in, but now I finally get the chance.” The new M- 1 Rail could also
a c ad e m i c s
Seniors face college application deadlines By Marcellous Weaver The Communicator Some say senior year is the easiest, but when it comes to college applications and scholarships many think otherwise. “This is too much work,” said senior Kameron Williams. “Not only are we trying to apply to all our desired colleges and scholarships, but we also have an overload of homework each night.” Students began applying to colleges and scholarships the summer prior to senior year. During fall semester, students are still in the process of finishing college applications before December deadlines. However, some teachers don’t take this into consideration and continuously give assignments during this tiresome time. “It’s overwhelming at times,” said Renaissance senior Christoria Collins. “My English teacher tends to assigns us an essay practically every day for homework. Included with that homework is work from my other six classes and on top of that, I’m trying to finish all my college applications and finish essays for scholarships.” Though some students feel teachers don’t take into consider-
The Communicator
Seniors Jaielah Lee (right) and Paris Garner (left) view college information from Saginaw Valley State University.
“I really don’t mind the work given sometimes,” said Woods. “In college, nothing less will be expected from us by our professors. The workload we’re given by our
ation that at times we are overwhelmed or stressed due to us finishing applications and essays, Renaissance senior Justin Woods thinks we may benefit from this.
teachers, I feel is an advantage for my fellow classmates and I. I won’t say that at times I’m not stressed or overwhelmed but that’s the weight I’m willing to bare for success.”
Student Life
Loving black culture but not black people? By Danielle Anderson The Communicator “Black culture may have been born in black communities, or created by black Americans. But when appropriated
for commerce, there is danger of mistaking ‘Black Culture’ for actual cultural experience. That’s where the myth begins, and it can devalue real human experiences,” Justin Simien,
the Communicator
wrote in an article on CNN. com on Feb. 25, 2014. “Black culture is the specific poise, confidence, creativity, style, and beauty black people possess that can’t be imitated
Editor-in-Chief: Jalon Nelson Co- Editor-in-Chief: Erin Jackson Secretary: GeAundra Weatherspoon
NOR duplicated.” said senior Kaylyn Wheeler. African-Americans are criticized by the color of their See CULTURE on page 8 »
Adviser: Robbyn Williams Crain Mentor: Ursula Zerilli
help bring money and people to Detroit, especially to the new restaurants along the route, such as Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails, Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery, Townhouse, Parks & Rec, and Central Kitchen + Bar. The streetcar will operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays.
Student Life
Students say ‘Free Dress’ lets them show trends, but at a cost By Fallon Brown and Paris Brown The Communicator “Free Dress” days are days designated for students to not wear uniform — but some students say the days come at the cost of promoting materialism. Students at Communication & Media Arts High School tend to display trends at social gatherings and outfits and accessories are often the topic of discussion after the event. “Name brand items are praised and acknowledged,” said sophomore Lydia Owens. Senior Carloes Crumpton agrees. “At the age of 13 name brand items became important to me in which I purchased my first pair of Gucci shoes and belt,” said Crumpton. However, there is often a big discussion regarding what is popular and outdated with clothing choices. “Free Dress” enables students to be able to express themselves with their clothing choices but it’s often a challenge with the expectations set by the student body. Though many say that it is all for fun, some students have different opinions. “I feel that people purchase name brand clothing to prove that they have the money to buy it,” said sophomore Lydia Owens. It is the topic of many conversations throughout the school and social media regarding importance and worth.
Staff Writers: Judy Russell-Pearce, Erika Davis, Brianna Coleman, Paris Brown, Lonnie Wymes, Olonzo Clayton, Lamari Boone, Kayanna Dennis, Rickiya Anderson
8 DetroitDialogue.com Dec. 16, 2015 A c ad e m i c s
Dual enrollment Cass Tech provides unique opportunities through WCCC, IB program
By Krishanna Castro CT Visionary Wayne County Community College partnership is a dual enrollment program that gives students the opportunity to take college courses all throughout their four years of high school. This partnership is one of the largest programs of its kind across the city, which is designed to encourage Technicians to develop critical thinking and have preparation for postsecondary success. This was once of Lisa Phillips’ initiative when she became principal of Cass Tech. Students who participate should take at least five classes each year in order to be on track to graduate on time. In the 2015 graduating class, close to 20 students graduated with an associates degrees in addition to their high school diplomas. Assistant principal Lori Singleton supports this vision by coordinating with WC3. “The class of 2015 was the largest class of WCCC history to graduate with dual enrollment,” said Singleton. “The Wayne County program gives them a competitive edge for scholarships and college admission.” The classes are taught at Cass Tech on specific weekdays as well as on Saturdays during the fall, winter, spring and summer semesters. Classes meet Monday through Saturday at CT for interested members of the student body. Currently there are over 300 technicians enrolled in the
Startia dodson/CT Visionary
The Wayne County Community College District dual enrollment program and the school’s International Baccalaureate program provide unique opportunities for Cass Tech students to represent a global generation of college-ready young adults.
program. Cass Tech 2016 seniors have the largest number of graduates and 50% of them are on the Dean’s List. “I like the WCCCD classes … I do feel that it can be better for me in a long run,” said CT senior Rachel Robinson. “Everyone does not have the opportunity to graduate from high school with an associate’s degree so it’s awesome that Cass Tech offers them.” Upcoming registration is
always announced during the morning announcements. For additional help students can also discuss comments, questions, and concerns with Singleton and Cass Tech teacher Richard James. Cass Tech Alumni Kayla Cockrel, a 2015 recipient of the Detroit High School Journalism Program’s $24,000 Ford Scholarship, now attends Wayne State University for journalism. She took college courses all through her high
school year which earned her an associate’s degree before receiving her high school diploma. Wayne State University transferred all but one of her credits. “I think the WCCCD classes did help me with college,” said Cockrel. “ (WCCCD) taught me how to balance my work and now being at Wayne State it’s like second nature I already know what I need to do and how to balance my time.”
CULTURE
Some people need to understand commerce can’t create real culture from page 7
skin, music they listen to, the texture or styling of their hair, and the feminine structure of a black woman. Zendaya Coleman was criticized on social media for having smelly hair because of her dreadlock hairstyle last year at The Academy Awards. Kylie Jenner is another perfect example over the years we seen her transform from no lips and hips to the ideal African-American woman figure that society has shaped them to look. “America would prefer black culture but not black people because America is racist. They’ll idolize Kylie Jenner with fuller lips and wide hips, but not my mother,” said senior De’Aira Everette. Black males are stereotyped for being lazy and not supportive enough for their family. Yet, African-Americans see other cultures imitating the looks they tend to bash and listening to or making the music they want to “hate.” “America loves black/ African-American culture dues to its uniqueness, customs and quirkiness. Black people are not loved as much due to the false perception that all AfricanAmericans are violent, illiterate and unintelligent,” said senior Ramey Hamilton.
A c ad e m i c s
Concerns mount about teacher vacancies in Detroit schools
Kianna harris/The Cody Connection
WXYZ reporter Kim Russell interviews sophomore Tavon Hale about the shortage of math teachers at Cody DIT on Nov. 18. Hale, who wants to be an engineer, doesn’t understand how a STEM school doesn’t have a enough math teachers.
By Kianna Harris and Nyla Shields The Cody Connection WXYZ news reporter Kim Russell stood in the rain outside of Cody DIT with her cameraman on Nov. 18 after being told she couldn’t enter the building to investigate the teacher shortage. Carrie Russell, DIT’s only certified math teacher, called WXYZ to report that she was leaving. Russell was teaching nearly all of the 10th, 11th and 12th grades, and the freshmen were taking Algebra 1 from a substitute who isn’t certified in mathematics. When she heard DPS was hiring new math teachers at higher salaries, Russell, who hadn’t had a raise in her four years, asked to have her salary raised to the correct step. When DPS didn’t respond, Russell accepted a job in Oak Park. “You don’t go into this for the money, but teachers deserve to be paid a fair wage for the profession
that we’re in,” Russell said. So she went to the media. Despite record teacher vacancies, DPS promised that a certified teacher would be hired to fill Russell’s math position. They kept their word, but to students’ surprise, the new teacher was assigned to the 9th-grade algebra classes even though she is qualified to teach all levels of math. Senior Jonice Sylvester said it isn’t fair for the freshmen, who have three years of high school left, to have the only math teacher. “I can’t graduate without a senior math class. Why shouldn’t they make it a priority for us to have the only teacher?” Sylvester said. Others say the numbers just don’t add up. Sophomore Tavon Hale said if there is only one teacher, she should be with the larger group of students. There are 140 students taking Geometry or Probability and Statistics while the new teacher
will be teaching Algebra I and Algebra II to only 100 students. “I feel the certified math teacher should’ve gone with the majority of students until another can come so that the upperclassmen won’t be left behind,” Hale said. History teacher Josh Sabo said he feels like not having a math teacher is an injustice for students. “We are asking the students to take school seriously, when their school isn’t taking them seriously,” Sabo said. Cody DIT ambassadors sat on a panel at a conference about urban education at Eastern Michigan University last month and in their remarks they spoke about not having enough math teachers. A teacher from Ann Arbor, who was present for the panel, said the school district needs to realize they make choices that have serious consequences. “The district forgets that they are messing with actual people and not toys,” he said.
The Howler
Dec. 16, 2015 DetroitDialogue.com 9 art exhibit inspires
Page 11 » New exhibit explores race, politics and gender identity
Detroit Cristo Rey High School | cristoreyhowler.com Student Life
A c ad e m i c s
Cooking chops come with family bonds at the DFA
The Howler
Taryn-Chriswell Jackson, Nehe-Miah Scarborough, Angeles Cuevas, and Sarah Scarborough, display fans for the Asian Fusion theme.
By Angeles Cuevas The Howler When Yolanda Scarborough was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago, she didn’t know if she was going to be able to go back to work full time. That’s when she started teaching high school students how to cook. She is the administrator for Detroit Food Academy (DFA), an after-school program for Detroit Cristo Rey and other high schools that shows students how to make all kinds of dishes, from banana nut bread to sushi to salmon. Now, Scarborough’s family is involved. Three of the Scarborough children, one Cristo Rey alumna, one current student, and one future student work or volunteer at DFA. I like “preparing a meal, knowing it doesn’t need to be perfect,” Scarborough said. “A family isn’t perfect. It just has to have family members who love each other enough to make it work. I feel so blessed to be working with awesome youth that I know will be
able to change the world.” The idea of family extends to students through DFA. It has allowed the freshmen to feel accepted in their new high school environment, said Nehe-miah Scarborough, a Cristo Rey student and Yolanda Scarborough’s daughter. “I remember the freshmen stood and talked to us about how they felt welcomed, equal, and appreciated at DFA,” Nehe-miah said. “They no longer felt like outcasts but part of a family.” Not only does DFA bring students together, but it also brings the outer community together. Mealshare is an event that happens once a year and allows one school to prepare a meal for many people. This year the students are preparing meals with an Asian Fusion theme, and last year they made pizzas. “My dad was there, and he used to work at a pizzeria so he showed us how to do it,” said Sarah Scarborough, a Cristo Rey alumna. That was one of the
the Howler
The Howler
Alumna Sarah Scarborough and sophomore Liberty Moore prepare the rice and fish for Mealshare.
times when all the family got to be there together and help with Mealshare.” Detroit Food Academy has not only offered students the tools they need to learn how to cook, but has provided them the opportunity to be a part of another
Editor-in-chief: Juanita Zuniga Adviser: Stephanie Morrow Crain Mentor: Hannah Lutz
family, students said. “DFA has outsourced my family. Now my family consists of everyone in DFA and everyone who was in it last year, even if they didn’t come back,” said Nehe-miah Scarborough. “It’s like my family has grown.”
Admin challenges students to score higher on ACT test By Camilla Cantu The Howler This year, Cristo Rey’s junior class is going for the gold. But this is a different game. The President of the school presented the class of 2017 with a unique challenge: to score an average of 21 or higher on the upcoming ACT in March. The reward? A class trip to Cedar Point. “It’s important to set high goals and I think this is definitely a goal we can achieve,” said Mike Khoury, president of Detroit Cristo Rey. “I want to make it interesting, and I think getting on a bus and heading to Cedar Point sounds like a lot of fun.” Students received the proposition in College Readiness, a mandatory yearlong course for juniors take that offers college advice, workplace skills and most importantly, standardized test preparation. Cristo Rey makes sure their students are ready as they can be for the ACT, Khoury said. “I think [the juniors] have the ability to do it. I want our school to be the best,” he said. The juniors have named this challenge the #The21Project. The students are writing motivational messages on social media and sharing them by hash-tagging “The21Project.” But students are not the only ones committing to the project. “I have pretty high hopes for the Class of 2017. I think that they can all do well,” said Abigail Carter, an Algebra II teacher at Cristo Rey. “I encourage them to keep a positive attitude and not to let the test fizzle them out.” Carter is new to the school and already has ACT score expectations for the junior class. Along with College Readiness, Cristo Rey offers a variety of preparation opportunities. Teachers devote after-school hours to tutoring the students in all subjects, but especially math and science. Carter said all the Cristo Rey teachers are helping the juniors reach their goal. “Every teacher tries their best to teach their student and gives them the individual help they may See ACT on page 10 »
Staff Writers: Nehe - Miah Scarborough, Daniela Lugo, Camilla Cantu, Jennifer Gonzalez-Hernandez
10 DetroitDialogue.com Dec. 16, 2015 e n t e r ta i n m e n t
Cass Tech begins mock music industry program By Ikeya Lake CT Visionary Cass Tech’s Music Industry Mock Program is being serviced by Star Factory Artist Development and powered by the Sean Anderson Foundation in the Sean Anderson and Adidas Studio of Infinite Possibilities. The Music Industry Mock Program was developed to educate students about the music industry and give them firsthand experience at mirroring several aspects of the real music industry. The mock program will include budgets, deadlines, studio sessions, photo shoots, and a “culminating” concert tentatively in May. In June, CT alum Big Sean donated a recording studio to Cass Technical High School sponsored by adidas. The Sean Anderson
Studio of Infinite Possibilities will become a place where students can be independent and creative. “I feel like the program is going to give the creative, hands-on students something that they can do,” said Brandon Smith, founder of Star Factory. There are four branches that students can audition for. The studio will include 12 engineers/music producers, 12 singers/rappers, six songwriters who will work in teams of two, and 18 business executives who will be allowed to work in teams of three. Each student will belong to a label. All students selected will have the opportunity to train as business executives and start their own mock record labels know as Cass Companies using a Cass Cash budget. Twelve singers and rappers
The Sean Anderson Foundation Mogul Academy hosted a workshop on Saturday Nov. 7 at the Charles Wright Museum for Detroit Area students interested in the music industry. Music executives from Roc Nation, Universal Music Publishing Group, Island/Def Jam Music Group and ICM Partners were present for the workshop, along with Sean Anderson and his mother Myra Anderson. Roc Nation Management’s Chaka Pilgrim told aspiring youth, “Visually see yourself doing it, then take the steps there.” — Alexandra Robinson
will be selected and will be obligated to release a two-song project by March and the studio time will be paid using Cass Cash. Songwriters must submit three songs to mock labels by February and will be paid in Cass Cash for each song selected by the labels. Engineers are obligated to be present for one session per artist enrolled and they will be paid Cass Cash for their time invested. Each
label will then compete for the interest of the Cass Tech student body. “I think it is a very exciting and innovative program,” said CT band director Bryant McGee. “Public schools usually train students in classical music but this relates to them in ways that traditional educational music cannot.” “The No. 1 thing we’re looking for is passion and the people who
Sports
The Road to states
Isaiah Williams/CT Visionary
The Cass Tech football team prepares to take on Romeo in Div. 1 state championship game Nov. 28 at Ford Field. Romeo beat the Technicians, 41-27. For more CT sports updates follow CTSportCoverage on Twitter.
RED CROSS
BCHS students start club from page 3
“Our goal is to fundamentally follow the official Red Cross mission which is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors,” Taher said. The members of BCHS’ Red Cross Club have certainly stayed true
to that mantra, raising nearly $200 for Nepal and collecting 22 pints of blood from donors in last year’s efforts alone. This year, the club takes a new preventative approach toward local disasters by aiming to spread awareness for fire safety while still organizing the occasional fundraiser. The club aims to reach out to neighboring schools and give talks about fire safety measures in an effort to curb the rate of local fire incidents. The members would also like to
be certified for CPR, however the main goal of the Red Cross Club is to organize several blood drives with help from American Red Cross and the donors, including parents, teachers and students at BCHS. The Red Cross Club is the start of something new at BCHS and showcases the desire for students to get active in their community and in their school. “I plan for the BCHS Red Cross Club to continue to help the school and the community,” says Nyah Kidd.
are going to appreciate this program the most and make us proud that we selected them,” said Smith. “We do want people that would be able to shine because we could be working with the next Big Sean.” “The Music Industry Mock Program will teach me the things that go into making music, organization, and the competition that goes into the music industry,” said senior Lammar Jones, executive member. In addition, the CT Visionary newspaper staff and CT Theater department will work in collaboration with Hot 107.5 FM and Radio 1 to feature student broadcasting through the studio. CT alumni and 107. 5 promotions manager George Jones and CT alumni and 107.5 radio personality Kamal Smith are eager to assist.
aCT
Officials challenge students to raise scores from page 10
need,” said Carter. But in the end, juniors are the ones putting in the most work to see their project through. Josiah Walker, like many students of the junior class, is investing his time in Khan Academy to prepare for the ACT. Khan Academy is a website frequently used by the juniors to prepare themselves for the upcoming tests. Walker is hoping to achieve a minimum of 30 on the ACT. “I’ll be doing personal studying. Khan Academy. Khan Academy all day, every day. That’s really the only way I’m preparing so far,” he said. Cedar Point is a great incentive to encourage the junior class to do well on the ACT, but some students see this opportunity as a reflection of Cristo Rey’s commitment to helping their students. Two years ago, Cristo Rey’s Class of 2014 scored a school record breaking average of 19 on the ACT. Last year, the average was 18. This year, the junior class is looking to break history once again. “I love how Mr. Khoury is helping to improve our mentalities on the ACT, encouraging us to score higher and not letting us settle for the 18 average,” Walker said.
The Diagnostic
This year’s Benjamin Carson High School Red Cross Club wants to spread awareness for fire safety while still organizing the occasional fundraiser.
Pink Lady Press
Dec. 16, 2015 DetroitDialogue.com 11 New start
Page 18 » Students find their way at new schools
The Detroit International Academy for Young Women | pinkladypress.com A c ad e m i c s
Op i n i o n
Is 2048 robotics the future of DIA? By Darshae Ward Pink Lady Press Education policies are changing. The push for STEM classes and activities are on the rise across the nation. STEM standing for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math has found a foot in the educational door, and it the opportunity for all is available. An article by Center for Digital Education says “President Obama signed the STEM Education Act of 2015 into law Thursday, Oct. 8.” It “strengthens efforts at the federal level to ensure that computer science skills are included among science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.” For these reasons the ladies of Detroit International Academy should join the robotics team if they would like to pursue careers in engineering or technology. Center for Digital Education says, “American students lag behind many other nations when it comes to STEM education, currently ranking 21st in science and 26th in math.” “Students at DIA should consider joining the robotics team. So many girls let the opportunity pass them by. I, for one, wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to expand my mind,”said junior Hadja Simika. Students who join the robotics team can also reap the benefits of a more impressive college application.
Many students struggle with self-esteem in high school
Pink L ady Press
Robotics member Zannatun Alim with 2048’s 2015 robot.
Sophomore Kalei King said: “I help to program the robot. It’s confusing at first, but once I was shown what to do, I had no problem. I began in seventh grade, and because I was interested in engineering, I stayed with it.” “Scholarships are available for technical or an engineering career. That’s one of the reasons I joined,” says sophomore Maiya Jones.
When asked about the sport, the ladies had this to say, “We all want to win more competitions, that’s the goal,” Simika said. “It’s different for DIA because, we see a lot of guys at the robotics competition. We are the only completely all girls’ team,” said sophomore Kalei King. “I mean other teams have girls on them, but we are the only ALL girls
team, which is cool.” “You learn how to program a computer, how to make other types of machines for the robot,” Jones said. “We learn so much. I think all girls who think they may have an interest in engineering should join a robotics team.” The 2048 Detroit International Academy robotics team encourages more students to participate.
Student life
DIA reflects on Christmas traditions By Nikebia Brown-Joseph Pink Lady Press Christmas is one of the most widely recognized holidays around the globe. It originally began as a Christian holiday intended to honor the birth of Jesus Christ. However, Christmas is celebrated and observed by many people for various personal reasons. Common Christmas traditions include giving gifts, Midnight Mass, decorating a tree, having a special dinner, or creating a nativity scene. Junior Hadja Simakha said: “I think my favorite part of Christmas is spending quality time with all of my family. There’s nothing like it.” “I like putting up the tree and decorating it with my sisters,” sophomore Maya Jones said. “Also, putting up the lights with
Be proud of who you are
my dad, then flipping all of the switches and seeing all of the lights come on.” First Sgt. Roulhac, JROTC instructor, said: “My favorite part is having my family over. Everyone sits around the table and says what they’re thankful for throughout the year, then we sit down to eat. And I like to cut up the turkey.” There are a multitude of reasons for celebrating Christmas, and likewise there are many reasons for not doing so. Some people still choose not to participate are still unsatisfied with popular celebration methods. “I think the commercialism aspect of Christmas has become overblown,” Maj. Mark, JROTC instructor, said. “People are too focused on rushing to the mall and spending money instead of focusing on the birth of Christ.”
By Hadja Simakha Pink Lady Press “I am Beautiful,” “I am Confident,” and strong. That’s how view myself, even when I’m dealing with emotions such as pride, despair, and shame. However, I realized that my view of myself isn’t how others may see themselves. According to the Mayo Clinic, self-esteem is defined as your overall opinion of yourself — how you feel about your abilities and limitations. No one should ever feel ashamed or embarrassed of being themselves. The medical research group says self-esteem begins to form in early childhood. It also says the following factors could have an impact on your self-esteem: how other people react to you experiences at home, school, and work and in the community, media messages. Here’s my take on selfesteem: “Be who you are and PROUD of it, because you look whole lot better, when you are being yourself.” We may have all felt hopeless, helpless, and full of despair. But, you shouldn’t give up everything because pf factors that may have contributed to your feelings. Have you ever worn something you like or even had your hair styled a certain way, but you made changes to yourself based on the opinions of other people? I’m here to let you know you that should not feel good about yourself. My philosophy is simple: “No one wears you better than you” Self-esteem can be rebuilt by seeking or offering emotional support, staying positive and being grateful and appreciative.
Pink L ady Press
The ladies of Detroit International Academy put their own flair on holiday decorations. Pictured from left to right: Hadja Simakha, Nikebia Brown-Joseph, Noel Toliver, Darshae Ward and Hawa Rahman.
Pink Lady Press
Adviser: Christina Bell-Bowers Crain Mentor: China Haley
To seek support regarding your self-esteem, visit a school counselor at DIA.
Staff: Nikebia Brown-Joseph, Hadja Simakha, Hawa Rahman, Jalayna Porter, Autumn Barber
12 DetroitDialogue.com Dec. 16, 2015
Eye of the hurricane Douglass Academy for Young Men | douglasseye.com
driving safely
Page 21 » Construction, weather create hazards
EYE OF THE HURRICANE
Student life
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT ON: JOSHUA JOHNSON
Frederick Douglass senior Joshua Johnson is planning to join the military after high school.
THE ARTIST By Michael Betty Eye of the Hurricane Joshua Johnson’s artwork, which can be found in the halls and grounds of Frederick Douglass Academy, has found a new venue. Through Jan. 9, the Douglass senior has 12 pieces on display in the Lester P. Monts Hall at the University of Michigan Detroit Center, 3663 Woodward Ave., in Detroit. The exhibition was made possible by Julie Taylor, an associate professor at U-M Dearborn’s education department and volunteer coordinator of the History, Art, and Culture Program at Douglass. “Dr. Julie Taylor saw my artwork through two art competitions [in the culture club] that I won first place for,” Johnson said. “The competitions were held by Dr. Taylor and the history and arts program. From there she asked me to bring in some of my artwork so she could show them to the department heads. Then the University of Michigan art department wanted to put them on display.” The Frederick Douglass culture club held a field trip to view his showcased work Dec. 15. “It is a very humbling experience for me because I mostly draw just for enjoyment,” Johnson said, “but being recognized for doing something you love makes me feel like I’m doing something right in the world.”
Largely self-taught, Johnson says he has been drawing since he was 6. He now specializes in sketches and paintings of people and figures. “My only art class was at Taft middle school, where I spent time learning how to identify detailed images and the concept of abstract art. I don’t feel like I am a classic artist because in my art class I didn’t really understand what she was teaching, I was more focused on getting to my regular pencil drawings,” Johnson said. He has created multiple art projects for Frederick Douglass, including a mural depicting Detroit emerging from fire into a beautiful city. He also painted a decorative compost barrel for the school’s garden that was featured on television with Sen. Debbie Stabenow visited the school earlier this year. Despite his acclaim, Johnson remains steadfast in his plan to join the military after graduation. He says he doesn’t want to take out college loans and graduate with debt. He intendeds to use savings and veteran benefits from his military service to pay for college. “I would rather pay as I go through school instead of taking out student loans if I go to college right after high school,” Johnson said. He says he doesn’t expect to find “a lot of fields for art” in the military. Still, he said, “When I join the military, I plan to still draw.”
A c ad e m i c s
Detroit
Students can learn map software By Khalil Wilson Eye of the Hurricane Vocational training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is being offered to Frederick Douglass students. GIS is a growing, high-paying high-tech field focused on visualizing data and creating and using maps. Students taking the course will learn the skills necessary to create and use map data, and upon completion of the course, students will receive a certificate. Detroit Public Schools is offering a 10-week course for
students to learn how to use GIS. The program will be held in the Douglass library on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch will be provided. “The goal is for students who are attending the 10-week course is to train and provide an internship to maybe have a long term job,” says Marsha Lewis, a facilitator/instructional specialist. GIS is used by various businesses, including banks, governments, news organizations, law enforcement and fire/emergency medical services. GIS professionals are tasked with using data to build geographic maps and mod-
Eye of the Hurricane
els based on criteria from income to education to city services in order to understand relationships, patterns and trends. Students who are interested should go to Douglass’ main office and ask for either Principal Berry Greer or Glovetta Williams for an application and agreement policies. “It’s an exciting field for students,” Williams said. “With their certification in GIS, students will be able to obtain a more lucrative job.” Students will receive around 250 service hours while attending the course.
Editor-in-chief: Michael Betty Adviser: Michael Walters Crain Mentor: Victor Galvan
Things to do on holiday break By Jarnard Smith Eye of the Hurricane Christmas break begins Friday and students will be expected to return to school on Jan. 4. “This is my favorite holiday,” senior Corey Wells said. “I don’t really receive gifts like I used to. I give presents out now, because some people suffer everyday and it’s sad that a person could feel distressed during this time of the year.” “I usually go out of town during the Christmas Break because there is nothing really to do here in Detroit, but this year I want to do something here in Detroit.” junior Carlos Walker said.
Section editors: Nathan Lymon, Branden Davis (photos)
There are some things to do in Detroit during break. Students can visit Campus Martius and go ice skating. Another event is Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo, which runs from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays through Sundays in December. It costs $11 at the door or $9 in advance. Wild Lights includes 5 million LED lights on trees, animal art and buildings and more than 100 animal sculptures, according to the zoo’s website. “The Zoo Lights is a must for me and my girlfriend,” said Douglass senior James Smith. “I hear everyone talking about the lights, so I want to check it out for myself.”
Staff Writers: Elijah-juan Pearcy, Jarnard Smith, Corey Wells, Vincent Wilks, Kenneth Burns, Chase Davis, Drake Glover, Khalil Wilson
Voice of the Ville East English Village Preparatory Academy | voiceoftheville.com
Dec. 16, 2015 DetroitDialogue.com 13 students explore black colleges Page 14 » HBCUs provide options
Spotlight on Guerrant
Page 19 » Meet EEV’s assistant football coach
Student Life
Detroit Flutter
East English Village junior creates program to help others dealing with loss of loved one By Love Jones Voice of the Ville DeAngelo Hughes, a junior at East English Village Preparatory Academy, lost his mother at the age of 13. As a means of coping with her death and helping other students dealing with similar losses, he created an afterschool program called “Detroit Flutter.” “Detroit Flutter is for grief and suicide prevention and to create a space to help children through the process of losing a loved one,” Hughes said. Hughes created the afterschool program after participating in The Future Project at East English Village Preparatory Academy last year. The Future Project is a New York-based program hosted in many schools throughout the country to provide students with support to discover their potential and build the skills they need to
Voice of the Ville
Kayla Marte’, Andrew Mangino and Deangelo Hughes pictured on set at the Ted Talks talk show in New York.
Op i n i o n
Learning a bigger lesson: High school is the path to college Decision Day is a great opportunity for seniors across the city of Detroit. Hundreds of seniors attended the event at Cass Jasmine Technical High Young School on Oct. Voice of 24, coming to the the Ville school in the early hours in hopes of gaining college admission. As soon as the doors opened, everyone, including me, flooded the building to get to the gymnasium. Once there, I filled out several college applications for onthe-spot admissions. Mostly though, I waited in line to give the many college representatives a copy of my transcripts. This was the first part of decision day. During the mid-day intermission, our school visited Regal Lanes Bowling in Warren. It was fun being with
Voice of the Ville
my classmates outside of the school setting. It allowed us to relax a bit from a rather intense morning. After bowling, we returned to the school and immediately there were either tears of joy or disappointment. For me, it was disappointment. I was sure that I would get in to at least one college I selected. The main reason I didn’t get in, and the same reason that a lot of other kids didn’t get in, was my ACT scores. Unfortunately, I was only a few points away from getting in one of the colleges, and only one point away from getting in to another. Many of the schools told me to retake the ACT to improve my score, and I am scheduled to retake it in January. Although this was a disappointing time for me, my advice to my younger classmates is to take the ACT very seriously, to pay more attention in class and to learn and apply the various strategies learned in ACT prep class.
Editor: James Ceasar Co-editor: Champayne Hicks Adviser: April D. Seworth Crain Mentor: Sherri Welch
change their lives and the world. After participating in the project and creating Detroit Flutter, Hughes was invited to New York in November to be spotlighted for Ted Talks, a live network talk show. Hughes had the opportunity to meet the CEO and co-founder of the Future Project, Andrew Mangino, who had also lost his mother. Hughes believes his program will be a great impact on teens, helping them through their grieving process. Teens mostly feel comfortable with other teens or peers, and he believes his program will have monumental impact because of the peer support. Detroit Flutter is in negotiations to be a featured program in many Detroit city schools. Hughes can be contacted via email at Detroit.flutter@gmail.com for additional information regarding the program.
Sports
Bulldogs commit to colleges By James Ceasar Voice of the Ville Friday the 13th is a day that East English Village Preparatory Academy basketball players, Kamari Newman, Chris Rollins and Jaylin McFadden will never forget, but not because it was unlucky. That was the day the three student athletes committed to their respective universities. EEV’s basketball team is known for producing great prospects and sending players to the next level, but these three are the cream of the crop. Shooting guard Neman signed with George Mason University. Newman has been in the program for all four of the years he’s attended EEV and has been putting up big numbers since his freshman year. He is one of the early candidates for the Mr. PSL trophy, which is awarded to the best male basketball player in the Detroit
Voice of the Ville
Kamari Newman, Jaylin McFadden and Chris Rollins signed letters of intent to play college basketball.
Public School League. When asked about signing, Newman said, “It’s a blessing to know I’m going to further my education and basketball career.” Rollins and McFadden transferred to EEV in from different schools. Rollins came from De La Salle Collegiate High School, and McFadden from Bradford Academy. Both made big contributions in their first year.
Rollins plans to attend Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne. McFadden will remain a Bulldog when he goes up to play for Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Mich. The Bulldogs are ranked No. 1 in PSL, No. 2 the state and 11th in the Midwest region. This is a big season for the Bulldogs, and they are looking to make a long run in the city and state playoffs.
Staff Writers: Jesse Brown, Ty’Janai Burks, Malik Burns-Sherrell, Kanira Chambers, Maryann Claxton, Scott Cleveland, Dajana Corbitt, Jaszlyn Cotton, Jawon Dangerfield, Cierra Davis, Regina Dixon, Zetorria Ellis, Abriana Favors, Kavon Gardner, Ava Gaymon, Isis Giska, Precious Gist, Iris Gray, Kyle Jackson, Destiny Jones, Love Jones, Cedrick Lattimore, Lindrell Mitchell, Anyiah Morris, Maranda Randolph-Mathis, Brianna Rice, Ricardo Rivers, Christopher Rollins, Latya Shackelford, Devin Smith, Jaleen Stevenson, Danajah Turner, Labria Weaver, Kevon Webb, Ciarra Welcome, Ah’Janae Whitehead, Jaida Williams, Jasmine Young
14 DetroitDialogue.com Dec. 16, 2015 E n t e r ta i n m e n t
Cristo Rey students inspired by art exhibit By Juanita Zuniga The Howler A new exhibit at the Detroit Institute of Arts opened Detroit Cristo Rey students’ eyes to issues of race, politics and gender identity during their visits last month. The senior and sophomore classes explored the “30 Americans” exhibit, which featured contemporary art by African American artists, highlighting issues in contemporary culture. “30 Americans” was a welcome addition to the DIA’s diverse collections, students said. The museum contains a mural by Mexican muralist Diego Rivera called Detroit Industry, which Rivera said is a trib-
ute to Detroit because of the city’s manufacturing base and labor force of the 1930s. The DIA also features Vincent Van Gogh’s Self Portrait, which was the first Van Gogh piece to enter a U.S. museum collection. The 30 Americans exhibit gave the art world “a twist,” said Asia Jefferson, a senior at Detroit Cristo Rey. “You don’t really see black people depicted in art that much.” Jefferson was pleased to see that black artists were changing the scene and creating an aesthetic that was based on the beauty of black culture. The exhibit offered a new perspective on Western art, she said. The exhibit also presented pieces
students could relate to. “I was able to look at the art work and say ‘Hey, that’s something similar that reminds me of my family, friends and even me,’’’ said Monet Brown, a senior at Detroit Cristo Rey. Brown said the art portrayed social events that would happen her in own life. She felt the exhibit taught her that we need to be open to what others think even if we don’t agree with them. The “30 Americans” exhibit will be at the DIA through Jan. 18. Tickets range from $5 to $14. Admission is free the first weekend of January and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Jan. 18.
a c ad e m i c s
The Howler
Cardinal Francis Arinze, painted by Jeff Sonhouse in 2005, is oil and mixed media on a wooden panel. Cardinal Arinze, of Nigeria, is a leader of the Catholic Church and was previously a candidate for pope, according to the DIA’s exhibit.
student life
CT Visionary
Cass Tech students are working to grow their chapter of the NAACP.
CT NAACP President Waugh works to grow school chapter
Voice of the ville
Morehouse College representative speaks to EEVPA Students about the importance of attending a HBCU.
Is a historical black college and university right for you? By Destiny Jones Voice of the Ville Hampton University, Tennessee State University, Howard University and Norfolk State University – what do those universities have in common? They are all historical black colleges and universities. Many students, particularly African-American students, might be interested in attending an HBCU because they provide a similar community atmosphere to their hometown with a student population that is predominantly African American. Moreover, an HBCU has a small population of students and offers less expensive tuition than many other colleges and universities. Several staff members and
teachers at East English Village Preparatory Academy attended an HBCU. Among them is AfricanAmerican history teacher John Hill, who attended Alabama State University in Montgomery, Ala. Hill decided to attend an HBCU because of the location and education program it offered. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education. Alabama was also a good location for him, Hill said, because of its climate. “My experience was amazing, and I highly recommend attending a HBCU to all students,” he said. East English Village hosted its second annual historical black college and university fair on Oct. 21. There were colleges like Fisk University and Tennessee State University from Nashville and
Morgan State University from Baltimore. Many students attended to ask questions and learn about the universities. Two students were accepted onsite. Valerie Lucas, a senior at East English Village was accepted to Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio. She chose Wilberforce because the school stood out to her and focuses on her selected major, business administration. Lucas also was attracted to Wilberforce’s location and population. “Wilberforce classes are small, and they have a small student population,” Lucas said. “Also, they are not located too far from home.” She expects her first year to be academically stimulating and a valuable life-learning experience, too.
Message from the president of the CT Chapter of the NAACP, Britney Waugh: Cass Tech is organizing its own chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to uplift, encourage, educate and bring awareness to the plight of multicultural adults growing up in today’s society. Meetings are held the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, in room 616 (8th hour). New memberships are open at every meeting. The CT sponsor are Pamela
Smith-Moy and Kamillia Landrum from the Detroit NAACP branch. The chapter’s goal for the first year are: » Our first event is a police brutality forum called “Officers Speak Out” where students will be able to interact with officers asking about topics related to police brutality hearing their thoughts from an officer’s point of view. » Voters registration drive to encourage 18 year olds to vote in next year’s presidential election
DEtroit
Douglass teacher collects toiletries for homeless shelter By Kenneth Burnes Eye of the Hurricane Federick Douglass teacher Katherine Temple decided to pull together resources with some teachers and students and help collect toiletries for a homeless shelter in need. Some young men who felt bad about the conditions the people at the shelter had to endure took it among themselves to
volunteer and help. “ I just want to show people that there are some people out here that do care. And I want to really help those that are in need,” said Temple. “I decided to get the kids involved so that they can really understand that you should try your best to help out those who need it.” On Nov. 22, the items were donated to a homeless shelter.
Dec. 16, 2015 DetroitDialogue.com 15
Crusaders’ Chronicle A public forum for the students and community of Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School | crusaderschronicle.com Sports
Elonte Davis/ Special to Dialogue
hail to king
King faced a 12-1 Lowell team for the state title. Lowell lead for a majority of the game before King charged back.
King defeats Lowell to win Division 2 State Championship By Jaleel Taylor Crusaders’ Chronicle Inside the walls of King High, the energy from students and staff is high! Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School’s varsity football team won the Div. 2 State Championship at Ford Field on Nov. 27. The Crusaders played against Lowell High School for the first time. King won by two points in the last two seconds of the game. The final score was 40-38. Lowell High held a 12-1 record before playing against King. King’s record going into the championship was 13-0. Lowell played hard the entire game. Before the game, King’s players were relaxed in the locker room. “It was a calm type setting, maybe because we’ve been to Ford Field before for the city championship so we were a little bit more relaxed,” said defensive line assistant coach Leon Crenshaw. “It’s something we had been working for all year long.” At Ford Field, when the team’s
Crusaders’ Chronicle
faces could be seen coming through the tunnel, the crowd erupted with excitement. “I was not nervous. I knew we were going to win,” said senior receiver Donnie Corley. “We are hard working. We all work together and never look down on each other.” King was losing most of the game, and fans were nervous. “We felt bad. We were all about to cry,” said senior Justin Turner. “We did not expect that level of competition because of their size.” King defensive tackle Damani Green gave credit to his opponent. “They came out with some fire, ready to play,” he said. With two seconds on the clock, Corley caught the winning touchdown pass thrown by quarterback Armani Posey. “I knew I was going to catch the ball,” said Corley. Senior running back Martell Pettaway came to King earlier this year from South Lake High School in St.
Top Editor: Alana Burke Co-editors: Dai’Janea Dates, Carrimia Owens Adviser: Veronica Hollis Crain Mentor: Jim Treece and Wes Raynal
Clair Shores in honor of his older brother, Devinne Pettaway, who died in 2007. Devinne played football on the 2007 MLK varsity team, which also won the State Championship. Martell did not doubt that his team would win the 2015 State Championship. “We planned on winning when we were down 17-0. The seniors on our team wanted the win because it was our last game and that was our drive and determination,” he said. The team, also known as the Hit Squad, has trained hard since January. “We practice six days a week. You cannot miss a practice day or you will be unable to play,” said senior defensive back Jeremiah Fuller. “We run every day to keep our bodies in a good condition.” King’s students, staff, families, and the community are hyped because of this win. “Amazing grace … I was praying the entire time. They never gave up. It was amazing grace,” said Dr. Deborah Jenkins, the school’s principal.
Elonte Davis/Special to Dialogue
TOP: The undefeated Crusaders get ready for the state championship game. BOTTOM: Quarterback Armani Posey directs the Crusaders’ offense.
Staff Writers: Autisha Baldwin, Diamond Curtis-Brown, Kyre Bowie, Jamal Brown, Destini Clark, Kadyjah Cooper, Katelyn Crittenden, Katila Dickerson, Justin Durham, Dakeilah Freeman, Jannese King, Alexandria Kotaran, Elijah Lewis, Raven Lovejoy, Kaionda Lyles, Ernest Miles III, Robert O’Neal, Tyanna Reeves, Phillip Rush, Jaleel Taylor, Deriana Thornton, Wa’Jae Wadford
“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
16 DetroitDialogue.com Dec. 16, 2015 Detroit
King and Gleaners help feed the less fortunate By Dakeilah Freeman and Deriana Thornton Crusaders’ Chronicle The students and teachers at Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School are joining with Gleaners Community Food Bank to help feed families that are less fortunate during the holiday season. Gleaners has a great volunteer program for individual families, schools, corporate groups, and other organizations. The partnership between King and Gleaners has been in existence for the last four years. “King High School feeds up to a hundred families a year depending on the donation,” said Denise Leduc, Gleaners manager. English teacher Walter Everett has been in charge of the can drive. Everett said he believes it is important to get the students to realize how helping others can be a rewarding experience. “I explain to them the need that we have in the community when people are struggling financially, especially around the holiday,” said Everett. “I want students to realize that they are
Crusaders’ chronicle
King students collect cans for families in need. Once the school collects the cans, Gleaners Community Food Bank picks them up and distributes them to families.
blessed to have a meal and that they can help others.” Once the school collects the cans, Gleaners picks them up and takes them to its warehouse. At the warehouse, cans are sorted and faulty cans are discarded.
“Here a group of people sort and check for cans with dents, open, or without a label,” said Leduc. “Items that have these faults are thrown away.” Then Gleaners sends the cans to their partners, which are soup kitchens, shelters, and
ministries. At the shelters, they use the canned goods and other items to feed families. Ministries give out baskets only to people who live in the zip codes that are in financial need. The recipients need an I.D. and proof of income to receive the baskets.
Student Life
Veterans Day: We thank you for your service By DaiJanea Dates and Katila Dickerson Crusaders’ Chronicle Veterans Day, Nov. 11, is set aside to honor the men and women who are fighting and have fought for our country. Nov. 7 marked the start of a three-part program that did just that. A parade for veterans started oNov. 7 at E. Jefferson and Chene near Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School. Many veterans were appreciative to have a parade to honor them. Sgt. 1st Class Phillips stressed his gratitude. “It’s a great honor that the nation sets aside a day to recognized the men and women that served this grateful nation. It’s a big honor, a huge honor even, and we thank you for your support,” Phillips said. Master Sgt. Marian Jackson said, “I was in the army for 25 years active duty. I think it’s a good idea to recognize those that commit themselves to serving this country. They gave up their tomorrow for our today.” The Junior Reserves Officers Training Corps program was a major participant in the parade. “It was a lot of fun,” said Sophomore Tia Smith. “It’s nice that we actually get to, you know,
Crusaders’ chronicle
The King JROTC helped honor veterans at the annuwal Veterans Day ceremony. The 31st annual Veterans Day ceremony took place at the Elmwood Cemetery across the street from King High School, this ceremony honored those men and women who have fallen while fighting for our freedom.
show them that we do appreciate them and that we thank them for protecting our country and I think that it was awesome that we were able to march in this parade.” On Nov. 11, King High held its 5th annual Veterans Day Ceremony honoring the men and women who are fighting and have fought for our country.
The Ceremony gathered all the students and staff in the auditorium to show their respect for both fallen soldiers and the day’s honorees. The honorees were SFC Hooks, SSG Boca, SSG Gass, SSG Dickerson and A1 McCledom. They were each given a plague for showing great leadership, integrity, courage, and having a strong mindset.
“You meet a lot of people, learn amazing leadership skills, and do things that you didn’t know you could do,” Navy Airman Spivie said. The programs continued with the help of staff and students in the JROTC program. With their help, King High has been chosen every year to host and participate in these events. The 31st annual Veterans Day ceremony took place at the Elmwood Cemetery across the street from King High School, this ceremony honored those men and women who have fallen while fighting for our freedom. At 9 a.m., the program started as all DPS JROTC programs came to give respect for the fallen soldiers. White doves being release at ceremonies such as this one represent the memories of the fallen soldiers. It’s a loving way to respect the ones we are honoring, and symbolizes the freedom, peace, and love that they all wanted for this country. “It was truly a beautiful ceremony,” said senior Parris Traylor. “I really loved it when they released the dove. I think it symbolized the peace that we should all want in this world.”
Sports
King alumni give back
By Autisha Baldwin, Destini Clark and Diamond Bowers-Curtis Crusaders’ Chronicle The Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School alumni found their way back together this football season, feeding the team prior to games during a remarkable undefeated season. Team Physician and Class of ’96 alumni Cecil Forbes reached out to King Alumni via Facebook – and the alumni responded. Class of ’95 alum Santika Baker said: “The classes of ’88, ’90 and ’95 have been providing the football team with their high-protein, pregame meals. I played girls’ basketball at King and I remember how special it was when alumni supported us. I look forward to mentoring or tutoring female athletes at King.” DPS English Instructor Erika Jones also graduated from King in 1995. She taught at King for five years before teaching at Cass Tech. “I called an alumni meeting with the King newspaper staff so the students can publicize some of the wonderful things the KC alumni are doing,” she said. “Assistant Principal Fitz is very supportive. The Class of ’90 had been meeting bi-weekly to build an alumni association. This was a chance to bring us all together and hear from students what is really needed to keep KC at the top.” Throughout the years, there have been many Crusaders to enter and graduate from King. Alumni from the classes of ’86, ’87, ’90, ’95, ’01 and ’06 met at the school in November to discuss ideas that would help the school and its students financially, academically, athletically and in preparation for life following graduation. “I’ve been coaching swim here on and off for the last 10 to15 years. My father, Coach James, sent dozens of Crusaders to college through sports and academics” while teaching here for decades, said alum Antoine James. “I started rallying my classmates together because I have seen some things that were taking place in the school that not only I can help but that I knew our strong alumni can help with, also.” Their main focus is to make every student feel like a Crusader regardless of the See ALUMNI on page 19 »
Dec. 16, 2015 DetroitDialogue.com 17 Student Life
Student Life
Faces of Detroit
John Michael Gonzalez
Freshman Brionna Porter tries to stay balanced on the hoverboard as senior Clarence Barnes looks on. The manufacturer of Space Chariot hoverboards sent one to Cody DIT on Dec. 3.
Celebrities on the panel were Donnell R. White, Christian “Trick Trick” Mathis, Deelishis, Maurice “Pastor Moe” Hardwick, Kierra “KiKi” Sheard, Mouchettee Muhammad, Jessica Care Moore, Michigan State Senator Bert Johnson, Tonesea “Toni” Welch, and K Doe aka K-Deezy.
Space chariot hoverboard rolls into Cody DIT By John Michael Gonzalez The Cody Connection When Cody DIT freshman Brionna Porter stepped onto the Space Chariot for the first time, she couldn’t do anything but spin in tight circles. “It was fun, but it was confusing at first,” Porter said. “I had to learn how to press down the same with both feet to move forward.”
“It was fun and much better than walking.” Clarence Barnes, senior
Crusaders’ Chronicle
The goal of Youth II Symposium was to engage students in conversations about the future of Detroit and inspire them to accomplish their goals.
Detroit celebrities allow students’ voice to be heard By Alexandria Kotaran Crusaders’ Chronicle Councilwoman Mary Sheffield of Detroit’s District 5 hosted the State of the Youth II Symposium at Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School to engage students in conversations about the future of Detroit and inspire them to accomplish their goals.
Celebrities on the panel were Donnell R. White (mediator), Christian “Trick Trick” Mathis, Deelishis, Maurice “Pastor Moe” Hardwick, Kierra “KiKi” Sheard, Mouchettee Muhammad, Jessica Care Moore, Michigan State Senator Bert Johnson, Tonesea “Toni” Welch, and K Doe aka K-Deezy. The symposium gave students
Crusaders’ Chronicle
Panelist and students, including senior Lariah Lynn (top right), were intently involved in the dialogue.
a chance to be heard about the issues they face in Detroit and the improvement of the city. They also were given an opportunity to get advice on personal issues. “High school students can talk about the unique challenges they face here in the city of Detroit,” said Sheffield. Students were intently involved
in the dialogue. Many students in the audience acknowledged the fact that they or someone they know had been a victim of violence. “Overall, it was awesome. A lot of people had a lot to say,” said senior Lariah Lynn. “It was a very positive thing to do for students who have a negative environment.”
Space Chariot is a brand of hoverboard, the popular new two-wheeled electronic scooters. Celebrities such as Marlon Wayans, Jason Mewes, Bow Wow, Justin Bieber, Eva Marcille, and many others have been seen riding Space Chariots. According to USA Today, “The hoverboard, a motorized, self-balancing, twowheel scooter, is one of the hottest, and hardest-to -get, gifts for the holidays.” The product, available from several manufacturers, See HOVER on page 24 »
18 DetroitDialogue.com Dec. 16, 2015 D ETROIT
Student Life
A new start
DIA middle school students find their way By Kenndall Wallace Pink Lady Press Middle school can be both an exciting and stressful time, especially for new students. There are a lot of good and bad things about it, such as getting lost and being nervous, but at the same time being excited and looking forward to the next day. So I wanted to investigate what DIA’s own middle schooler’s think about being “The New Kid.” There are some people who like being new. “It’s kinda cool,” says middle schooler Autumn Brodis. “I like the fact that you get to start over in a new school.” And that’s true. When you go to a new school, it’s like a new fresh page, where you can start over and do many new things. “I really like being able to meet
new people,” said seventh-grader Adrian McKay. But other students aren’t so excited about being the newbie. “It’s actually kind of overwhelming,” said seventh grader Jada Holloway. It’s true that it can be overwhelming, with crowded hallways and a lot of new things. “I don’t really know where a lot of stuff is, and it gets confusing,” said Shakelah Beauford. And it can get confusing, with different rooms and structures. It can take new students weeks to figure out the different classrooms. Being the newbie to some people may not be good at all, but to others it could be the best thing they’ve ever experienced. So my question to you is: What do you think?
King’s Voice
Detroit Police Officers for Sex Crimes Michele Bail and Marvin Jones visit King High School with information on human trafficking.
Student Life
Human trafficking is real DIA students step and it’s here in Detroit
By Carrimia Owens Crusaders’ Chronicle Among the several types of crimes that occur in the city of Detroit, human trafficking is a silent epidemic. Human trafficking is more than an abduction off the street. It’s a thought-out process to lure innocent young teens into a corrupt and dark lifestyle of sex and drugs. The victims can be held in captivity for years and scattered among different locations so they won’t be found. “People wouldn’t suspect that women are the perpetrators in these sex crimes and that young males are also in human trafficking,” said Michele Bail, an investigator in Sex Crimes, a unit of the Detroit Police Department. Human trafficking goes unnoticed every day by citizens. You could live next door to a male or female that’s being trafficked. This sex crime is prevalent in the city and suburbs with
adult males who target troubled, misguided, and young females and males that have run away from home. Social media also plays a big role in helping these men find these teens. “Someone can befriend you on Facebook and you think you are talking to a 15- or 14-yearold boy or girl, but in actuality it’s a perpetrator,” said Marvin Jones, Commanding Officer of Sex Crimes. Backpage.com is a website used to display the young women involved in human trafficking. On this website, men identify a place they want to meet these women. Time, date, and a place are set and the females are sent to that location to fulfill the paid obligation. “Human trafficking is more advanced than prostitution,” Jones said. “Prostitution is the woman or man being pimped out and with human trafficking they can be sold to various people throughout their in-
volvement in it.” The victims are brainwashed to believe that they are in a safe and protected environment and that they can trust their abductors. Many victims are reluctant to testify against their abductors because they have come to trust and depend on this one person, and they feel obligated to stay loyal to them. The job of the officers at Sex Crimes is to free the mind of these young men and women, establish trust, and get them to testify against the perpetrator. Once the victim is the age of 17, they cannot be forced to testify. “Adults and children should know that human trafficking is a dangerous and scary lifestyle and social media is connected to this crime,” said Jones. “Everyone needs to be aware and protect themselves and loved ones.” For help or more information, contact the Detroit Police Department’s Sex Crimes Unit at (313) 596-1950.
opinion
What Christmas means to me
Dannisha Russell Voice of the Ville
There is nothing like spending Christmas with your family, especially when you come from a family of 40. Because of our hectic schedules, it’s hard for us see each other throughout the year. But at Christmas, we all get together to exchange gifts, eat food and listen to Christmas music. My older sister, Kurtsheana, sings Christmas songs for the family. She sings her favorite song, “This Christmas,” at least four times throughout the day, because it is an all-time favorite for my family.
We also enjoy one another through food. Dinner is generally served at my home. My Aunt Gina owns a local restaurant and makes the best macaroni and cheese. Our gingerbread house contest is my favorite. We all build homes made of graham crackers and marshmallows. My younger sister, Nyana, builds hers the fastest. But hers also falls apart first! Christmas is a special holiday for my family. I enjoy spending quality time through songs, games and food with my family on this day.
out of comfort zones
By Noel Toliver Pink Lady Press “Get Rich Slowly,” a financial blog, has on article edited by J.D. Roth about steeping out of your comfort zone for success. “Humans are wired to seek comfort, and as a result much of daily life is focused around familiar patterns and habits. When something threatens to break those habits, we feel uncomfortable and nervous. These negative feeling are easily avoided by continuing to live the same way, rejecting change. If given the chance to enter uncharted territory, a situation where life’s future is unpredictable, people often prefer not to change, clinging to a comfortable situation.” Roth basically states the being out of your comfort zone can improve your experiences with a lot of things. Have you ever been out of your comfort zone? What did you experience that made you feel out of your comfort zone? If you have, will you do it again? Students at Detroit International Academy for Young Women have stepped out of their comfort zones. If it’s their first year attending DIA, they may not have wanted to come here because most of their previous schools were co-ed. Tenth grader Larissa Brown said: “When I first came to DIA, I thought that my chances of getting a good education would be better considering that there were no boys and that I could actually focus.” Some students made a choice on their own, Ashlee Norwood, a sophomore, came to DIA in the seventh grade.
“I was in a bad school and chose to come here,” she said, “boys were a huge distraction for me. “I feel that since I go to a school for all girls, I have been in less conflict about ‘he say, she say’ stuff. … The majority of the students have known each other so long, they are close like family.” Freshman DaJuanna Harris said: “I had to get used to finding new friends and being in a place with a large population of Bangladesh girls. It was different, but I’m used to it now. “I like being in an all-girl school. I chose this for myself. I can concentrate more without boys distracting me.” “Because there were so many girls, I thought there would be a lot of bad attitudes, instead they were nice and cool,” freshman Bionca Ward said. “Really chill. At first it was awkward and weird because all females, we all got like, puberty, and emotions are off balance. During the first day, I was quite uncomfortable, but the second day I was more comfortable and was really talkative.” Freshman Fatima Zuhayra said: “It was uncomfortable because I didn’t know my teachers or my classmates. Because I wear a hijab and they don’t. There are only four or five Muslim girls in my class and I felt uncomfortable because we are a minority. I am way more comfortable now because we know one another and we are friends. My friends are not limited to those wearing hijab, which is good. My other school it was all Bengali and Arabic, so I appreciate being in this school, there’s a mix.”
Dec. 16, 2015 DetroitDialogue.com 19 Detroit
Michigan’s green thumb By Tarious Porter The Communicator In 2013, Detroit was declared the most miserable city in America by Forbes. In the past few years urban gardening and farming has grown in popularity as a new way to remove blight in Detroit’s most economically devastated neighborhoods. Community revitalization isn’t the only benefit from urban agricultural. Many residents have taken up gardening as a means
Op i n i o n
Are Women Capable? By Rickiya Anderson The Communicator Women are often stereotyped into what’s expected of them and the level of success they are able to achieve. Women are marginalized because they are females. There are both physical and mental pressures that come with being a female. Social equality seems to be a tough task to achieve in modern society. Women are isolated from things that are subconsciously seen as a “man’s job.” “I believe that the rights of women and girls is the unfinished business of the 21st century,” said Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Clinton is judged because she is competing to take on the title of president of the U.S. Clinton is known for being blunt and aggressive, which is a recurring reason why people do not feel that America is ready for a female president. Being a female comes with many responsibilities and they are expected to do so much at a young age as well as when they get older. “Women help children, get jobs, take care of the kids … women do everything,” said senior Alexis Legrone. A lot tends to fall into the hands of a female and she is expected to take it all on and make it happen. “I don’t feel pressure being a female because I’m my own person and I should be treated the same way males are. They get certain opportunities that we don’t get and it’s not fair,” said senior Autumn Hollaway. Equal opportunities should be given to both genders, since women have been able to prove themselves to be even more independent than men.
to have easier accessibility to produce and due to all the large quantities of unused land there are ample amounts of space to use. Experts contend urban agriculture provides benefits to cities like Detroit where out migration and business disinvestment has created massive land abandonment and social problems. “Urban gardening as a neighborhood redevelopment strategy has a powerful transformative ef-
fect on the urban landscape,” said Dr. Theodore Pride, a sociologist at the University of MichiganFlint who researches urban agriculture in Detroit. “By converting vacant land into community assets and promoting resident cooperation, urban agriculture can transform declining and blighted neighborhoods into vibrant and desirable destinations.” Many companies, activists, and community groups have successfully used urban agriculture to
improve some of Detroit’s most destitute neighborhoods. The Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, Neighbors Building Brightmoor, and Hantz Farms have all contributed to Detroit’s “green” makeover. Residents are also seeing the importance of urban gardening. “It’s great inner-city kids and adults have, access to fresh fruits and veggies,” said Margaret Wallace, a metro Detroit local. Along with the high rates
of poverty and the limited food choices Detroit has been labeled a food desert. That’s why Detroit has and will continue to benefit from farming in the city. Urban gardening is working to empower Detroit residents and beautify abandoned spaces scattered throughout the city. As more citizens join and support the urban agriculture cause, the city’s reputation will drastically change. One day we might be Forbes’ No. 1 city to live in.
ALUMNI
Football team gets help from King grads from page 16
academic program they are in. Since the November meeting, former alumni have decided to organize a mentoring workshop for college planning and life after high school. Monica Jones, and mentor and founder of The Winning Futures (www. winningfutures.org), intends to sponsor a workshop on college planning and preparation for the current seniors. Aside from this, they plan to mentor students by encouraging them to do well, because academics come first. Since the meeting, alumni Ayana Rhodes and 11th grade student ambassadors have begun tutoring Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the King Center under the guidance of Shedrick Ward, director of academic engagement. Said Rhodes: “Alumni are willing to work to do whatever it takes to improve King. We take pride in our volunteer work.” “It’s not all about sports. We want to do it all,” said Jones. “We want to offer tutoring and mentoring.” She said the alumni unified around “football this season because this is a historical thing.” Said alum Anayah Rose: “Unless we come together and unify, nothing will ever get done.”
Crusaders’ chronicle
King’s Class of ’95 take time to feed the students.
To achieve success, they want students, parents, teachers, administrators and coaches to participate. “If you talk to 10 families and you get five of them to see your vision, then you’ve been success-
ful,” said Rose. All former graduates are welcome to be a part of the activities offered here at King. “A valuable lesson I learned from King was unity and respect, because when I was here we all
came together – always,” said alum Naila Payne. “King is family,” said Foster. “Other schools have alumni and they give, but we’re all connected and love each other and physically visit the school.”
A c ad e m i c s
SPOTLIGHT ON: Coach gerald guerrant By Labria Weaver Voice of the Ville Gerald Guerrant is a beloved member of the East English Village Preparatory Academy staff. A math teacher and assistant coach for the EEV football team, he has been a student favorite dating to 2012 when the school opened. Guerrant grew up on the east side of Detroit and graduated from Northwestern High School in 1995. During high school, he participated in football, volleyball and track.
“I’ve always wanted to become a teacher and help the community that molded me into the man I am today.” Gerald Guerrant, East English Village assistant football coach
After high school, Guerrant attended Columbia University in New York and majored in mathematics and African Studies. He graduated in 1999. Guerrant said he enjoys help-
ing kids learn and putting smiles on their faces. “I’ve always wanted to become a teacher and help the community that molded me into the man I am today,” Guerrant said. In his free time, he volunteers with his wife’s organization, Doors of Success Foundation, which provides various community service opportunities and resources to many of EEV’s students. Doors of Success has donated food and clothes to several families in
Voice of the ville
Gerald Guerrant teaches math at EEV, and is an assistant football coach.
the community and coordinated trips to provide services for the less fortunate.
20 DetroitDialogue.com Dec. 16, 2015
Bulldog News
A public forum for the students and community of Loyola High School | loyolabulldognews.com A C A D E M IC S
Never a dull moment in math league
By Elijah Stringer Bulldog News Loyola High School is a place where the mission is to mold boys into men who will be successful in the world they live in today. One of the goals at Loyola, as with most schools, is to teach students to be intellectually competent. One way they are doing this is through the Loyola High School Math League. The Math League is a club created by math teacher Jamel Hence. Hence describes the Math
League as, “a team of students that compete against each other by doing math problems at varying skill levels.” Any student interested in the program is accepted regardless of grade or skill level, because Hence wanted to create a program that showcases the students who show an interest in math. “I felt that this would be a positive way to change Loyola’s label as the ‘football school,” he said. So far the club has been very successful and the students are show-
ing excellent progress in their ability to critically think to solve problems by using different ways of thinking.” There are also scholarship opportunities that will become available throughout the duration of the program. Students in the program seem excited and want to share how they feel about being in the Loyola Math League. Sophomore Brandon Zuniga, one of the first students to join the Math League said: “I joined the math league to help keep my
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Student Life
math skills sharp. He [Hence] has taught me many new ways to solve problems by looking for the possible answers to the problem before actually attempting the problem. I am very glad that I joined the math league because, I felt that it would be a very positive experience and I was correct and glad I did not let this opportunity pass by.” “I joined the math league because I thought that it would help me not to struggle when working on future topics in my own math class,” Sophomore Cameron
Benford said. “I enjoy learning new things by playing math games and fun activities that can not always be practiced in the traditional math environment. “This has been very successful as it has taught me new properties and ways to solve equations. It has also taught me how to study correctly in math topics for tests and quizzes.” When Math League students were asked as a group how the math league was, their response was: “There is never a dull moment in the Math League.”
student life
Raising the flag
RIGHT: On Nov. 11, Loyola raised a U.S. flag in front of the school for the first time. BELOW: At the flag raising, the entire student body and faculty gathered in the front of the school. A fireman playing a song on the bugle accompanied the flag raising.
American flag flies for the first time in front of Loyola H.S. By Kyle McBeth Bulldog News The raising of the flag is a moment to celebrate. When the flag of the U.S. is raised, it shows pride the country. The flag is symbolic and represents justice, peace, unity and pride. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Miss Gross and her students, the Honor Guard of the Detroit Fire Department organized and executed a flag raising ceremony for Loyola High School. Loyola High School became the focal point of the community when they raised the flag for the very first time at the school on Nov. 11. The entire student body and faculty gathered in the front of the school as the huge flag was being raised to the top of the
Bulldog news
Sophomore Elijah Stringer is a gymnastics coach for his former training center Skills Ville.
Stringer works on Grad traits By Christopher Turner Bulldog News At Loyola High School the staff strives to make the young boys who come into Loyola See TRAITS on page 21 »
pole. A fireman playing a song on the bugle accompanied the flag raising. Father Mark Luedtke, S.J., president of Loyola, said: “The school had never had a flag flying in front of the school. Students and staff decided this year would be a great opportunity to begin flying the flag. “Students raised money and the board was asked to match what the students raised. We did so well that we were able to get the flag and have money to buy a Loyola flag as well!” Several students contributed to the ceremony by giving speeches about how thankful they were for the veterans. After the ceremony, the school community went to the chapel to have a short service of thankfulness and remembrance for our veterans.
Student Life
Loyola Bulldogs varsity basketball team off to a good season start By Jimmie Chappell Bulldog News The Loyola Bulldogs won two of the three scrimmages they played on Nov 29 at HYPE Athletics. The scrimmages were the first competitions that this year’s team had. This season, the Bulldogs varsity basketball team will be led
Bulldog News
by sophomore point-guard Pierre Mitchell and senior guard Dequan Powell. Other members of the starting team include senior Ernest Adams, sophomore forward Keith Johnson and junior center Jaylen Hill. Senior forward Romari Ennis came in off the bench and to contribute to the win.
Editor-in Chief: Ricardo Murray
Although the bulldogs are coming off a tough season, they are determined to win it all this year. Sophomore forward Keith Johnson said, “I will be looking to put my team and also myself on the map.” On Dec. 3, the Bulldogs, led by head coach John Buscemi, played
Adviser: Della Young
Crain Mentor: Jeremy Carroll
highly ranked East English Village. Both teams played without a key player, Pierre Mitchell from Detroit Loyola and Kamari Newman from East English Village. Ernest Adams, Romari Ennis, and Dequan Powell all pulled together in the final seconds to line Keith Johnson up for a buzzer
beater in the last two seconds of the game. Still, it was a team effort. All of the Loyola Bulldogs starting five ended with double digit points. “This season should be fun and full of excitement,” Johnson said. “You wouldn’t want to miss a single game.”
Staff Writers: Christopher Turner, Treveon Vaughn, Kyle McBeth, Nicholas Lee
Dec. 16, 2015 DetroitDialogue.com 21 Student Life
TRAITS
Sophomore already working on traits of a Grad at Grad from page 20
develop into men. When students leave Loyola, the hope is that they represent the five traits of a Grad at Grad: Loving, Open to Growth, Religious, Intellectually Competent and Committed to Doing Justice. One young man who already represents some of those traits outside of Loyola High School is sophomore Elijah Stringer. Stringer is a gymnastics coach for his former training center Skills Ville. Before he became an assistant coach he did
“I coach because I love helping others whenever I can.” Elijah Stringer, sophomore
Senior service learning By Ricardo Murry Bulldog News The seniors of Loyola high school serve their school and community while they are still in the classroom. Some of the seniors at Loyola have a service learning class where they learn by doing service. The seniors in the class are doing service projects for the school and community. The students currently have ongoing service projects: blankets for people with cancer, toys for kids at Children’s Hospital, and a wall of ceramic tiles that commemorate fallen soldiers. The seniors have made 12 blankets for people with cancer so far. Some people have requested blankets with certain colors and patterns. Other blankets are randomly made using
all kinds of colors and patterns. The toys for kids at Children’s Hospital involves an in school toy drive for toys that will be donated to Children’s Hospital so that the kids will have something to play with while they are at the doctor’s or in the hospital. The final project involves the tiles that commemorate fallen soldiers. Loyola High School has dedicated a wall on the third floor of the school where the tiles are mounted. Anyone who knows someone who has died serving our country is welcome to come and decorate a tile, write the fallen soldier’s name on the tile, and then put it on the wall. The wall of tiles will continue to grow over the years as people add more names of our fallen soldiers.
Bulldog news
TOP: Seniors work on a blanket that will be given to a cancer patient. BOTTOM: A close up of the tiles created by those who want to commemorate a fallen soldier.
The senior service learning class is only in its third month. The seniors hope that they will be
able to find many more projects that will serve the community and the school.
gymnastics there for four years. Now, after putting forth so much hard work he was allowed to be a coach. Stringer coaches kids ranging from 2 years old through 17 years old. For the past two years Stringer has gone to the center every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. He apparently loves being a coach and wishes to stay there for an even longer period of time. “I coach because I love helping others whenever I can,” Stringer said. This is just one way that Stringer shows his Grad at Grad. His move from gymnast to coach shows he is Open to Growth. His desire to help others shows that he is loving. In Stringer’s words, “I like to focus my talents on helping others instead of focusing solely on myself.”
Detroit
Storms and construction By Corey Wells Eye of the Hurricane Detroiters know that when it snows, you have to drive slow. At least, most Detroiters know. A crash late on Sunday, Oct. 12 in a construction zone on Interstate-94 in Detroit left two people dead and one in critical condition. Michigan State Police said Detroit resident Marvin Harris was driving east in a closed construction lane at West Grand Boulevard when he hit two construction workers and a parked construction vehicle.
There is still a lot of construction going on in the city, which means drivers need to be extra cautious, especially in winter. Woodward Avenue, the heart of the city, has been under construction since July 2014 when construction of the M-1 RAIL line began. The mission of M-1 RAIL is to create a catalyst for investment, economic development and urban renewal that positively impacts the entire region. It is anticipated to be completed in late 2016. Also, I-94 in the city has also
been lined with orange cones and closed lanes, slowing the morning commute for hours. With snow coming the workers will be slowing, but that won’t open up lanes to vehicle traffic, and it won’t make driving safer. This is the time for us to very cautious because it seems like every year the weather in Detroit seems to get worse by the minute and with the construction going on they can be many problems with black ice, blizzards, and just fanatic driving by people in the city already.
Eye of the Hurricane
There is still a lot of construction in Downtown Detroit.
22 DetroitDialogue.com Dec. 16, 2015
RHS Stentor
A public forum for the students and community of Renaissance High School | rhsstentor.com Student Life
Renaissance helps those in need By Makayla Rand, Bianca Carr and Kayla McCoy RHS Stentor Renaissance High School has been exemplary these past weeks, providing food for those less fortunate and even helping out an educator in need. “I feel like it’s great idea,” said junior and participant Raina Allen. “Not only is it a nice gesture, but it’s also a way for us to feel good about ourselves since we are donating food to those in need.”
In effort to provide a less fortunate family with a good meal for the holiday, Renaissance students and staff pitched in by hosting a can drive to fill over 50 baskets with Thanksgiving dinner. Also, students assisted Hartford Memorial Baptist Church and West Minster memorial church in passing out over 50 turkeys to the community, in spite of the sudden snowstorm that hit early in the morning. “I think community service is really good for the school. The community sup-
ports us, so why not give back to them,” said junior Alex Jones. In addition to feeding the needy, Renaissance students turned their attention to anatomy teacher Kerry Williams when it was learned her sister suffered from melanoma. Seniors Diamond Kindred and Jayla Latimer lead the senior class into collecting donations to create sympathy baskets for Williams and her sister, filled with comforting items such as blankets, candles, fuzzy socks, lotions, body wash
Student Life
and a handmade card. “I can just understand what it feels like to be with someone your entire life and one day not know whether or not you can see them again,” said senior Diamond Kindred. “I know it’s difficult for her and she’s so amazing. I just wanted her to know that she’s not alone and we are with her and her sister as well.” Normally teachers are the ones to lend a helping hand, but at RHS students do their best to also give back.
Sports
Sydneah Burnett/RHS Stentor
The boys soccer team stands proud on the steps of Renaissance. Maisha Massey/RHS Stentor
The Cougar Battalion stands at attention to receive its first-place awards.
Cougar battalion devours rivals JROTC earns 3 trophies at competition
By Maisha Massey RHS Stentor Renaissance Cougar Battalion showed no mercy at the JROTC competition at Cass Tech on Dec. 6. Led by Lt. Col. Kamau Omari and Battalion Commander Lawrence Shepard, the Cougar Battalion brought home three first-place trophies. “It was really fun participating in this event to be honest. When I first joined JROTC was afraid that I really wouldn’t like it but now I found that I love it,” said junior Command Sgt. Maj. Kendra Hunt, who is also a member of the unarmed exhibition team.
RHS Stentor
The categories for the competition were armed exhibition, unarmed exhibition and drill. As expected, the Cougar battalion set the bar for each and walked away victorious. “I found JROTC to be one of my passions here at Renaissance. I’m really glad to have been able to lead a group of such talented individuals and I’m even more proud that sargent and major thought I was fit enough for the task,” senior Lt. Col. Kamau Omari said. You can find the Cougar Battalion special teams any day of the week in the Renaissance gym
Editor-in-chief: Arianna Smith Managing Editors: Brandy Blackwell and Desmond Johnson Adviser: Carianne Wargowsky Crain Mentor: Omari Gardner
Maisha Massey/RHS Stentor
A parent smiles for a picture with her JROTC boys.
practicing until they’re perfect. “We work hard every day to make sure we do the best we can so that it pays off,” junior Tylar Lewis said.
Boys soccer ends with kick By Sydneah Burnett RHS Stentor As the season draws to a close in early November, the Renaissance boys soccer team took time to celebrate their success. With a record of 11-8-1, the boys reflect on the season and what they could’ve done better. “We’re one of only two schools in DPS to ever win a state playoff game, and one of the only schools in DPS history to win more than 10 games in a season,” said coach Hassan Mussawir. The team has many seniors on its roster and there have been concerns about how the team will continue to be a dominant force in the league when they graduate. “There’s going to be a lot of holes to fill, without a doubt. The third and fourth place
goal scorers were sophomores so we should be fine in terms of putting points on the board,” said Mussawir. “My biggest concern right now is just filling the roster in terms of having the talent, acquiring players, getting kids that actually play the sport to come and dedicate themselves, to come to Renaissance as oppose to going to Cass.” Senior Christofer Smith, who had a total of two points and 11 steals this season, was a served as a supporter when it came to helping out his younger teammates. During the season, he mentored the underclassmen on the team. “I mentored those that needed it by providing a positive role model for the freshmen on the team and blocking goals,” Smith said.
Staff Writers: DeAnna Allen, Yakia Baldwin, Sydneah Burnett, Bianca Carr, Denaya Cole, Trenton Copeland, Taylor Cotton, Heaven Davis, Chandra Fleming, Taylor Gribble, Jordan Hines, Ryan Horton, Tiarra Ingram, Gabrielle Jackson, Khalil Jewell, Miles Johnson, Maisha Massey, Kayla McCoy, Deonna McKay Joseph McLain, Bria Mosby, Ameer Mussawwir, Nnenna Nnaji, Jaret Quick, Makayla Rand, Kamau Smith, Jabari Stewart, Holidae Taylor, Arne’a Thomas, Daydreanna Thompson, Jordan Walker
Dec. 16, 2015 DetroitDialogue.com 23
The Western Express Western International High School | detroitwesternexpress.com A c ad e m i c s
A c ad e m i c s
Garcia returns to Western as acting principal Leader engages parents to boost graduation rates
The Western Express
Students at Western International High School have engaged in meditation training for the past two years, offered by Lisa Nieddu, a self-employed meditation educator.
Meditation brings rewards to students By Kelly Palacios and Liliana Hernandez The Western Express Close your eyes. Take three deep breaths, notice if you can feel your heart beat and see if you can feel your breath. Students at Western International High School have engaged in meditation training for the past two years, offered by Lisa Nieddu, a self-employed meditation educator. Nieddu said the meditation practice, called mindfulness, provides students to improve mental health and, hopefully, test scores.
“I believe mental health is just as important as our physical health,” Nieddu said. “To develop healthy minds, students need to learn in an environment that cares for their well-being, not just their academic success.” Mindfulness is a form of meditation in which you nonjudgmentally acknowledge your feelings and gain awareness. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to experience. Nieddu said the 40 teenagers learning the skills at Western
International evolve over her eight weeks of instruction. Nieddu graduated from Michigan State with a bachelor’s degree in interpersonal communications. “Participating in an eight-week mindfulness meditation program doesn’t just provide a sense of peace and relaxation, studies now show measurable changes in the brain regions associated with memory, sense of self, empathy and stress,” Nieddu said in an email. For more information on mindful lifestyles go to www. mindful.org.
By Irma Jaramillo and Cynthia Gutierrez The Western Express Angel Garcia is returning to his roots. As acting principal of Western International High School, Garcia is working to increase graduation rates at his alma mater. Garcia, 33, is working to unite the school with its community by engaging parents to be more involved in the school and its students. Through outreach, Garcia has helped raise Western International’s parent committee from 80 members to more than 100 in the first five months of the school year. The Parent Advisory Council for Student Achievement, which meets monthly, is designed to inform parents of the school’s course offerings, offer resources and inform them of graduation requirements. Western’s graduation rate was 84 percent in 2014. Garcia said he can increase graduation rates to 95 percent. Garcia said the plan will be successful because of the school’s staff, which is experienced and familiar with the
culture and diversity of the local community. Garcia graduated from Western Garcia International in 2000 before attending Eastern Michigan University. He followed in his father’s footsteps, who was also a history teacher at Western International, Garcia majored in education. He was hoping to teach for at least 10 years and eventually go into administration, but to his surprise he became assistant principal within a year and acting principal the following year, 2015. A native to Southwest Detroit, Garcia has long been involved in the community as a baseball coach. Even though Garcia is young and inexperienced, he said he is confident in creating more opportunities for Western students. It seems unreal to him and he says he often wakes up in complete shock, but he is honored to take the role of principal of the school whose athletic complex is named after his father.
A c ad e m i c s
Baker is a ‘super teacher’ By Alexis Alcantar and Matthew Diaz The Western Express Hidden under a stack of tests and papers that need grading, sits Tara Baker, multitasking. Even during her prep. hour, this English teacher moves from task to task, preparing for her students. The walls of her class are covered with literary resources and students’ work. Also, her grading policy is in plain sight for all to see. Baker’s students at Western International High School call her a “super teacher.” She brings a unique style of teaching into her classroom. She is energetic, knowledgeable of the ma-
terial and incorporates an element of fun to keep students interested. Baker dedicates her time to get to know the students individually. Her ability to connect with students provides them motivation to succeed. “(Baker) is like a mother to me at this point,” said Estevan Torres, a senior in Baker’s Advanced Placement English class. “She truly cares about her students’ education and breaks down every lesson so everyone understands.” Baker said she has high expectations for her students, wanting them to become lovers of literature, critical thinkers and always be able to use proper punctuation and grammar.
The western Express
SPOTLIGHT ON:
Tara BAker “I want students to read deeply and widely to become connected to something they want to do and believe in,” Baker said. Apart from her devotion to the classroom, Baker, a 16-year English teacher at Western International, serves as the Western International National Honor Society adviser. Baker said she received her calling as a teacher as a result of not being pushed to her fullest potential in junior high. After graduating from Ferndale High School, she attended Western Michigan University and later earned a master’s degree from
Advisers: Ricardo Salazar and Michael Cruz Crain Mentors: Dustin Walsh and Kristin Bull
The Western Express
Students at Western International rave about the teaching style of Tara Baker. She has been teaching for 16 years.
Wayne State University. She came to Western International as a student teacher before becoming a tenured teacher. As far as future plans, she wants to continue to improve as an educator.
“Even after 16 years, I still see so much about what I do in the classroom that could be improved. From planning, organization and management, there is so much I could perfect. It keeps me energized and drives me to do better,” she said.
Staff Writers: Daniela Lupercio, Marcus Toure, Fatima Barba, Jose Vasquez, Horacio Vargas, Synthea Gamez, Odalis Pena-Guzman, Andres Gonzalez
24 DetroitDialogue.com Dec. 16, 2015 sp o r t s
A c ad e m i c s
Miles Johnson/RHS Stentor
RIGHT: The seniors orchestrate their offense. BELOW: Sophomores stretch and prepare to face off against the senior class.
Western Express
Western International librarian William Bowles has been traveling the world for the past 30 years.
The amazing life of Bowles Western librarian promotes passion for travelling
Seniors dominate in RHS powder puff game By Taylor Gribble RHS Stentor On Nov.12, Renaissance hosted its annual powder puff game, during which the roles were reversed and the boys cheered and coached from the sidelines as the girls played a heated game consisting of 10-minute halves. As a tradition, the freshmen competed against the juniors and the sophomores competed against the seniors. The winners
from both rounds then face off in an epic final championship. “I enjoyed coaching the senior girls. They worked hard and we balled on everybody; period,” said Andrei Nichols. The senior class won the game, 13-7. “This was my first year playing, and I really enjoyed the experience. Even though it rained, we had great spirits, and we really enjoyed ourselves,” said
sophomore Deshonda Johnson. Every year the newspaper staff hosts the powder puff game to raise money to cover printing expenses for five issues of the Phoenix Rising. They plan to add a spring game in 2016. “It was cool winning the Powder Puff game since it’s my last year here at Renaissance even though we played the sophomores twice,” said senior Kara Macharia.
HOVER
Chariot, Inc. Walker and Cheatham became friends during their work on the set of the movie Pope that Walker stars in. Walker let Cheatham’s nephew play on one when he visited her on the set. Later, Walker decided to give Cheatham one for DIT students to try. Porter and seniors ClarenceBarnes and Gregory Scott
were the three Cody DIT students who got to try the Space Chariot when it arrived Dec. 3. “It was fun and much better than walking,” Barnes said after trying it. “The security guards could ride it around to patrol the school.” Cheatham tried it and said it felt like she was floating. “It was weird moving without having to walk,” Cheatham said.
Gift of Hhoverboard has Cody fans curious about this high-tech toy from page 17
is powered by a lithium battery, and operated by leaning in and balancing. The one Porter was riding was a gift to DIT secretary Sareta Cheathem from Kevin L. Walker, owner of Space
“If I can, so can you,” said Bowles. There are many ways to travel, such as reading a book that lead you into whole different dimension, Bowles said. For the past 30 years, Bowles By Adrian Alaniz and has been exploring and traveling Esmeralda Espitia the world and experiencing new The Western Express cultures country to country. Even at From his mid-20s William his young middle-age, he still enjoys Bowles, the librarian at Western and continues to explore the many International High School, spends amazing places in this world. days away from school traveling to One of Bowles’ most memorable exotic locales, such as Egypt, Swittrips was to Nigeria, where he lived zerland, South America, Central America, Turkey, Nigeria and Japan. for a year in a city called Ile-ife. He studied the Yoruba civilization and Bowles is a generous and was welcomed into the Nigerians’ thoughtful guy who everyone lives and they freely shared their should get the chance to know. ways of life. This created in him a Aside from everything he has done deep sense of gratitude for famto help students with their learning ily and friends. skills, Bowles has He later returned an amazing passion “Traveling is one of the best learning back from his trip for traveling and to Western, where uses those experi- experiences one can he then taught ences of traveling have.” students about and learning about William Bowles, librarian at African life that he many diverse cul- Western International learned in Nigeria tures to teach the and his life while students at Western on his trip. International. Before becoming a librarian, Most recently, Bowles traveled Bowles was a French and English to the Southern U.S. to learn about teacher. He would always pass by segregation and slavery during the the second floor’s hallway and see Civil War. On his two-week trip to Tennessee, Georgia and South Caro- a beautiful library at Western and lina, he had an impactful experience it motivated him to be a librarian. He applied for the position to be a about the human suffering that librarian and he qualified. resulted from slavery. He also sponsors the Liter“Traveling is one of the best ary and Art magazine at Western learning experiences one can have,” where students can submit writing Bowles said. Aside from his passion or art work. Bowles also subfor traveling, Bowles loves reading mits stories of Western students’ and helping students with their achievements to El Central, a writing and learning skills. He also newspaper in Southwest Detroit. inspires students to travel.
Student Life
Charitable organization seeks volunteers at Western By Shailee Gray and Tatiana Alvarez The Western Express A popular service-learning organization is seeking more volunteers at Western International High School in Detroit. The nonprofit BuildOn, which works to improve literacy and
reduce poverty, only gets 25 volunteer students per week from the high school, compared to 50 from Cass Technical High School. Other schools participating in the program include Detroit Renaissance, Osborn, University Prep Academy and Oak Park. The program at Western has
offered volunteers to several local nonprofits, including DelRay Senior Center, the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit, Kiwanis International, Gleaners Community Food Bank and more. Destiny Foreman, a Western International student and BuildOn volunteer, said the program
is a great way to get the schoolrequired service hours while helping the local community. “BuildOn teaches us how to give without receiving,” Foreman said. Kira Molina, another Western International student and BuildOn volunteer, said “I come
to BuildOn to make friends and escape my life while adding more color to the community.” The BuildOn program at Western International meets Monday through Thursday and on Saturday in room 3001 at the school. For more information, go to www.buildon.org.