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F A L L 2 0 0 56
The DC Mayor’s Race Why Should You Care?
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Friendship News Network FNN News from the Teen Point of View rated-t Fall 2006
Volume 1, Number 2
RATED-T
Contents
If you’re a student in the District of Columbia between the ages of 11 and 18 who has ever wondered what it would be like to create your own news magazine, website, radio or television program, here’s your chance. Join Friendship News Network (FNN)–a student run media enterprise located at Friendship Public Charter School in Washington, DC. Students can join the staffs of FNN Radio, FNN TV, FNN Online (our website) and Rated-T Magazine. This fall, radio staffers will have a chance to audition for Teen2Teen, our talk-radio program on WOL 1450 AM Radio and Youth Voices, a program of WAMU FM Radio.
News from the Teen Point of View A publication of Friendship News Network
What’s Friendship News Network?
EDITORIALS 6 He Say/She Say by Alicia Wade and Sam Murray 7 What’s with Kanye’s Statement by Keith Wiggins FEATURES 8 An Interview with Eleanor Holmes Norton by Porsha Arrington 10 An Interview with The Mayor by Porsha Arrington 12 To Be A Mom or Not to Be A Mom by Alicia Wade 26 Always Alicia Advice by Alicia Wade 34 Fashion Tips for Girls by Ebony Stewart 36 Should Students Wear Uniforms by Sam Murray 37 Does the Way You Dress Determine Your Personality? by Shaneka Adesioye SPECIAL SECTION: THE DC MAYOR’S RACE 13 Why Should Teens Care by Tiara Marshall 14 Michael Brown by Percy Newton and Charmiese Anderson 16 Linda Cropp by Lashay Singletary 18 Marie Johns by Tiara Marshall SPECIAL SECTION: IS THE DREAM STILL ALIVE? 28 Commentaries by Porsha Arrington, Alicia Wade, Shaneka Adesioye and Natasha Young 30 Poetry by Natasha Young 31 Claudette Colvin by Sam Murray
SPECIAL PREVIEW: THE PEOPLE SPEAK FNN STUDENTS WRITE ABOUT ISSUES AROUND THE WORLD 21 Antartica: The Disappearing Ozone Layer by Tiara Marshall 22 Disappearing Rainforests by Kameisha Hodge Madagascar: 23 Endangered Lemurs by Nadean Talley 24 Africa: Child Soldiers by Shawn Barber 25 Europe: The Plight of African Immigrants by Percy Newton FICTION 32 Dream Psychic by Nadean Talley 33 Life as a Superhero by Shawn Barber REVIEWS 38 Environmental Film Festival by Keith Wiggins, Geoffrey Thompson and Porsha Arrington 40 Book Review: The Coldest Winter Ever by Tiara Marshall 41 Hottest Websites for Kids by Shaquana Miller 44 What’s Hot and What’s Not by Diana Webster, Raul Buddle and Shauncee Ormsby 46 Political Chuck by Ahmed Davis
Rated-T is the magazine of Friendship News Network (FNN), a program of Friendship Public Charter School, 120 Q Street NE, Washington, DC, 20002. For more information, or to inquire about becoming an advertiser for the next issue, email: info@friendshipnewsnetwork.com. For more information about Friendship News Network, visit our website at www.friendshipnewsnetwork.com. For more information on Friendship Public Charter School, visit our website at www.friendshipschools.org. or call 202-281-1700. Rated-T Magazine expresses the views of individual students and does not necessarily represent the views of Friendship Public Charter School. Copyright Friendship News Network, August, 2006. For permission to reprint articles, please email: info@friendshipnewsnetwork.com. Photo of FNN student Donald Williams interviewing Vincent Orange by Rated-T photographer, Hassan Pye Cover Design: Tiara Marshall and Ahmed Davis Cover Photo: Ahmed Davis
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Letters From The Editors
Contributors
Dear Readers,
Tiara Marshall Editor-In-Chief Alicia Wade Editor-In-Chief, Emeritus Ahmed Davis Director of Design and Photography Shaneka Adesioye Reporter Charmiese Anderson Copy Editor Porsha Arrington Reporter Shawn Barber Reporter Raul Buddle Reporter Deyuan Caldwell Photographer, Photo Editor, Production Kameisha Hodge Reporter Shaquanda Miller Reporter Samuel Murray Reporter Hassan Pye Photographer Ebony Stewart Reporter Percy Newton Reporter Shaquanna Nobel Graphic Designer Shawncee Ormsby Researcher Hassan Pye Photographer and Photo Editor LaShay Singletary Reporter Nadean Talley Reporter Geoffrey Thompson Copy Editor Diana Webster Feature Writer,Graphic Designer Brandon Walker Graphic Designer and Copy Editor Keith Wiggins Reporter Natasha Young Poet
Wassup.. I am Rated-T’s new Editor-In-Chief, Tiara Marshall. Buckle up and take seat because you are in for a ride. Inside the magazine we have amazing articles, news and features including:
Editorial Advisor and FNN Director: Marilyn Kaufman Graphic Design Advisor: Brian Young Election Advisor: Toyin Doherty
Dear Readers, Hey! We’re ready to show off our talent again. If you thought the first magazine was amazing, wait until you read this one. For our new readers, you better watch out. Not only do we have new staff memebers, and new stories we also have a New Editor-In-Chief ! I am really overjoyed to annouunce that I have passed my position on to my best friend, Tiara Marshall. But before I go, I would just like to thank all the readers for your continuous support because without you all this magazine would be nothing. Next up, I want to give a special thanks to all of the hardworking staff members. You all really outdid yourselves this time. Keep exceeding the limits. Before you know it you’ll be writing for the big time magazines we all love to read! (Smile) But no matter what, I want you all to always remember, nothing is impossible! With love, hope, peace and all the things above, Alicia Wade, Editor-In-Chief, Emeritus
A Special Section On the DC Mayor’s Race: Our staff covered the mayor’s race, interviewed and “Rated-T’d” three of the candidates on issues we thought were important at a teen forum at the Cosmos Club and in downtown DC. The People Speak: Don’t miss this preview for a special short issue that will come out in November. The articles concern events that go on all over the world from our reporters’ point of view. Don’t miss it! New Fiction Section: This section takes you where we all want to live— in our dreams. Our two 6th grade staffers, Shawn Barber and Nadean Talley invite us into their their great fantasies! Is the Dream Still Alive: Rated-T staff members write about weather or not the kids today appreciate the work of MLK, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X and many other leaders. And theres much more but the only way to find out is to explore the second issue of Rated T Magazine! To all the staff memebers, keep your head up and continue to press forward! Tiara Marshall, Editor-In-Chief
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Publisher: Friendship Public Charter School, Washington, DC Chairman: Donald Hense
Many thanks to: Michael Cordell, Ralph Neal, Brian Beck, Peggy Pendergrass, Michael Spikes, Carl Reeverts, Kevin Reeverts, Yolonda Coleman, Megan Bennett, Michelle Freeman, Khalil Braswell, Diedre Barksdale, Barry Lofton, Candice Tolliver, Arline Williams, Kim Jones, Haroldine Pratt, Ben Forjoe, Tramaine Fleming, Gail Sivils, Angela Fox and the entire office and maintenence staffs at Blow Pierce and Woodson. Additional thanks to: Brenda Marshall and Jeff Travers from DC Campaign to End Teen Pregnancy, Colin Touhey and Carlos Varela from DC Urban Debate League, Aaron Fishbone from International Debate Education Association, Jeremy Nelson from Amnesty International, Tom Wagner and the wonderful crew at the National Science Foundation, Cathy Plume and Adam Tomasek from World Wildlife Fund, Joe Landrum from National Right to Life Coalition, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Doxie McCoy, Mayor Anthony Williams, Sharon Gang, Vince Morris, Annie Kampher, Andy Fernandez and Helen Strong, And thanks to the following organizations for funding and support: Capitol Hill Community Foundation, The Washington Post, D.C. Commission on the Arts, D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission,The Brunswick Group and International Debate Education Association, Finally, a very special thanks to Donald Hense, Patricia Brantley and Carol Seifert whose energy, support and vision were instrumental in making Rated-T Magazine and Friendship News Network a reality. Rated-T Magazine is a program of Friendship News Network (FNN), a media enterprise run by the students of Friendship Public Charter School. The program is free and open to any student in the District of Columbia between the ages of 11 and 18. For more information, visit our website at www.friendshipnewsnetwork.com or call 240-426-7685. For more information on Friendship Public Charter School, visit our website at www.friendshipschools.org. Cover Photo: Ahmed Davis. Cover Design by Ahmed Davis and Tiara Marshall Contents Page Design by Hassan Pye and Ahmed Davis.
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He Say/She Say
Can A Woman Be Self-Sufficient Without A Man? by Alicia Wade & Samuel Murray Photography by Deyuan Caldwell
Hello my name is Alicia Wade and with me is Samuel Murray. In this article the two of us will be discussing our views on whether a woman can be self-sufficient without a man. My opinion will show that a woman can be self-sufficient and Samuel will take the opposing view. Alicia: I honestly think that a woman can be more than self sufficient without a man. She can be anything that she chooses to be. Samuel: Well, don’t get me wrong, now. But, I strongly disagree with that. Alicia: Explain your reason for having that opinion? Samuel: There’s only so much a woman can do without the support, love, compassion and feelings she gets from a man. Alicia: Well, yes I agree that there are some things only a man can fulfill when it comes to a woman. But when it comes to being independent, I strongly believe that a woman doesn’t need a man to be successful. For example, Oprah is not married and she is one of the most successful females in the world. Samuel: Great example Alicia! But Oprah was not always a star. There were many men who were influential in her life. Alicia: Men may have had a big effect on Oprah’s life. But I honestly think if you put it that way, then you are saying, “ a woman is nothing without people, period.” That could mean a woman is nothing without her friends and/or her family. Because people, period, not just men have an effect on a woman’s life. Samuel: No, that’s not exactly what I am saying. A woman can lack a certain amount of self-discipline and can be insecure about things. And, in response to the family and friends thing, I really think that she can have her family and friends, but without a man she is just point blank, INCOMPLETE. As a part of being incomplete, she is always searching for something or someone, which disables her ability to be independent. Alicia: I hear what you are saying. But, I still believe that women arent always searching for someone to lean on. Because if women always felt as though they needed someone
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to depend on, then they are never going to know how it feels to fall down and get back up. All women aren’t searching for a man. No, not at all. And they definitely don’t NEED a man. And yes, a man may be able to offer words of wisdom. Hey, so can a friend! I just really believe that a man isn’t God and he doesn’t need to be considered as one. Its not like a woman would be nothing without a man. She would just be someone who would be independent. Samuel: Great point Alicia. But, I believe if a woman is not searching for a man, either she already has one or has given up because she can’t find one. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying she is repulsive and can’t get a man. She may have been hurt, emotionally, physically and mentally so many times that she’s given up on men. If a woman depends on a male friend for advice, respect, and emotional support, how would that make her independent? Alicia: I really don’t think having a male friend makes you dependent. No, not at all. I believe that a man can be just a friend. As I said before I really believe that a woman can do and become anything and even more without a man. Samuel: Sure she can be anything she wants to be. She is capable of climbing the highest mountain if she desires. But, her soul, mind and body are inefficient and incapable of becoming whole, without the love and support of a man. Don’t take my words lightly. When I say she is depending on a man, I also mean that he is depending on her. They are a team. A group! ONE!!! Alicia: I agree with the group of ONE. But if they were to separate or they just didn’t work out, the woman could still be successful and independent. A man is just the icing on the cake. He does not make a woman. He helps build who she becomes. Samuel: Personally, I agree, and after hearing your proud strong words, I am convinced to sway from my original opinion. Yes, I would have to agree that a woman can be self-sufficient with out a man. I am glad that we were able to come to this conclusion.
What’s With Kanye’s
Statement ? Commentary by Keith Wiggins • Graphic Design by Tiara Marshall
Before I began this commentary, I want to rehash the events of one of the most gruesome hurricanes that had an effect on not only one race, but all races living in the affected area, New Orleans. In the Fall of year 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans taking the lives and hopes away from many people. This category five hurricane changed the face of the party city. During this period, the media mostly showed how the hurricane affected poor AfricanAmericans. As we all know, there is more than just one race living in this city that was overtaken by the sea. As I carefully
think about this, I believe that the media only showed what they knew would catch the attention of Americans. I watched in disbelief as the media mostly showed the plight of African Americans. We must face the facts that there were other races in New Orleans just as much in need. All of this has led to one of the most misleading statements about black people made during this period by black music artist, Kanye West when he made the statement “Bush hates black people.” The thing that I found the most difficult to cope with is the meaning of this statement. I
believe that this statement was misleading and he could have said it in another way. I also believe Kanye may have made the statement because of George’s Bush’s reactions to the devastating news that came from the city itself. It was said that Kanye was angry when he was being interviewed on a live CBS segment. I think that all Americans, as well as Kanye were just responding to the media’s portrayal of Africans-Americans. I hate the fact that Kanye’s statement was directed only toward African Americans when more than one
race was affected by Katrina. As for what Kanye said, I think that he was right but out of line. He should have sugarcoated his words to be more professional. Bush isn’t the only one who should be targeted. What about the government agency, FEMA that was supposed to inform the public about the weather in the area? FEMA knew all about the storms well before Bush. Keith Wiggins is a graduating senior at Woodson Collegiate Academy and will be attending college next year. Tiara Marshall is an 8th grade graduate of Blow Pierce Junior Academy. Photo courtesy of AP Worldwide Photos.
Alicia Wade and Samuel Murray are 2006 graduates of Blow Pierce Junior Academy.
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An Interview with Eleanor Holmes Norton rated-t Fall 2006
Rated-T reporter Porsha Arrington interviews DC Congresswoman, Eleanor Holmes Norton to find out about DC Voting Rights and why teens can and should get involved. Porsha: Tell us about yourself. Rep. Norton: I am the oldest of three daughters, a graduate of the D.C. Public Schools and proud to be a third generation Washingtonian whose greatgrandfather came here as a slave and whose grandfather entered the D.C fire department in 1902. It’s been my great pleasure to be the congresswoman representing the citizens of the District of Columbia for fifteen years. Porsha: What is the difference between voting rights and statehood? Rep. Norton: Big difference. When you have statehood, you have your voting rights. Congress cannot interfere with your business as Congress does with ours. We don’t have equal representation in the House and the Senate (which means I can’t vote on a bill like every other member of Congress) even though we pay federal taxes and have fought in every war since
the nation was founded including the war that founded the nation itself, the Revolutionary War. And therefore since 1994, I have sponsored a bill called The No Taxation Without Representation Act to give us equal representation like every other citizen of the United States because that’s what we are– citizens of the United States. Porsha: What are some of the challenges you’ve faced trying to gain voting rights? Rep. Norton: The greatest challenge I face is that there is Republican opposition to DC voting rights because we are largely a Democratic city. And typically, in our country in order to maintain the balance politically, you’ve got to satisfy one part of the country as well as another part of the country. For example before the civil war, no state that opposed slavery could enter the union unless a state that was for slavery entered the union. Statehood has always been political and voting rights has always been political. We believe that because we are only one small city that in every way qualifies as a state, because we pay for what every state pays for, because we are the capitol of
the United States that we should be admitted as a state with full voting rights. Without voting rights, we are the only country in the free world that denies the citizens of it’s capitol the right to have a representative vote in its legislature. Here we are going to Iraq and we’ve gotten them the right to vote. I have a young man working in my office who has been on the front lines in Iraq. Last January when the Iraqis went to the polls for the first time, he came to me and said how proud he was that part of what he did in Iraq enabled these people to vote for the first time. Then he said, “I want to help the citizens of my own hometown get the right to vote the same as the citizens of Iraq”. That’s the kind of irony that slaps me in the face so often here in the Congress. Porsha: What kinds of changes do you see here in the community if we were granted voting rights? Rep. Norton: The vote that is emblematic of citizenship is the vote on the floor of the House of Representatives and the Senate. We don’t have that. We have been crippled by not having senators. When I get a bill passed here and in the House of Representatives,
I may go to the Senate only to find no deal. Now, if I were from Maryland or Virginia, once I got a law passed in the House, I could speak to senators from my state and on a handshake get it done. It is a crippling blow for our city. No American citizen should be denied the vote. In the House you can get some things done without the vote but in the Senate you can’t do that. If we had full voting rights in both houses of Congress, we would be recognized as full citizens with full equal rights as all other states are recognized. Porsha: Tell us how how statehood and voting rights would help DC. Rep. Norton: Well, let me just say that one of the worst things is that a special committee in Congress considers all the issues affecting the District of Colombia There is no committee like this for any other state except for DC. No other state in the United States has their own local budget looked at by anybody except there own local jurisdiction. Every law that our city council passes does not become final until the Congress makes a decision to approve or overturn it. Most of the time, I am able to keep that from happening but then the law may have to
wait for months before Congress decides its OK. That’s degrading. There is legislation that could avoid this that I’m sponsoring and we’ve got to keep pressing for that. We can’t be satisfied at being second-class citizens. When I was a kid I was a second-class citizen in other ways. I went to schools designed for black children. We got rid of that. Now, we are left with another form of second-class citizenship that affects everybody in DC, regardless of race, religion or background. That is unacceptable and your generation has to get rid of it. My generation was the civil rights generation. I went to the south as a civil rights worker. We succeeded in getting the Voting Rights Act and antidiscrimination laws. So what’s left for young people to do? Get equal rights and citizenship for the residents of our nation’s capitol. Porsha: What can my generation do to help get voting rights for DC? Rep. Norton: Every young person should find a way to become involved. You can join organizations like DC Votes. That is what the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee that I joined in college did. It was basically the student movement
Rated-T reporter Porsha Arrington interviewed Rep.Norton in Porsha: The public has pushed her office about students who are 18 to vote. Why DC Voting Rights are they pushing us if our vote doesn’t count? and why teens should become Rep. Norton: Your vote counts. involved. And it is absolutely critical for of the Civil Rights Movement. I would like to see students who are residents of the District form their own group for D.C. Voting rights.
your generation to start voting if you want to have any affect on government. We do have the right to vote for president and for federal officials like me. It’s very important that the 18-year-old vote be utilized and frankly the failure to utilize it is one of the reasons that right as we speak students all over the country including DC are facing a terrible cut in student loans, almost 15 billion dollars, because Republicans here decided to cut that program. One of the reasons they can do that is because frankly students and their parents are letting it happen. Students and parents represent millions and millions of people. All they would have to do is make it clear that they will remember when they go to the polls. Millions and millions of votes are lying on the table. Many of them are the votes of young people like you.
Graphic Design: Tiara Marshall Transcription: Brandon Walker Photography: Ahmed Davis Porsha Arrington and Brandon Walker are 2006 graduates of Woodson Collegiate Academy and will be attending college this fall. Tiara Marshall and Ahmed Davis are 2006 graduates of low Pierce Junior Academy. View the video of this interview at friendshipnewsnetwork.com
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Porsha: “Why aren’t you running for another term as mayor?” Mayor Williams: Politicians always say that they’re leaving office because of their family but in this case there is a family consideration. I want to really be able to spend more time with my family. I’ve been in some high-pressure jobs for about ten years or so and it would be good to be with my family. Also, I’ve never really worked in the private sector since I graduated and I would like to try that out. I think that you can still be a good citizen and you can still contribute to your city but be in the private sector. And, Iwould like to build a retirement for my family.
Porsha: OK, who influenced you to become mayor?
An Interview with the Mayor FNN Reporter Porsha Arrington interviewed Mayor Anthony Williams after his November 2, 2005 press conference. Transcription and Graphic Design by Tiara Marshall. Photo by Ahmed Davis.
Mayor Williams: I was actually drafted to run for mayor. They’re two schools of thought. What actually happened is that a group of citizens in this city, people from the Palisades and Hillcrest actually created a “Draft Tony” movement. And they drafted me to run for mayor. And to show that there actually was something behind this, not just an idea that I actually calculated, during the first three or four months of my campaign, the overwhelming majority of the money that I raised were small contributions – almost 700,000 dollars. That shows the power of the support that was out there. Now, the other point of view is that I was always calculating from the time I came into the city as part of some big conspiracy to become mayor. But that’s ridiculous.
Porsha: There’s alot of liquor stores and torn down buildings in my community. I live in Ward 7. What are you going to do about them? Mayor Williams: This is something that I hate to say. I actually support Councilman Fenty’s approach, which is basically a tough approach on liquor in the neighborhoods. I think that we should actually be very tough about distribution and I think we should try to do everything we can to limit the sale of 1 or 2 beers. I know that you can argue that that’s penalizing people who don’t have a lot of money. But most people who are buying 1 or 2 beers are just standing outside the stores getting drunk with money they shouldn’t be spending on booze anyway.
Porsha: After you leave office, what do you plan on doing to help the community? Mayor Williams: I want to continue to work with the youth in the city, particularly youth coming out of foster care and adoption situations. I really want to support that as a private citizen. Another thing I want to continue to support is the Anacostia Initiative. So those are two things I would really like to see myself trying to do. But I will never lobby the District government for anything, period.
Porsha: Thank you for your time. Mayor Williams: Happy Holidays to Friendship News Network. Porsha Arrington is a 2006 graduate of Woodson Collegiate Academy and will be attending college this fall. Tiara Marshall and Ahmed Davis are 2006 graduates of Blow Pierce Junior Academy. View the video of this interview at friendshipnewsnetwork.com
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Written and designed by Alicia Wade
h my gosh, I am pregnant! What am I going to do? “Teen Moms: Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover,” we heard My mom is going to kill me. My pastor is going to the behind-the-smiles stories from two young teen mothers. be so mad. My friends are going to look at me differently— Well, in this article I decided to shake it up a bit. We always some good and some bad. I won’t be able to show my face seem to ask the females about pregnancy and abortion, on the streets or in school again. which makes sense because they, Everybody is going to be so quick of course, are the ones having to assume that I am fast. And my the abortion. But,what about the Abortion has been up for reputation is more than definitely males–the other half of the pair debate for a long time. Many on the line at this point in time. that helps put a baby together? think that there will never Either I’m going to be a mom or What do they think? Ever not. I mean, should it really be a wondered? Well, I have and I be an answer, while others question? I am sure you all have decided to interview two males: simply believe that their heard this tragic story before, one pro-choice and the other opinion whether pro-choice either from a friend, family pro-life–both-strong-minded member, relative or even yourself. and straight-to-the-point. or pro-life is the answer! Regardless of when you heard First up is Mr. Joe Landrum who about this predicament you’ve is the administrative assistant for heard it before. public information at the National And, after hearing all of the details about pregnancy the Right To Life Committee (NRLC). He represents pro-life biggest, unsure-of-scared-of-who-you-should-tell question believers. His organization believes that innocent human comes into the picture. “Should there be an abortion?” life should be protected whether inside or outside the This question has been up for debate for so long. womb. Since they believe abortions should be illegal Many think that there will never be an answer, because they take away an innocent human life, I while others simply believe that their opinwondered what about the mother who is carion whether pro-choice or pro-life is simply rying the child. Doesn’t she have the right the answer. In my article for the first issue to say what should happen with her baby? of Rated-T dealing with teen pregnancy, continued on page 42
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any decisions that you, as a teen want to make, happens through the mayor’s office. If you want a later curfew, you have to go to the mayor. The mayor’s race is a forum for the mayoral candidates to tell you why you should vote for them. The candidates want your VOTE. They want to work for YOU. So you should take the time to find out about who they are and then pick the candidate you want to represent YOU. If you aren’t old enough to vote you can volunteer to help the candidate you think will represent you best. This summer our magazine staff came up with five issues we felt were most important to us: minimum wage, the environment, teen crime, gentrification and using money from the cigarette tax to fund city programs. And we went to a teen forum at the Cosmos Club on July 20, 2006 to hear the candidates speak and ask them questions based on those issues. We were able to interview three out of the five main candidates. We did not receive the opportunity to interview Adrian Fenty, who is in the lead. My staff and I learned how important the mayoral candidates are to us. We realized why we should care about who the mayor is. Based on our research and interviews, we came to the conclusion that Marie Johns should be mayor because we felt that she was the candidate who was the most real to us. We felt that most of the past DC mayors made false promises to the citizens of DC. Out of all the candidates, Marie Johns just seemed the most real and determined to do what she said. We need somebody like that to be mayor of DC. But you can decide for yourself by reading our results on the following pages. -Tiara Marshall, Editor-In-Chief
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Graphic design and photography by Ahmed Davis
To Be A Mom or Not to Be A Mom: Should It Even Be a Question?
Should teens care? The answer is simple. The new mayor will represent YOU.
SPECIAL SECTION
D.C.
Mayor’s Race
Brown
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MICHAEL
Reported by Percy Newton
Interview transcribed and edited by Charmiese Anderson
I interviewed Michael Brown at the Cosmos Club on June 20. The interview is on the next page. Michael Brown, candidate for mayor of the District of Columbia was born in Washington, DC and is employed as a lawyer. His father, Ron Brown who was killed in a plane crash always told him, “you do great by doing good.” I liked the way he answered my questions. He spoke clearly and he seems like someone who would do a good job representing Washington, DC.
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The Issues Minimum Wage
have hope so when you can look up and say Mayor Brown created these million opportunities for me. I want you to own your own business one day. It’s better then being an NBA star, because you know NBA contracts run out at some point. When you own your own business you can pass it on to your family and they pass it on to their kids its generational wealth. I want young folks to understand that they have a lot of opportunities out there for them and I’m going try to give them that.
When asked about minimum wage Mr. Brown response was that minimum wage is a weapon of mass destruction—you get a check, but it isn’t enough to live on. He wants to raise minimum wage because it’s a way to give people dignity and respect. And raising the minimum wage helps compete with those bad forces in folks neighborhoods that are offering more money then minimum wage. He stated that the government has to step up and spend a little more money to make sure our young people have what they need to survive in this city. Most folks that have minimum wage jobs have to get another job because that minimum wage job isn’t enough. That “Our growth means they’re spending less time with their families, less time at home and less time in on how well their neighborhood.
Environment
must be based our children are educated, how we care for the poor and reassure our seniors so that they can continue to afford to live in the District of Columbia”
When asked about the environment Mr. Brown response was “Well relative to the environment and pollution there’s something called returnable bottles instead of cans. With a nickel return for each bottle, which will be recycled, poor people will pick up those bottles because they want that nickel so you have a way to create a cleaner environment. When asked if it would be possible to let inmates come out clean up, Mr. Brown stated, “Believe it or not, we have 2,800 inmates coming back into our city over the next 24 months and these folks need jobs. And they need careers. They need hope and opportunity. I love that idea. It’s creative. I think anything that gets people to work in taking pride in their neighborhood is a good thing and I would definitely have to support that.”
Crime When asked about crime, Mr. Brown stated, “in regard to crime, black on black crime and public safety, he wants to give young people hope. When folks have hope and respect for each other they don’t commit crime. Today when young people fight each other it’s almost has to end in a deadly way. So people forget about tomorrow and their future. I’m going to create an environment where people find hope. I want you to
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Gentrification Mr. Brown said that gentrification doesn’t have to be a bad word. It’s a bad word in this city because gentrification in this city it means moving black people out and anything that’s about moving middle class, or black folks, or African Americans to me is not a good thing. It’s not fair. We can do both. I love the new folks coming into our city. I think diversity is great but it shouldn’t be at the expense of senior citizens, our middle class and frankly black people. I’m going to continue to stand up for that. Gentrification could also help redevelop neighborhoods but you don’t have to move people out to do that. Our leaders think you have to and I don’t agree with that. That’s one reason why I’m running for mayor. Percy Newton, a member of our summer crew will be in the 8th grade. Charmiese Anderson and Ahmed Davis are 2006 8th grade graduates of Blow Pierce Junior Academy
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Cropp LINDA
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ated-T reporter Lashay Singletary had a chance to interview mayoral candidate, Linda Cropp at a construction site on L Street in downtown DC. She was having a press conference at this location to announce her new job training initiative. During her press conference she spoke about how she could change the District but our Rated-T staff was not convinced since she has been in office for a long time and has not done many of the things she is promising now. In her campaign she has outlined a vision with new plans for the District. You can read about part of this vision from answers she gave to Lashay on the issues of minimum wage, jobs, homelessness, affordable housing, gang-related crime and using the cigarette tax to fund programs for the needy. Photo by Ahmed Davis. Transcription by
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Charmiese Anderson. Lashay Singletary attends Woodson Collegiate Academy. Ahmed Davis and Chameise Anderson are 2006 graduates of Blow Pierce Junior Academy.
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The Issues
Minimum Wage and Employment Today I announced my Job Opportunities Initiative that would provide better training program for our workers, expand daycare opportunities so that mothers will be able to get out to work, improve literacy for our residents so that they would have the skills to apply for and take the tests for jobs, and expand vocational and apprenticeship training programs so that our residents will have marketable skills to become electricians, carpenters and plumbers– job that pay really good wages. In addition, I want to create educational programs so that those who want to go to college will have the skills necessary to be successful. We want our apprenticeship and vocational programs to be accessible to all DC residents so that they will be able to get a marketable skill that they can use throughout their lives. And we want our high schools to graduate students who are ready for a clear choice of going into the world of work or going on to higher education in a college or university setting.
Homelessness We have a comprehensive housing task force program that I helped to fund with recommendations for 55,000 more housing units in the city. For homelessness, part of the solution is to help those who need it get treatment for mental health issues and also provide more single room occupancy for individuals where they would be provided with a single room for themselves personally while living in a group environment. We are also seeing an explosion of more families who are homeless and we are planning to build programs around that.
Teen Crime There is no doubt that gang-on-gang activities are harmful and we should discourage them. We need to prevent this. We can do that by having community-based organizations
rating help the city. There are a lot of young group-lead organizations that go out and talk to our young people to give them a sense of hope and let them know that they are loved and that there are other things that they can do outside of joining gangs. Young people don’t have to be accepted only in a gang. They can be accepted by doing other activities. We need to provide those opportunities for our young folks.
Gentrification/Affordable Housing We should have affordable housing for people who grew up in this city and for people who work in this city. They should all be able to live in this city. DC is big enough for everyone to come in. I have a program on my website, LindaCroppforMayor.com where I outline different steps toward affordable housing. We can just say to developers, “if we’re giving you this land to develop for housing, there’s going to be a certain number of units that must be for affordable housing. And when I say affordable, I
“I want to create educational programs so that those who want to go to college will have the skills necessary to be successful.” mean that people who make anywhere from $18,000 to $80,000 per year should be able to afford a house. That’s the type of program that we’re going to have in a Cropp administration—to let people who work in the city also be able to live in it.
A Cigarette Tax I am not necessarily in favor of increasing taxes. In order to raise a tax, I’ve got to make sure that there is no other way we can bring more money in. I would rather run a more efficient government and bring in more revenue than
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Johns MARIE
I am Tiara Marshall and I interviewed Marie Johns, candidate for mayor of the District of Columbia at a teen forum at the Cosmos Club in Washington, DC. I decided to interview her to learn more about her ideas on what she would do if she was elected mayor.
Marie Johns was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 19, 1951. Johns is currently 54 years old but she will soon be 55. She grew up with her sister and mother. During her first year of high school, her family moved to the suburbs in order for her to get a better education and more challenges. In 1979, she earned a B.S in urban studies and political analysis. She also earned a M.S. in management, public policy analysis and budgeting. She attended Harvard University and the University of Virginia studying federal regulations policy and financial management respectively. Johns began her career as a fiscal analyst in the Indian Legislative Service Agency. Afterwards, she was hired as the employee supervisor for Bell Atlantic Corp. Then she became director and president of the Bell Atlantic Corp. She is currently one of the top five mayoral candidates running to be mayor of Washington, DC.
When I asked my first question on employment and minimum wage to all of the candidates, Marie Johns had the best answer. She wants to make jobs year-round so we c we can earn money and experience. From that point on, every question that she answered was perfect. And that is why I encourage you to vote for Marie Johns. 18 rated-t Fall 2006 18 rated-t Fall 2006
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The Issues Minimum Wage On the issue of employment Johns stressed that we have to look as a city to make sure that if people are working hard that they make a livable wage. And in addition to their wage, we also have to make sure that people have affordable housing and a safe place to stay because it all goes together. She went on to say that whatever you make if you can’t afford a house on your salary, then it still doesn’t do you any good in terms of being able to stay in the District. She promised to work with business to create jobs that pay and houses where people can afford to live.
Affordable Housing When asked about affordable housing Ms. Johns response was “Well we need to have affordable housing all over the city and what I will do as mayor is make sure that we use all of our federal dollar to help support affordable housing. And I am also going to look to organizations already looking at development in our city like National Capital Revitalization Corp. They work with non-profit developers and with the for-profit community. They know everyone in the community who is involved in
“I am committed to providing employment opportunities for young people... ”
Clean Up The Anacostia When I asked her about the environment she stated “I think our city is dirtier than it should be. As mayor, I promise you that I am going to launch a campaign against litter. I want everybody to know that if they litter, we don’t want them in our city. We love our city, we want it to be beautiful and we have to respect it. So no to litter and I’m also working with Anacostia Waterfront Corp to make sure that we work with other community groups around the city like the Earth Conversation Core to get everybody involved in cleaning the river. We want our river to be restored to health in time for the baseball stadium and in time for the new homes that are going to be built there as a resource for all of us to enjoy. So that would be very important to me.”
Teen Crime When asked about the issue of crime she said, “For our police officers, I will insist that they go through sensitivity training and they understand that in order to keep their jobs, they have to respect and value all of the citizens in the District. They are sworn to protect all of us, no matter what age, they are protectors. As it related to crime and gangs and so on, the approach that I will use, Tiara, is work with nonprofit organizations like Peace-A-Holics. I think that group does a very good job at mediation and working with and stopping the beefs between girl crews and gangs. So I think that the most important thing I can do as mayor is to help organizations like Peace-A-Holics build their capacity so they could work with more organizations for young people.
affordable housing. So, as mayor I will go to them and say, Hey I need your help, I need you to come with an emergency plan for how we can get as much affording housing available in the city as possible. And they are very smart people. They are hard working and I know that they will have a plan for me that we can present to the people and get moving”. Cigarette Taxing When asked about cigarette taxing Ms. Johns response was, “First of all, I am a business woman so I don’t really like the idea of raising taxes. Although if we had to consider raising taxes, I would prefer to raise taxes on something like cigarettes, one of the “Sin Taxes.” But we have a 10-billion dollar budget in the District of Columbia. And I think that it is most important for us to learn how to live within our budget, looking how we can save money in certain area in order to fund social service needs the city. I am committed to building rec. centers, libraries, and employment opportunities for young people. As leader of the city, as mayor, it would be my responsibility to figure out how to pay for that.
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Antartica? Why Would Anyone Want to Go There?
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Tiara Marshall went to National Science Foundation to find out about the ozone hole over Antartica but found much more!
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ntarctica is an icy, isolated continent, where the South Pole is located. I know what you are thinking, why? Why Antarctica? Well the answer will become clear when you read my story. At first I wanted to report on how bad the ozone layer was deteriorating (which was over Antarctica) but I realized that there is so much information about Antarctica that I wanted to expose to the teen world. But why should you care? Again the answer is simple. You want to live in a clean and wellkept environment. I went to the National Science Foundation to interview Tom Wagner, director of the Office of Polar Programs and ended up talking with and interviewing him and his colleagues. Well let’s start with one thing at a time. First, let me tell you about the ozone layer and what I learned.
UNCF helps thousands of deserving students. But we have to turn away thousands more. So please give to the United Negro College Fund. Your donation will make a difference. Visit uncf.org or call 1-800-332-8623.
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The Ozone Layer is a region of the upper atmosphere, between about 15 and 30 kilometers (10 and 20 miles) in altitude, that absorbs solar ultraviolet radiation (sun rays). I learned that the thinning of the ozone layer and the appearance of a visible “hole” over the South Pole (the tip of the Earth’s axis, located in Antarctica) has been the subject of extensive public policy discussions, media coverage, national legislation and international treaties. The prohibition of the use of chlorofluorocarbons (chlorine based elements) in the United States and many other nations, is perhaps the most visible result to date of this debate. I personally don’t think that people really realize the importance of the ozone layer because if they did then they would realize that without the ozone layer they would instantly burn and fry to death. The chemicals in most of the everyday items we use (refrigerators, air conditioners, and aerosol sprays) goes up into the
air and travels down to Antarctica by wind during the Antarctic winter. And during that time, the chemicals break down the atmosphere to make the ozone hole deteriorate even further (basically every year the ozone hole gets bigger). Oxygen helps rebuild the ozone, but during the Antarctic winter, for 6 months there is no light to help make oxygen. That’s part of the reason why the ozone layer is disappearing. Clearly, this is a big problem that really needs to be solved and that’s why I am reporting this story. Another exciting part of Antarctica are the amazing discoveries. For instance, just recently in December 2003 within a period of two weeks, researchers working in separate sites, thousands of miles apart in Antarctica found what they believe are the fossilized remains of two species of dinosaurs previously unknown to science. One of the two dinosaurs, the Elvisaurus, is an early carnivore that would have lived many millions of years after the other, a plant-eating beast that roamed the Earth. One was found at the sea bottom, the other on a mountaintop. Features of the animal’s bones and teeth led the researchers to surmise the animal may represent a population of carnivores that survived in the Antarctic long after they had been succeeded by other predators elsewhere on the globe. The remains include fragments of an upper jaw with teeth, isolated individual teeth and most of the bones from the animal’s lower legs and feet. The creature likely inhabited the area millions of years ago when the climate was similar to conditions in today’s Pacific Northwest and basically different than they are today. Now, I hope that you have a better understanding of why I wrote this article. I hope you realize that Antarctica is more exciting and that there are more mysteries that you can’t begin to comprehend. I hope that whoever is reading this article might want to contribute to the research in Antarctica in the future. Tiara Marshall is a 2006 graduate of Blow Pierce Junior Academy. Photo courtesy of National Science Foundation.
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Will The Threats of Deforestation Affect You In The Long Haul?
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by Kameisha Hodge
ainforests are key to many conditions in the world. Rainforest trees are generally large in size. Because of this, they absorb a great deal of the carbon dioxide and other harmful chemicals that exist in the atmosphere. At the same time, these trees keep the hole in the ozone layer from growing. Now that many of the rainforests are being cut down, carbon dioxide and other harmful greenhouse gases are escaping into the ozone layer. What may seem like one little issue can cause a number of other problems. For instance, if the hole in the ozone layer continues to grow, the earth will act as a sponge and soak up the heat that the sun gives off. Because of this greenhouse effect, the heat will be absorbed by the earth, causing the polar caps to melt. If the polar caps melt, then the ocean and sea levels will rise. If the sea level rises many of the coastlines of the world will be underwater including Washington, DC. Rainforests are Earth’s safety nets. Whenever its inhabitants go overboard with the use of hairspray, air freshener, and roach spray, the rainforests suck up chlorofluorocarbons, carbon dioxide, and other harmful chemicals like a vacuum. Rainforests provide scientists with possible cures to chronic diseases, such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, and diabetes. Not only do rainforests provide shelter to thousands of wildlife creatures, but they serve as homes to many indigenous people. Even though the importance of rainforests is quite obvious, these million year old historical monuments are still being torn down relentlessly. Why? Rainforests are being chopped down to create feeding
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grounds for cattle, industrial and urban areas, and farms. The wood from the giant trees are being used to create paper, furniture, and other office supplies. The fruit and substances that these trees have are extracted and put in your chewing gum and coffee. At the end of the day, there is nothing left to do but to sit back and ask yourself, is it really worth it? We cannot replace the number of ecosystems that were destroyed. We can’t bring back the indigenous people that were wrongfully cheated out of their land. We can’t afford to lose 2% of Earth’s surface due to deforestation. But we can take a few measures to help in the effort to save rainforests.
What You Can Do
• Use less paper. Or if you’re not the neatest person, use
recycled or tree-free paper.
catch the bus, or walk.
is better than none.
cows that grazed on land that was once inhabited by hun dreds of plants and animals.
goal is to eliminate deforestation altogether. With as little as $25, you can help save an acre of lives. I promise you’ll feel better about it in the morning.
• Instead of using unnecessary gas and oil; carpool, bike, • Educate others on the threats of deforestation. One voice • Eat less red meat. The hamburgers from McDonald’s were • Donate or fundraise! There are many companies whose
Kameisha Hodge is a senior at Woodson Collegiate Academy. Photo courtesy of IStockPhoto.
L
Talley
Or Lack Thereof
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Rainforest Retreats
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Nadean
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emurs are becoming an endangered species. And when I first heard about the lemurs becoming endangered, I said to myself, “Why are these cute little animals becoming endangered”? I was curious so last week I went down to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and spoke with Mr. Adam Tomasek about the lemurs and why they are becoming endangered. He told me some of the reasons are because the trees in Madagascar are being burned and cut down and that eagles in Madagascar are eating the smaller lemurs. I asked him what could I do to help the Lemurs from becoming endangered and he told me that I could do what I was already doing–finding more information on the Lemurs and writing about them. We talked about the different species of Lemurs and the natural habitat of the Lemur in Madagascar, which is an island separated from Africa. We also talked about their natural diet which is nuts, fruits, and insects. And we talked about an extinct species of the Lemur which was called the Gorilla Lemur because it looked like a gorilla AND weighed over 200 pounds. The weight of the normal Lemur is 20 pounds. I saw that Lemur and it was big. I know you may be wondering if kangaroos and other mammals have names for their kids then what is a baby lemur called? A baby lemur is called a baby lemur. Now, how can you help me save the lemurs? Contact the World Wildlife Fund at www.worldwildlife.org. This article was written and designed by Nadean Talley who will be a 6th grade student at Blow Pierce Junior Academy. Photo courtesy of IStockPhoto.com.
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Child C Soldiers
hildren in Africa are kidnapped and forced to become soldiers. Their parents are killed. They are forced to take drugs so they will become addicted to drugs and not run away. They are locked up with nothing to eat or drink but dried cassava and dirty water. They are given two choices—live and kill people including pregnant women and their babies, or die. This is a problem that needs to stop. I believe we can help young soldiers in countries like Sierra Leone, Liberia, the Sudan and Rwanda by adopting them if they no longer have parents or cannot find their parents. We Americans can make a change to save these innocent children because they are on drugs. And let’s not forget we can donate money for food and to help stop the wars in Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Liberia so everybody gets peace. (Editor’s Note: You can contact Save the Children or Amnesty International to find out how you can help.)
by Shawn Barber
Shawn Barber will be a 6th grade student at the IDEA School. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
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AfricanImmigrants Illegal Immigrants from Africa Risk Their Lives to Get to Spain by Percy Newton Illegal immigrants from Africa come from Morroco and various countries in Africa to Spain by crossing the Straights of Gibralter. They are desperate and starving and they go to Spain to find ways to feed their families. They use transportation such as swimming and damaged boats. Some of them die and are washed up on beaches in southern Spain. Many of these Africans are sick and they all need jobs. I interviewed Deborah Julian from the Banyan Tree Foundation who told me about the experiences she had when she was living on the coastline of southern Spain in an area where many Africans were coming over. She told me about a mountain in Morocco that could be seen from Spain, which means, in other words, that it is not impossible for immigrants to come over illegally because southern Spain is so close to Africa. She saw people trying to hide in trees and apartment complexes. She heard about people washing up on the shore who would then try to run as far as they could to escape being captured and sent back to Africa. She said that if Spainish authorities found the illegal immigrants, they would take them to the nearest high school and put them in a gym until the Red Cross came and got them. Some of the Africans who were caught were sent back to Africa. I was told that some of the Spainards were a little frightened to go near the sick people because they may have AIDS or a disease called Malaria. African immigrants in Spain will find alot of challenges that they don’t want to deal with. They might be arrested, beaten or experience racism. That concludes my story. Percy Newton will be in the 8th grade this fall. Photo: Getty Images.
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Alicia’s Advice
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By: Alicia Wade Photo by Ahmed Davis
Have Patience and Time For Your Kids Hello, readers. It’s me again, Alicia. I’m continuing my amazing advice column. This time my topic, of course for adults, is “How to Have Patience and Time for Your Kids.” I’m sure when you read this title you said to yourself, “Oh, she is just going to tell parents to listen to their kids and blah, blah, blah!” Well, you are wrong! This advice column will go deeper.
Silence and Unspoken Words I don’t know if all the parents in the world notice, but many times children tend to become quiet when they have something on their minds. And sometimes when children are quiet and have no one to go to, they may start to take actions on their own. This is dangerous because if you don’t have time for your children others will—like friends who could have a negative effect on your children’s lives. As an old quote goes “Silence is deadly.” The one time your child may be holding back may be the last time. Never miss the opportunity to ask questions or show concern. I believe when children are silent they’re really begging for your attention—loud and clear. And yes, they may even say, “Oh, I’m Okay,” but nine times out of ten they need that extra push and extra attention from you so that they know and understand you really are there and care.
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Living & Loving Time A new loved one has entered your life. He/She has swept you off your feet. Does that mean that your children don’t exist anymore? NO, they are still there. As a matter of fact they are always going to be there. I believe your children are your first priority. I don’t care what the situation may be. You need to understand that your children’s feelings should always come first. I don’t care who this new love is. When your children need you, you need to come running. Find time for them. Don’t let all of your time be spent with your new love. Your children need to know that they are loved. You can say you love them all you want, but if you don’t show them, then what good is it for you to say it? Ask your children how they feel about your new love? Remember deep down they have an opinion, too. They need to be able to express it at all times. Be patient with them even if they aren’t patient with you. It can take children many months to adjust to the new person you brought into their lives. Don’t expect that the new person will easily sweep them away like they might have done for you. Patience is needed when you are a parent. Oh, and please don’t use the excuse that you are not a patient person. Because, honestly you need to learn to be patient if you have children. Not only is patience needed but also time, concern, love and an ear to hear to exactly what your children are feeling.
Money Can’t Buy Happiness Some parents have spoiled their children with money to the point they actually believe the way to keep their children happy is to simply throw a couple of dollars at them! Oh, No. Your children are not made up of
money. No, you cannot think that money buys happiness. Because if you do, you are surely heading down the wrong path. It doesn’t matter if you are Bill Gates! Well maybe it does. (Smile) I’m just joking. Honestly, even if you were Bill Gates your children wouldn’t have money because Bill Gates himself said that he wasn’t
“ Your children need to know that they are loved. You can say you love them all you want, but if you don’t show them, then what good does it do say it?” leaving his kids a dime! He feels as though they need to work for what they want. In reality money comes and goes. Relationships with your children last forever. Finding time to bond with your children is more important than just fulfilling their financial needs. Next time you give them money to go spend, go with them.
All Work & No Play=No Time for Your Children Bills have to be paid. No doubt about it. But does your constant working have an effect on the lives of your kids? While your’re at work all through the week (24/7), your children could be up to something you could have helped to avoid. I’m not saying you need to quit your job. NO, NO, NO! Because if you make that move you could be risking your family’s welfare. What I am saying is that you need to find time. Sometime over the weekend or the free time that you may have to relax you just want to sleep. You need to make a sacrifice every now and then for your children. Do you want your children to get into the mindset that you just work and sleep? NO, because then they start to feel neglected. Love and time are just as important as food and money! Overall, I believe that you parents should always make time for your children. Don’t wait ‘till tomorrow because tomorrow isn’t promised to anyone! Make sure your children are always your first priority and that you always take the time out for them even to do the littlest things which in the end could mean the biggest things to them. Last, but not least, I leave you with this thought, Have patience with your children. And make time for them ALWAYS! No Excuses! Look forward to more advice in the next Rated-T Magazine. For any exciting topics that you may like to see in the next article please feel free to email anytime at info@friendshipnewsnetwork.com Alicia Wade and Ahmed Davis are 2006 graduates of Blow Pierce Junior Academy
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DREAM IS T H
NATASHA YOUNG
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BY PORSHA ARRINGTON
The question is, is the dream still alive? The answer is NO. You have read in
books how this great man stood up for injustice. You heard your parents when they told you of the woman who didn’t leave her seat. You listen to your grand-
parents’ long list of events in their childhood during a time when people of color were condemned to a future of servitude. You have seen the movies and heard about all the great people who tried to change the world and bring peace between races. But what you don’t see is what is going on now. The word “nigga” used constantly everyday by the very people it was meant to tear down. The violence on the streets where everyday a young person of color is killed—not by the hand of the white man but by his or her own brothers and sisters. Young people of color are more frequently going to jail. To me this makes the work of those great leaders meaningless. They fought for freedom and stood up for their rights. They stopped injustice and paved the way for our future. And we show our appreciation by destroying each other’s lives and bringing shame to people of color. Why did they even bother? Kids today don’t even have the committment that the ones before us had—Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Jesse Jackson and so many others. We all in some way, shape or form have lost sight of the dream. Yes, there is still injustice between the races. And that is still the big concern. But it seems that people of color need more protection from each other rather than from the opposite race. In our world view you can’t be too dark or too light. You can’t wear a certain thing because you will be dressing white. You can’t do your work or talk proper or you will be accused of trying to be white. People of color have not been set up to fail, they have already mentally programmed themselves and said that the outcome of their lives is to be on welfare, in prison or selling drugs. They don t realize that in order to honor the people who fought so hard to make it possible for us to have equal rights, we have to stop being lazy and do something with our lives—go to school, do our work, get a job, be smart, positive and nonviolent. If we can do these things then we can live and enjoy the dream that the ones before us created to make this world a better place—not only our future but for the future of our children and our children’s children. Then the work of our ancestors would not die but live on
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“Personally, I think both, because people take things for granted these days–like education. For a while we couldn’t get a good education and now that we can, people our age drop out or just don’t take education seriously. And now, alot of people ALICIA WADE start trouble with other people for no reason at all either in school or in “Yes, I honestly do believe the hood. I really wish that the dream still lives on. they would stop the war The reason why is because it in the streets and still influences young blacks increase the peace”. today. Not only that, but segregation is not like it was before. We have freedom. We actually can express our opinions. However, when it comes to the dream being alive for individuals, Shanika Adisoye I honestly think we need more dreams. But, no matter “Yes, I do believe the dream is how strong the alive because life goes on. dream is, in But, don’t add to the negativity the end people because even if you can’t make have to change peace personally, you can try to within themcalm things down a little by not selves for being racist or mean to other the dream people.” to really be alive.” Is The Dream Alive was designed by Ahmed Davis. Shanika Adesioye, Alicia Wade, Natasha Young and Ahmed Davis are 2006 graduates of Blow Pierce Junior Academy.
through our families and through us. Porsha Arrington is a 2006 graduate of Woodson Collegiate Academy and will be attending college this fall.
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DREAM IS T H
E
Sometimes I feel the need to cry, Because of our ancestors lives. They were put through so much trouble, A terrible terrible struggle. They didn’t deserve what they got, But they got it and it was alot. Today the world is so cruel, We should all follow the golden rule. People are very very rude, They walk the streets with an attitude. Poeple don’t realize the value of what they have, They make me so frustrated and mad. Because we have things our ancestors didn’t have, And yet they treat them so terrible and bad. Do you understand what I’m saying to you? Pay attention to the things that you do. We get education and live a free life, But yet a while ago we couldn’t because our skin “wasn’t right.” So I’m just saying keep the dream alive, Keep the dream alive and Fight,Fight,Fight! Written by Natasha Young Graphic design by Ahmed Davis
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Claudette Colvin An unknown woman who took her seat in civil rights history before Rosa Parks
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by Samuel Murray
ello, I am Samuel Murray and the purpose of this article is to inform the general public about the person who really brought about the end of segregation on public transportation. I think this is something really interesting that everyone needs to know. Rosa Parks has always been percieved as the person who ended segregation on public transportation. In actuality, she was one four people who wanted to bring about change by not giving up her seat on the bus to a white person. Did you know that the first person to take a stand against segregation on a bus was fifteen-year-old Claudette Colvin! On March 2, 1955, Claudette was arrested and charged with assault for breaking the law by not giving up her seat on the bus to a Caucasian. She stated that she was tired of this injustice and that something needed to be done. Her actions sparked the case known as Browder v. Gail that went to the Supreme Court and won. The courts declared that segregation on buses was unconstitutional in December of 1956. The part about the whole story that is so unbelievable to me is the fact that Rosa Parks never even acknowledged her fifteen-year-old mentoree Claudette. She actually assisted Ms. Colvin in her studies and was an influential role model in Claudette’s life.
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The main reason that Claudette’s action was not publicized was because the NAACP did not believe she was the right person to represent them. The fact that she did not receive acknowledgement from the black community is amazing and incredible, don’t you think? What I find even more awkward is that the NAACP wanted to began a boycott against the public transportation companies because of what happened to Claudette. However, she was not what they were looking for. Rosa Parks was offered her chance Dec 1, 1955 when a white male asked her to leave her seat. Because Ms. Parks was affiliated with the NAACP, they felt she would be the perfect person to represent them even though Rosa Parks decided to make her stand nine months after Ms. Colvin. The question that comes to my mind is whether Ms. Parks acted on her own, or as a result of Claudette. Did Rosa Parks act a as a leader or as a follower? I wonder if Rosa Parks decided not give up her seat for personal and private reasons or because she wanted to be the NAACP’s public icon for Alanta’s Boycott. Either way Both Rosa Parks and Claudette Colvin have done a great service for their race and their nation. Thank you. Samuel Murray is a 2006 8th grade gruaduate of Blow Pierce Junior Academy.
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Dream Psychic
Fiction and Graphic Design by Nadean Talley
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2/23/2043. Thirteen-year-old Nadean (A.K.A Dean, A.K.A Boobee) was sitting in her yard with her friends. They were talking to each other about their dreams. As they were talking, one of her friends noticed he date was
that down the street the stuff that was happening in her dream was happening in real life.
She said, “Dean turn around and look but keep on dreaming your dream.” At the moment Dean turned her head, she realized what was going on. But she thought that if any one found out about her they’d think she was a freak. So that night she ran away to the Amazon. Day after day she realized she was getting strange powers. For instance, she started to float from time to time. She didn’t know was going on. Meanwhile … at her house she was reported missing and was nowhere to be found. People were looking everywhere for her. Back in the amazon, Dean made herself a home out of trees and branches. She ate berries and fruit. It seemed as if she was getting used to the Amazon habitat. She actually had animal friends who taught her more about the habitat.
Day after day her powers became stronger and stronger. She could even move objects with her mind. She sometimes thinks about going back home. But then that freak thing comes back to her brain. So she decided to stay and live in the Amazon forever. Now and then she thinks about her family.
Dean is floating over the lake.
Nadean Talley is a 6th grade student at Blow Pierce Junior Academy
Life as a Superhero Fiction and Graphic Design By Shawn Barber
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ife as a superhero is hard. You have to save the world, go to school, and make it back home in time for dinner. That is too much for me. Sometimes I wish I never had these powers in my life. It all started when I was 6. I wanted to be just like Superman–strong, young and handsome, with the ablility to fly, fight and use laser vision. I knew it wasn’t going to happen because it was not real. I never stopped believing I could be a superhero and that paid off. I grew up to be a scientist and made a new drink that I was testing. But, I put in too many chemicals and when I tested it, I felt dizzy and went home to take a rest. When I woke up I was floating. I thought I was dreaming so I slapped myself and I felt it. Then I said that I was not asleep. I’m
awake. This can’t be happening. It’s an experiment under my bed that makes me float (I checked under the bed but there was nothing under it). I thought I was crazy but I wasn’t. So, I opened the door and I pulled the screws off the door. I went to eat some breakfast but I had no heat. All of a sudden I made heat with my laser vision and I was thrilled. Then as I was walking to work, I saw a lady get her purse taken by a man. So I ran after him until I got tired and remembered I could fly. But how? I ran and jumped and started to fly, caught the man in his tracks, got the purse, gave it to the lady and flew away. When I got the hang of my powers, I started to save my city–Oblige city. What is my name? Some people say Dominator. Some say Blink. But I say the Indisputable Hero.
Shawn Barber is a 6th grade student at Idea School
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Tips for Girls BY EBONI STEWART
Do you want to live it up! Or, as I will say, live your life like it’s golden and turn heads while doing it? I know that when you look great, you feel great. Catch your passion for fashion and become superstylin’ with the inside story on the latest and hottest trends. Be fabulous and funky with fashion. I will help you look your best from head to toe and create a life that is free-spirited and fun
Shay’s hairstyle. Shay is my best friend.
HAIR
Some girls may think that having to deal with your hair is well, annoying because I do. But if you put in a little effort, you can get big results! My tips are good for different types of hair because everybody is a little different. Choosing a hairstyle that symbolizes how you feel inside is a good way to go. If dull is the word that best describes your hair, help revive the shine with herbs. Use a shampoo with rosemary and/or peppermint extract to stimulate your scalp and help generate the shine with herbs. Use a shampoo with rosemary and/or peppermint extract to stimulate your scalp and help generate the shine from within. To tackle the problem from the outside use neutral henna which will coat your hair but not change the color. If your hair needs a shot of confidence to keep it from falling flat, try a shampoo with protein. Rather then use a conditioner, try a lighter cream rinse, or rub a dab of leave in conditioner over your palms and smooth it through your hair after you wash it. Do you have hair that freaks out at the first sign of humidity? Do your lovely curls turn to frizz the minute you walk right out your house ? Then you need some coconut–coconut conditioner, that is. Choose one that has real coconut oil in it and watch the frizz turn to smooth in no time. Do this for three weeks.
My Hot Hair Tip
Here is my hot hair tip that I am going to share with you.
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lip tips
Step 1: CIRUCLATION BOOSTER Lightly massage your scalp. Bend at the waist and brush your hair from the nape of your neck to the crown of your head. Twenty-five to fifty strokes should be enough to get your scalp to tingle.
When choosing lipstick colors, consider your mood and how you want to make others feel. Here are some colors.
Step 2: PRE-WASH SHINE AND CONDITION Wet your hair and massage your favorite deep conditioner into your scalp and through your hair. Wrap your head in a towel and relax for fifteen to twenty minutes. Then wash with shampoo and use a light cream rinse afterwards. For extra shine, Use lemon juice or apple cider vinger for a final rinse.
1. Always use lip balm before going to bed or your lips will be chapped.
Step 3: THE FINISHING TOUCHES Create your favorite style with a blow dryer and/or styling products. Add some glitter for hot highlights. Spritz some perfume into the air and let the mist fall down over your head.
My Hot Hair Trick
Uh-oh! Somehow you have managed to get a big, juicy wad of gum in your hair. Before you reach for the scissors, try this age-old trick. Spread a glob of peanut butter through your hair until the gum comes out. The peanut butter will wash out with a regular shampoo.
You are closer to having perfect hair then u think.
* Spriz some of your favorite perfume over your hair * Braid your hair when it is wet and comb it out with your fingers after it dries for a gentle wavy effect
Red- If you are daring Pink- If you are shy Cinnamon- If you are sweet Plum- If you are mysterious Nude- If you can’t commit
2. Before applying color, lightly dust your lips with powder. 3. Line lips with a shade that is slighty darker than your lipstick. 4. Apply lipstick to lips. 5. Smooth gloss over lipstick. For an extra special look add a little glitter. 6. Apply lip balm frequently! This will keep your lips from getting too dry.
Try these lip flavors
* PINEAPPLE * GREEN APPLE * CHERRY * CHOCOLATE * COCONUT * STRAWBERRY * GRAPE * BLUEBERRY * ORANGE
You can find these flavors at the beauty supply store Eboni Stewart is a 7th grade student at Blow Pierce Junior Academy
* Use temporary hair color
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Kids In Uniforms
So what if he wears tight jeans, and so what if she likes baggy jeans? Does that really reflect their personality?
Should Kids Have To Wear Uniforms?
If a female walks out in public and she has on baggy jeans, Dub Zeros (20’s), no earrings and is just acting like a male, does it means that she’s gay? It could just mean that she is a tomboy or that she likes dressing in boy’s clothing. I know a couple of people who dress like that. And that’s just who they are. They just like wearing that kind of clothing and more than likely they feel more comfortable. Maybe they are gay. But maybe not. If someone chooses to dress in a certain way, let them. You CAN’T judge a book by its cover.
By Samuel Murray • Graphic Design by Tiara Marshall Ever since I was very little, I have always had to wear a uniform and never really understood why. I was told that uniforms look professional. But I have now come to the conclusion that as a young adult and a teen, I should be able to dress comfortably, neatly, cleanly and professionally without being assigned the same old tired outfit. There are several possible reasons I can think of that can explain why students would not be permitted to wear what they want . (1) To prevent tribulations and altercations outside of the school grounds. I say this because in many incidents students get robbed for wearing $200 Nikes or Sean John. (2) To cause a stress-free environment and to cause less problems with teachers. Uniforms provide a distraction-free environment so that kids are less excited and there is less “johning” and more learning. All of these things have been proven to be facts. But in my opinion 99.9% of all students would much rather wear anything than wear uniforms and that can proven! “Our parents always say that we have to grow up. Part of growing up is learning how to dress in a respectable and official style appropriate for the business world,” says Regina Freeman, a former student at Blow Pierce. According to the survey I conducted among my friends, most students really don’t like uniforms.
Now that we have an open and honest opinion from the kids, lets just see what our principal, Mr. Ralph Neal has to say. “A school needs order and what better way to keep a school structured and neat than to have uniforms. We need to keep our school orderly and most of all stress-free. Uniforms provide safety and security for children and their parents. Not only that but we dress to impress and what better way to impress our opponents than by showing we are a team.” says our principal Mr. Neil. I definitely think that Mr. Neil’s words had a great impact on my article and I thank him for his time. Finally, what do parents have to say? Rated-T asked a parent and she said although initially it could be expensive to provide uniforms, in the long run it was much easier for her children to be on time because there was no choice to make in the morning. Sam Murray and Tiara Marshall are 8th grade graduates of Blow Pierce Junior Academy. 36 rated-t Fall 2006
Males
There is nothing wrong with being on a feminine trip sometimes.That’s what I call it when my brother goes down that road sometimes. Some boys just think they are to pretty or sexy but that’s just confidence. Should you be careful about what you wear around your boys if what you wear brings out your feminine side? Hey, they might think that there is something wrong with that or you? If your boys know that you aren’t gay and you just have a feminine side, it’s okay! If you are heterosexual and don’t want to appear gay, then don’t were vivid and fitted clothing.
Does Your Taste In
Clothing Indicate Your Personality!
(Does it Really Matter?) By Shaneka Adesioye Photo by Ahmed Davis
Females
To my kind, my gender, My “Ladies Of Distinction”...Is it sometimes okay to dress boyish? Yes, there are times when you need to dress lady-like. For instance, you would wear a dress to go to a very special restaurant. But, just because we are women or young ladies, is it always in our nature to just sit there and look pretty? (NOT). I think it’s okay to dress boyish if you feel like it and that’s when it flies. Finally, don’t judge. What you need to think about is if you come at some one in a harsh way because of their appearance, they will probably come back at you wrong, making it a little shaky for the both of you. Then it could be a problem. So, to avoid the whole drama thing, how about just ignoring the outer look and finding out about the truth within! Although the question may be, “Does the way you dress determine your personality?” The answer is clearly proven. NO! Shaneka Adesioye is an 8th grade graduates of Blow Pierce Junior Academy.
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Environmental
Film Festival
Story and Film Reviews by Keith Wiggins and Porsha Arrington Graphic Design by Brandon Walker Copyediting by Brandon Walker, Geoffrey Thompson and Diana Webster
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n December 16, 2005 Rated-T Magazine got the chance to sit down with three members of the Environmental Film Festival staff: Annie Kamper, Helen Strong and Andy Fernandez. The Enivronmental Film Festival was founded by Flo Stone, who created it so that people would pay closer attention to environmental issues. The festival invites filmakers who have made films about the environment from all over the world to show their films. They usually ask for good films that have already been in other festivals. Members of the festival staff then try to find the best venue for that film. The festival also highlights many places in our city. Some of the places where the films will be shown include the Anacostia Museum, the Martin Luther King Library, the Embassy of Austria and the Museum of African Art. There are many different types of programs in the festival. New this year is the First Annual Student Film Festival which will be held at American University. Students can submit films that focus on issues that all people can watch. It’s really important for students to particpate in the festival because it gives them the chance to both show their work and get their names out in the public. Student films are 2-3 minutes long, so that all students can participate. And, every year there is a chance for volunteers to participate. There are many different jobs for volunteers including ushering. The Environmental Film Festival is a city-wide event with many great films and many opportunities for everyone to participate. For more information you can visit their website at dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org -Keith Wiggins and Geoffrey Thompson.
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Boys of Baraka (Life Has Many Ups and Downs)
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he opening scene of Boys of Baraka, had me on my feet, because of its symbolic representation. It’s about young men in inner-city Baltimore. The environment that they lived in was very difficult. Their school was trashy and the boys behaved badly, skipped school and got poor grades. Their teacher had to get “tuff ” with the young men to get them straight because of their behavior. One day the hard facts came down when their teacher, gave them three choices: a jail suit, a business suit or a cap and gown. She told the boys that as a last resort, she would be sending some of them to Kenya to a school called Baraka. When they arrived in Barkara for the beginning of the school year, most of the boys thought that because they were in Africa, they were going to stay in huts. But they actually stayed in a house. Everyday, their advisors got the boys up early to do exercises. After the workout, the boys went to classes including a class to learn the language of Kenya. They were also taught English and reading.
Many things happened to the boys during their stay in Kenya. One day an argument broke out in class. One boy was mad because he said the language teacher lied because Kenya wasn’t anything like she said it would be. He thought it would be all fun and games. Another boy, Romash, packed his bags because he wanted to go home. One night, Keith Affleck, the counselor, held a group discussion. During the discussion, some of the boys said the school was too strict. One boy said that he would keep on trying and never give up. When the boys arrived in Baraka, most of them were on a 2nd grade level in reading. But on the day the final report cards came in, most of the boys made honor roll which made all the parents happy. In March, Devon, future preacher, was happy because he got a chance to collect some lizard eggs. Montrel began to loose focus and didn’t want to stay at Baraka School, but stuck with it. One day the boys learned how to work together to build a tent before nightfall. All of the boys liked going to church in Kenya because it was an entirely different experience from church in the U.S. On their last day, the boys were excited because they were given the opportunity to climb Mount Kenya. It was a celebration to remember. At the end of the school year, the boys were allowed to come home for
summer vacation. During the summer, the boys and their families found out that the Baraka School would be closing for next year because there was not enough money to keep it going. They would have nowhere to go but back to Baltimore public schools. In the following year, when the boys returned to their old school, the boys went back to their old behaviors: getting bad grades and skipping school. The impression that the film left with me was that the boys were able to change and behave well while attending Bakara School. The part of the movie that interested me the most was the lack of respect that the boys had for one another in Baltimore and how the teachers in Africa turned that around. I strongly recommend this movie to all teens because it shows that kids can behave properly when given the right opportunity.
-Keith Wiggins
WITCHES IN EXILE
too much. I think this was ridiculous and inhumane. Though some of the accused women admitted to using witchcraft, many of them did not. Some were almost beaten to death by their own families. This is crazy. Why were these women being subjected to the demolishing tactics of a man’s institution. But, this movie also shows how a group of women can stick together and form alliances in the darkest of times. I think that this is what all women need to do. I would recommend this to all women young and old. It could be a family film or just a film to get information. I would recommend this movie most enthusiastically because it not only shows the hardships that these women in Africa had to endure but also how people in the US take the opportunities and freedoms that we have for granted. This is a lesson that should be learned by all Americans.
-Porsha Arrington Photos courtesy of the Environmental Film Festival. Porsha Arrington, Keith Wiggins and Brandon Walker are 2006 graduates of Woodson Collegiate Academy and will be attending college this fall. Diana Webster is a 7th grade student at Blow Pierce Junior Academy.
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itches In Exile was a great and very educational movie. The film was a prime example of how women in Africa are vilified by false accusations, charged with witchcraft and exiled from their villages. In one scene a village priest was asked why women are the target for witchcraft and he clearly stated that women are wicked from the time they set foot on this earth. During a class on witchcraft it was said that a woman could be accused if she was too boastful or too rich, if she had a big mouth or talked
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his devilish, femme fatale novel begins with a ghetto, high-maintenance chick name Winter when her life flashes before her eyes, forcing her to do whatever it takes to survive. Winter had the life physically, mentally, and socially. She was very beautiful and on top of that, she was very smart (bookwise and streetwise). For two, she had the best parents in Brooklyn–Santiago, her father, did all of the work in the house. He was also known as the “king” of Brooklyn because he ran the biggest drug-dealing business in Brooklyn. But it wasn’t the fact that he ran the biggest business, it was the fact that he was very smart (book smart and street smart)—keeping everything he did secret, getting smart people to do all of his dirty work and always clearing his tracks. Now, her mother was another story. She was just like Winter, except she wasn’t all that smart. She was beautiful, conceited and an all around high maintenance chick who knew how to get what she wanted, when she wanted it. One day everybody went out. Winter went to a party. Her sisters went somewhere else. And her parents went out to dinner. Some people wanted to get at her father but couldn’t. So they approached the car that Winter’s parents were in and shot Winter’s mother in her face. She was in the hospital for about two weeks in recovery. She ended up having a lot of cosmetic surgery to try and fix her face. In my opinion she was lucky to be alive. Another day, Winter goes to a college party and comes back home to find that the police have raided her house, taking every possession including the house. They locked up her father. Child Protection Services took her sisters, Poshe, Lexi, and Mercedes. Her mother becomes
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dirty and dingy. Afterwards Winter goes to the jailhouse to visit her father only to find that her father has killed two people in prison and is never going to get out. After coming face-toface with him, she sees that he has changed physically and he looks as if he doesn’t seem to care about how he looks. Now, being the only sane and good-looking family member left, Winter feels sad for the way her family has fallen apart. Words from Tiara: Now, let me tell you something. Reading this book review is not enough. I mean, sure this book review is descriptive and makes you want to read the book, but you know the saying, “You never know how something is until you’ve tried it.” It’s just like food. You can’t take everyone else’s opinion. You have to pick it up and try it. I mean, my best friend recommended the book to me because she knew that I liked urban books. So I picked it up, tried it and liked it. I think this inspirational book is perfect for teenagers because it tells about real life. Not the fairy tale life when you go to school and your life is all perfect. I mean the life where people do whatever it takes to survive such as hustle and prostitute. Sometimes people actually have to work to get where they are and this book tells all about that. This is not a sexist book and it is not only for girls. Boys can read this book and learn lot too such as how to treat a lady. For real, I would advise boys to read this book because they could learn a whole lot more than what I am telling here. The only thing that I didn’t like was the ending. I believe that the ending could have been better. To me it ended too quick because I believe that Sista Souljah could have added more. Overall I give this book an eight out of ten and two thumbs up.
Reading “N” Between the Lines Book Review by Tiara Marshall
dollars she saved, Winter stays at her friend’s house, trying to think of what to do. As her father’s business crumples, Winter does whatever it takes to stay on top, even if it means prostitution. Her conceited mind and her will to stay on top keeps her sane and allows her to cope very well with all of the drama that has happened within her life. As Winter tries to stay on her feet, she gets a real reality check when she sees her long lost family members. Her once beautiful high maintenance mother has found a new friend called “Dope.” To cope with all her problems, she has become a junkie. She is a basically a nervous wreck, her hair and teeth have fallen out and after so long she barely recognizes Winter. Then Winter visits the foster homes where her sisters are living and finds them
Tiara Marshall is a 2006 graduate of Blow Pierce Junior Academy.
The Hottest Websites Known
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devastated and doesn’t know what to do. On her own with one thousand
iller by Shaquana M
hay
aka Your Girl S
Here are some great websites on the Internet that are very safe and secure. If you go to these websites you won’t get into any trouble with your parents.
www.nick.com This is nickelodeon which for most of you is Channel 47 on cable. I think that you should try this because it is very safe and very easy. In my opinion, it’s not all that cool. It doesn’t have a lot of glam. I would rate this a perfect T
www.zoogdisney.com or www.disneychannel.com Try these sites
www.teenick.com Now teenick is very cool. It is very interesting. It has TV shows that are very interesting and fun. You should check these shows out. I would rate this a perfect. T www.crayola.com On this website you can color pictures and print them out. You should try it. It’s so cool! I would rate this a perfect Tt www.air&spacemuseum.com You should try this website because you will learn things about space and they’ll even let you know when you can visit the museum. To me that is cool. I would rate this a perfect Ttt
because they are for kids and not overrated. Here’s why you should try them. They have many cool games like Zack and Cody and That’s So Raven. I would rate this a perfect T www.kiddonet.com Girls and boys, you should really try this site. It is so cool. Here’s why. It has almost 100 games for you to play. I would rate this a perfect T
www.millsberry.com I think you should try
this site. This is how it works. You first make a doll. You buy stuff for your little doll by playing games. I would rate this with a perfect T
www.hellokitty.com is really girly. So guys, I do apologize. But ladies, try this because it has many things to buy online and many games. It is really cool. So, you should check it out. I would rate this a perfect Tt www.yahoo.com is really cool! You can create your own email address. Example (max456@yahoo.com). You can have avatars, by creating a person to put on your page as well as other things of that nature. I would rate this a perfect T
www.africam.com This site is about animals, their habitats, how they work, how they are tamed and how they live. I would rate this a perfect T
www.nationalgeographic.com This site is great and it is so, so, so, so cool with many things to do. You should try some of the things and see what is really good. I would rate this a perfect Ttt
www.muppet.com This site should actually be first. That’s how cool it is. You can check out all the Muppets and see who they are if you don’t already know. I would rate this a perfect T www.cbssportslinekidszone.com
Guys, this is for you. It is cool because you guys can actually have fun playing basketball, football and XBOX games on this website. I would rate this a perfect TTt You should really try these sites because they are for kids and teens. Until next time, bye from your girl Shay. See you homies!!!! Shaquanna Miller will be in the 7th grade at Blow Pierce Junior Academy.
Key: T = OK TT = Good T T T = Great
Fall 2006 rated-t 41
To Be A Mom Or To Not Be A Mom... continued from page 12
Wouldn’t making abortions illegal take away from the mother’s human rights? Shockingly he told me that his organization believes abortions are infringing on a citizen’s right to life, and that in our Declaration of Independance there are several rights mentioned—the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. He also stated that the first and most important one of them is the right to life and that without the right to life none of the other rights are possible. I was even informed that they believe no matter how small the child is within the womb, it’s a human—no ifs, ands or buts about it! He stated that he doesn’t believe anyone has the right to cross a certain line to think or speak for someone else in order to determine if their life is worth living. veryone has an opinion on why abortions occur. “She was just too young.” Or, “She wouldn’t be able to support that child.” So I wanted know his opinion on why abortions occur. Surprisingly he told me some things that I have never heard much of. He mentioned that when it comes to adults, abortions may occur because the two parents aren’t married. But, overall both young ladies and grown women regardless of age may turn to abortion when they don’t receive the moral support they expected from their male companions. I wondered if religion ever came into the picture. Mr. Landrum stated that at the NRLC, religion isn’t used as a method to back up their opinions. But they do invite a small number of representatives from each religion to their open conventions.
E
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ext thing I wanted to know was what Mr. Joe Landrum would do if he had a daughter who were to get pregnant. Would his opinion change
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or would it be the same? Come to find out, Mr. Landrum didn’t have a daughter. But if he did, he said that if she were 18 or older, having an abortion was her choice to make. All he could do is try to persuade her. If she were under 18, depending on the state, she would need parental permission and then he would have the opportunity to withdraw permission. Funny he says he would “persuade”. I wonder how he would do so. And here’s what he told me. “I would talk to my daughter about the humanity of the unborn child. If that doesn’t work, I would simply tell her about the side effects. Having an abortion would not only increase her chances of pregnancy, but also increase her chances of delivering any future children prematurely putting the lives of both mother and baby on the line. Mr. Landrum also stated that women who have abortions show and increase in the use of alcohol and tobacco. (Editor’s Note: These facts are unsubstantiated within the medical community and remain the opinion of Mr. Landrum.)
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hen, what about the father? The mother makes all the choices because, of course, it is her body, but what about the father? Isn’t it his child too, right or wrong? Does the father’s say-so really even matter in this situation? He told me about a law that the NRLC supported requiring notification of the father which had been struck down by the Supreme Court. If the couple were married, the husband would have the right to know that an abortion was about to take place. There could be exceptions–like abuse. But regardless, there have been times when the father wished he coulda woulda shoulda... tried to talk her out of it. As far as unmarried couples go the father has no legal rights, just persuasion!
N
ext in line was Carl, a college student. I asked him the same questions. The only difference between Carl and Mr. Landrum are the opinions. Carl believes having an abortion is something the mother should be left to decide. He said, “Abortion should be freely available to anyone who wishes to use it. However, I also think that it should not be abused. Accidents happen and women who can’t care for their babies or don’t feel ready to be a parent shouldn’t have to be forced to go through with an unwanted pregnancy.” So, if he believes abortion should be kept legal, what about the whole killing part? Is it really considered killing? I wanted to know how he felt. His response was quite frank. “I don’t consider abortion killing. But, I do consider it an interruption of a natural process. I do not think it’s wrong. Making abortion illegal would be limiting a
person’s choice and that is considered hindering a person’s freedom, especially in a situation like pregnancy which should be under the mother’s control. She is carrying the baby and the baby can’t stop her from having an abortion.”
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emember the whole daughter scenario? Well, I asked him the exact same question I asked Mr. Landrum and his answer was quite different. He responded by saying, “If he had a daughter, he would know that she would have good enough reasoning skills to be able to make an informed decision about what to do. Not only that, he would be there to help direct her to her choice if she asked him to help. In the end he would accept her choice if she decided to have an abortion. If he had to persuade her to do otherwise, he would,“simply explain to her the risks and consequences of her actions.” And he would want her to feel as though she would not regret her decision. Last, but not least, I asked Carl if he thought the father should have a say-so concerning the decision to have an abortion. He responded by saying, “I believe that the choice to have an abortion should rest with the one having the procedure and if she wants to include anyone in her decision it would be her choice. Laws shouldn’t be made to regulate a woman’s reproductive system, especially laws made by old men in Congress.”
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o now you’ve heard from both sides of the argument. And, you’ve heard it from men! What do you think? Should a woman have the freedom to abort a baby–a precious life on the way? Should she be forced to have and keep the baby even though mistakes happen? Think about it. To be a mom or not to be a mom...should it even be a question? Alicia Wade is a 2006 honors graduate of Blow Pierce Junior Academy. Photo courtesy of IStockPhoto.com.
Fall 2006 rated-t 43
WHAT’S HOT AND WHAT’S NOT
Whatzup! My name is Diana Webster. Are you concerned about what to wear or what people think? Well, this article is about types of clothes including jeans, t-shirts and skirts. Raul Buddle and Shauncee Ormsby interviewed Blow Pierce students to find out what clothes they thought were hot. Here is the list: Coordinated Outfits Ponytails Logo T-shirts Fishnets Bell Bottoms Black Skirts Sweat Suits Black Clothes Blue Jeans Collard/Polo shirts Tank Tops Shirts w/Messages and Pictures Very long jeans Vans (the shoe brand) Shoes with Ribbons Plain T-Shirts Jackets Stripes Short Jackets Nikes Skirts with Pleats Jordan’s Colored Skirts Gauchos Roca Wear Bermuda Black and White T-shirts Fake Fur Foot Striped Blazers Loafers Shorts Hair Waves Large Hoop Earrings Mohawks Striped Blazers The Layered Look Bangles Multi-Colored Socks Twists Braids Shell-Top Beaded Shoes Named Earrings Boots Permed Hair North Face
Political Chuck
Article and Photos BY DIANA WEBSTER
From: Editor/ A. Wade
By Matt Davis Email me at info@friendshipnewsnetwork.com and tell me how you like Political Chuck. Matt Davis is a 2006 graduate of Blow Pierce Junior Academy.
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A ROLLER COASTER is held on by CENTRIPETAL FORCE. {Now if only my best friend would stop screaming in my ear.}
See the world through math and science. Go to girlsgotech.org. 46 rated-t Fall 2006
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