June graduation edition 2016

WEST PULLMAN POST WEST PULLMAN POST IS A PUBLICATION BY THE WEST PULLMAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SERVING THE COMMUNITY OF WEST PULLMAN, CHICAGO

SPECIAL ISSUE: JUNE GRADUATION

Dear Graduates, As you begin the next chapter in your life, never forget the importance of education. You are the future. You are our future leaders, scientist, teachers, technologists, agriculturists, doctors, lawyers, and the like. No matter what you face, take charge of your education. Surround yourself with other students who hunger for a good education.

Don’t be afraid to network outside of your comfort zone. Hold study groups at local universities and community colleges. Use technology to your advantage. If your school has a subject you’re interested in and it is not offered, use online platforms such as Coursera, EdX, MIT open source learning, and many others. Don’t be afraid to reach out to schools of higher learning to understand the coursework you will need for admissions.

Stay true to your cause, aim high. When the going gets tough, stay determined. Historically your brothers and sisters in Africa place a high priority on education. Let us continue that priority. Become fluent in a foreign language, explore other cultures. Here in West Pullman, we are hosting tech/learning spaces where you can do your homework, study, and obtain tutoring.

Life is certainly what you make it and there is life outside of Chicago. Be explorers and be courageous. Stand always on the side of right and become virtuous and steadfast in your quest for education. You are only young once and single only once. Don’t make choices that will derail your potential for greatness. Everything in its own time, everything in its own place.

Congratulations Class of 2016 8th grade, 12th grade, Community College, Universities, Technical Schools, Art Schools…your journey has only just begun.

Shirley Holden, Editor-In-Chief West Pullman Post

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From your West Pullman Family, Friends, and Community Stakeholders!

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Hello West Pullmanians, It is time to raise up a renewed vigor and determination. A new generation of people involved in public service who are prepared to deliver to our community the quality of life deserved by all. We need the older generation to share their stories, resources, and time to changing the narrative in our community.

The next election cycle is crucial for us as a community. With the onslaught on life in our community; the closing of schools, divestment, excessive taxation without representation, hunger, poverty, homelessness, and absence of a strong middle class, we need change. Let’s do this, together. Get involved.

If you are interested in serving on the West Pullman Neighborhood Association Board, West Pullman Education Committee, West Pullman Land Bank, or getting involved with the West Pullman Chamber of Commerce, now is the time!

Contact Shirley Holden at 312-810-2001 Or via email: westpullmanchamberofcommerce@gmail.com ReBuild West Pullman! #selfdetermined #we-are-in-it-to-win-it #OneCommunityOurFuture #FromUrbanPlotToTableTop #takebackourstreets #ThePowerof1Voice #PowerInNumbers

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We, the People of the State of Illinois - grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He has permitted us to enjoy and seeking His blessing upon our endeavors – in order to provide for the health, safety and welfare of the people; maintain a representative and orderly government; eliminate poverty and inequality; assure legal, social and economic justice; provide opportunity for the fullest development of the individual; insure domestic tranquility; provide for the common defense; a secure the blessings of freedom and liberty to ourselves and our prosperity – do ordain and establish this Constitution for the State of Illinois.

On Personal and collective responsibility:

SECTION 23. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES A frequent recurrence to the fundamental principles of civil government is necessary to preserve the blessings of liberty. These blessings cannot endure unless the people recognize their corresponding individual obligations and responsibilities.

What Is Education in West Pullman, and Are We On the Right Track?

Raising the Bar as Parents

By Shirley Holden

Education. A subject vastly debated in society. What is education and what role does it play in our community, West Pullman?

Education does not begin in the classroom. It begins from parent to children from society, mores and norms. From the day you give birth education begins. Education, therefore, begins in the womb. You do not birth children and pass them on to the system to learn. Education is a process by which parents teach their children how to cope with problems of life. Virtue, value, and morality are taught at home. In today’s society, available tools include technology, principles, and action. For some faith is included in virtue, value, and morality; but faith without action is dead. Are we on the the right track as parents, as a

community, as a village?

As parents we must understand our role as educator in the lives of our children. If Johnny is not reading by 1st grade, who truly is to blame? By the age of three most children are exposed to over 3 million words. Are you reading to your child every day?

Are you active in your child’s educational process or do you wait for someone else? Do you make sure that you are constantly learning in order to provide answers to the questions curious little minds have? Is your bar high or low? At the end of the day, if children are underperforming we must first, look in the mirror and ask, why is Johnny really underperforming? And then have the courage to truthfully answer the question.

Teach your children well. Do not yell, do not curse them, do not beat them. They are blessings to all.