Black Forum Update
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Not So Sweet 16! The Art of RAp
The Poetry Edition
8
ISSUE
The Written Word
Contents 04
Black Forum Update
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French Girl Back From England
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Guilty as Charged
ARI including the release of AM News on the Black Forum, return home to France. Eva’s culture shock on her
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se of Oscar Pistorius. The perception into the ca
09 Mercy or Murder
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Killings. The controversy of Mercy
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Young People and Polygamy
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What Does Rap Mean to You?
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The Only Way is Natural
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p? The Meeting that Changed Hip Ho
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Not So Sweet 16!
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People Try to Put Us Down
d in Mormon Communities. Underage girls getting marrie how it can define a soul. The definition of Rap and
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al! that mask and go au natur Ladies, it’s time to take off ? and fun.... what happened Once Hip Hop was carefree
t ference from My Super Swee The logic behind and the dif
16.
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and live your life! Time to get out of the box
Contributors
Da
cer Justina Raisrick, Project Offi nt Officer Ashley Rose, Youth Engageme
Boluwatife, Writer r
gement Office Sharna Michael, Youth Enga
itor Shannon Noy, Designer / Ed Khadeem, Writer
Anu Radha, Writer Ben Driver, Writer
Eva Avrillon, Writer Jamal Fuller, Writer
inator rren Mann, VXM Project Coord
iter
Andrew A-Class Renden, Wr Hema Morales, Writer Sam Rothwell, Writer
Kenda Croucher, Writer Caris Fran, Writer e. VhyRuss, Writer
Issue 8
On the Cover
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Moments
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My Name Is...
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Often I Sit and Wonder
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Ahsaas
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3 Contents
Fable of the Dutty Buffy Starving for Equality The Dark
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Bewafai
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Freedom
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You Can’t Stop Me
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Love
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Alfaz
Not So Sweet 16! The Art of RAp
The Written Word
The Poetry Edition
8
U ISS E
23
Black Forum Update
which human Poetry is an art form in etic qualities language is used for its aesth of, its notional in addition to, or instead It consists and semantic content. rks in which largely of oral or literary wo er that is felt language is used in a mann to differ from by its user and audience we highlight ordinary prose. In this issue in the art of our young people’s thougts the written word.
Thank You! on, VxM promotes media educati on cti du wisdom, participation, pro tarand dissemination initiatives using geted at 16 to 25 year olds, foc ty. particularly on cultural identi
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The Black Forum are due to release AMARI; the first black magazine to be produced in Ipswich. With a youth focus, the magazine stays relevant to what’s going on but also remembers some of the most influential people throughout history. With many talented writers and interviewers, the magazine is hotly anticipated. The Black Forum are always looking for more people to get involved so if you’re interested in either the magazine or just wanting to come along to our weekly sessions contact Sharna Michael on 01473 418034 or via email - smichael@csv.org.uk.
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BL CK FORUM
Black Forum
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is the place for you if you want some where to express your thoughts opinions in safe
Environment Creative mentoring spoken word
Drama
Poetry
Music
Drama
Drama
Poetry Word
Drama
Music
Drama
Creative mentoring
Spoken word
Music
Creative
spoken word Poetry Drama Peace Word
If you are interested to coming along to one of our group discussions contact us: 01473 418035 / 418034
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A French girl back from Britain: A Cultural Shock 6 I’m Eva, I was at CSV from Sept. 2012 to Feb. 2013. I devoted articles to geopolitics and politics. Since, I’ve created 3 blogs – a serious one, Easy World Portfolio and 2 others under a pen name, R. Bl.-Mt.Cl. I about sci-fi, fantasy and supernatural universes, and R. Bl. Mt.Cl. II devoted to my personal creations.
Recently thinking about these past few months, I was remembering my time in Britain and this article I wrote about my experience there, confronting my own views with some clichés we have in France concerning British people, food and society… As I came back, I finally understood why my pals coming back from several months abroad felt depressed, and how it changed their vision of France… So, let’s go back to my return to “romantic” Paris. I found myself facing grumpy faces of the station staff and… complete indifference of other people, as I dragged my suitcase in the stairs of Paris underground. Sorry for destroying the image of legendary French courteousness! Each week I have to carry my things from Normandy, there is NOT ONE chivalrous soul to help me! The fact is I was positively surprised by the attitude of station staff in Ipswich, Bradford or London and how they were helpful to me each time I needed it! And, what NEVER happens to me in France: men, whatever their age – but often young and attractive – offered me their help into carrying my luggage! Some could find me conservative on that point, but I am used to courteous men in my family, and given my “building”, it’s sometimes practical to have a lad for heavy stuff! Actually I wonder if it was a side effect of my charming French accent! In that case, being French is wonderful… abroad! As I wrote last year, I always found, due to time I spent in England during Summer Holiday, people are less keen to “judge a book by its cover”. I know egoist and individualist exist everywhere, but I got the impression British care more for people as individuals in general, and show themselves more tolerant to difference, in terms of origins, gender or even per-
sonal tastes. So I miss seeing people with so many different styles walking on the street as in Paris people lack self-affirmation. I met people full of ideas, willing to share, and encouraged to develop their talents. It was not only the case of CSV, I also felt this way as I spent one week in a British high school as a teen. I was really comfortable with it... and it probably explains this image of British “eccentricity” we have in France! Consequently I developed the feeling that British have another relation to originality and creativity. Talking about creativity, I’m coming to my biggest cultural shock as I came back: FRENCH TV-PRODUCTION! It’s true my parents, who used to follow irreverent Bottom on cable-TV, gave me a “bad” education on TV-matters. I agree there is some s*** on UK-TV – I used to hate X-Factor, and most of all, I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here. But concerning fictions, French series cruelly lack imagination, what is frustrating for a storytelling lover like me! And acting! It’s AWFUL and sound so unnatural, as if TV was the den of country’s worst actors! We have costumedramas, sagas, or mysteries. I guess English people are fed up with Midsummer Murders or Lewis, but they’re fun compared to Commissaire Moulin, which is depressing! Sci-fi or fantasy dramas like Doctor Who, and Merlin, which are original and delirious, simply don’t exist. Anyway I am not sure our screenwriters would do it well. For instance, let’s compare Merlin and recent French re-interpretation of Arthurian myth, Kaamelot – a sketch series, telling King Arthur’s adventures and conjugal issues, meant to be humorous but actually repeating clichés of medieval history lessons. And both in terms of acting and aesthetic, Bradley James has NOTHING in common with Alexandre Astier! Because French TV also lacks… eye-candy! It seems pointless, but fictions also exist to make us dream! I remember I used to have a crush on Laurence Fox as
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Hattaway in Lewis, or David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor (his hairstyle drove me CRAZY!) and John Barrowman as Jack Harckness, of course Bradley James and Colin Morgan in Merlin… And they all act so well! So imagine: as a healthy young woman fond of eye-candy, I feel desperate when I sit in front of my TV-screen! I can’t deny I miss Britain. I met interesting people, and I always found some-
thing to watch during my lonely evenings! This time in England confirmed a feeling I had for a long time: I won’t spend my life in France, I have never been totally adapted to mainstream French mentality. Although I know British society is not perfect, and that I wouldn’t have same advantages in England as in France, I found a place on Earth I would be happy to live in. Finally, sorry to end on this cliché, I terribly miss British “eccentricity”! So, get ready, Britain! I swear I’ll be back one day to rock you!
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GUILTY AS CHARGED?
8 My name is Boluwatife. I’m doing my work experience at CSV. Writing for me is a passion regardless of what the topic is. It could be poetry, political matters or just fiction but as long as I’m writing, I’m happy. Hopefully, I will become in the future an internationally acclaimed journalist and a renowned writer.
Aldous Huxley once said “there are things known and there are things unknown and in-between are the doors of perception.” Perception will be a key factor in the trial of Paralympics’ track champion; Oscar Pistorius. In a case that has transfixed many in the sporting world and beyond, Oscar Pistorius, the double amputee who became an international track star was indicted on Monday, August 19 in a South African court on a charge of premeditated murder in the shooting death of his girlfriend; model Reeva Steenkamp. Ms. Steenkamp was shot inside his South African home in Pretoria in the early hours of February 14. It is believed that Mr. Pistorius thought his girlfriend was an intruder and that it was an accidental shooting. Oscar Pistorius, who has been out on bail since February, will remain free until his trial which is set for March 3, 2014. As he waited for the brief court hearing to begin on Monday, Mr. Pistorius prayed with his family and wept openly. Close friends and family of Ms. Steenkamp sat on court benches a few feet away. At the hearing, the state prosecution released a copy of its lengthy indictment of Mr. Pistorius, outlining its case that he intentionally shot his girlfriend; Reeva Steenkamp while she was behind a locked bathroom door on the morning of February 14. The prosecution contends that Mr. Pistorius planned to kill whoever was behind the door and that even if he mistakenly killed Ms. Steenkamp; he is still guilty of murder. Prosecutors have listed more than a 100 witnesses to be called during the trial which include some residents of the gated community where Ms. Steenkamp was killed and those who heard gunshots and a woman screaming at the home of the Paralympics’ champion.
Defense lawyers have depicted the shooting as a tragic accident in which Mr. Pistorius; 26, believed that an intruder had entered his home where Ms. Steenkamp, a law school graduate, was spending the night. According to defense testimony, Mr. Pistorius opened fire through a locked bathroom door, not realizing that Ms. Steenkamp was on the other side. Ms. Steenkamp was hit by at least 3 bullets and paramedics on the scene were unable to revive her. Prior to the shooting, Oscar Pistorius; nicknamed the Blade Runner because of his distinctive carbon fiber running blades and Reeva Steenkamp had been depicted as a golden couple and she had just embarked on a new line of work, starring in a reality television show. However, controversy still remains over if Mr. Pistorius was wearing his prosthetic legs when he shot Ms. Steenkamp through the closed bathroom door. The trial will be held at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria where a judge will ultimately pronounce the athlete innocent or guilty as South Africa does not have trial by jury. Reeva Steenkamp would have turned 30 on the 19th of August.
MERCY OR
MURDER? 9
My name is Boluwatife. I’m doing my work experience at CSV. Writing for me is a passion regardless of what the topic is. It could be poetry, political matters or just fiction but as long as I’m writing, I’m happy. Hopefully, I will become in the future an internationally acclaimed journalist and a renowned writer.
It’s 2am in the morning and I’m doing a research on the presence or absence of mercy in mercy killing. Mercy killing is a deliberate action with the express intention of ending a life to relieve intractable, persistent or unstoppable suffering but for an act which in Greek literally translates into ‘a good death’, the case of fourteen year old Alex Spourdalakis still gives me the chills.
given a drug overdose while the women constantly checked his breathing and pulse but after several hours with no change, Dorothy Spourdalakis went into the kitchen, took a knife from the butcher’s block, stabbed her son four times in the chest and slit his wrists. The pair then took an overdose of pills and lay down by Alex’s bed. Authorities only discovered Alex’s dead body and the unconscious women upon visiting the second floor apartment in West suburban River Grove, Illinois to conduct a well-being check after the boy’s father and uncle failed to get through to Alex or his mother. Alex’s mother and god-mother have since been arrested and charged with first degree murder but the most puzzling part of the story is the fact that the knife used to kill Alex was cleaned and returned to the butcher’s block.
On June 11, 2013, Alex Spourdalakis; a 14 year old boy with a severe form of autism and gastrointestinal issues was stabbed to death in his bed by his mother; Dorothy Spourdalakis with the help of his care-giver and godmother; Jolanta Agatha Skrodzka.
One still has to wonder if ending Alex’s life was the only option available to Dorothy Spourdalakis as there are many people in the world who are autistic but with proper care and love, have learnt to live with it and be successful.
The duo had plotted for a week prior to the incidence on how to kill Alex whose constant care and sometimes violent outbursts were becoming too much for them to handle. Alex had initially been
Alex Spourdalakis didn’t die of his autism, he died because the people who were supposed to care for and love him the most, gave up on him.
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Moments
There are moments when we find what we thought we had lost When we realize that we have always had what we were searching for When our insecurities become a thing of the past And all the pieces of the puzzle finally form a perfect picture When we accept that no matter how hard we try, we can’t please everybody And we come to the realization that we are the person we always dreamt we would be For in these moments, We stop apologizing for our failures because they give us the pride we have in our successes And at last, we are at peace with our own inner demons by Boluwatife
My name is… by Boluwatife
I’m everywhere On the streets, In the parks, In your homes
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You watch me on the news The bloody murders, The fighting,
The senseless abductions I visit your schools regularly The continuous strikes, The burnt buildings, The dead students You see the effect I have in your homes The bickering parents, The battered wife, The messy divorce, The custody battle I’m an employer with many employees Leaving fear and destruction in my wake I AM everywhere My name? My name is VIOLENCE…
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OFTEN I SIT AND WONDER, WHAT LIFE IS ALL ABOUT, WHAT IS MY MAIN PURPOSE, STILL HAVEN’T FIGURED IT OUT. I SEE SO MUCH INJUSTICE, I HEAR IT ALL AROUND, I FEEL IT IN THIS LIFE TIME, IS THAT REALLY WHAT LIFE’S ABOUT? SHOULD LIFE NOT BE OF VALUE, SHOULD WE NOT LOVE AND CHERISH LIFE, INSTEAD WE GO ROUND KILLING, AND CAUSING SO MUCH PAIN. WE FOCUS ON WEALTH AND POWER, DESTRUCT ANYTHING ALONG THE WAY, IN ORDER FOR US TO GET THERE, THE GREED WILL GET US THERE SOMEDAY. THE BEAUTIFUL THINGS OF LIFE, ARE SO HARD TO SEE TODAY, OVERSHADWED AND HARD TO COME BY, DUE TO THE HATRED OF THE HUMAN RACE. LIFE IS NOT WORTH LIVING, DEATH NOT A SCARY THOUGHT, FOR THAT DAY I WILL GO TO PARADISE, AND LIVE THE LIFE THAT I OUGHT. I AM ANGRY AT THE HUMAN RACE, AT WHAT WE ARE BECOMING, AM SURE THAT OUR CREATOR, IS FEELING THE SAME WAY. WE ARE THE ONES TO BLAME!!!
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By Hema Morales
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by AnuRadha
13 Wo Rooh Ko Chu ke Nikal Gaye Paas Se
Ek Ehsaas Sa De Gaye Ankhon Me
Aur Hum Wahi khade Reh Gaye Chup Chap Se
Ek Hi Pal Me Wo Meelon Door Challe Gaye Humse
Aur Hum Essey Khwaab Hi Samjhte Reh Gaye
http://lemonandsweet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/ahsaas.html Signatures: A Page Of Angel’s Poetry :) https://www.facebook.com/lemonandsweet
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Young people and polygamy in the fundamentalist Mormon communities Eva Avrillon is a lover of literature and politics and writes for VxM as well as Easy Word Portfolio and RBl.-Mt.Cl. I.
One thing that catches attention when we hear about the Mormons is polygamy – men are allowed to have several wives – and media often highlights the marriage of underage girls to older men in these communities. It essentially happens in the most fundamentalist groups of the Mormon Church – or Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), like the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), which “prophet” Warren Jeffs is now in jail for his marriage with young girls, and the organisation of illegal marriages in his own advantage. Indeed he may have 75 wives, and some of his spouses were only twelve years old when he married them.
moral values, and the rulers of the Church officially established polygamy in the 19th century. Polygamy is allowed as God commands long it, especially as Mormons believed that to reach higher stages of salvation in the afterlife they need several spouses. It can have other reasons, social and economic: in the pioneer times, as Mormons migrated to the West, some women arrived alone and had no support from a male family member, which encour-
as it is still the case today. It raised criticism even among Mormons themselves in the times of the foundation:
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Who are the Mormons and what are the origins of the practice of polygamy? Joseph Smith founded the LDS, known as the Mormon Church, about 1830: he is considered by the adept of the Mormonism to be a prophet. The adepts of this Church believe in the Bible and in the Book of Mormon: according to the story or legend of the Church’s foundation, this book is the translation by Joseph Smith of two golden plates he was given by two angels that appeared to him. For his adepts, Smith is the one who restored the Church, previously contaminated by the influences of ancient European philosophy. They developed a strong sense of community and created one in accordance to their principles gathered in different scriptures: for instance, they have some food restrictions, strong religious and
aged them to join a polygamous family. The adepts call it “plural marriage”. When the Church was founded, its adepts were considered to be Barbarians for it in the United States. Furthermore, the constitution of the different American States used to forbid polygamy,
indeed some female and even male followers considered it to be a mean for the rulers – Joseph Smith himself had 27 spouses, among them one he
married when she was 13! – to have sex with several partners and to satisfy immoral desires with sometimes very young girls. According to certain diaries and testifies from Mormon women in 19th centuries, family life was not as idyllic as the Church leaders pretended: jealousy and struggle to catch and keep the attention of the husband, were quite common and made women and children unhappy with this lifestyle. Moreover it was a matter of man’s pride too: some younger men in the community accused the prophets and priests to keep women for themselves, especially the youngest and most beautiful ones, as they had difficulties to find ONE wife. Officially, the leader of the LDS has banned plural marriage in 1890, and in 1904 it was declared that the ones who were caught having several spouses would be excommunicated. So polygamy is now against the law in the United States and against the law of the Church itself. The FLDS – Underage married girls and “Lost Boys” The FLDS is a dissident and fundamentalist sect issued from the Mormon Church, that present themselves as the “true” Mormons, and are far stricter than the “mainstream” Mormons from the LDS on different principles, beliefs and practices like clothes or plural marriage. Other Mormon sects practice plural marriage, off course, but condemn forced and early marriage… But the FDLS is well known by the media, especially because of the crimes of its leader, Warren Jeffs, and
because of the phenomenon of the “Lost Boys”. Arrested in 2006, Warren Jeffs is charged with illegal arrangement of marriage between teenage girls and adult male adepts, and of rape. Utah Court finally let the conviction down in 2010, but he was extradited to Texas, where he was found guilty of sexual assault on children. He was sentenced to life in prison in August 2011. But his brother and successor at the head of the FDLS continues to rule the sect, following the principles and practices. Most of the adepts, living in a total isolation, don’t even know their “prophet” is in jail! Life conditions in some communities like Colorado City (Utah) and Hildale (Arizona) have worsen since the condemnation of Jeffs: according to certain journalists and investigators, internet and movies are forbidden, and young girls are confined at home, waiting for being married…
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So girls continue to be exploited by being married to older men, who sometimes use violence to consummate – according to the testimony of some girls who escaped, they play with their religious faith, threatening them to send them in Hell afterlife, or to separate them to their children. Sometimes, other spouses can be present at the wedding night to prepare the girl or to help the husband if the young bride panics. Other trickeries exist, in order to reward the most loyal followers of the religious leader, and are very similar to a traffic: indeed girls are attributed to most deserving as presents to be their wives, as simple pieces of meat or furniture. The ones who managed to escape remain traumatised and deeply marked by this experience. The situation of the girls is scary but boys are victims of the polygamy practiced by the FLDS because they can be married to perfect strangers too. But it is not the only way they are affected. The media begun to be interested in the phenomenon of the “Lost Boys” in Utah and Arizona. Most of them are between 13 and 21, and have been pressured to leave the sect willingly or excluded officially for religious reasons or for nothing – for possessing comedy DVD’s, for talking to a girl, for wearing short-sleeved shirts which is a sign of vanity… Most of time, priests advice families to dismiss them, because they represent a danger for the community
and the religion. As result of polygamy practices there are not enough girls and women for all the men, and older men can suffer rivalry with younger ones. Some boys choose to leave as they feel frustrated: they have no rights to talk to girls, choose a wife or have hobbies. When they leave, boys find themselves on their own, without support and scared by the outside world as they were told it is bad. It is almost impossible for them to get a job with their minimum education devoted to develop skills for the community. Furthermore, they don’t know how to manage their freedom, have fun (parties, alcohol, girls…) and manage human relationships in the outside world. Most of time, they don’t trust people and refuse to testify against their community to prevent their family from getting in trouble. Some organisations have also been created, sometimes by ex-FLDS or funded by the states of Utah or Arizona, like the HOPE Organisation, to help them find a family, complete their education or find a job. Conclusion Girls and even boys suffer polygamy in repressive FLDS communities: they both face forced marriages; girls face rape, exploitation, threats; boys face frustration, neglect, and lack of perspective. Creating organisations that help the victims of the polygamy – I didn’t mention it, but they exist for girls too – is a first step, but at the moment it doesn’t change what they experience and other young people continue to suffer. The fact is Mormon are politically powerful in the concerned states, especially in Utah where they represent 65% of the population: although they officially condemn polygamy, they never condemn the FLDS. A lot of FLDS polygamous families can live without being worried by the authorities, which still hesitate to condemn what they consider to be a “choice of lifestyle”, or because they have some polygamous family chiefs as friends. But the fact that Warren Jeffs has finally been convicted and condemned is positive in itself, because it highlighted what young people have to suffer in his sect. Now it is time to show its successor that the laws concerning marriage and child protection are applicable to them too, and that religion cannot be an excuse.
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t a Wh s e do 16
mea
RAP.
Andrew A-Class Renden What is RAP? To me RAP is a choice; it’s a way of expressing emotion, time and dedication. Three words that stand out to me in RAP which are also they there the initials of the word. R is for Rhythm, without Rhythm there’s no flow within your RAP. A is for Acceptance, without Acceptance no one will accept you for who you are, unless you accept yourself and people around you. P is for Personality, and without Personality no one is going to recognise you, you’re not going to stand out because you have nothing special about yourself. RAP is not away to brag about yourself or what you have in your life, I believe that RAP is a definitive way to tell your story, how you see life, how you live everyday. Whether you believe that RAP is more then just slapping a verse on a beat is up to you, but that’s why I wrote this to describe to anyone who doesn’t feel the same. RAP is more then just words, its more then just hearing a mad beat and having a crazy flow, its about substance, clarity and emotion. RAP is Forever!
an to you?
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The Art of RAP Khadeem ‘Velly’ Edwards
What is rap? Rap is an expression were you express yourself creatively, rhyming words and sentences together creating a piece of art, rap is used to trigger the emotion in another person through words and you would be able to find a rap song to suit every emotion you feel. As a rapper after listening to an instrumental you feel emotional inspiration which then leads to the concept and meaning of your rap, if the instrumental gives you a sad feeling you’re more than likely going to talk about something that relates to that emotion. What is a MC? Mic chanting is where a rapper can use his voice and the mic as an instrument creating the best vocals they can through the mic, for example when a rappers performing you adapt your vocals to give of the best performance possible which is also skill that has to be worked on.
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By Caris Franklin Joana and I went on an outside adventure to try and find out why young women feel the need to hide their natural beauty behind a mask, rather than be au naturel. You may be curious as to what I mean? Well, the mask is the make-up and false eyelashes that young girls and women feel the need to wear along with the enormous hair and gloopy lip gloss. I must admit, few years back, I was one of these stereotypical females that everyone describes as ‘ESSEX’. However, not all women and girls in that county wear ‘the mask’, so it is unfair to label them with this title. Years ago, I was a perfect example of fakeness: orange foundation that did not match my complexion; eyebrows that were too dark for my face and hair; eyelashes that when I blinked could create a hurricane; and blusher that was far too bright. Let’s not forget tons of lip gloss and fake nails.
19 I thought that the photos of women in glossy magazines represented what beautiful is and how one should look - totally fake and size 0. BOY, did I get a wakeup call when my mum saw me. She explained what beauty was and made sure she got me out of anything fake - maybe that’s why my dad and I had so many arguments HAHA!! Joana and I also arranged a photoshoot on ‘You don’t have to be FAKE to be BEAUTIFUL’. It went exceedingly well and we had such a great laugh. So after arranging all of this and trying to get the word out to all those beautiful young females we hope we have succeeded. Just remember, beauty is only skin deep! I would like to thank Sandrina and Tonia for helping us make that happen!
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Starving for Equality by Jamal Fuller
Africans are starving, World Leaders Drinking chatting as they’re laughing, they say they’re tryna help but they’re happy that we’re groofing. we show intelligence and start acting like we’re martians. It seems the black, you don’t want a A-Star, They’d rather have a fan kick back and just spray bars, Just tryna get paid fast, n end up with a longer prison sentence than a man with a rape charge.
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We living in a world where we all wanna be equal. no matter what the currency money is the root of all evil. I sit back and watch what you do to my people, Now I see everything they’re doign is illegal. From early age they’ve got us blinded from truth, kids are idolizing gangsters taking g uidance from their tunes, in their mind they’re just confused. There was nobody that’s listen all the nights they got abused.
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The Dark by Ben Driver
The dark doesn’t stay empty and void for long. It becomes a blank canvas, a vacuum drawing out the mind’s entrails. The subcon-
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scious is the otherwise unwilling hand of the artist, the sculptor, whispering through faint projections of thoughts and fears, sorrow and the sublime. Never clear unlike the solitude of the Moon, but never absent like it’s crevices. all that is required is to break a silence and pierce the shadow with sound. A sound so intense it shatters the dead end that has been constructed. That echoes back instead of allowing metamorphosis, vitalizing the body like the wind enriches the air. But before this is realised action is deceived by a dream as turmoil is locked in and deepens beyond closed eyes. *(I have after all awaken to write). http://greycloudbluesea.wordpress.com
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by AnuRadha
Bahut Wafa Nibha Li Humne Ab Bas Aur Nhi
Bahut Kar Liya Ye Pyar HumNe Bas Ab Aur Nhi
Ab Toh Zidh Hai Ki Hume Bhi Koi Chahe Pure Dilse
Ab Toh Zidh Hai AbKi Baar Hum Bewafai Karein Dilse
http://lemonandsweet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/bewafai.html Signatures: A Page Of Angel’s Poetry :) https://www.facebook.com/lemonandsweet
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Freedom
Written by Khadeem
The prejudice is every day, everyday they set da way But generations older living colder, may they rest today To date is mad coz prejudice is black on black, its blacker black
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I swear they trying to kill us and we helping with da poison plan Subliminally the government controlling how we think Ignorance is bliss up in the hood I’m recognising it Reconcile with freedom every day we be denying it They made our beds know we lay in it I’m honestly disgusted with the leaders of the people The media creating image stronger on the sequel Brain washing on the news your negativity is evil And the others looking down at us like we isn’t equal
Programme of the richer staying rich Divide and conquer, the lies to prosper Programme of the broke staying skint What’s the meaning of the word honour!
girls
young group women’s
rules
28 Relationship Fashion self-esteem SCHOOL LIFE APPEARANCE MEDIA CONFiDENCE Interested in getting involved ? contact Sharna Michael Smichael@csv.co.uk 01473 418034
VxM and Culture Cook are
29 We will cook dinner for you and 5 of your mates. You bring the friends, an empty stomach and the willingness to learn. We’ll bring the chef, the food, the equipment and the camera! (All sessions are filmed for video production) While we cook, we teach! Every week a new culture cuisine. Every week a new home. - For 16 to 25 year olds. -
For more information please contact: Claudia at cparrino@csv.org.uk 01473 418034 Darren at dmann@csv.org.uk 01473 418028
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YOU CAN’T STOP ME For those who try to bring us down. 8/8/13.
I’m gonna reach for my dream And you can’t stop me Focussed, driven, more force than an army The peak of the mountain, The top of the tree I’ll face down these walls And you can’t stop me.
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The pen is my sword forever I’ll wield Spilling blood across a blank paper field There’s no way you can stop me, No duel you can dance Whatever you throw I’m still making My chance. Count. All the way up to ten And when you get there, Just do it again. And again. And again. I’m bored of monotony, I need to be free I’m coming out of the box now And you can’t stop me. The time has come to put down your shields And take up your swords, Paint brushes, hands, actions, words Use them for that dream you’re moving towards. So, When all of the grass tells you You’ll never be, Blossom into that one flower and say You can’t stop me.
Sam Rothwell
The Meeting
Hip Hop? that changed
By Kadeem
went on to explain that the companies that they all work for have invested millions into building private prisons and that there positions of influence in the music industry would actually impact the profitability of these investments.
Not to long ago I read a article about hip hop music and it made me think deep about what gangsta rap is really doing to black community, I was already aware of the control behind rap music but reading this Immediately they all started looking around article made it very real. at each other in confusion. Each private prison In this article a man stated over 20 years ago, would receive funding from the government; when hip hop was just starting off, when the the more inmates the more funding. As they artists were just rapping about fun everyday become publicly traded they would be able things, a meeting was held between a to buy shares. The speaker then stated that group of corrupt ‘music business members’ the their job would be to help make this individuals and this man was also invited happen by marketing music which promotes unaware of what the meeting was really criminal behavior with rap being the music about. All he was it was just about discussing of choice. He assured them that this would the future of hip hop music, which was a be a great situation because rap music was heavy part of the black community. becoming an increasingly profitable market During the meeting they were asked to sign for the companies. a confidential agreement preventing them This caused a lot of emotions to run wild in from publicly discussing the meeting or there the meeting room causing some to get angry. would be unwanted consequences. This had They were quickly settled again when the a lot of people confused and a few people speaker showed that he was armed. He then walked out of the meeting. Finally after left the meeting, including with a few others the remainder had signed the papers they who were escorted out. They were warned brought up the true agenda of the meeting. to keep there mouth shut and were watched After being congratulated on all of our until they were completely out of sight. personal success in the music business they 20 years later we are all a witness that then went to tell us we had all been personally they were very successful still to this day, picked out for a potential idea to make a lot damaging the black community very strongly of money. The main speakers of the group all around the world.
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My Super Sweet Sixteen By Kenda Croucher and Justina Raistrck
Kenda Croucher 12 yrs. I am not your average girly girl and do not fit into an already moulded box. I would definitly rather go to the skatepark than go shoe shopping. My aspiration in life is to be a rapper like Kanye West.
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My Super Sweet Sixteen is a reality TV show set in America. It shows girls and boys sixteenth parties. These are no ordinary parties; these are for very rich, very spoilt teenagers. Only the very best is expected. And all hell will break loose if they have anything less. To these kids this is one of the most important times of their life and nothing can be scrimped on. The best party can lead to being the most powerful, popular kid in school. The lead up to these events is emotionally draining for all the people involved, the teenager, the parents and the event management team. Hysterical tantrums are almost certain to happen and ultimately get worse as the time draws nearer. The parties consist of an amazing amount of guests including family, friends and celebrities invited to their Beverly Hills mansions. Dance routines are commonly known to be the introductory act. Bands are booked for entertainment, usually well known artists. Fun fair rides are hired. The cakes have so many tiers they tend to exceed the height of the candle blower. A father-daughter dance can be as traditional as at a reception for a wedding, also with mother and son. Themes are frequent such as 80 s, carnival and colour. As presents anything extravagant is acceptable, from Ferrari’s, range rovers, and other sports cars bearing giant bows to pink poodles. Personalised messages from A-list celebrities are always a hit. This is an occasion where girls can act and look like princesses. Designer dresses are a must. Gucci, Dolce & Gabanna, and Prada are seen everywhere you look. The boys are always dressed dapper as well, in designer suits.
My Not So Super Sweet Sixteen
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In reality, for most normalised, rational families this does not happen. Generally due to not having the means to throw unnecessary parties. Teenagers are generally not as expectant, they may want but they know most people have limits. We have asked people of all ages, both male and female from our office how they celebrated their sixteenth birthday. Mixed answers came back to us. Having a big elaborate party is not deemed to be a necessity. Some people we spoke to didn’t even want a fuss. Some people hired an average size hall for family and friends, normally with a DJ and disco. Some people wanted a party but were never thrown one. Most people waited for their eighteenth to hire out halls, or go into town clubbing. Presents consist of clothes, money, djing equipment, jewellery, future driving lessons. All of which are remarkably acceptable and lovely gifts. Everyone we spoke to are more than happy with what they received and did not have a major hissy fit due to not getting a £20,000 car. Does this mean that the British youth are under privileged? Or is it another example of Beverly Hills Brats? Should we aspire to be like this and in turn treat are children with such extravagant attitudes?
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Love by AnuRadha
34 I am Proud To Be A Par t Of You,
The Life Has Bent Me Towards You ,
There Is A Reason For Us To Be In Each Others Life, Else There Has Been No Meaning Of My Life, Simply It Is Love Which Has Tied Us , And Am Proud That Love Has Found us ! http://lemonandsweet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/love.html Signatures: A Page Of Angel’s Poetry :) https://www.facebook.com/lemonandsweet
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Do you care for a relative, partner or friend?
We Can... Help you fulfill your education and employment potential For more information, contact Claudia Parrino on 01473 418034 cparrino@csv.org.uk
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Alfaz
by AnuRadha
kuch Lafz Tumne kahe kuch Humne kahe Aise Hi Humari Daastaan Shuru Hui Fir Hum Tum Mile Aur Zindagi Haseen Hui Fir Hum Muskuraye Aur Kabhi Tum Aisi Hi Milne k Silsile Badte Gaye Hum Baar Baar Mile Aur Milte Hi Chale Gaye Haseen Tha Ye Safar Ab Zindagi Aur Haseen Hui Alfazo Se Ab Humari Asal Mulakaat hui Ye Alfaz Na Hote Toh Humara Pyar Na Hota Bas Yahi Se Dil ki Dadhkan Se Hamari Pehchaan Hui http://lemonandsweet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/alfaz.html Signatures: A Page Of Angel’s Poetry :) https://www.facebook.com/lemonandsweet
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People try to put us down…
Just because we get around… Things they do look awful cold… I hope I die before I get old…
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by Sam Rothwell A wise man once told that there is no box, break down the box and be rid of confinement. It’s absolutely true, but why have we come up with that box in the first place? You’re inherently destined to fail if a situation is created whereby you’re trapped from the start in something, trying to get out. Surely a much healthier perspective would be to be free of any boundaries in the first place. We live in open space, limited only by our dreams and commitment to achieving them. It isn’t a revolution. It’s common sense. Every day I meet new people; young people, old people, my people. They often complain about things they’re doing. “Yeah I just graduated Uni. Got a 2:1 in Advertising and Marketing.” So I ask what they’re doing and lone behold-“Working in a bar. It’s a job isn’t it.” To me that doesn’t correlate. I see no reason for John Doe to work a mundane week to pay the bills, when there’s all this potential stood right there in front of me, itching to burst out. But it’s hard. I understand that, believe me I do. No-one wants to give John a chance; even though he’s spent upwards of 30 grand and counting, not to mention three years of his life pursuing something. It seems a ridiculous notion when you think of it like that, not to say university is bad, not at all, I just see a lack of drive and a lack of opportunities available for people to thrive at the moment. Why pump finances, that aren’t yours, and put your heart and soul into something that ‘could’ or ‘might’ happen. That’s quite a risk. If one was willing to take risks like that then why not apply that to the rest of life? Richard Branson, Mark
Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Steve jobs. These people had ideas and they ran with them; forcing open all the locked doors along the way. These are human beings like you and I, so why not dare to dream? If you ‘could’ or ‘might’ succeed at something that YOU love, and that YOU want to do, why not take a risk? Too frequently I watch people getting comfortable with their lot. As young people we shouldn’t be comfortable yet! We shouldn’t be content to be in a routine yet! There are many avenues and alleyways to explore in life; so instead of passing them by, take the next right turn and see where it leads. In a hundred years time our generation may be remembered as the generation that copied. Everything’s retro, everything’s vintage. Everything has been done before, you mean. Like technology we should be evolving. I hear songs on the radio now where they’re singing about each other’s walks! It’s madness. If mass commercial entertainment is lacking creative vision, then it’s no surprise people are happy to plod along the same straight roads for the rest of their lives. Don’t get me wrong, there is a wealth of talent out there, and a vast amount of people doing wonderful things. Imagine though, if everybody was making lots of noise. If everybody, everywhere was chasing that leprechaun to find their pot of gold at the end of the rainbow; the world would experience some very vibrant things. Our lives are as long as a piece of string. Could be another hour, could be a century. So, for God’s sake, live it.
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