Thursday, December 2, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Skin Tone
It is for wearing-Not to be removed
Not to be replaced-Ahh yes but to be hated
Smooth and silky with hints of bronze
Oft times creamy like caramel
The shade of a paper sack
the hue of red sand
As bright as white snow
As dark as black sand
As beautiful as it is, despised yet still
By blinded eyes of foolishness
For they cannot see the ravishing
beauty within the shade of skin
A beauty viewed as sin
Some worn with pride, others with disgust
looked upon with hate while viewed with lust
Blinded eyes of mockery will never see
Blinded eyes of mockery looking, studying and hating the shade of me.
Not to be replaced-Ahh yes but to be hated
Smooth and silky with hints of bronze
Oft times creamy like caramel
The shade of a paper sack
the hue of red sand
As bright as white snow
As dark as black sand
As beautiful as it is, despised yet still
By blinded eyes of foolishness
For they cannot see the ravishing
beauty within the shade of skin
A beauty viewed as sin
Some worn with pride, others with disgust
looked upon with hate while viewed with lust
Blinded eyes of mockery will never see
Blinded eyes of mockery looking, studying and hating the shade of me.
By: Shenica White
Monday, November 22, 2010
L.O.V.E.
2455 4th St NW
Washington, DC 20001
November 22, 2010
Robert I. Grimes
Chief
9001 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48202
Dear Mr. Grimes,
I attended Detroit Public Schools for 9 years. While I was there, I witnessed many young girls who did not have positive role models in their lives. I witnessed young girls who were not as fortunate to participate in after school activities and also young ladies who were not taught proper etiquette and manners. It is imperative that we help get innocent young people off the streets of Detroit so that they will not join gangs or get involve in prostitution. If we can get our ladies involve in an extraordinary after school activity program we will be setting them up for success.
I propose to work with our young women from middle to high school and get them involve in L.O.V.E. (Learning Original Values Every day). This program is created to teach our women how to be successful African American women while living in the inner city. Even though this unsafe environment may lead others astray, we can still teach our girls to reach for the stars. L.O.V.E. will begin every day after school and end around 6 pm. It will also allow girls to network with other young ladies and meet prominent people from the City of Detroit. We will have workshops including, sex education, etiquette, and reaching for success for the young ladies to work on while involved in the program. L.O.V.E. mentors are women who are dedicated, educated, and sophisticated. L.O.V.E. motto is “Assuming the Persona of who are to become”. In order for our African American women to succeed, we must teach that they are special virtues. Along with the community of Detroit, parents of these young girls are very excited about L.O.V.E. They believe it will be a huge success and is exactly what their daughters need.
Mr. Grimes, I would like to thank you personally and from my staff at L.O.V.E for taking the time out of your busy schedule and reading this letter. I would like to request a meeting be set up by next work so that we can put this project in motion for next school year. I have a petition up at all of the middle and high school in the Detroit area for students, parents, and faculty to sign so that we can show how successful L.O.V.E. is going to be. Again, I thank you so much for you time and patients.
Sincerely,
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Skin Tone
In class this week, Dr. Diaz showed us pictures that had been altered to give a certain image. These pictures were of celebrities and most of them were for covers of magazines. Many of the pictures were lighten so that the celebrity skin tone would not be as dark. As an African American, it is shameful to have your skin tone lighten in a picture and very disrespectful to your race. Skin tone has been a huge problem in the African American community. I believe that whatever color you are you have a purpose in this world. Many African Americans have social problems that are caused by their dark skin tone. However, it is beauty and history in their skin tone. In American, society perception of skin tone is that the lighter you are the more privilege you are. African Americans should stand up and protest against that perception by not purchasing certain magazines or brands that agree with this perception. And I believe we should protest against celebrities are lighten their skin to fit into the mainstream society. We have to learn how to love our self in order for us to make a difference in the world. It is imperative for African Americans to stand up for community and their race.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Enviroment
On Wednesday, October 20, 2010, Dr. Diaz had a presentation on environmental problems within urban communities. It was brought to my attention that most plants, factories, and buildings that cause high pollutions are in urban areas where usually African Americans and Latinos live. Since these communities have high pollution and they are highly contaminated, many people suffer from different medical illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis. I believe the government should make laws to ban these factories from being built if they intend to harm the community. Our people should not have to suffer because of where they live. Our Constitution states that EVERYONE in America shall have equality, not just rich white Americans. Therefore, in order for African Americans and Latinos to have justice, we must fight for our rights. We have to hold rallies, petition the government, as well as write letter to our mayors, senates, and president. If we sit around and do nothing then that is exactly what the government will do. Nothing. Moreover, it is imperative for us to get out here and fight for our environment, health, and community.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Self Assessment
In the last month or so, teacher has assigned our class to blog every week. My blogs are very specific topics that range from texting and driving to religious issues. My blogs consist of problems that are affecting the community today. My first blog was on Barack Obamas, “A More Perfect Union”. When I read my other blogs, I did see a difference in my writing. My previous blogs are a call for action and change. I believe that I changed my style of writing because I want to make a difference. Furthermore, all of my blogs are worth revisiting because the problems are still current in our community. Without my blog, I could not get my point across to my fellow Americans and classmates.
In English, I have learned tremendously in just 6 weeks. Dr. Diaz, takes her time going over material, as well as interacts with the class. My strength in essay writing is conclusions. However, my weakness in essay writing is introductions. It is very hard for me to start my essay off. I usually know what I want to say but I have trouble introducing it. I attend class regularly as well as the Writing Center. I believe in utilizing all of my resources so that I can understand the material. Moreover, the concepts discussed in class are fairly easy. Overall, by the end of the semester, I hope to have accomplished my goal in English and that is to become a better writer.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Charles Fuller
On Tuesday, September 28, 2010, Charles Fuller graced Howard University with his presence in the Ira Aldridge Theater. To be honest, I have never heard of Charles Fuller or his famous work, “A Soldiers Play”. I sat in Ira Aldridge Theater patiently waiting to see what the big to do was about. Once Mr. Fuller took a seat, the hostess, whose name I didn’t catch, began reading off his bibliography. I was amazed at Charles Fuller accomplishments. Charles Fuller said that, “growing up back in his day was very stereotypical, especially when he would go to the movies. The directors would embarrass black folks by having an ignorant black man or a big black woman in the kitchen.” This inspired Fuller to show the independents of African Americans. It was imperative for African Americans to show the world that they were just as capable of being a doctor or the hero as whites. In the 70’s, there were many black exploitations movies that thrived on black power. Charles Fuller also spoke about his complex of the south. Fuller stated, “It is really hard for to go pass Washington D.C. Back in my day, once we were passed D.C., blacks had to get in the back of the bus.” I don’t think Fuller is the only person with that problem. African Americans have a hard time going back to a place that caused so much stress for their people. The South if full with tension and hurt; I don’t blame Fuller for not wanting to go. After hearing Charles Fuller speak, I realized that we all have a purpose out here. And we must fulfill our purpose so that we can help the next generation. Charles Fuller paved the way for us, now we must pave the way for upcoming youth. Therefore, what is my purpose in life?
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Texting and Driving
Over the past decade many accidents and deaths have been caused by the use of a cell phone, specially, texting. Drivers must pay attention to everything that is on the road. In a split second anything could happen to cause an accident. Therefore, if you are not paying attention your car could be towed or even worse you could end up died. So why do we text and drive? I say we, because yes I am guilty. I have, on occasion, text and drove. While I am doing it, I think to myself, “Wow this takes so much attention off the road.” Many young people are losing their lives because of this issue. We have to stop, trust me that text can wait until you reach your destination. Over the past couple of years, Oprah has raised awareness about texting and driving. The Kardashians have also raised awareness with about this epidemic. Over the summer, the state of Michigan passed laws stating that if caught texting or on the phone there is a $200 fine. I believe that more states need to pass laws about this issue. We need our young people here because we are the next generation. So people please, stop texting and driving. I promise you it is not worth the consequence.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Total Contol
“Africa has political power but lacks economic power.” Every Tuesdays and Thursday, I attend Afro American Studies taught by Dr. Greg Carr. This Thursday, our class had an interesting discussion on Africa. I thought it was very appropriate since I had just finished reading Barack Obama, “Dreams from My Father”. Dr. Carr stated that even though Africa can make its own laws, they still cannot control their economy. I believe that if Africa was totally independent they would not be a poor nation. The Europeans came over to Africa and observed that they could make a profit off of them. This issue is holding Africans back tremendously. As Americas, we should fight for Africa seeing they don’t have the finances to fight for themselves. In Africa, they have many gold and diamond mines. Europeans are making Africans dig up their own land and taking the fortune back home. Americans have known this for many years and yet, we have done nothing. When does this non-sense stop? When will Americans, especially African Americans, help stop violence in Africa? It is imperative for America and the rest of the world to end the issues of Africa. Many Africans are mistreated and abused every day. This is completely unacceptable. We must have world peace to be able to prosper and move forward. Over all, many people suffer every day because their country to being controlled by another. It is time for us to help others fight for their FULL independence.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Moving Forward
On September 11, 2001, America took one of its hardest blows. I remember I was in the gym class that day and my teacher kept coming in and out of the classroom. People were frantic but I didn’t think anything of it because I was just a child. My father came to my school and took me home early. I didn’t know what was going on but I knew something was wrong. Later that evening and days after, I would see cruel images on the television which is now known as 9/11. A few months ago, there has been speculation of a Mosque being built on ground zero. Many Americans are very angry at that decision. Even though ground zero is a touchy place, I believe that Muslims have a right in America just as anyone else. Since 9/11 the Muslim race and religion have been discriminated against and persecuted. The event that took place on 9/11 was horrendous. Americans all over were hurt and mad and had every right to be. However, all Muslims should not be treated badly. In the world, good and bad both exist. Therefore, all Muslims are not bad people and should be entitled to every right like I am. I believe that as Americans we can all come together and work together so stop violence against other nations. No race or religion is superior to any other race or religion. Moreover, Muslims should be able to build their Mosque at ground zero because it’s their right as American Citizens.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Time to Pass the Torch
African Americas are known to be very resilient ever since they were brought over to this country. Even though they were treated with injustice and disrespect, they still overcame their obstacles. In fact, over 100 years ago, they were freed and were able to transition from slaves to American citizens. Today, African Americans can walk down the street with pride knowing that there is a black president of the United States. African Americans have climbed their way to the top and they fully understand that the sky is the limit. Furthermore, African Americans can embrace all of America and not just their own race. They have fought for their rights. Now it is time to fight for the rights of other Americans that are being persecuted. Barack Obama stated, “I believe deeply that we cannot solve the challenges of our time unless we solve them together.” Therefore, as individual races, we can try to improve America on our own. However, if we want to move forward and end our issues such as, racism, discrimination, poverty, Iraq, and so much more, America has to fight as one union. Overall, as a citizen of the United States and I proud African American, I believe we can all come together in peace and conquer some of the most deadliness diseases that are slowly killing the American people today. We have to put away our differences and fight for what is ours. It is now time for African Americans to protest for Latin Americans, Native Americans, and Homosexual Americans rights just like they protested for their own. If we can come together and fight for each other, I believe that America would on its way to becoming a “perfect union”.
Work Citied
Obama, Barack. “A More Perfect Union.” National Constitution Center, Philadelphia. 18 Mar. 2008. Speech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWe7wTVbLUU
Work Citied
Obama, Barack. “A More Perfect Union.” National Constitution Center, Philadelphia. 18 Mar. 2008. Speech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWe7wTVbLUU
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