Cougar battalion devours rivals
(12/16/15 2:30pm)
By Maisha Massey RHS Stentor
Use the fields below to perform an advanced search of Detroit Dialogue's archives. This will return articles, images, and multimedia relevant to your query. You can also try a Basic search
269 items found for your search. If no results were found please broaden your search.
By Maisha Massey RHS Stentor
[gallery columns="1" size="large" type="slideshow" ids="2888,2890,2887,2884,2886,2883,2885,2889,2882,2878,2879,2880,2881"] Detroit celebrities allow students’ voice to be heard By Alexandria Kotaran Crusaders’ Chronicle Councilwoman Mary Sheffield of Detroit’s District 5 hosted the State of the Youth II Symposium at Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School to engage students in conversations about the future of Detroit and inspire them to accomplish their goals. Celebrities on the panel were Donnell R. White (mediator), Christian “Trick Trick” Mathis, Deelishis, Maurice “Pastor Moe” Hardwick, Kierra “KiKi” Sheard, Mouchettee Muhammad, Jessica Care Moore, Michigan State Senator Bert Johnson, Tonesea “Toni” Welch, and K Doe aka K-Deezy. The symposium gave students a chance to be heard about the issues they face in Detroit and the improvement of the city. They also were given an opportunity to get advice on personal issues. “High school students can talk about the unique challenges they face here in the city of Detroit,” said Sheffield. Students were intently involved in the dialogue. Many students in the audience acknowledged the fact that they or someone they know had been a victim of violence. “Overall, it was awesome. A lot of people had a lot to say,” said senior Lariah Lynn. “It was a very positive thing to do for students who have a negative environment.”
By Rickiya Anderson The Communicator Women are often stereotyped into what’s expected of them and the level of success they are able to achieve. Women are marginalized because they are females. There are both physical and mental pressures that come with being a female. Social equality seems to be a tough task to achieve in modern society. Women are isolated from things that are subconsciously seen as a “man’s job.” “I believe that the rights of women and girls is the unfinished business of the 21st century,” said Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Clinton is judged because she is competing to take on the title of president of the U.S. Clinton is known for being blunt and aggressive, which is a recurring reason why people do not feel that America is ready for a female president. Being a female comes with many responsibilities and they are expected to do so much at a young age as well as when they get older. “Women help children, get jobs, take care of the kids … women do everything,” said senior Alexis Legrone. A lot tends to fall into the hands of a female and she is expected to take it all on and make it happen. “I don’t feel pressure being a female because I’m my own person and I should be treated the same way males are. They get certain opportunities that we don’t get and it’s not fair,” said senior Autumn Hollaway. Equal opportunities should be given to both genders, since women have been able to prove themselves to be even more independent than men.
By Noel Toliver Pink Lady Press “Get Rich Slowly,” a financial blog, has on article edited by J.D. Roth about steeping out of your comfort zone for success. “Humans are wired to seek comfort, and as a result much of daily life is focused around familiar patterns and habits. When something threatens to break those habits, we feel uncomfortable and nervous. These negative feeling are easily avoided by continuing to live the same way, rejecting change. If given the chance to enter uncharted territory, a situation where life’s future is unpredictable, people often prefer not to change, clinging to a comfortable situation.” Roth basically states the being out of your comfort zone can improve your experiences with a lot of things. Have you ever been out of your comfort zone? What did you experience that made you feel out of your comfort zone? If you have, will you do it again? Students at Detroit International Academy for Young Women have stepped out of their comfort zones. If it’s their first year attending DIA, they may not have wanted to come here because most of their previous schools were co-ed. Tenth grader Larissa Brown said: “When I first came to DIA, I thought that my chances of getting a good education would be better considering that there were no boys and that I could actually focus.” Some students made a choice on their own, Ashlee Norwood, a sophomore, came to DIA in the seventh grade. “I was in a bad school and chose to come here,” she said, “boys were a huge distraction for me. “I feel that since I go to a school for all girls, I have been in less conflict about ‘he say, she say’ stuff. … The majority of the students have known each other so long, they are close like family.” Freshman DaJuanna Harris said: “I had to get used to finding new friends and being in a place with a large population of Bangladesh girls. It was different, but I’m used to it now. “I like being in an all-girl school. I chose this for myself. I can concentrate more without boys distracting me.” “Because there were so many girls, I thought there would be a lot of bad attitudes, instead they were nice and cool,” freshman Bionca Ward said. “Really chill. At first it was awkward and weird because all females, we all got like, puberty, and emotions are off balance. During the first day, I was quite uncomfortable, but the second day I was more comfortable and was really talkative.” Freshman Fatima Zuhayra said: “It was uncomfortable because I didn’t know my teachers or my classmates. Because I wear a hijab and they don’t. There are only four or five Muslim girls in my class and I felt uncomfortable because we are a minority. I am way more comfortable now because we know one another and we are friends. My friends are not limited to those wearing hijab, which is good. My other school it was all Bengali and Arabic, so I appreciate being in this school, there’s a mix.”
By Khalil Wilson Eye of the Hurricane Vocational training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is being offered to Frederick Douglass students. GIS is a growing, high-paying high-tech field focused on visualizing data and creating and using maps. Students taking the course will learn the skills necessary to create and use map data, and upon completion of the course, students will receive a certificate. Detroit Public Schools is offering a 10-week course for students to learn how to use GIS. The program will be held in the Douglass library on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch will be provided. “The goal is for students who are attending the 10-week course is to train and provide an internship to maybe have a long term job,” says Marsha Lewis, a facilitator/instructional specialist. GIS is used by various businesses, including banks, governments, news organizations, law enforcement and fire/emergency medical services. GIS professionals are tasked with using data to build geographic maps and models based on criteria from income to education to city services in order to understand relationships, patterns and trends. Students who are interested should go to Douglass’ main office and ask for either Principal Berry Greer or Glovetta Williams for an application and agreement policies. “It’s an exciting field for students,” Williams said. “With their certification in GIS, students will be able to obtain a more lucrative job.” Students will receive around 250 service hours while attending the course.
[gallery type="slideshow" size="large" link="none" columns="1" ids="2861,2859,2858,2857,2860"] By Michael Betty Eye of the Hurricane Joshua Johnson’s artwork, which can be found in the halls and grounds of Frederick Douglass Academy, has found a new venue. Through Jan. 9, the Douglass senior has 12 pieces on display in the Lester P. Monts Hall at the University of Michigan Detroit Center, 3663 Woodward Ave., in Detroit. The exhibition was made possible by Julie Taylor, an associate professor at U-M Dearborn’s education department and volunteer coordinator of the History, Art, and Culture Program at Douglass. “Dr. Julie Taylor saw my artwork through two art competitions [in the culture club] that I won first place for,” Johnson said. “The competitions were held by Dr. Taylor and the history and arts program. From there she asked me to bring in some of my artwork so she could show them to the department heads. Then the University of Michigan art department wanted to put them on display.” The Frederick Douglass culture club held a field trip to view his showcased work Dec. 15. “It is a very humbling experience for me because I mostly draw just for enjoyment,” Johnson said, “but being recognized for doing something you love makes me feel like I’m doing something right in the world.” Largely self-taught, Johnson says he has been drawing since he was 6. He now specializes in sketches and paintings of people and figures. “My only art class was at Taft middle school, where I spent time learning how to identify detailed images and the concept of abstract art. I don’t feel like I am a classic artist because in my art class I didn’t really understand what she was teaching, I was more focused on getting to my regular pencil drawings,” Johnson said. He has created multiple art projects for Frederick Douglass, including a mural depicting Detroit emerging from fire into a beautiful city. He also painted a decorative compost barrel for the school’s garden that was featured on television with Sen. Debbie Stabenow visited the school earlier this year. Despite his acclaim, Johnson remains steadfast in his plan to join the military after graduation. He says he doesn’t want to take out college loans and graduate with debt. He intendeds to use savings and veteran benefits from his military service to pay for college. “I would rather pay as I go through school instead of taking out student loans if I go to college right after high school,” Johnson said. He says he doesn’t expect to find “a lot of fields for art” in the military. Still, he said, “When I join the military, I plan to still draw.”
Many students struggle with self-esteem in high school By Hadja Simakha Pink Lady Press “I am Beautiful,” “I am Confident,” and strong. That’s how view myself, even when I’m dealing with emotions such as pride, despair, and shame. However, I realized that my view of myself isn’t how others may see themselves. According to the Mayo Clinic, self-esteem is defined as your overall opinion of yourself — how you feel about your abilities and limitations. No one should ever feel ashamed or embarrassed of being themselves. The medical research group says self-esteem begins to form in early childhood. It also says the following factors could have an impact on your self-esteem: how other people react to you experiences at home, school, and work and in the community, media messages. Here’s my take on self-esteem: “Be who you are and PROUD of it, because you look whole lot better, when you are being yourself.” We may have all felt hopeless, helpless, and full of despair. But, you shouldn’t give up everything because pf factors that may have contributed to your feelings. Have you ever worn something you like or even had your hair styled a certain way, but you made changes to yourself based on the opinions of other people? I’m here to let you know you that should not feel good about yourself. My philosophy is simple: “No one wears you better than you” Self-esteem can be rebuilt by seeking or offering emotional support, staying positive and being grateful and appreciative.
By Nikebia Brown-Joseph Pink Lady Press Christmas is one of the most widely recognized holidays around the globe. It originally began as a Christian holiday intended to honor the birth of Jesus Christ. However, Christmas is celebrated and observed by many people for various personal reasons. Common Christmas traditions include giving gifts, Midnight Mass, decorating a tree, having a special dinner, or creating a nativity scene. Junior Hadja Simakha said: “I think my favorite part of Christmas is spending quality time with all of my family. There’s nothing like it.” “I like putting up the tree and decorating it with my sisters,” sophomore Maya Jones said. “Also, putting up the lights with my dad, then flipping all of the switches and seeing all of the lights come on.” First Sgt. Roulhac, JROTC instructor, said: “My favorite part is having my family over. Everyone sits around the table and says what they’re thankful for throughout the year, then we sit down to eat. And I like to cut up the turkey.” There are a multitude of reasons for celebrating Christmas, and likewise there are many reasons for not doing so. Some people still choose not to participate are still unsatisfied with popular celebration methods. “I think the commercialism aspect of Christmas has become overblown,” Maj. Mark, JROTC instructor, said. “People are too focused on rushing to the mall and spending money instead of focusing on the birth of Christ.”
By Darshae Ward Pink Lady Press Education policies are changing. The push for STEM classes and activities are on the rise across the nation. STEM standing for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math has found a foot in the educational door, and it the opportunity for all is available. An article by Center for Digital Education says “President Obama signed the STEM Education Act of 2015 into law Thursday, Oct. 8.” It “strengthens efforts at the federal level to ensure that computer science skills are included among science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.” For these reasons the ladies of Detroit International Academy should join the robotics team if they would like to pursue careers in engineering or technology. Center for Digital Education says, “American students lag behind many other nations when it comes to STEM education, currently ranking 21st in science and 26th in math.” “Students at DIA should consider joining the robotics team. So many girls let the opportunity pass them by. I, for one, wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to expand my mind,”said junior Hadja Simika. Students who join the robotics team can also reap the benefits of a more impressive college application. Sophomore Kalei King said: “I help to program the robot. It’s confusing at first, but once I was shown what to do, I had no problem. I began in seventh grade, and because I was interested in engineering, I stayed with it.” “Scholarships are available for technical or an engineering career. That’s one of the reasons I joined,” says sophomore Maiya Jones. When asked about the sport, the ladies had this to say, “We all want to win more competitions, that’s the goal,” Simika said. “It’s different for DIA because, we see a lot of guys at the robotics competition. We are the only completely all girls’ team,” said sophomore Kalei King. “I mean other teams have girls on them, but we are the only ALL girls team, which is cool.” “You learn how to program a computer, how to make other types of machines for the robot,” Jones said. “We learn so much. I think all girls who think they may have an interest in engineering should join a robotics team.” The 2048 Detroit International Academy robotics team encourages more students to participate.
By Ikeya Lake CT Visionary Cass Tech’s Music Industry Mock Program is being serviced by Star Factory Artist Development and powered by the Sean Anderson Foundation in the Sean Anderson and Adidas Studio of Infinite Possibilities. The Music Industry Mock Program was developed to educate students about the music industry and give them firsthand experience at mirroring several aspects of the real music industry. The mock program will include budgets, deadlines, studio sessions, photo shoots, and a “culminating” concert tentatively in May. In June, CT alum Big Sean donated a recording studio to Cass Technical High School sponsored by adidas. The Sean Anderson Studio of Infinite Possibilities will become a place where students can be independent and creative. “I feel like the program is going to give the creative, hands-on students something that they can do,” said Brandon Smith, founder of Star Factory. There are four branches that students can audition for. The studio will include 12 engineers/music producers, 12 singers/rappers, six songwriters who will work in teams of two, and 18 business executives who will be allowed to work in teams of three. Each student will belong to a label. All students selected will have the opportunity to train as business executives and start their own mock record labels know as Cass Companies using a Cass Cash budget. Twelve singers and rappers will be selected and will be obligated to release a two-song project by March and the studio time will be paid using Cass Cash. Songwriters must submit three songs to mock labels by February and will be paid in Cass Cash for each song selected by the labels. Engineers are obligated to be present for one session per artist enrolled and they will be paid Cass Cash for their time invested. Each label will then compete for the interest of the Cass Tech student body. “I think it is a very exciting and innovative program,” said CT band director Bryant McGee. “Public schools usually train students in classical music but this relates to them in ways that traditional educational music cannot.” “The No. 1 thing we’re looking for is passion and the people who are going to appreciate this program the most and make us proud that we selected them,” said Smith. “We do want people that would be able to shine because we could be working with the next Big Sean.” “The Music Industry Mock Program will teach me the things that go into making music, organization, and the competition that goes into the music industry,” said senior Lammar Jones, executive member. In addition, the CT Visionary newspaper staff and CT Theater department will work in collaboration with Hot 107.5 FM and Radio 1 to feature student broadcasting through the studio. CT alumni and 107. 5 promotions manager George Jones and CT alumni and 107.5 radio personality Kamal Smith are eager to assist.
By Camilla Cantu The Howler This year, Cristo Rey’s junior class is going for the gold. But this is a different game. The President of the school presented the class of 2017 with a unique challenge: to score an average of 21 or higher on the upcoming ACT in March. The reward? A class trip to Cedar Point. “It’s important to set high goals and I think this is definitely a goal we can achieve,” said Mike Khoury, president of Detroit Cristo Rey. “I want to make it interesting, and I think getting on a bus and heading to Cedar Point sounds like a lot of fun.” Students received the proposition in College Readiness, a mandatory yearlong course for juniors take that offers college advice, workplace skills and most importantly, standardized test preparation. Cristo Rey makes sure their students are ready as they can be for the ACT, Khoury said. “I think [the juniors] have the ability to do it. I want our school to be the best,” he said. The juniors have named this challenge the #The21Project. The students are writing motivational messages on social media and sharing them by hash-tagging “The21Project.” But students are not the only ones committing to the project. “I have pretty high hopes for the Class of 2017. I think that they can all do well,” said Abigail Carter, an Algebra II teacher at Cristo Rey. “I encourage them to keep a positive attitude and not to let the test fizzle them out.” Carter is new to the school and already has ACT score expectations for the junior class. Along with College Readiness, Cristo Rey offers a variety of preparation opportunities. Teachers devote after-school hours to tutoring the students in all subjects, but especially math and science. Carter said all the Cristo Rey teachers are helping the juniors reach their goal. “Every teacher tries their best to teach their student and gives them the individual help they may need,” said Carter. But in the end, juniors are the ones putting in the most work to see their project through. Josiah Walker, like many students of the junior class, is investing his time in Khan Academy to prepare for the ACT. Khan Academy is a website frequently used by the juniors to prepare themselves for the upcoming tests. Walker is hoping to achieve a minimum of 30 on the ACT. “I’ll be doing personal studying. Khan Academy. Khan Academy all day, every day. That’s really the only way I’m preparing so far,” he said. Cedar Point is a great incentive to encourage the junior class to do well on the ACT, but some students see this opportunity as a reflection of Cristo Rey’s commitment to helping their students. Two years ago, Cristo Rey’s Class of 2014 scored a school record breaking average of 19 on the ACT. Last year, the average was 18. This year, the junior class is looking to break history once again. “I love how Mr. Khoury is helping to improve our mentalities on the ACT, encouraging us to score higher and not letting us settle for the 18 average,” Walker said.
By Angeles Cuevas The Howler
By Kianna Harris and Nyla Shields The Cody Connection
By Krishanna Castro CT Visionary Wayne County Community College partnership is a dual enrollment program that gives students the opportunity to take college courses all throughout their four years of high school. This partnership is one of the largest programs of its kind across the city, which is designed to encourage Technicians to develop critical thinking and have preparation for postsecondary success. This was once of Lisa Phillips’ initiative when she became principal of Cass Tech. Students who participate should take at least five classes each year in order to be on track to graduate on time. In the 2015 graduating class, close to 20 students graduated with an associates degrees in addition to their high school diplomas. Assistant principal Lori Singleton supports this vision by coordinating with WC3. “The class of 2015 was the largest class of WCCC history to graduate with dual enrollment,” said Singleton. “The Wayne County program gives them a competitive edge for scholarships and college admission.” The classes are taught at Cass Tech on specific weekdays as well as on Saturdays during the fall, winter, spring and summer semesters. Classes meet Monday through Saturday at CT for interested members of the student body. Currently there are over 300 technicians enrolled in the program. Cass Tech 2016 seniors have the largest number of graduates and 50% of them are on the Dean’s List. “I like the WCCCD classes … I do feel that it can be better for me in a long run,” said CT senior Rachel Robinson. “Everyone does not have the opportunity to graduate from high school with an associate’s degree so it’s awesome that Cass Tech offers them.” Upcoming registration is always announced during the morning announcements. For additional help students can also discuss comments, questions, and concerns with Singleton and Cass Tech teacher Richard James. Cass Tech Alumni Kayla Cockrel, a 2015 recipient of the Detroit High School Journalism Program’s $24,000 Ford Scholarship, now attends Wayne State University for journalism. She took college courses all through her high school year which earned her an associate’s degree before receiving her high school diploma. Wayne State University transferred all but one of her credits. “I think the WCCCD classes did help me with college,” said Cockrel. “ (WCCCD) taught me how to balance my work and now being at Wayne State it’s like second nature I already know what I need to do and how to balance my time.”
By Fallon Brown and Paris Brown The Communicator “Free Dress” days are days designated for students to not wear uniform — but some students say the days come at the cost of promoting materialism. Students at Communication & Media Arts High School tend to display trends at social gatherings and outfits and accessories are often the topic of discussion after the event. “Name brand items are praised and acknowledged,” said sophomore Lydia Owens. Senior Carloes Crumpton agrees. “At the age of 13 name brand items became important to me in which I purchased my first pair of Gucci shoes and belt,” said Crumpton. However, there is often a big discussion regarding what is popular and outdated with clothing choices. “Free Dress” enables students to be able to express themselves with their clothing choices but it’s often a challenge with the expectations set by the student body. Though many say that it is all for fun, some students have different opinions. “I feel that people purchase name brand clothing to prove that they have the money to buy it,” said sophomore Lydia Owens. It is the topic of many conversations throughout the school and social media regarding importance and worth.
By Danielle Anderson The Communicator “Black culture may have been born in black communities, or created by black Americans. But when appropriated for commerce, there is danger of mistaking ‘Black Culture’ for actual cultural experience. That’s where the myth begins, and it can devalue real human experiences,” Justin Simien, wrote in an article on CNN.com on Feb. 25, 2014. “Black culture is the specific poise, confidence, creativity, style, and beauty black people possess that can’t be imitated NOR duplicated.” said senior Kaylyn Wheeler. African-Americans are criticized by the color of their skin, music they listen to, the texture or styling of their hair, and the feminine structure of a black woman. Zendaya Coleman was criticized on social media for having smelly hair because of her dreadlock hairstyle last year at The Academy Awards. Kylie Jenner is another perfect example over the years we seen her transform from no lips and hips to the ideal African-American woman figure that society has shaped them to look. “America would prefer black culture but not black people because America is racist. They’ll idolize Kylie Jenner with fuller lips and wide hips, but not my mother,” said senior De’Aira Everette. Black males are stereotyped for being lazy and not supportive enough for their family. Yet, African-Americans see other cultures imitating the looks they tend to bash and listening to or making the music they want to “hate.” “America loves black/African-American culture dues to its uniqueness, customs and quirkiness. Black people are not loved as much due to the false perception that all African-Americans are violent, illiterate and unintelligent,” said senior Ramey Hamilton.
By Marcellous Weaver The Communicator Some say senior year is the easiest, but when it comes to college applications and scholarships many think otherwise. “This is too much work,” said senior Kameron Williams. “Not only are we trying to apply to all our desired colleges and scholarships, but we also have an overload of homework each night.” Students began applying to colleges and scholarships the summer prior to senior year. During fall semester, students are still in the process of finishing college applications before December deadlines. However, some teachers don’t take this into consideration and continuously give assignments during this tiresome time. “It’s overwhelming at times,” said Renaissance senior Christoria Collins. “My English teacher tends to assigns us an essay practically every day for homework. Included with that homework is work from my other six classes and on top of that, I’m trying to finish all my college applications and finish essays for scholarships.” Though some students feel teachers don’t take into consideration that at times we are overwhelmed or stressed due to us finishing applications and essays, Renaissance senior Justin Woods thinks we may benefit from this. “I really don’t mind the work given sometimes,” said Woods. “In college, nothing less will be expected from us by our professors. The workload we’re given by our teachers, I feel is an advantage for my fellow classmates and I. I won’t say that at times I’m not stressed or overwhelmed but that’s the weight I’m willing to bare for success.”
By Taylor Jenkins The Communicator Twenty-seven years have passed since the last streetcar pulled into downtown Detroit. The city of Detroit will have the streetcar finished by the end of year 2016. The M-1 Rail is a nonprofit organization formed to lead the progress of the streetcar along Woodward Avenue between Congress Street and West Grand Blvd. in Detroit. Even though it costs $140 million to build -- and $5.5 million dollars to run each year -- citizens are thrilled to see the new train being built. “I’m so excited to be able to get around downtown without having to use the buses anymore,” said Richard Taylor, who lives downtown. Being accessible for older and disabled people will bring in more business because during the week the majority of people who will ride the train will be senior citizens and others trying to get to work. The streetcar is meant to be an investment to bring in more money. At $1.50 per ride, you can enjoy the scenery of downtown Detroit. There will be six 60-foot driver-operated conventional cars riding along the lower part of Woodward. “I am really happy to be able to ride on a train for the first time,” said local Tori Satchel. “I’ve never been able to ride one because of the area we live in, but now I finally get the chance.” The new M- 1 Rail could also help bring money and people to Detroit, especially to the new restaurants along the route, such as Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails, Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery, Townhouse, Parks & Rec, and Central Kitchen + Bar. The streetcar will operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays.
By James Johnson The Cody Connection