FALL 2007

The New York Association of Black Journalist Student Journalism Workshop

CO-SPONSORED BY LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY (BROOKLYN CAMPUS)

THE RELIGIOUS MUTATION

By: Nikki Newton

lthough older generations of African Americans cherish Christianity, this powerful religion is seeing its influence greatly waning among todays Black youth. The last time I was in church was Easter. Im just not religious, says a Brooklyn Technical High School junior, who requested his anonymity. I dont see why so many people are into religion. Im doing just fine without it. Such statements about organized religion are not uncommon among African American teenagers. Many claim to only attend church because their parents insist that they do, or to make an obligatory appearance on religious holidays. The reasons vary why Black teenagers are not avid churchgoers: Some feel that God and Jesus are personal spiritual entities and praising them should be done in private, as opposed to in a room full of people. I dont like the feeling that I get

when I praise Him. I feel that [the other members] are judging me, says 15-yearold Fallon Jones of Queens Channel View High School. Black teens also expressed concern that churches feel more like corporate enterprises rather than sanctuaries for spiritual worship. I remember this one time when I went to my friends church and I felt that they were trying to sell Jesus to me, rather than let me feel him, says one Brooklyn Technical High School student. And because he was my friend, I felt pressured to put money in a basket they were basically shoving in my face. Another Brooklyn Tech student says that she was also put off by the money requests. I went to my friends church, too, and they made us get up to give the money. So basically, if you didnt get up, everyone in the church would know it. Then they would throw funny looks at you. And it wasnt like they only asked for money once, they

asked four times, I swear. After the third time, I was basically broke. When I didnt go up the fourth time, my friend told me that some of the elders in her church said I was rude, she said.Even those who do go to church, admit that they only go to be with friends to socialize and have fun. Devout adults and ministers say the reason teenagers arent into church is because parents arent implementing religious values and principles at home. For instance, Angela Dean, who regularly preaches in public, cites numerous occasions when teenagers mocked her. Sure, they might tell their children that stealing is bad, but thats it. Theres no enforcement, no punishment, notes the devout Dean, who, surprisingly, is not a member of a specific church. I dont pledge to one church. I feel that [there are] so many different interpretations of the Bible, Id love to hear all of them. Deacon Harold Myers of Far Rockaways First Baptist Church blames the media and school system for not adequately promoting the value of the church. Theyre telling kids that its okay to turn away from God and [to] put [their] trust in science, he says. These textbooks are teaching evolution and [humans coming] from monkeys. Honestly, how can a whole universe be created out of nowhere? I dont buy it. God did this, and its a shame that kids today arent respecting that, Myers said. Despite the continuing growth of Christian dissent, there are still those who remain pious, such as Benjamin Cardozo High School junior Tiffany Robinson. She attends weekly gatherings, Bible studies and even enjoys reading religious material on her own time despite her hectic schedule. Robinson is also angered and affronted by the impudence of Black teenagers and expects they

will one day embrace church and religion. Its just a matter of time, she says. Teenagers dismiss the notion that they are irreverent. They say while they are wary of organized religion they still respect God as a spiritual force and are just paving theyre own road to salvation. Minister Mark Jones, of another Far Rockaway church called The First Church of God, places some of the blame on church practices, including excessive tithing and other calls for money. Unfortunately, there are greedy people out there, willing to prey on peoples ignorance and trust. Its really depressing because people lose faith in all churches, even the good ones, he says. However, Minister Jones notes that some smaller churches ask for multiple offerings to stay afloat financially. Black teenagers arent the only ones moving away from Christianity. Some White teenagers are also avoiding religion even claiming they dont believe in God, Jesus, or the Bible. Im an atheist because I think everything is fake, explains Brooklyn Tech senior Gloria Haynes. Even my mother doubts God and religion.Andrew Frasier, a Stuyvesant High School junior, admits that he only believes and respects Jesus because its his familys history. I join in family prayer before dinner just to make my parents happy. But, honestly, I think they dont care. Its more of a tradition that no one cares to break, Frasier says. Ironically, other young U.S. minorities are increasingly embracing Christianity. I go to church every Sunday, Bible study on Wednesday, and whatever else in between, said Tsung Park, a 17-year-old Brooklyn Tech senior who is South Korean. He is also a part of Seekers, a club devoted to teaching the words of the Christian Bible. Park said he got reprimanded at school for trying to raise money by selling candy for his church. Although the punishment was only a warning, he said he didnt mind doing that for his higher power. If you dont have God, you have nothing, Park observes.

Altrendo Images

COMMUNITY COLLEGES GIVING SECOND CHANCES

AND CREATING NEW IDENTITIES dropping out, graduated and then went on By: Jordan Temple to the University of Tulsa. Sandy Jimenez
ollege is a time for growth mentally as well as socially. It is very important for young people to have the option to go to college, because if not, they may fall by the wayside. Some kids do not have a four-year plan after high school. They may consider college an impossible goal, due to the high cost of many four-year colleges, or because of low grades. It definitely is a let down when kids are told that their favorite school is a reach school. Community college gives kids a new canvas and allows them to save money on loans they may have had to struggle to repay, since four-year schools can cost as much as $40,000 a year. Community colleges have also provided a second chance for many kids, especially those who do poorly in high school or otherwise didnt achieve high scores on their SATs and are not deemed collegeready. Graduates of community colleges often go on to four-year institutions. Many four-year schools allow students to transfer their credits from community colleges. Jolie Rohde, 19, is one example of such a student. Rohde, featured in The Chronicle of Higher Education, worked in construction and was on her own at a very young age. She went back to Tulsa Community College after

is a college advisor for ERDA (East River Development Alliance), an organization for low-income families in New York City. The organization helps students like Rohde, who may not have thought of higher education as an option. I think that community college policy and its effect on kids helps them in a really good way, and it is extremely valuable. I think that there is some stigma like it isnt that good or that you arent that smart when you are going to a community college, Jimenez says. Most of them have good advisors, and they really work hard to assist you if you would like to transfer. A lot of minorities are putting themselves on two-year plans and transferring to four-year institutions, and that number is increasing, according to a 2001 study by John Tsapogas for the National Science Foundation Dept. Human Resources Statistics Program. From 1990 to 2000, full- and part-time community college enrollment increased from 5.2 million to 5.9 million nationwide. Minority enrollment also increased 65 percent during this time period. Tsapogas surveyed graduates of fouryear colleges who transferred from two-year schools. rities who graduated from four-year colleges also said they attended community college to earn credits toward a bachelors

Jordan Temple

degree. The study found that 74 percent of minoThe collective savings on attending two-year schools before four-year schools can be vast, depending on scholarships and grants from the federal government and the state.When I asked my principal, Ron Tabano of John V. Lindsay Charter School, why some kids go to two-year schools and transfer to four-year schools, he explained: Financially it makes a lot of sense, and many students find that it is easier to take the required courses because it is cheaper. It also gives them time to decide what they want to major in. For some students their grades arent high enough to apply for a four-year school, he added. The key to selecting a two-year school is you have to make sure it is a twoyear school that four-year schools accept

credits from. There are also s ome two-year schools upstate, as well as across the nation, that feature dormitories for students who may not be locals. Many foreign-exchange students start in community colleges to work on their English before pursuing studies elsewhere. While some may think of community colleges as outdated and undermanned, some of the facilities are actually very nice. There are schools such as Sullivan County Community College that house 320 students on campus, and Onondaga Community College in Syracuse features new living quarters that houses 500 students. I asked my guidance counselor, Patricia Wong, who attended a two-year school before transferring to a fouryear college, what she thought of community college.The good thing about community (contd)

college, especially those in the CUNY system, is that students who need to improve on developmental skills would be able to receive assistance on writing, reading, and math. A four-year school wouldnt help you in those areas, she said. Any school you go to, you have to take a placement exam. If they find your Regents scores are low, they will tell

you have to go to a two-year school and thats not always bad. The school system has long been blamed for failing kids, especially in urban environments, and especially among minorities. Hopefully the number of kids going to college will increase no matter how they get there. Education can truly be a lifesaver.

W.E.B. DuBois, the late scholar and civil rights leader, once said: Education is that whole system of human training within and without the school house walls, which molds and develops men.The educational system is designed for every race, and every person, for the same reason, which is to develop your mind and enjoy a career path

for which you have worked hard; my mother calls it sweat-equity. The path you take to get there should not affect the person you become, and community college is just another way of getting thereand beyond.

TEENAGERS SHAKE UP COMMUNITY IN NEW YORK

By: NKeya Peters
hile most teenagers are shaking up violence in the community and causing trouble, the members of the Flava Unit are making a positive change in their community and a positive change in their lives through volunteer work. The Flava Unit is a teen community group that does community service outreach in all five boroughs of New York City. It consists of high school students in grades 9 to 12. The Flava Unit members complete at least two volunteer service projects a month, and hold meetings in Manhattan every Thursday at 5 p.m., where they socialize and discuss upcoming events. The Flava Unit was created by Power 105.1s radio announcer, Dj Vu who always had a passion to work with young people: Young people need someone to guide them toward the right path. Not a lot of people do that; they would rather complain about young people than help them. Id rather help, says Dj Vu. Dj Vu started the Flava Unit in 1997 in Birmingham, Alabama, while she worked as an Assistant Program Director at WBHJ. It started off as a platform to figure out the interests of teenagers and the things they liked, and it led to teenagers giving back to the community through volunteer work. The Flava Unit currently has a chapter in New York City with approximately 32 members residing in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and New Jersey. Previous Flava Unit branches include St. Louis, Missouri, and Richmond, Virginia. Volunteering in my community makes me feel good because most people my age are not doing

this, says 17- year-old Diandra Davidson. The Flava Unit has worked with many different kinds of volunteering organizations found by browsing the Internet. Many of these organizations include the Food Pantry of New York City, The Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity. My favorite type of volunteer work would be feeding the homeless at the Food Pantry of New York City, says 17-year-old member Wahkeeyah Johnson. It just feels good to help someone who is less fortunate than you and who cant help themselves. While other teenagers spend their Saturdays sleeping all day, these teenagers wake up as early as 5 a.m. to volunteer for at least five hours in their community in the sun, rain, and snow.The most challenging thing about being a member of the Flava Unit is getting to the events on time. I have to get up at 5 a.m. on Saturdays. Its really hard, but I made a commitment to the group and I must keep it, says 17-year-old member Fatimah Sesay.Flava Unit members make a commitment to arrive at every meeting on Thursday evenings, and also to arrive on time for their volunteer events that usually take place two Saturdays a month. This schedule is hard for some members, especially seniors who have to balance senior events and Flava Unit events. The most challenging thing about being a member of the Flava Unit is making it to every single event and balancing that out with other social events in my life, says 17year- old member Brittany Allen, who graduates from Cardozo High School this year. A Flava Unit membership lasts until graduation from high school.Many in the group have been members since their freshman year and

NKeya Peters

have developed close friendships, becoming close like family. One male and one female senior of the Flava Unit are eligible for a $1,000 scholarship funded by Dj Vu. So not only are the members giving of their time and energy to help their communities, they are also eligible for a scholarship for all their hard work. Hours spent volunteering also goes toward my community service work, which will look great on my college transcript, says member Asia Foster. The Flava Unit is beneficial to both the community and its members, who are exposed to different aspects of the city that they never knew existed. Besides gaining community service hours, members also receive fun things such as movie passes, concert tickets and CDs. Trips to college fairs and the

Black Expo occur at least once a year. At the end of the school year, a graduation reception takes place, signaling the end of one Flava Unit semester. Family and friends are invited and everyone has a good time. Meetings resume at the beginning of the next school year and new members are added to the group. Flava Unit members learn that the world does not operate alone, the world operates with everyone working together. Giving back to the community by civil service makes them well-rounded individuals and help keeps them out of trouble, says Dj Vu. This holiday season, the Flava Unit will continue to shake the community in a positive way by reading to kids in intensive care at a neighborhood hospital and by participating in a toy drive.

STRESSING OUT AND REELING IN

By: Tfarra Farrell
essica Jones, a 17-year-old high school senior at Brooklyn College Academy (BCA), is an active member in several school and social activities. Model United Nations is her most time-consuming activity and requires lots of research and writing. In addition to her homework and studies, Jessica barely has time to focus on any one thing. The same goes for 17-year-old Yanik Joseph, another senior at BCA. Yanik is involved in sports and the school band. Not only does he have to juggle the pressures of school, but he also has to go to work and deal with his girlfriend. Handling a relationship causes the most stress in his life, says Joseph. Because there are constant disagreements about minor problems. Between school, work, friends, parents, college, and even the senior prom, all these issues eventually lead to the overwhelming sensation of too many things to be done at once. No matter what age, stress affects everyone. These feelings can be both good and bad. The pressure of having an assignment due can encourage you to work hard to meet your deadline, however having too many assignments due at once can stress you out, which can lead to headaches and even panic attacks. In an article entitled Coping with School Stress, Katherine Kam discusses the effects that teenagers, like Jessica and Yanik, experience in California. Hannah OBrien, a junior at AcalanesHighSchool in Lafayette, California, observed that many of her peers break down into tears after receiving a low grade on a test and even go days without sleep. This is similar to the seniors of BCA.

Students strive so hard to be perfect that they loose their temper, confront teachers, and become hysterical when they feel that they have been cheated out of a better grade. School isnt easy for teachers, either. High school teacher Jesse Kupferman just transferred to BCA and teaches 11th and 12th grade English/creative writing. He has five classes each day and reveals that its very stressful being a new teacher and preparing lesson plans each night. Not only does Kupferman, 27, have to prepare for his job, but he also has to make sure that his bills are paid and that he has enough money to provide for himself and his girlfriend. Despite the age gap between Mr. Kupferman and the seniors, the cause for their stress is still similar. Everyone copes with stress differently, for example Kupferman says he likes to read, go out with his friends, cook, and work out. According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, these activities are great for relaxing your mind. Studies show that physical activity increase the endorphin levels in your body and give a natural high feeling. Also, hanging out with friends or people that are positive help keep you optimistic and sane. Yanik prefers to talk to his friends about his problems. Once hes done venting he tries to do something fun. Talking with someone is always a good idea when you feel stressed, he says. Of course it always depends on whom you talk to, which goes back to the people you usually hang out with.
Links: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/signs-of-teen-stress http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/coping-school-stress

BREAST CANCER RESEARCH

By: Jasmine Tronchin
ust a few days before her 35th birthday, Alecia Jones found out she had breast cancer. Now, years later, she has not only lived to tell of her struggle, but of the unexpected help she got while battling the disease. I had an appreciation for life after surviving, says Jones, a nurse at William F. Ryan Community Health Center in Manhattan. And compassion for those living with the disease because cancer is a very unexpected and devastating disease that makes you examine who you are and why youre here. According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 40,000 women die each year from breast cancer, but Jones chose to fight the disease and win. But thanks to corporate initiatives, she knew she did not have to fight the disease alone. Dozens of companies have stepped up to help women survive their struggle and provide support. Nationwide floral distributor FTD recently partnered with Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization to donate 10 percent of sales from their Pink Ribbon bouquet collection to fighting breast cancer. We were so inspired by Y-ME that we felt strongly about stepping up our

GETS A CORPORATE BOOST

own efforts to raise public awareness about breast cancer, said FTD executive director Bill Van Cleve in a statement. We hope to make the process easier for those living with the disease. The corporate push for breast cancer awareness support has grabbed the attention of several other business sectors as well. Fashion retailer Bloomingdales reportedly gave away more than 70 million pink ribbons to promote awareness of the disease. Last September, technology company Belkin released a line of pink-andbone-colored cases for iPods, donating 10 percent of the proceeds to breast cancer research. In addition, Lifetime Networks has devoted an entire segment of their website to supporting the treatment, prevention and even political activism in the fight against breast cancer. With faith and support Jones did not fight breast cancer alone and urges strength for those who are challenged with it in their lives. Ask God to give you strength to overcome this, accept love from all sources, dont even pity yourself, she offers, and dont give up.

LOOKING AT JUVENILE DIABETES

By: Jastina Carter
s a nurse working in New York Citys Office of School Health, Ruth Carter [ CARTER OR SCHNEIDER? CK NAME AND UNIFY] finds herself going through a daily cumbersome process on behalf of some students. The work consists of filling out a special form, consulting with a lunch aid on what is being served, then being sure elements like fats, sugars, and carbohydrates are properly balanced or omitted because the students shes concerned with are not like others, and cant eat what the others eat. All this for students living with juvenile, or type 1 diabetes. The children really have a tough time in the beginning, said Schneider [??? CARTER?? WHO IS THIS?]. I could imagine they feel punished not being able to eat other kinds of foods, and not being able to share candy like other kids. Schneider says her job entails work-

ing with parents and school nutritionists to monitor food intake and insulin levels in diabetic children, and even administers insulin treatment. The ailment is an autoimmune disease of the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Many scientists believe diabetes may be a virus that attacks the cells and permanently destroys them. As a result, the pancreas can no longer produce insulin that is needed to transport sugar from the blood to the cells for energy. The sugar then piles up in the blood and causes damage to the organs and blood vessels. People with diabetes have to monitor blood glucose level daily. In order to regulate insulin intake they must use a device that takes sample of blood usually by pricking the finger to get an accurate reading in about seconds. In addition, they must exercise and watch what they eat. The carbohydrates in the food are counted and that increases the insulin intake, but if the person exercises that decreases the insulin intake. Everything in the childs life is calculated to

keep them regulated; this even takes place in school. Many factors, including genetics and obesity can play a major role in the development of diabetes. But scientists have not pinpointed diabetes is triggered, but diet has found to be a factor. Excessive eating of fast food and candy, combined with a lack of exercise can increase the risk of becoming obese and encourage diabetes. . About 177,000 young people under 20 years old have juvenile diabetes and the number is only growing each year. New studies are now finding many new cases of children acquiring type 2 diabetes, which was once thought to only be found in people about 45 years and older. Subtle changes in a childs body can determine whether he or she has diabetes before being tested. Symptoms including increased urination, increased thirst or hunger, and even nausea and vomiting can be indicators. In some, severe cases the experiences rapid breathing and may even go into a diabetic coma. But fortunately many treatment methods for the disease are now being used through insulin injections or pumps and

even and oral medication and inhaled insulin is in the research stage, according to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundations website. Reality television chef Sam Talbot has been living with diabetes since he was 13, and told the JDRF that exercise, proper diet and regular checking of blood sugar is part of his life and can be something others who have Type 1 diabetes can embrace to stay healthy as well. Diabetes is a part of your life, try to embrace it the best you can, said Talbot. Checking your blood sugar and monitoring what you eat is a part of your daily routine.

www.time.com

any public schools offer the option for their students to either buy school lunch or venture out to get lunch where they please, which in itself can present problems in the way of teen nutrition. In Montclair, New Jersey, students take the opportunity and go out to lunch at surrounding fast-food chains. High school students, in particular, fall into this category because they have free periods during the course of the school day. To help stem this problem, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture has devoted an entire division to child and adult nutrition. Its Child Nutrition Program offers numerous programs focusing on different aspects of nutrition and health in schools, which can be public or private, and including child and adult daycare centers. Over the past few years, there has been a push toward the improvement of the food served in New Jersey school cafeterias. One specific policy that has been established is the Model School Nutrition Policy. This program is supposed to help eliminate unhealthy foods, and foods with minimal nutritional value, by banning them from schools. Foods that fall in this category are sodas, candy, and any item that lists sugar as its first ingredient. The initiative for The Model School Nutrition policy began in May 2003, with the idea of Healthy Choices, Healthy Kids as the slogan. The program was sparked by the idea of stopping the rapidly growing number of children in New Jersey that were either obese or had type II diabetes. All

NEW JERSEY OFFERS A JUNK FOOD ALTERNATIVE By: Leila Brown

of the school systems of New Jersey were mandated to have the policy in full effect in two years, which would have been by September 1, 2006, and districts would have to fully meet all of the requirements of the program a year later, which was September 1, 2007. Foods sold and distributed in school during the day must meet strict guidelines that include: Serving sizes not exceeding eight grams of fat and two grams of saturated fat. If not water or milk, beverages may not exceed twelve ounces. 40 percent of frozen ice creams and desserts may not exceed the other guidelines. More than $20 million has been spent promoting nutrition and staying healthy. But the spending is an overall benefit because it saves money for parents who otherwise would have to pay dietitians for consultations or medical professionals for problems associated with obesity and poor diet. The New Jersey Department of Agriculture has had this policy in effect since January of 2006 and it has so far proven to be a success, with over 700 New Jersey public schools fully and hundreds more in the process of getting up to speed.

wo things change dramatically over time: people and fashion. Different trends come about and different styles come into play all the time, and people who fancy themselves as trend setters come in no short supply. From the 80s through the present, weve had to adapt to (and endure) a kaleidoscope of fashion hits, and misses ranging from Afros and hip-hugging bellbottoms to Caesar cuts and hip-sagging wide leg jeans. So what styles do fickle, hip-hop influenced city kids prefer? Has it gone from RocaWear and Phat Farm to True Religion and 7 For All Mankind jeans? Or is it all coming full-circle? Eighties fashion is repeating because we look like our parents just a little younger, said Raven, 16, a high school junior from Queens. Its not that other clothing hasnt been around, but its just getting noticed. Its easy to understand whats happened. Styles come and go. Everyone wants to wear whats in for that time period. A particular brand will be popular for the moment, but in the blink of an eye no one will care about it. Its all about keeping up, but if you dont the trend will most certainly will pass you by. Whats likely to happen, based on past trends, is as the nouveau riche brands touted on Fifth Avenue become more popular for urban kids, and the cheaper knock-offs become available, the once stylish haberdash and haute couture of Phat Farm, Sean John and RocaWear will become obsolete. Jason, a salesman for Bargain

WEAR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW By: Christopher Samuel

Bazaars downtown Brooklyn location said the once rebellious but now increasingly litigated baggy look is the latest victim of the fashion polices commando unit. During the past 5 years the baggy clothes trend has changed to sort of a rock star look. I feel this image comes from television the most, said Jason, who declined to give a last name, but says hes worked in the clothing industry for two years and sees his inventory changing dramatically. In his business, the hip urban gear is now aimed at a younger generation who seem to be slowly eschewing the thug look for clothes they could wear to an American Idol audition. Based on Jason and Ravens observations, it seems that fashion will change about as much as people change their clothes, their hair, and even their lifestyles. However Raven, who has her own way of dressing, was quick to point out that people rarely act with eccentricity when it comes to their clothing. My personal style is what people today call tomboyish in a way, she said. (But) majoritywise (sic) everyone dresses the same.They follow trends. But even the new designers will fade away themselves and make way for what will make them pass. Nothing in the fashion industry will last forever there is always room for new ideas and new styles in this world. So to answer the question what does the urban culture prefer? They prefer whatever is new and in style. We all just want to wear whats in.

ome say Nike is the main consumer products company that has done the most to prevent global warming. The company has sponsored races to stop global warming and is setting an example for its consumers. Such efforts come at a time when green businesses use less waste to help to prevent pollution and conserve energy. A green business is known as an environmental leader and being a green business can also give a company a marketing edge over the competition. Global warming is a serious issue, and now the top businesses are beginning to see that. Besides Nike, Wal-Mart and PepsiCo. have become green. Pepsi is part of the United States Climate Action partnership. This company was also recognized with ENERGYSTAR partnership. Claire Palmer, a representative from PepsiCo., claims Pepsi has always been concerned about the community. We are working to encourage action, she said. A grocery store called Compare Foods has been selling bags for customers when they shop. This was

By: Nadya Stevens

EVRY HEART BEATS TRUE NEATH THE GREEN?

made to stop the use of plastic bags that contribute to global warming. Meanwhile, New York University is also trying to be more environmentally friendly. In October 2006, NYU launched a green action plan, an event that raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. Reporters at the New York Association of Black Journalists high school journalism workshop interviewed their peers about global warming. One student didnt even know what global warming was. When Brad Dewitt, a student at Bayside High School, was asked if he was affected by businesses turning green, he said, All I care about is me, myself, and I, and my family and friends, as long as they are OK Im cool. As the interview progressed, however, Dewitts prospective on businesses going green changed as he received more information about it. This interview changed my mind a lot, he said. I think its great what Nike is doing to keep the environment safe. Other students were a tad bit more informed. Dominique Callahan, a Nike fan, said she thinks what Nike is doing is excellent and the company inspires her to stop polluting. Briana Marim, who likes Pepsi, likes the companys approach to fight global warming. She says she plans to do her part and will stop using hairspray, which emits pollutants. This fall, former Vice President Al Gorewon a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to stop global warming. He helped create the Academy Award-winning film An Inconvenient Truth to inform the public about the global warming problem. Is Al Gore an inspiration for corporations to do better? Often, when a company announces its plans to go green, some wonder whether it is just a publicity stunt. Companies know that is what the consumers want to hear, so its possible they are just giving lip-service to the problem. If companies understand the true cost of environmental factors to their bottom line, they are more likely to do something about it on their own, said Janet Ranganathan of World Resources Institute. In Harlem, there is a business that sells condos called Kalahari. The condos that the company sell are environmentally friendly but very expensive for the average person, starting at $700,000. A reporter from NYABJ High School Journalism Workshop was not able to contact Kalahari for comment. However, a Harlem resident NAME? said: We arent rich. We cant afford two to four bedrooms for $700,000. You can buy a bigger house with that kind of money. If going green is a positive change, why is it coming at such a negative price? Global Warming is considered a serious problem that can cause catastrophic damage. Many other businesses are working in the process to follow the steps of businesses like Walmart, PepsiCo., and Nike to prevent it from destroying the planet.

FINDING THE BEAUTY WITHIN By: Tyra Francis

rom the beginning of the 20th century and even earlier we have gone from sophisticated and conservative fashion to a flaunting society in which young girls are taught that showing off their bodies is beautiful. Some may think that we have made significant stepswomen used to wear girdles and corsets every day to achieve societys ideal of a beautiful figurenow we wear what we want. But do we really? Do women truly wish to wear tight pants, loads of makeup, wigs or hair extensions, or go to the extremes of cosmetic surgery? Today, women chose styles based on influential televisions programs and print magazines that define for us what a woman should look like. But they rarely even mention anything in a woman deeper than the external. Back then ladies fashion used to consist of them covering up their body parts, but now designers make clothes in any shape or form so that females can feel comfortable showing skin and expressing the way they feel, says Giani Grinelle, 20. Yes, fashion does have a great impact on beauty because we, as females, also want to look fashionable but at the same time we want to look beautiful. For women today, keeping with societys style gives us a sense of self- confidence, a feeling of fitting in. We have a need or a desire to go with the current and never against it. It isnt enough to look good in your clothes the pressure to have the perfect

body has lead many women of color to seek cosmetic surgery. Donda West, a retired college English professor and mother of hip-hop superstar, Kanye West, died tragically on Monday November 12, due to apparent complications from cosmetic surgery. Mrs. West, 58, suffered fatal complications after undergoing a combined tummy tuck and breast reduction procedure. Her case was rare, although doctors warn that any surgery may involve serious complications, cosmetic plastic surgery is one the safest medical procedures. The chance of death due to cosmetic surgery is about one in 51,459, according to the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, a medical journal. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports an even lower rate of one in 57,000 procedures. Each year in the United States, over $33 billion is spent on diet substances, more than $20 billion on cosmetic, and in excess of $300 million a year is spent on cosmetic surgeries. Women pride themselves on how far we have supposedly come over the last decades, when in fact we have only trapped ourselves in a corner. From a young age, women are shown what societys idea of beauty is in the form of a toy: Barbie, the tall, skinny blonde with blue eyes and the perfect bust size. If Barbie were a real human being she would have to walk on all fours because her unbalanced body couldnt hold her.

Our society has programmed our minds to think that a womans face is the worth of her fortune. Women represent 52 percent of the population yet we have not managed to overcome our materialistic and shallow views of the world around us. Cosmetics and plastic surgeries industries have thrived over the last few decades, yet women today are no more satisfied with themselves. As women we have worked too hard and too long to let the desires of men destroy us. Womens fashion has dramatically changed over the century and all throughout history. Beauty has been based upon ones intelligence or her status in her neighborhood but never stressed upon her looks as they are in todays society. Todays women strive for perfection. They wake each morning, spending countless hours on their hair and makeup then on their outfit for the day. When new fashions arrive, we rush to the stores and spend large sums on designer clothes, every few minutes reapplying gloss on our lips to make our smiles only more attractive. Yet all during this time we are thinking of other women in our lives, the ones who seem perfect. We curse them for having what we want. We distance ourselves from them out of pure fear of self-degradation. Today, women think of their places in the world and pride themselves on the steps we have taken, all the time failing to realize how far we must still go and how much time and work

we sacrifice, while we strive for the ultimate perfection. Young girls grow up today in a society that demands perfection. A young girl must be skinny. A young girl must be smart. A young girl must be athletic. And most important, a young girl must be beautiful. Last year Kiri Davis, a New York teenager directed the documentary short A Girl Like Me that asked young black kids to choose between a white doll and a black doll to play with. Almost all of the young children picked the white doll because to them the white doll symbolized beauty and happiness. Also, in the documentary were several black teenage girls revealing their definition of beauty and proudly showing off their black features. Understanding that being of African American descent and having certain physical characteristics not only makes us different but beautiful and fashionable. Today when beauty is mentioned, almost everyones first thought is a womans outward appearance and their sexual attractiveness, says Latoya Stevens, 29. Women nowadays think that dressing in a provocative way gives them attention, most likely not realizing that theyre not only degrading themselves and other females, but theyre also getting a negative response from both male and females. True beauty is within, you may not fit the ideal of the most attractive person on the outside, but you may be beautiful on the inside.

UPSET
T

By: Terrique Johnson

he word upset is defined thusly: to overthrow or defeat unexpectedly. The thrill and glory of an upset is the reason why many compete in sports. The overwhelming feeling of defeating a team thats supposedly better than your team is unexplainable. When youre an underdog, the successful sensation of victory is the best feeling as an athlete. In todays sports world, upsets are the biggest enthusiasm for struggling teams to look forward to, mainly because those teams have nothing to lose. If they lose, then they consider it that they werent supposed to win. However, if they do win, they have the biggest momentum swing, while they steal the opposing teams limelight, hype, power, and sometimes season. In all sports upsets are popular, however, theyre not always too common. This college football season has been littered with upsets. Top-five teams dropping like flies to unranked opponents and powerhouse teams losing to division 1AA teams. This year, some teams that were predicted to be at the top of the BCS standings or go undefeated, have already lost once or more and there are still games left. Usually college football has a minute amount of upsets and good teams only lose to other good teams. So what is the difference this year? Why are upsets gradually increasing? The answer is simple and many analysts have pointed to it, its anybody season. As long as a team truly believes it can win a game, it doesnt matter whom they

play, it is possible they can come out with a victory. So why has this season been so different than others. Why havent teams of great stature, prestige, and honor, been able to knock off unworthy opponents? My discussion with Spencer Tillman, CBS college football analyst, was insightful. The love of sports is based solely on unlimited competition and unpredictability, which is what, keeps the fans watching. This year the competition and unpredictability has been progressive in college football. So I asked Tillman for his take on why there been so many upsets. He explained that theres so much more to football, than what is seen on the playing field. It all starts with coaching and scouting, if I (as a smaller team) can scout the same players as you, (the powerhouse team) spread out the field, and if my guy is as fast as your guy, as strong as your guy, and I can even out the playing field, then I have an equal chance of winning the game. Doesnt matter what school youre from, what color your jersey is, or what the helmet says. Tillman also explained how coaches have to adjust to their players now more than ever. Saying this generation is a distrusting generation, If a coach 15 or 20 years ago, told one of his players to run through a brick wall he would do it, opposed to a player now,

who would ask questions. In todays game everything is essential to a teams success. Coaching, scouting, chemistry, potential, mind-set are just some of the backbone ingredients to a successful team, mainly off the field. That said, we still have no idea what team is playing in what bowl game and it seems like the only sure bet for the National Title Game (BCS bowl) is Ohio State, and they, too, were bumped out of their No. 1 spot, opening doors for many Cinderella hopefuls. This year the top five teams have been changed and readjusted every week, and as with last year, there is a lot of controversy pertaining to whom should go where. Including Ohio State, who seemed impeccable this year, Kansas, one of the two undefeated teams left, and they are ranked third, and probably moving up, due to Oregons loss this Thursday. Many believe that they should have been ranked higher, a few weeks ago, due to their undefeated season this year when so many teams have been upset. Where as others believe they had a light schedule, not having to face any truly tough opponents and they havent won any games that they shouldnt have. So does the BCS standing truly fairly determine what ranking a team should have? Is it fair that undefeated teams are in

a poor conference and they just dont lose games that they arent supposed to? Combining this years undefeated season and last years 1 lost team, Hawaii has played better football than big-name prestigious schools like USC, Michigan, Florida, Notre Dame, and LSU, yet they wont be eligible to play for the national title. Tillman says it all depends on what conference your in, predicting many teams wouldnt have had the seasons theyre having if they were in a tougher conference. I also asked Tillman to weigh in on the Heisman trophy competition. My question: Is it harder to win to the Heisman as a running back or quarterback? His response was, its harder to win as a running back, but easier to lose as a quarterback, saying quarterbacks can be exposed a lot easier. Using Boston College QB Matt Ryan, who was at the top of the list with Tim Tebow and company, as an example, Matt went from being a Heisman hopeful, to an average good, not great QB within one game. Where as RBs stay under the radar until they bust out with great performances. However, they touch the ball a lot less and dont necessarily control the outcome of a game as much as a QB will. After my conversation with Tillman, Ive discovered the other side of college football, and why the upset isnt much of an upset this year. Discovering the playing field has been leveled and anyone, even a Kansas, whose basketball team was discussed more than the football team at the start of the season, can win a national title.

By: Ann-Quette Wade

he 2008 presidential election will greatly impact Americas youth. And yet, this generation wont have the opportunity to cast their votes next year and let their voices be heard. But, if the so-called Generation Y could vote in the next presidential election, it appears they would back New York Senator Hillary Clinton. In a simple survey of 100 high school students in Brooklyn, 40% say they would vote for the former first lady, while 30% say they would vote for Barack Obama. The massive media attention focused on the two frontrunners has greatly influenced

THE VOTE OF A GENERATION Y

the students opinions. For instance, most of the students were only aware of Clinton and Obama, and some 15% of those surveyed werent even sure who was running. However, they say they would vote for a Democrat if they had to make a choice. Most of the female students said they would vote for Clinton because she is a woman. Others, however, think Clintons gender posed a liability, citing sexism in America. Comparatively, some students believe the country is too racist or not ready to elect a black man as president, thus hurting Obamas chances. I would vote for Obama to give him support, because I know that he may never have the chance to be president because he is black, says one respondent.The undecided students agree that it is important that the next president focus on domestic issues, including improving the economic status of Americans. It has been said that American society would turn out differently if teenagers were given the opportunity to vote, although there are those who believe that they would elect a candidate based on popularity. But many teenagers do feel they should be given the opportunity to vote in 2008. Although most of them may vote for cultural or genderspecific reasons, they would vote for the candidate that could relate to them the most.

WHO DO YOU THINK HAS THE BETTER CHANCE OF WINNING THIS POLITICAL COMBAT? By: Roseann Williams
by the front-runners from each party. The leading Republican candidate is former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani. He wants to give citizenship for some illegal immigrants, but not before legal immigrants. At the same time, Giuliani says illegal immigrants must pay back-taxes, learn English and American history before gaining citizenship. The Republican candidate also supports short term use of the National Guard to secure the U.S- Mexico boarder and long term increases in border patrol personnel. On the issue of the Iraq war, Giuliani believes removing troops from Iraq now would be a terrible mistake. He supports Bushs plan to send additional U.S. troops to Iraq and says failure to secure Iraq will lead to broader regional conflict. Though Giuliani doesnt support gay marriage, but he believes in equal rights for all Americans. While he says that marriage should be between a man and woman, he supports domestic partnerships and legal benefits for same-sex couples. John McCain, another leading Republican, supports stricter enforcement of existing laws to prevent illegal immigrantion. Although the Arizona senator opposes the amnesty program, he is open to allowing some illegal immigrants to earn citizenship. And, he agrees with a plan to expand visa programs for skilled workers. McCain voted for and continues to support the Iraq war. But, he said the U.S entered war without many troops and employed the wrong strategies. McCain opposes same-sex marriage and civil unions, but says the issue should be left to states. McCain wants to promote competition between healthcare providers and believes if the cost of medicine were reduced, healthcare would be affordable. The leading candidate for the Democrats is New York Senator Hillary Clinton. Though she is popular among the vast majority of democrats, Clinton doesnt have significant support from the gay population. Clinton has admitted to attending conferences opposing gay marriage and thinks same-sex marriage should remain illegal. On immigration, the former first lady advocates building a wall between the U.S. and Mexican border. She agrees with the idea of deporting illegal immigrants and says the Mexican government needs to improve its economy to prevent the exodus of their citizens who are searching for better living conditions. Clinton feels illegal immigrants take jobs away from Americans. Clinton is opposed to sending more troops to Iraq. Although she voted for the war, she wants to bring the troops home. In addition, Clinton believes that everyone should have health care despite their economic lifestyles, gender, race or class. The second leading Democrat in the 2008 presidential election is Illinois Senator Barack Obama. He believes the Iraq war is wrong and voted against it. On the immigration, Obamas believes that politics have exploited immigrants and divided our nation. He says America has always been a nation of immigrants and stronger border enforcement would decrease immigration. He says it is not fair that illegal immigrants in America can fight this countrys wars, but are forced into hiding while trying to gain citizenship. Everyone has the right to live healthy lives even if they cant afford it, says Obama. He hopes to create a new health plan to cover those who cannot afford health insurance. His plan includes, eligibility for everyone, affordable premiums, easy enrollment, manda-

As the presidential candidates begin to combat each other in the key primaries, its becoming more of a toss up on who will emerge as the front-runner for the Democratic and Republican parties. Even more uncertain, is who will Americans finally entrust to lead the county next year as we continue to fight the unpopular war in Iraq, while concerns about the domestic economy rise. Decision 08 will be a tough one for many Americans as we decide which candidate has the best policies to lead the country forward. For the undecided, here is a rundown on the key positions advocated

tory coverage of children and an expansion of Medicaid.

CLIMBING THE LADDER OF SUCCESS By: Antonio Thurman

yler Perry is a very skilled writer, producer, and director, but as a child, it was another talent that kept him busy _ carpentry. By the age of 12, the New Orleans native was helping his carpenter father put additions on peoples houses, and earned between $30 to $40 for his work. But it was not a happy time _Perry and his father didnt always get along, because his father often physically abused him. As a result, Perry suffered from depression and even tried to commit suicide twice. (He and his father have since reconciled.) When he was 21, he took a road trip to Atlanta, a place that he would love for the rest of his life. He loved Atlanta so much that in 1990 he returned to New Orleans, packed his bags and moved to Atlanta, where he has never left. While living in Atlanta, he saw an Oprah Winfrey show where she was discussing how it is good to write stories down relating to a persons actual life. With $12,000 from his savings and the encouragement of his friends, he staged his first play I Know Ive Been Changed, which dealt with themes of child abuse, substance abuse and broken families _ all subjects that had touched Perrys life in some way. But it was a flop; only 30 people came to the show on the opening weekend. This left Perry not only devastated, but also broke. Over a six- year stretch, Perry went from job to jobeven working as a bill collector and a used-car salesman. Each year he saved enough money to stage one of his playsand every year he would see them fail. By 1998, he was ready to quit, but he decided to stage one

last show at Atlantas House of Blues. This time he hit the jackpot, using pastors and other members of popular churches in his show. Looking out of his nonheated venue, he saw a line that reached around the corner. He sold out that time plus eight more times until he moved to the 4,500-seat Fox Theatre, where he sold out two more nights. Perrys plays show black people struggling with drug addiction, abandonment, and poverty. Soon Perry was doing 200 to 300 shows a year, and playing to 30,000 people every week. Viola Hargrave, a retired teacher and church mentor, remembers seeing one of Perrys plays in the early 90s and being impressed. The first time I saw Tyler was at the Beacon Theatre to see the Diary of a Mad Black Women, she said. There was a large audience who seemed to be his fans. Every one was totally into the storyline. Perry is involved in every aspect of his plays, movies, and TV shows. Besides starring in his creations, he serves as a writer, director, composer, and also helps with makeup and set design. He does all of this while working with a tight budget. Perry has definitely grown; he went from playing in 200-seat theaters to arenas with 12,000 to 20,000 seats. Perry tends to recast certain characters in his projects, a technique that makes the viewer familiar with the individual characters. He has not only done plays and movies, but he has also ventured into TV. Perrys sitcom House of Payne, on TBS, deals with issues of moral values in a fun and interesting way. The show deals with heavy topics but is still suitable for young

kids to watch, unlike many of the shows on cable TV. Tyler Perrys movies, such as 2005s Diary of a Mad Black Woman and 2006s Madeas Family Reunion were incredibly cheap to produce, costing Perry and Lionsgate Entertainment a total of $11 million to produce. Both movies became No. 1 at the box office and grossed about $150 million. Alicia Quarles, an entertainment producer for Associated Press Television, says the key to Perrys success has been his ability to show real life in an entertaining way. Thats part of the genius of Tyler Perry, she said. I like how he shows the men and women in a good and bad way just like it is in reality. Tyler Perry is also an author. His book, Dont Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings, made the New York Times best-sellers list, a distinction which indicates that its not only black people who are paying attention to Tyler Perry. One thing that made Tyler Perrys plays a little controversial is one of his funniest characters, Madea. Madea is not like any other grandmother in the family. She carries a gun and pepper spray everywhere she goes. Although a little violent, Madea usually fights the woman thats sleeping with the married man or vice versa. Madea helps show moral values, specifically regarding the young black community, in a fun and interesting way. In fact, all of Perrys movies, plays, and his TV show are fun, but at the center of all the madness is moral behavior. Since 1998, Perry has produced 11 touring stage plays and has made $150 million. His DVDs of the movies and plays

have sold more than 11 million copies. Remarkably, Perry has retained ownership of all his work. Perhaps his greatest economic accomplishment was when TBS bought 100 episodes of the sitcom/ drama House of Payne. Undoubtedly, the people who were instrumental in helping Perry move up from living in his van to living in a mansion in Atlanta were Christian, middle-class, African American women. Perry is poised to become a mainstream superstar, but will gaining white Americas acceptance actually make or break him? Perry deserves his popularity because he does what he does so well, and is such a good writer. He takes the dried-out concepts and mixes in a real concept to juice it up. Perrys movies, plays, and TV show seem to be so interesting because hes motivated by his own moral values, not Hollywoods so-called values. Quarles thinks he will be popular for some time. He is setting the groundwork for the future. He does a great job in showing the middle and sometimes high class in society, and he appeals to everyone, she said. I can tell you why Tyler Perry is rocketing to riches and climbing the ladder of success: Its because he knows what hes saying and he knows whom hes saying it to.

orn and raised in Bedford Stuyvesant, Crystal Bobb Semple is no stranger to this Brooklyn community. She is the owner of Brownstone Books and creator of the Stuyvesant Heights Parent Association. Bobb Semple is also a member of SOLA (Shops of Lewis Avenue) all of which has positively impacted the community. Seven years ago Bobb Semple introduced Bed-Stuy to Brownstone Books, a community-based bookstore. Instead of traveling outside the community to buy a book, Bed-Stuy residents now had the opportunity to walk around the corner and buy a book from their neighborhood book store. Crystal works at the bookstore herself six out of the seven days that the store is open, this allows her to actually meet and build relationships with her fellow neighbors and supporters. Buyers know not to expect nothing less than the best when they enter Brownstone, because of the limited space, decisions must be made about whats shelf-worthy, a decision that is largely made by the readers. If you dont see a book that you want, they order

BROWNSTONE BOOKS

By: NKeya Peters

the association throws an annual Halloween parade for the children of the neighborhood. Children come dressed in their Halloween costumes and parade around the park while their parents watch proudly from a distance. After the parade, children and parents are given maps with the locations of 60 houses in the neighborhood, and they all go on a trick or treating. This year, more than 600 children were present at the parade. Now, the Stuyvesant Heights Parent Association is working on opening a new school in he neighborhood that can be academically challenging and exciting for its students. Not many of these schools exist in Bed-Stuy at the moment. I think the fact that they are trying to bring an academically challenging school into this community is great, says Hope Garvin, parent and resident of Bed-Stuy, whose 10-year-old son attends a charter school in Harlem. This community needs more academically challenging schools.Bobb Semples bookstore, Brownstone Books, is a part of SOLA (Shops of Lewis Avenue), which Crystal help found. The Shops of Lewis Avenue is a consortium of all the shops in the area, including Brownstone Books, Breadstuy, Lewis Gallery, and Red Boutique. Their mission is to reinvent Bed-Stuy as a great place to live and they encourage other people who want to be in the buisness to do the same thing. Every year SOLA hosts a Halloween party, all proceeds of which go to their annual Christmas tree lightning at Fulton Park, now in its eighth year. The tree stays lit, choirs go around caroling all night, and Santa comes with gifts for the people in attendance. SOLA also holds welcome parties for the new residents of the BedStuy and street fairs, or sidewalk sales, that encourage people to shop locally.Im just creating a community that I would love to live in and to have the support of the people feels good! says Bobb Semple.

it and have it sent to the bookstore free of charge.Not only does Brownstone books offer the best books, they also hold at least four book signings a month, where the readers get to met the authors of their favorite books; they have story time twice a week for children under the age of seven; and an open-mic poetry event for poets ranging in age from 15 to 30. Brownstone Books also holds annual book fairs at schools, including Benjamin Banneker Academy for Community Development and Boys and Girls High School.Crystal is also a member of the Stuyvesant Heights Parent Association, where members work to improve the quality of life for parents and children in the neighborhood by making the neighborhood a safer place for children. Following an incident at Stuyvesant Park, a childrens playground, where a dog wandered in and scared the children, parents got together and petitioned the park, and soon a proper lock was placed on the gate, with the help of the Stuyvesant Heights Parent Association. Also every Halloween in Fulton Park,

NKeya Peters

Journalism Workshop Students

PRESS
2007

PRESS
2007

PRESS
2007

PRESS
2007

JORDAN TEMPLE
REPORTER

ANTONIO THURMANN
REPORTER

JASMINE TRONCHEN
REPORTER

JASTINA CARTER
REPORTER

PRESS
2007

PRESS
2007

PRESS
2007

PRESS
2007

ANN-QUETTE WADE
REPORTER

CHRIS SAMUEL
REPORTER

TERRIQUE JOHNSON
REPORTER

TYRA FRANCIS
REPORTER

PRESS
2007

PRESS
2007

PRESS
2007

PRESS
2007

TEFERRA FERRELL
REPORTER

LEILA BROWN
REPORTER

NKEYA PETERS
REPORTER

NADYA STEVENS
REPORTER

PRESS
2007

PRESS
2007

PRESS
2007

NIKKI NEWTON
REPORTER

ROSEANN WILLIAMS
REPORTER

TALON TAYLOR
REPORTER

Workshop Coordinating Staff

Coordinator/Print Director Angela Pruitt Broadcast Director Catherine McKenzie Graphic Designer Jadalia Britto Web Producer Malik Singelton

The Executive Board of The New York Asscoiation of Black Journalist

President Gary Anthony Ramsey Vice President Print Zachary R. Dowdy Secretary Dante Higgins Parliamentarian Robert S. Anthony Immediate Past President Matthew S. Scott Vice President Broadcast Catherine McKenzie Tresurer Curtis Simmons

Editors & Contributors: Joe Gray, Nekesa Moody, Stephanie Green, Chloe Hilliard, Robert Bowden IV, Brenda Campbell
CO-SPONSORED BY LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY (BROOKLYN CAMPUS)