Nollie Jenkins Family Center

We are Taking Action: Pushout is a Dissatisfaction!!

2011-10-06T16:43:00.005-05:00

Our Day of Action was held today October 4,2011, in Lexington, MS was very good. We got a lot of participation from students in Jacob J. McClain Middle and Highschool. To participate students wore green and orange ribbons, ties, handbags, earrings and other accessories to represent the Dignity in Schools Campaign and the Prevention of Schoolhouse 2 Jailhouse. Highschool principals and administrators were open to letting us get on the innercome for 5 minutes at 10:00 to educate students, teachers and staff about DSC and our views on school pushout. On the other hand it was a struggle trying to get the Middle school principal, Mr. Terrel, to allow our middle school youth to take action on today. He wasn’t even open to meeting w/ any of our youth or adult leaders and organizers prior to Day of Action to discuss our views and plans. However we still carried on and gave out hundreds of orange ribbons and DSC buttons. It wasn’t until he saw how much participation we had from students today that he took time to ask us what we were doing. After talking with him, which wasn’t a very pleasant talk because he had the rudest tone ,talked as if he was superior to anyone on earth and didn’t allow us to say a word , we came to an agreement finally and he allowed Middle school students to speak over the innercome at 10:00 for 5 minutes with us. It was a great turn out you can watch the video here!!! This was just a small steps towards pushing for a quality education. We are taking action Pushout is a Dissatisfaction!!!!!

We Are Taking Action Pushout is a Dissatifaction!!!

2011-10-03T15:02:00.004-05:00

The Big Day before the Big Day. Today is a very important day for Nollie's along with other organizations and schools across the Nation!! Today is such an important day because its the Day before the "Day of Action". If you haven't already heard about the Dignity In Schools Campaign, its a national campaign that brings advocates, organizers, parents, youth and educators together to end pushout and promote positive alternatives to zero-tolerance discipline.
Nollie's has held a series of meetings and youth ralleys to inform students, parents and community about DSC(Dignity in Schools) and the Day of Action. The Day of Action is a day for students and parents to speak out in solidarity about how we feel about the zero-tolerence policies and the way we are treated by administrators and staff. Our Action in Lexington, Ms will be having the entire Middle and HighSchool putting their heads down at exactly 10:00 for five minutes while students are on the inner-come talking about school pushout. We also plan to have the whole school wearing orange and green accessories, ties, etc. to represent DSC and orange ribbon to represent our Schoolhouse 2 Jailhouse Campaign.
Today I've been outreaching to our local radio stations and newspapers to recieve coverage for out event!! We are also having a "Party Against Pushout Part 2" to get students prepared for tomorrows event. Its very exciting to be planning one of the most important days,If i must say so myself. Students, Parents, and Staff at the school have been very open and supportive for this event...I can't wait to see how it all turns out...

Ummm...Somethings Wrong with That!!

2011-08-08T17:09:00.013-05:00

Hello blog readers, Kameisha here!! This is my first week of school August 8th-yes I am officially a Junior!! Besides the little excitement that filled my mind something else bothered me on the first day and it went like this.

The bell rung for the changing of 3rd to 4th period and for me it was from Chemistry to US History. I took my seat and listened to lecture the teacher had to give. Well at least I started to and the school rules, consequences and encouraging words that danced around the room caught my attention. Don't worry I'm not ADHD or anything I just like to observe my new surroundings. I came across to the board that was closest to me and saw a letter to students describing how Tardies will be treated in the order they are received. They are as shown below:

1st Offense - Warning
2nd Offense - Warning
3rd Offense - 30 minute Detention

4th Offense - 1 hour Detention

5th Offense - 1 day ISS

6th Offense - 2 day ISS

7th Offense- Parent Care

I then asked my teacher why would he talk to parents at the very end of the situation, because ummmm..somethings wrong with that!! He responded by saying that those were school wide rules. So you can pretty much see the message they are putting out already. A student is late 7 times before a parent is called!! Now maybe its just me but something is seriously wrong with that order, but do they see it. I guess the real question is "Do they want to see it?"

The first thing I am going to do is talk to the principal because just maybe that paper just so happen to slip pass her to all the teachers. I am going to assume that she had no clue about it-just the benefit of a doubt that she wasn't apart of the decision that excludes parental involvement. I can get a little snappy at times but Ms. Vicky Hood and I understand each other. I think she will hear me out and understand where I am coming from. Make sure you come back next week and to see how the discussion went.

Non-Intergenerational LeaderShip Institute New Mexico!!

2011-08-01T11:00:00.010-05:00

Kameisha here!! Just getting back home from New Mexico's Leadership Institute!! It was a whole week of fun, learning and of new experiences. From day one to day seven I learned something new!! For the first time SxSW has held a non-inter generational training. Led by the youth for the youth. We went through a variety of trainings/ workshops including: Organizing 101, Media Justice, Social Justice, Environmental Justice and more. If I had to pick the most interesting piece of the overall Leadership Institute, it would be the Media Justice Workshop. We really had in dept conversations about how the media sends out these messages that we have to either adjust to or be left behind. Especially the roles of women in media and this persona that we must get with it or get out!!
Real life example- My little sisters love Miley Cyrus or better known as Hannah Montana. When this show first came on she was this sweet little innocent looking girl but w/n the last year she has taken this look of a grown woman in order to go Main Stream. Seethe difference HERE!!
What message does this send to girls who probably looked up to her;That they need transform into this "Media Model" in order to become what they want to be. We must DECONSTRUCT the media system and make our own media!!-Accept who we are and want to be. We must create our own images and not hide the truth. .Now that's Media Justice!!!

We Do It! Youth Recruitment Video..

2011-07-21T16:57:00.007-05:00

Nollie Jenkins Family Center is the place to be
if you dont know what it is then follow me!...cuz we do it!
Training We do It
Supporting We Do It
Teaching We Do It
We follow up
We research
Different things we rehearse
Take pictures record
tech. team on board!
Investigate
Educate
Negotiate
Demonstrate
We don't discriminate

Educators, Administrators
We do it
We keep our community clean
y'all know what i mean
every Wednesday we searchin
kids we lurkin
birth-12th
we do it 4 them & not ourselves

Environmental education & the arts yeen kno
We dont complain
We explain
Makn changes doin our thang
Success is wat we tryna prove
Obesity is wat we tryna lose

Parents go thru a lot of stress
2 keep dey kids outta mess
Teach Dem how 2 advocate
2 get the situation straight
School rules we hate em
Tryn 2 misplace em
We change em
We change em
Corporal punishment outta there
If u aint here u aint nowhere

I Want to See A Change

2011-07-12T15:52:00.012-05:00

Hey! My name is Artasya McGee. I attend William-Sulivan Middle Schol. I am 13 years of age and I am a new youth leader at Nollie Jenkins Family Center. School is coming up shortly and every school year has bee boring. I dont want this year to be boring. We go over the same skills every year. Its just like we on the same level as kindergarden! Most teachers say they are teaching us on the next grade level but it doesn't seem like it.I'm tired of wearing uniforms all year. At least we can get out of them Friday or every other Friday. Our uniforms consist of khaki pants and polo shirts, with brown, black, or white under shirts and a black or brown belt. If our uniforms are not worn properly, we get sent to detention or days at home. Our schools also need more sports teams. I mean basketball, football, and track aren't much to choose from. Everyone can't play football, basketball or run track, but what are the other options. I wonder why can't we have a soccer or swimming team. I want this year to be interesting. More field trips, and more experiences. I'm ready to see a change.

There's a First Time for Everything!

2011-07-12T14:44:00.008-05:00

My name is Kiana Deering, I am 16 years old and I attend J.J. McClain. This year I will be a Junior.I am youth leader at Nollie Jenkins Family Center, and have been since June 13, 2011. I have had many new experiences already and I would like to share a few with you all! My first experience of the reading program was outstanding. The purpose of the reading program is to gather students together every Wednesday and support them in reading and enhancing their learning levels, according to their grade. The group my partner and I have are seventh and eighth graders. We read to them and teach them things they should know like evaluating text and using context clues.

In the beginning I was nervous, because I didn’t know exactly how I would react when I saw the students. Then, I got over it because my partner was very supportive and helpful. The only problem was that we only had two students in our group, but that was fine. They were intelligent and they both had good behavior. They learned the definitions of the different story elements and examples of analogies.
Next time I hope my partner and I have more students because the more the better. The way I plan on gain more students is to go in the community and inform youth about our reading program here and persuade them to come.The entire reading program went very well and the students did a good job!

Youth Recruitment! Step by Step!-Funding..

2011-07-12T09:25:00.013-05:00

Hello World!!...Kameisha here,Blog Editor. We've been gone for a while but we're back! With all new Excitement!! To get down to it there has been a pressing issue with many organizations today-..Youth Recruitment. The question is still posed, "How do we get you involved to stay involved?" I'm going to take you step by step in doing so.
The first thing we have to consider is that youth have to be payed, if not hourly then by stipend. The first thing we say is "VOLUNTEER!" Which isn't a bad thing because many organizations want youth but don't have the capacity. So it is understandable to limit who you pay but at the same time how long do you expect volunteerism? When we've done volunteering here it was for at least a month. During that month it allowed us to determine the amount of commitment and dedication each young person had. Then we looked at bringing them on for work on a stipend. (A set amount each pay period) So the first thing is to look at FUNDING and it is out there!
Bottom line we need to invest in youth the same as we invest in adults. We are as vital to this process and work as anyone. First Step, Find Funding!Learn how to write grants. Visit us next week for grant opportunities and the second step to Youth Recruitment!! See YA!!

Trustworthy Friends

2010-09-02T15:56:00.008-05:00

Throughout life I've learned that there are certain people you can and can not trust. You have to choose your friends wisely. You may think you have honest and trustworthy friends, but you don't. You can't trust any of these people until you get to know them and now everyone is trying to be someone else, so you'll never get to know the real them. Adults are as messy as children can be. They act like they're there for you but the next minute you hear them telling their friends what you told them and sometimes they may even switch your words around. So where do we go? Trustworthy friends wouldn't do those things. Trustworthy friends stick with you until the end.

If I'd Known What I Know Now

2010-09-02T14:09:00.006-05:00

My name is Emmet Stroud. What if I could have been the one who made a CHANGE. If I had known then what I know now I would not have thrown cans and trash onto the ground. Holmes County is really littered up with illegal dumping. If I had known that illegal dumping was bad, I would never have been dumping in the first place. If I had known that illegal dumping was harmful for the environment, I would have gone to my friends to tell them not to dump trash everywhere. Illegal dumping is just not just about dumping trash it is also about dumping “white goods.” White goods are household appliances such as washers, dryers, refrigerators and other large household appliances. Some white goods such as refrigerators and freezers contain freon. Freon leaches into waterways and harm animals who drink from it, live in it, and animals that WE eat. If we tell everybody to stop littering this county would be a lot cleaner.

Inside the Room, The Court Room!

2010-08-31T16:08:00.008-05:00

Hi my name is Randarious Cooper and I am 12 years old. I attend J.J McClain and I'm in the 7th grade.August 23, 2010 was our court date. On July 15th, as apart of our environmental justice work we were out in community and a man who didn't respect our work or us, pulled a gun on us! It was not only a threat to us as youth and citizens but also of our civil rights! I’d been waiting on this day to come and it finally came. We walked into the court house and sat down. The judge came before us. There were a few cases in front of us. We were the last ones to be called. As he called our names, I was very scared and nervous. The defendant’s' lawyer discussed with the judge that he wasn't contacted in a sufficient amount of time to look over the case , so our court date was rescheduled. I felt that not calling his lawyer soon enough was on him and rescheduling was unfair to us. Our lawyer wanted to talk to us outside after wards to get further information on what happened the day of the incident. We explained to her what happened and showed her the videos we shot. I really felt my court experience would help me in my future career as an attorney. On the next court date I think Iwill still be just as excited as I am now to see what happens and what really goes on!

My Long Term Goals

2010-08-30T17:25:00.008-05:00

As life continues in the fast lane, I've decided to slow down and develop a few long term goals for myself. The main goals that I want to accomplish are to get a degree in studying law and become a registered nurse. I want to study law, so I can know my rights as a citizen and educate others. Knowing your rights can open so many doors and close them in the faces of people who try to pull the wool over our eyes. I want to know everything concerning law and be able to let people know what their consequences are. I want to become a licensed nurse, so I can help people. I want to be able to help people, who are sick, injured and in need of help from all over the world. Throughout life I know my list for long term goals will expand but this is just the start.

Where I've Come From

2010-08-26T17:04:00.016-05:00

At Nollie's, I've learned how to become a youth leader and express myself. I love working at Nollie's because you get to do different things everyday. We do different things and get to meet different people everyday. When we come to Nollie's, it is a place where we come and work. At Nollie's, they help us to build our skills and become the leaders of tomorrow. For me to be leader of tomorrow, makes me want to put everything into being a better person. They help prepare you for school and what's out there in the real world. When we are in meetings we have to write down notes and tell what we learned. It helps me develop note taking skills and facilitation skills. I learned how to feel comfortable inside of meetings, around new people, in new environments and participate. I've learned to become a better leader and I want to continue that here at Nollie Jenkins Family Center; A place I call family.

A look at My Senior Year

2010-08-10T14:16:00.006-05:00

Hello, my name is Emmett Stroud. I attend S.V. Marshall High School, where I am in the 12th grade. I feel good about my senior year because I get to see my friends I haven’t seen since last year and I get to meet my new teachers. Another reason why I think its going to be a good year because I only have five classes. After taking all five classes, I can continue my work as a youth leader at Nollie Jenkins Family Center. After graduation I plan to go to college to major in accounting. If my major in accounting. If that doesn't work out, I want to start up my career as a laywer. If all works out with my career I want to start my on law firm. With the way my senior year started I don't want anything to change. I want to learn alot of Math, English and History this year and better myself as a youth leader at Nollie Jenkins Family Center. These are some of the many reason I am looking forward to my senior year.

Making A Change For This Year

2010-08-09T16:56:00.017-05:00

Hi, my name is NaPorsha Falls. I am 15 years old and attend Jacob Joshua McClain High School as a Sophomore. I want to tell you a little about my last year experience. Last year, was a rough year for me. I stayed getting suspended from school because I had a bad attitude and I ran off at the mouth. I got suspended 12 times from school. Yes 12 times! How do I feel about being suspended? Well at the time I didn't care what they did to me and sometimes they blamed things on me just to get me in trouble. I was labeled as a trouble maker and that made me very angry. That's when I started to get an attitude and that led to suspension.

I hope this year will be so much better for me. I plan to stay in class, learn more,and strive to do my best to get a further education. I want to try my best to keep an average of B's during the school year, and stay out of trouble. I will also try to use a new method that I made for myself over the summer. It will help me with my attitude and keep me from making decisions that got me in trouble last year. Also I will try to participate in class and be more active towards my classwork unlike last year. I will also like to have more respect for teachers and other staff, because I want them to show me respect. I hope this works out!!

Level 1-12

2010-08-05T16:28:00.006-05:00

My name is Kadezjia Falls. I'm an 8th grader at McClain Middle School and I love expressing myself through creative writing. Here's a poem looking over the years I have gone through in school, where I am now and my future years.

Looking back on all that I've done
I've played this game well, but I still haven't won
Level one to level two
Level three to four
I'm in level eight now, but i still have four more
Level twelve will come soon
Sooner than I will ever believe
The day when 2010 turns into 2015

Expectations/ Goals of My Sophomore Year

2010-08-05T14:51:00.012-05:00

My name is Kiyana Anderson. I am a Sophomore at McClain and I am very excited to share my expectation and goals for my sophomore year. My goal for my sophomore year are to pass all subject area test, and learn as many learning techniques as possible. I plan to accomplish this by studying hard, striving for get good grades, and get plenty of rest. I plan to discover and experience many different things as a sophomore.

I want to pass all subject tests the first time around and keep up the best grades so that opportunity is not limited when I get out of High School. Yep! I reaching for the stars!!

The Summer Community Garden

2010-06-24T14:50:00.002-05:00

A community garden is a great asset to a town. It provides fresh produce to the community members. It provides exercise and fresh air for those who participate in the working of the garden. Also, those who are blessed to receive the proceeds are able to save money on their groceries.

Nollie Jenkins Family Center's community garden is blooming and producing during this hot summer. Located on Arenia C. Mallory Rd. here in Lexington, MS, it has a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The vegetables being grown include yellow squash, zucchini, okra, purple hull peas, collard greens, bell peppers, cucumbers, string beans,tomatoes and corn. Fruits include watermelons which will ripen in about 45 days and beautiful honey dew melons which are ready to pick now. We have the herbs basil, oregano, mullein, spearmint, and sage. The community has been picking cucumbers, yellow squash, zucchini, and tomatoes since the last of May.

Community members and youth who work the garden help themselves to the fresh produce. In addition, produce is distributed to the elderly and shut-in within the community.

Day 2 Clean Coal Is A Dirty Lie/Peabody Boycott

2010-06-23T13:43:00.003-05:00

Boycott , Boycott. While in St. Louis we boycotted Peabody. In the middle of the highway stopping traffic-WE MEAN BUSINESS!! Especially when it comes to our people and our health. Now you may know Peabody as one of the largest coal producing companies, but what people near these so called multi-billion dollar companies and factories, know is that they are not at all as good as they seem. Because huge companies like Peabody refuse to get rid of harmful toxic fumes the proper way, many of our people are affected from chemicals that are let off. They choose the CHEAP way and-there goes our health! Emissions are released into the air causing a number of health problems! ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS MOVE COAL, GET OUT THE WAY COAL GET OUT THE WAY!!

A few hours later we traveled to Kentucky also to PROTEST against factories doing harm to their communities. So you see its not just in one place, these plants are taking over the world, our people and our health! But are we going to let that happen? NO. What do we want? Clean energy. When do we want it. NOW!!

Check us out in action here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1elLHojbcA

And We're Off!!

2010-06-20T20:41:00.004-05:00

The excitement finally pays off, the day of our departure. I am one of the thousands of people participating in the United States Social Forum and one of the many traveling on the People's Freedom Caravan. From Jackson,MS to St. Louis,MO. A few minutes late but we're ready to roll! In St. Louis we'll meet new people and organizations from St. Louis along with SWU (SouthWestWorkersUnion) and SWOP (South West Organizing Project). We will also be involved in many activities including the Labor Justice Tour, Protesting, and Flyering in the St. Louis Community. Sounds like we'll have of excitement on our plate!!St. Louis here we come!! Check In Tomorrow for photos and footage of all of our fun!

Looking Foward to Next School Year

2010-06-07T15:58:00.007-05:00

To sum this year up it was all I expected and MORE.(More in a bad way but at times more in a good way.) All the problems, drama, new people, new experiences and more, it all was there. A full plate and I think I did a good job of tasting a little of every thing. Somethings were okay and others needed a little seasoning or just needed to be thrown out completely. Next year however, I want to fix and prepare my own plate just the way I like it!! I want to have a full serving of all the classes I really need and a few extra dishes so I wont have to worry about being behind when it really matters. I want to take two maths next year at least because i didn't get a math that mattered this year.(Pre-Algebra) All the classes that I wont need right at the moment, desserts and extra starches, can wait until 11th or 12th grade. I want to get all main dishes out of the way so when I do make it to 12th grade i can just relax and enjoy dessert. I think I like the way that plate sounds, better start ordering!

My Freshman Year

2010-05-24T17:03:00.007-05:00

My freshman year is finally over. My freshman year was full of exciting new things. My first year was fun because of all the new things they had for first year students such as a meet and greet. The first year was full of activities that the new students can get into such as the choir, drama club, and any other organization that the student would like to join. You had to have a certain grade point average(GPA) to join these organizations.

Although, it was exciting it also had its down falls. As a freshman you must understand the meaning of a clock because when its time for class, work and doing homework you must be ready at all times. My freshman year was not just all fun and games because I had to work.

I thought that college would be easy because of the classes, studying, and having fun. I had a hard time getting use to going to class without my mother telling me to get up and get ready. I had days where I did not want to get up, and I had days where I was too sick to get up. My freshman year I met new people that became good friends. I had fun going to greek shows and games, and spending time with my friends.

The classes I took were kind of hard because of the lack of teaching at our high school. My classes were on Monday through Friday. My classes started early in the morning. The cost of school is expensive. The cost of books are $50 and up.

My freshman year was over all good. My freshman year is finally over and the my summer has started.

TGIOver!! For Now....

2010-05-20T16:12:00.009-05:00

My freshman year has ended and the summer has officially begun. Freshman year has been a whirlwind of adventures and emotions. A lot of people believe that the college experience is just like the high school experience. The two experiences have some similarities, however, they also have differences. Similar to high school, I had classes everyday, however, I didn't anticipate having certain classes on certain days.

I had the same classes for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and the same classes for Tuesdays and Thursdays. The hours differed depending on the days in which they were taken. Some classes were an hour and ten minutes while others were an hour and forty minutes. The intensity of the classes differ from high school. The course load and work is much heavier and harder. The professors have high expectations for their students and they don't give second chances very often. The most important thing to do to make your college academic experience run smoothly is to get an advisor in your field of study and get student and faculty mentors.

Being approximately 370.90 miles away from home also brought a lot of new experiences. I am in Nashville, Tennessee, the country music capital of the world. Nashville is also the city and I am a country girl. There were many nights where I fell asleep to the sounds of trains and ambulance. The social scene in Nashville is very different from Lexington, MS. At home. you have to go at least fifteen miles to a restaurant and/or recreational activities. In Nashville, everything is in walking distance. It is nice to be within walking distance, but the traffic is wild. I was also very homesick while I was at school. I came home for every break because I missed my family, friends, and my Granny's home cooking.

Campus life is interesting, ranging from the students to the campus to the campus activities. I had to adapt to a wide diversity of students coming from Africa, the Bahamas, Brazil, and from almost every state in America. There is a lot to learn about other people and their cultures. The cost of books is extremely high. I had one book that was almost two hundred dollars. The biggest adjustment I had to make was to my roommate.

Freshman year was a wonderful experience and the next three years are very promising.

Hey Want to be Healthy!!

2010-05-06T16:45:00.009-05:00

Hey, want to be healthy! Well, if you said "yes'', today is your day. Here are some ways to start a healthy path. First off, you should start buying healthy foods. Many of these food include, yogurt, oatmeal, salads, fruits & vegetabes. You also can buy juice, tea, water, or gatorades, instead of beverages that contain acid. Instead of frying foods try new recipes that involve more baked foods.

Fried foods contain a lot of grease and grease adds up to calories. (And as we all know calories add to weight gain and unhealthiness.) You can also go on a diet. Rather it's a light diet or a major diet, try it out. A diet is not necessarily cutting back on what you eat, but watching how many calories, fats and carbs your body intakes. Some of the thinnest people can be unhealthy-ON THE INSIDE; but it's all about what you eat and things you do. Exercising is also vital to loosing weight or being healthy. Running , sit-ups, swimming, push-ups, jogging, jumping-jacks and other excerises are good for 30 minutes to an hour a day.

Remember, no one can start being HEALTHY, so GET UP and GET OUT!!

Drastic DESTROYERS!

2010-05-05T17:03:00.020-05:00

Hey, my name is Rosyln and I am a Freshman at Jacob Joshua McClain High School. I am fifteen years old and here to share a very crucial experience. It wasn't crucial to only me but others of my community also. A couple of weeks ago my family along with others of Holmes County experienced a devastating tornado that started from Yazoo City and expanded to Lexington,MS. The tornado hit Ebenezer, a community that connects to Yazoo and Newport Road, which connects to Ebenezer. As I remember, I was preparing to go when my mother and I noticed a news broadcasting that a tornado would touch down in Yazoo City. After the lights began to flicker on and off I looked out the window and noticed the wind beginning to pick up. Becoming harsher by the minute wind and rain started to fall increasingly. We could hear tree branches being thrown against the house. The weather became even more drastic. It was like nothing I had ever experienced in my life. I began getting this tight feeling in my stomach and I can remember myself thinking of worst. I was worried about my family and my friends.

My mom started to hold me tight as the sounds of the winds and rain became louder and the sound was like a train so loud my ears literally began to pop! It was the tornado! The next thing I heard was a huge crash.The kitchen window was broken and water began to come through the broken pieces of the glass. The next thing we heard was indescribable and as I looked out my room door I noticed the kitchen , bathroom and back room ceiling had come down and water began to rush in. I knew then that my mother and I had to think on our feet. We began searching for buckets and containers to hold the water.

Then, it was over, what was said to be only a few minutes seemed like forever. Not only were homes, cars and investments destroyed but lives were lost. Community spirit and hope was lost,too. We're trying to do the best we can to get our community back together.The worst part is that many other citizens just came to site see and take pictures, but there were youth and adults that offered the help and support. Where is the Help!

Just About to Give Up-Exam Week

2010-03-11T15:43:00.004-06:00

Hellloooooooooo!!! Kameisha here with another lesson learned. As in many schools exams were this was exam week. The week I look foward to but the week I also hate, but thats not what i want to tell you. I studied so hard for my Intro to Biology Test all week and all night the day before. When i got to the test I knew the information well at least i thought i did. As i was going through i began to feel I wasn't to do as good as i though, but doubted myself because of the fact that I had studied. I expected to pass with a B at least but I failed with a D. When it was time for me to see my grade before I went up I asked my teacher did I pass and she said yes, but I told her to me that wasn't passing. At that moment I was thinking about all the studying i did and what looks like was for nothing. I'm disappointed because I failed but i'm disappointed because I studied and still failed. I feel like never studying AGAIN. I guess i just have to get back up, but i don't know how cause i've never fallen this hard.

Stress is the BIGGEST test

2010-02-18T15:56:00.004-06:00

Stress is triggered by many things. Some big some small. Stress is defeating many people both old and young. Being young, I think we have a bigger battle than adults with stress. One, because we're kind of new to it and don't really have ways of dealing with it. Two, because we generally stress about more, especially with the way times are now.

Being new to stressing, we try to find ways out of it, which generally don't work, so we just avoid dealing with it. Even this creates a bigger problem because the more we avoid dealing with stress the more stress comes until it just broils over. Ever heard the expression "You too young to have back problems" or "You too young to be tired." and " You too young to have problems." Yep, we've heard 'em all before. Many adults don't think we deal with stress and many of our problems, But in REALITY we do. And it's very hard to find an adult to talk to about it when we just get brushed of with comments like these. So where do we turn.........to violence, to the streets, to giving up, to low confidence, or to walking away. Well these are what the real results are, and how can we change it..............Stay tuned for the next blog for interviews on stress from teens of all ages..............Remember your input is always valuable.

Tick Tock Goes Nollie Jenkins Clock:Time 4 Change

2010-02-02T16:02:00.003-06:00

Hello, readers. Inside of the next month, Nollie Jenkins Family Center is transitioning and transforming into a butterfly. Lately barriers have come up but I, Kameisha Smith, have a solution. As March 1, 2010 Nollie's will have a new look if all goes well. New leaders, New & revised programs, New Attitudes & New Approaches......

So say hey to the NEW Nollie Jenkins Family Center!!!!!

Looking to a Brighter Future!!

2010-01-11T17:46:00.008-06:00

Getting Transplants Started

2010-01-11T16:02:00.003-06:00

Hello Gardeners and Wannabes:
Now is the time to get started raising transplants for your spring garden. These include cool hardy vegetables such as collards, cabbages, spinach, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, and lettuces.
You may buy potting soil or mix regular soil with manure or compost as a planting medium. If you choose to use regular soil from your yard, you need to mix a little perlite with it. Otherwise, the soil will be too dense for the baby transplants to penetrate.
You may use many things as containers. These may include old pots and pans, boxes, plastic bags, old boots, yogurt cups, plastic bottles, etc. Always save the containers when you buy transplants from various places and reuse them.
Once you have your soil and containers you may buy seeds from your local co-op, or from stores such as Wal-Mart, Home Depot, or Lowes. You must prepare a little place to keep them safe from the weather. This may be an empty room, a porch, a windowsill, or a wooden box covered with a glass pane. It must be an area that can receive sunlight, unless you are using grow lights.
Have some plastic available to cover your plants in case of rain or excessive cold. You will notice that the transplants take longer to sprout and grow in the winter than in the spring and summer. If you start by mid-January your transplants should be ready by March first.

Keeping it Real
Chima

Gettin' 'Em Straight Before It's Too Late

2010-01-07T16:15:00.008-06:00

Priorities...Priorities...Priorities.......yep those things. Hello everyone!! It's me again, only with a lot more stress. Last semester of school was VERY VERY hectic, for me anyway. So much was compiled together. While I was trying to make since of one thing two more came rushing along and a lot of things didn't get understood-(not completely anyway). Its like when I plan and lay out what homework or how much time I want to spend on a certain subject a week, it never turns out right. So from there I said that I would plan as I go along but......that got me where I am now.

I realized that if I'm not discipline enough to take the time needed to study then, if I prioritized or not, It wouldn't matter if I wasn't discipline. It's kinda like So I'm taking a new leap by disciplining myself , making myself know what comes first and what comes last, and also to add, making my keep in mind of my future. If i think about my future, I'm more motivated to persevere.

Priorities....Priorities...Priorities....Can't live(RIGHT) without 'em.

It's Not Too Late to Start A Garden

2009-11-03T17:22:00.003-06:00

Check out the gardening article in the Jackson Clarion Ledger on Friday, October 30, 2009. It tells the story of a 83 year old Mississippian who gardens throughout the year - winter, spring, summer, and fall.
This is an inspiring article that makes you want to get your hoe and just do something.
The subject grew up as a boy having to plow on his family's farm in rural Mississippi. He later became a plastic surgeon and practiced for 31 years. According to him, "... in the fall and winter you can grow lots of good things to eat without a lot of work." I agree with him on this point. For one thing, you wont have a lot of grass growing in your garden during this time. So, that's less weeding for you to do. Also, there are not as many bugs during the fall and winter. So you don't have to use as many pesticides. Isn't that great news.
Even with it being the first of November, according to this article, it's still not too late to get started.

Keeping it Real

Chima

Young Farmer's Initiative

2009-10-01T16:57:00.003-05:00

During this last week of September the youth here at Nollie Jenkins Family Center have been busy cleaning our garden spot in order to plant for the fall. We pulled up posts, stringing wires, tall okra plants, and other tall vegetables in order to make room for the tractor to come through.
We have two different crews each consisting of about eight youth. One crew works on Mondays and Wednesdays and the other works on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Saturdays, whoever is available works. The adults in the program are proud of the enthusiasm and hard work that the youth are showing.
The plot will be plowed up by Friday and then on Saturday, we plan to plant collard greens, turnips and carrots. Our plans are that this will lead to an avenue of income for the participating youth.

Chima

Heights of High School :(

2009-09-28T18:36:00.004-05:00

Heights of High School

Hello fellow blog viewers. My name is Kameisha Kassidy Katrice Smith. I am the editor of this blog, as you may know. I am a transitioning Freshman at Jacob J. McClain High School, and here’s my experience.
Coming into High School mixed together a lot of emotions for me. I had a cup of excitement, nervousness, determination, spoon of stress and some more side spices. It was more of an excitement than any thing else. I wasn’t expecting the worst but I definitely wasn’t expecting the best.
As I got into it I learned that it was much harder, more complicated and came with more stress, work, and time. Excuse my long run-on sentence, but that’s what High school seems like. I wasn’t expecting all the pressure and stress from school and people I interact with. But with the proper tools from both me and family and friends I’ll manage to make it.
If I want to make it and succeed these next 3 years in high school I know I’ll have to get it together and get it done. This is a huge issue that I will be focused on, so stay tuned for poems, skits, plays, polls and more.

Teach for America Comes to Mississippi

2009-09-15T15:36:00.005-05:00

Some 500 Teach For America Corp persons will train to be teachers at Delta State University begining the summer of 2010. The mission of Teach For America is to build the movement to eliminate educational inequity by enlisting our nation's most promising future leaders to be teachers. They recruit outstanding recent college graduates from all backgrounds and career interests to commit to teach for two years in urban and rural public schools.
"Delta State University is proud to host Teach For America's training institute and to welcome its corps members and staff to our community," according to Delta State University President John Hilper. "We look forward to helping prepare these bright young people to be outstanding teachers in the Delta..." These participants will teach in summer school programs in 14 area school districts while living at and and attending courses at the college. This is part of their teacher training which will also include interactive courses and clinics to help them apply their learning in the schools.
Teach for America has been placing teachers in the Delta since 1991. This year it is sending 275 teachers to the Delta which is triple the amount from last year.
What is your opinion about the Teach For America Program? Have any of you students out there been in classes where the teacher was from this program? Do you feel that these teachers are qualified as teachers?
You may find more information about Teach for America at www.teachforamerica.org.

Keeping it Real!

Chima

Freshman Orientation Week

2009-08-25T22:50:00.014-05:00

Hello all. I am now a fresh-person at Fisk University in Nashville, TN. It has been a wonderful experience and will continue to be. There have been many great things about Fisk; however, freshman orientation week is not something that I would want to repeat every year. Orientation week is the week before the official school year starts. During this week you receive information that makes campus life a lot easier. It is a very tiring and long process.

There is a wealth of information that you need to take in that first week before classes start. There are going to be many mornings during orientation week that you are not going to want to get up and go to sessions. My advice to you is to "Get up!!" The sessions are filled with valuable information that will help your academic and social life run smoothly while in college.

The information can feel overwhelming most of the time, but once the information is processed it becomes very helpful. The orientation leaders understand that the information is a lot to take in on a daily basis; therefore, you have fun activities at night such as Greek Stepshows, Basketball Shootouts, Talent Shows, and etc.

I can honestly say, I overalled enjoyed Freshamn Orientation week. However, I must say that I enjoyed it much more once it was over. Although the information was overwhelming, I appreciate it because has helped me sincce classes started at the beginning of this week!

WAKING UP DREAMS

2009-08-22T15:06:00.010-05:00

Hey i' m Kyle I'm 14 i am in the 9th grade. I am writing about this topic to let you know how to change lazy life styles.

When absolutely nothing interest you, you can, a. sleep, b. sleep, c. find something to do. Option "a" &"b" are frequently used as a way to get out of different fears or to show you have no life.

Those two options also have a lot in common. They lead to a lot of different issues like heart problems and obesity and forms of blood clots.

Option "c" is the best way to solve a and b. It is a healthy way to use your life and also is a great way to get friends and a life. Choice B can also make you feel good and is also a way of getting up and out.

If life gives you dreams make them reality, if the first two options don't work choose the last one stop dreaming and start living.

~Gettin Medical w/ the Med. Students~

2009-08-22T14:19:00.004-05:00

Going to New Mexico, brought a lot of opportune and was very beneficial. While there, continuing the Youth Exchange, we got a chance to meet, up close and personal, the students from the Cuban Medical School. Pasha Jackson, our first interviewer, was in his first year of medical school and gave us wonderful information. He’s from Oakley, California and got involved w/ the program after a football injury. Pasha says he started thinking about what he wanted to do again and managed to get here. He also says adjusting to the Cuban culture was hard but he made it and to all high school students- “ If you’re thinking about getting involved in the medical field for it.”

Our second interviewer, Anthony Flég, finished and now a Family Doctor in Albuquerque. He says it’s a long road but its worth the wait. He also says that this opportunity is so great , he’s seen many of his friends 30 and still paying back student loans 6o colleges and Cuban is a way to avoid this problem. Once again if you have a passion or want to become a doctor check out the Cuban med. Students.!!

I am in College.......... Now What?: The First Week

2009-08-22T13:53:00.003-05:00

First of all, go by your advisors office so they can approve your class schedule because your advisor knows the classes that are required for you to graduate. I had to drop a few classes because they were not requirements and they would be a waste of my time. After your advisor has approved you classes the only things left to do is getting prepared for your classes such as buying paper, pencil, pens, textbooks, and actually going to class. I recommend that as you walk across the campus that you study it and learn where everything is.

The first week of college is like orientation because most of the professors just tell you what to expect from the class, their grading system and the university policies. Furthermore, listen to what the instructors have to say the first day (not saying the first day should be the only day). I have learned that some professors do not repeat themselves the first day of class.

In addition, be prepared bring your book(s), a writing utensil, and paper the first day of class. The first day of class most professors will dismiss early but there are some over achieving professors that actually have class.

These are just some of my suggestions……..If anyone else has any other helpful tip feel free to leave a comment

headed out the door 2 a new start

2009-08-22T13:42:00.003-05:00

On August 6, I began my Senior year in High School. I have been working hard and making preparations for this day. Knowing it would be challening to get there, I am very excited and ready to experience college life. I am satisfied with my schedule but not wit the strict rules and requirements I have to meet. Graduation day is May 21, 2010 I know it will come quick! When I graduate I will be attending The Northwest Community College in Southeaven, MS and majoring in Funeral Service Technology (FST).
I am very proud of myself for being the first male in my family to graduate. My family is proud as well waiting on May 21 so they can get removed from the commencement for disturbing the peace (lol). Gosh! i cannot wait until that wonderful day.

(Teen Pregancy)

2009-08-22T13:13:00.018-05:00

Teen Pregnancy is really at a high level at my school and in my community. It happens when young girls and boys, who think that they are in love and really want to be together, and they do things that they will regret in the future.

They have to change there lives around from what they normally did, like not being able to go to the mall on Saturday night and see a movie with your friends, and not going shopping for yourself because you have to pay for your babies needs. That's why it messes up lots of young people's lives today and most try to stay abstinence until they think that they can handle the big responsibility of being a parent.

!When You Walk Out Your Door!

2009-08-22T12:15:00.018-05:00

How do you feel when you walk out of your front door? Does it seem like your entering into a whole new universe? Is it so chaotic that will almost stumble off your feet? Or maybe you feel like your communuity needs alot of work done to it. But however you feel about it, just know that you can always make a change. It doesnt take a lot of people to make a change, it can simply start off with just one person with a voice that speaks out against it all.

If you really believe in what you are standing up for, you will have to strive forward and pursue that change that you want to come. And if no one will listen to what you think is right, let your voice be heard even more, dont give up because others dont have the same point of view as you. Your voice will be heard one day, and when it is heard you will have helped make that change that you felt was needed. And when you walk out of your same door you will say, "Change is what we needed, and change is what we got!"

CQE Starts Fall Garden

2009-08-22T11:57:00.002-05:00

Fellow Gardeners:
Don't hang up that hoe and don't stash away the seeds. Not Yet! I's time to start the FALL GARDEN. It's time to plant cool weather leafy plants such as collards, turnips, mustards,
cabbages, and Kale. You may also start below ground crops such as carrots, beets, and onions at this time. Don't forget the cole crops such as broccli, cauliflower, and brussel sprouts. There are also plenty types of lettuces that can be planted for the fall such as Romaine and Black Seeded Simpson.
All of these crops will grow and survive the frosts. However, you may want to cover them when the deep snow and hard freeze come. You can buy Remay covering for them or cover with plastic. Try not to allow the covering to touch the plants themselves. On warmer days remove the covering to allow fresh air to circulate among the plants.
You can actually garden all year long. During weather that's below approximately 37 degrees your plants will not grow but they will be there for the picking.

CHIMA

KEEPING IT REAL

Lexington Youth Busy in the Garden

2009-08-11T16:58:00.004-05:00

The youth of the Nollie Jenkins Family Center, Inc. in partnership with the parents of the Leawood Apartments here in Lexington, Mississippi have been busy as bees in the garden this summer. They started on Earth Day, April 22, 2009 by helping to build a greenhouse with the expertise of Cornelius Tooles of Mound Bayou, MS. The youth gathered hammers and nails and went to work. We now have a nice 12 X 16 feet greenhouse where the youth grew tomatoes, squash, and flowers.

The following week we started our organic community garden. Mounds and mounds of chicken and cow manure were spread over the plot and then plowed into the soil. We then planted squash, cucumbers, bell peppers, cayenne peppers, okra, string beans, purple hull peas, tomatoes, watermelons and corn. The vegetables grew lush and green. When bugs began to attack the leaves of the beans and peas they put wood ashes on them and the bugs went away.

Soon we had more cucumbers than we could handle. The youth decided to make pickles and they were delicious. Next came the squash and okra. As the various vegetables began to bear, members of the community were glad of the fresh produce.

This turned out to be a very good project where youth helped to plan and then plant the garden. They helped to water, chop grass and then pick the vegetables when they were ready for harvest. The greenhouse and garden are located on land donated by A.W. Brown who is a local Black business owner.

Yasmine holding her transplants

Funding for our community garden was made possible by Southern Echo, Inc. and the Rural Land-Based Environmental Development Program.

Do I need to study when I get home?

2009-08-10T15:12:00.005-05:00

Dear Elementary and High School Students:

The answer is YES. Even if you don't have a homework assignment or a test the next day, you should study anyway.

There is no need to fear that you can't watch T.V., talk on your cell phone, or play your video games. The trick is to schedule your activities. Set aside at least one hour every day to study and do assignments. Say you get home at 3:30. You grab a snack first as you rest for a minute. Some kids will go on and get their studies out of the way first. Then schedule 4:00-5:00 as your study time. Of course if you have more homework assignments you would make it til 5:30.

Then mom may have dinner ready at 6:00. Now from 6:30 til 9:30 there's nothing but free time. That's an entire 3 hours. That's plenty of time to call Sasha and Bobo and whoever else and then still watch T.V. or play video games. I promise you that if you study your 1 1/2 hour everyday when you get in from school your parents will be proud of the A's, B's and occassional C that you make.

Remember, if 4:00 til 5:30 doesn't work for you, make it 7:00 to 8:30. Set your own time.

KEEP IT REAL!

Write me and let me know how the studying is going or whether you're having a hard time scheduling study time.

Loretta Blair A.ka Chima

By the Numbers CHANGE IS COMING~~~

2009-08-04T16:35:00.018-05:00

What does the number say? Well when viewing the picture to the left, Youth are saying; it is time for a Change. Youth from Jones County and across the State of Mississippi came together to speak out on issues that send them from the schoolhouse 2 jailhouse. Youth talk about the differential treatment from school referrals that African American students receive compared to that of White students. They elaborate on the support needed to prevent African American youth from being incarcerated and entering the juvenile justice system. They used skits, poems, songs and other expressions to share what they are experiencing.

Nollie's CQE, American Civil Liberty Union and other organizations throughout Mississippi created the space for youth to be engaged in developing intervention strategies and leadership development that moves them away from the juvenile justice system and move them into building productive lives and positive communities.

What is your role? Join the numbers, support our cause and fight; which is creating a safe and productive environment so that our youth will experience and live positive and reward lives.

Making @ Change

2009-07-27T15:52:00.000-05:00

Hi everybody what I want to talk about this week is change. Making a change can be challenging but if you have your mind set to do it whether you are changing from attitude, streets, appearence, anything. It is very difficult I am still trying to change from my attitude and the violence inside of me. They say writing these blogs can help people in some way but the truth is you can't help anybody else change unless you change yourself. So I am asking what are we doing to help change in this cold cruel world. Since Obama won the election they say thats a big change but I say its just a change in Black History.

`BY THE NUMBERSYOUTH LED T.E.A. PARTY~~

2009-07-26T19:38:00.054-05:00

Recently, according to the Jones County Impact paper (free local paper) approximately 150 Laurel/Jones County youth hosted the first national youth ST.E.A. Party on the Jones County Courthouse steps to send a message that youth do care. The South's Youth Led T.E. A. Party theme is "Party Like 1773": referencing back to The Boston Tea Party. The Boston Tea Party was when 200 colonists disguised themselves as Indians (Native Americans) and dumped case after case of tea into the Boston harbor in protest of the Townshend Acts. The South's Youth Led T.E.A. Party wants to take back the country.

To the Youth Community Organizers throughout Mississippi that is speaking out for change; what do you say to this? We say that a change has come and the country is moving forward. Do we want to continue the practice of disguising the truth? No! Because this act of the Boston T.E.A. Party (disguise themselves) has always taken the freedom of African American Men and destroy African American communities.

Transitioning from Lexington Elementary School to J.J. McClain

2009-07-21T16:50:00.013-05:00

My name is Kametric Smith. I am preparing to go to 6^th grade at McClain. Last year as a 5^th grader at Lexington Elementary School. I visited McClain with the rest of my 5^th grade class from LES. We visited McClain for a tour and to get an experience of what transitioning the 6^th grade at McClain would be like the following school term.

During the visit, we sat in classes, introduced ourselves to teachers, and talked to the students and the principals. After visiting McClain, I think that Lexington Elementary School(L.E.S) has prepared me to transition smoothly into McClain.

I think that McClain and L.E.S. are alike in one way and in some ways different. LES 5^th grade and 6^th grade McClain are alike because they both change classes. They are different because McClain has more halls and it doesn’t have a playground, which is something i am going have to adjust to. The classes in 6^th grade seemed to be harder, but i will always try and never give up no matter how hard it gets.

Tick Tock Tick Tock went the College Clock

2009-07-21T13:27:00.006-05:00

On August 15th I will be attending Fisk University. As the time is winding down for freshman orientation, butterflies begin to flutter in my stomach. Freshman orientation is just around the corner. There are a few things that have to be finalized before I am fully ready for it. I still have to buy my stuff for my room.

Squadettes in Tunica for Teen Summit

2009-07-21T09:10:00.003-05:00

Every year Tunica Teens In Action, holds a youth summit at their recreation center. Youth from surrounding counties comt together and are educated on various topics. This year topics included, Community Organizing,Youth Involvement, Health Issues,Conflict Resolution, and Youth Engagement in Civil Participation.

Many of these workshops were very interesting and youth lead. I personally like the Conflict Resolution and Civil Engagement. The conflict resolution gave youth a chance to use their creativity to create a skit and at the same time learn a lesson. The civil Engagement Workshop let all of us see how different ethnic groups are treated different went it comes down to money for communities and other things needed. Overall i liked it and would love to participate next year.

Check out our new poll and tell us what was your favorite workshop!!

Getting Acquainted With College

2009-07-20T10:58:00.017-05:00

I know most students are thinking I am so ready to get away from my parents and be free. I understand because I had those same thoughts. However, I think it is too often that we college students say “I can’t wait to go back home for the weekend.” Also, I understand because my first couple weeks of school I felt the same way.

After I adjusted to the college life college became my home away from home. In my college career there were some weekends I wanted to go home but I had so much work I had to do. Therefore, I was forced to adjust to being at school on the weekends. There are various things that helped me to adjust to the college life and become comfortable. Here are some things that helped me to adjust:

1. Get involved: My freshmen year of college I joined the Student Government Association Senate, Union Program Council, Baptist Student Union, Psychology Club, Career Ambassadors, and I got a work-study job. I met a lot of my friends through these different organizations and meeting these people made my freshman year an enjoyable one. These various organizations gave me more to do than just sit in my dorm room and helped me develop different skills.

2. Utilize your Professors and Advisor: Professors and advisors have to teach different classes and sometimes there classes can be rather large. Take advantage of your professors and advisor’s office hours. If you have questions about anything their office hours come in handy. Honestly, most professors love to talk to students. Please do not sit in class with unanswered questions on your mind.

3. Make Friends: I have met so many amazing people in college and these people made college so much easier. In some of my classes I had questions about several assignments and the professor did not do a good job of explaining it.

Luckily, I knew someone who took the same class last semester and they explained it better than the professor. Also, making friends is one of the fun parts of college because it gives you a chance to talk to people from all over the world.

I understand everyone has their own way of adjusting to new surroundings. These are just some helpful tips that helped me to adjust to college life. I hope you found this helpful in some way.

If anyone has any suggestions feel free to leave a comment.

By the Numbers WHAT DOES THE NUMBERS SAY!

2009-07-17T13:22:00.038-05:00

Recently, approximately one hundred and thirty youth came from throughout Mississippi to Tunica's Teens in Action 6Th Annual Teen Summit. They came motivated and with great enthusiasm to participate in the various workshops addressing the many issues youth faces today. Each of these youth engaged and role played in workshops such as: community organizing, conflict resolution, civic engagement and drug and alcohol.

During the three day summit the youth equipment themselves to go back into their community to bring change. The workshops were designed to educate youth on developing strategies that would keep them from entering into or remove them from the pipeline from the schoolhouse 2 jailhouse. Statistics show that number of African American youth moving in and out of the juvenile justice system is increasing and the number of African American youth staying in the educational system is deceasing.

So, What should the numbers show? The number should show that parents, community leaders and other concern community members have come together to support and engage in the work to end the pipeline from the schoolhouse 2 jailhouse. Then the numbers will show a reduce number of African American youth entering the juvenile justice system and the number of disproportion minority reduced.

Tunica Teens In Action Youth Summit Interview

2009-07-16T11:21:00.007-05:00

In this video I am interviewing one of the youth that participated in the 2009 Tunica Teens in Action Youth Summit. In the interview he talks about what organization he is affiliated with and he tells a little about what his organization does. In addition, he talks about his purpose for being at the youth summit.

^~Squadettes Organizing for Change~^

2009-07-11T16:07:00.033-05:00

Squadette Bloggers: D!v@ Divin3d,PokA DoTz, Amber

We created a video that shows the different things that we do as community organizers. it also describes the different tasks we have to handle. We did an interview of a community organizer, who answer questions like, WHAT WOULD OUR LIVES BE LIKE IF WE WERE NOT INVOLVED IN THIS PROGRAM?, also HOW DO WE REACT AND FEEL ABOUT THE NEW YOUTH WHO GET INVOLVED IN THE PROGRAM?...we put a lot of effort into this film, and we think it would be great if you watched this informatory presentation...

&)^*PoLkA DoTz...D!V@ DeV!nEd...Amber*^(&

Why are they looking over us???

2009-07-11T15:08:00.007-05:00

This poem is for the Board of Supervisors in my county!

Due to the hell they put us through to vote for them, to do

Entirely nothing in office for us!

"Why are they looking over us??”

Just Tell me why ugh!! Why?? The ones that you say you can trust

Ya’ll leave them out to Rust

We ask for your help please!

But ya’ll ask us to leave.

Our community is in pain!

But ya’ll leave us out in the rain!

We try to help You

But we have no clue, why?

You ask for help around election time so you can get your way

But when it’s time to come to pick up the trash you stray.

I cry!

You cry!

We all cry!

But just tell us why

Ya’ll leave things out to die
Why!? oh why!? Just tell me why!??

(~GANGS~)

2009-07-10T14:13:00.009-05:00

Today in our neighborhoods, gangs may not seem like an immediate problem. They will sometimes start off as just a few people who don’t cause much harm but they can influence other youth to become a part of their gangs.

When youth are influenced into the gang, that’s when the problems begin and the attitudes of the youth begin to change.They begin to do things and make choices that have major effects on their communities such as shootings, and the trafficking of drugs.

If there is no one to stop this non-sense, it can become a catastrophic problem. This can cause outraged neighborhoods which are run by gang members. In a great majority of the communities, the adults leave these problems unhandled.

We as youth and adults can put a stop to this non-sense and take back the control of ourcommunities! We don’t have to sit back and watch our communities be taken over and ruled by insubordinate outrageous people, who choose to live by bad decisions.

We must take the courage to help restore our communities and our lifestyles. JUST TAKE A STAND… WE can:

1. organize a group of trust worthy teens and supportive and caring adults;

2. convene a meeting to gather ideas about how to reconstruct your community, and develop a plan of action to reconstruct the community step by step;

3. while reconstructing your community step by step, begin to attract and involve outside youth into your group, and begin training sessions that will provide the involved youth the proper training and information about how to help reconstruct your community;

4. create a space were everyone’s ideas are respected and valued and;

5. GET 2 WORK…

MIND CONTROL

2009-07-10T12:59:00.019-05:00

We today as teens have to learn to have some MIND CONTROL. Sometimes in school we may get pushed and shoved, and isolated from other kids.

We may get sent to detention or the detention center, but it’s all about having mind control. It’s all about following rules we may do simple stuff to aggravate the authorities but something’s we bring upon ourselves.

Bringing illegal learning from the streets into our school and our community is not the kind of learning we want for our kids in our community. So for young boys to have mind control over what were learning from our older peers can have a deep impact on our next generation of kids.

Being a teenager that has mind control I am going to give you some advice on illegal learning, and what appropriate for yourself. In this world I would define illegal learning as older, selfish, obnoxious people that don't care anything about our streets and their selves bringing drugs, gangs, and all of the above in our community. We ask our selves as teens how do we stop this and I would tell you just have respect for your community and yourself and tell yourself I have mind control I don't have to engage in all of this because I'm in control. Here are some steps to controling yourself.
1. Take a deep breath
2. Count to ten
3. Take a walk
4. Talk to someone

Black Land Ownership in Holmes County

2009-07-09T15:45:00.022-05:00

The youth of Nollie Jenkins Family Center have been interviewing black land owners in Holmes County here in Mississippi. They have interviewed farmers in the towns of Ebenezer, Mileston, and Lexington.

Our source for the statistics on Black land ownership in Holmes County was the local FSA (Farm Service Administration) office. They mentioned that their records are not entirely accurate because some farmers don’t register with the FSA office. They have 18 Black farmers registered as row crop and cattle farmers. They have seven registered as cattle only farmers. However, according to the FSA office the COC Election Eligible Voters List shows that they have 671 African American/Black males and 478 Black females registered. Of the 21,000 persons living in Holmes County 17,000 of them are African Americans. It is said that one-third of these own land in the county.

Historically African Americans owned the majority of land in Holmes County according to the records of the early 1900s. However, by the 1950s a large amount of Black-owned land had been swindled away by greedy white prospectors. In the 1950s and 1960s, a Chevrolet dealer in Holmes County named Norman Weathersby acquired hundreds of acres from black farmers by foreclosing on small loans for farm equipment and pickup trucks. He had required the farmers to put up their land as security for the loans. Often African Americans signed their land away without knowing what they were signing. On the other hand, some of the Black-owned land was simply sold by their owners when times got hard for them.

We will submit entries on a regular basis about the various farmers that we interview. Their stories are told from a historical point of view and reveal bits about the way we lived during that time.

(The FSA information was supplied by Crystal Andrews of the FSA Office.)

Board Member Perspective

2009-07-09T15:34:00.007-05:00

What an honor to oversee the work of an organization, rooted in community, whose primary mission is to enhance the lives of young people!

We often hear that in order to build a strong home, you must begin with a solid foundation. So it is with the future of our young people and communities.

Nollie’s investment in and commitment to providing the necessary building blocks for our young people, serves as a model for other communities and illustrates the power of everyday citizens to build an environment where children can thrive and succeed.

Our work produces a climate where we are all accountable, whatever our position or capacity, to building a successful connected community...

Holmes County Prevention of Schoolhouse 2 Jailhouse

2009-07-09T15:21:00.009-05:00

In 1992, we noticed that many of our young people were hanging out during the daytime when they should have been in a classroom; we wondered what was happening. So, we started to ask young people [students] what was happening inside the schools. We were told things like:

I was suspended for 5-10 days for talking back to my teacher; and when I returned after my ten days, I was arrested for trespassing on school property because the principal did not give me a slip that said when I could return to school;

Other students talked about getting into school yard fights and had been arrested for fighting on campus and now I am in the Adolescent Offender Program (AOP) with stipulations like having to be in by 6:00 p.m. and I must attend school everyday;

Many had been suspended and/or expelled and had never been before a school discipline committee and/or School Board. Students had "no rights" that school personnel had to respect;

Other students commented that the teachers were often verbally abusive and talked about them and their parents. When students challenged this abuse by teachers they were labelled disrespectful and "disruptive" and therefore, did not deserve to be in the classroom learning with other students;

Some students experienced bullying episodes and when they told the teacher(s) and other school personnel, they failed to protect them and when they took matters into their own hands, the consequences were grave;

Finally, many students were tossed from school if they refused to submit to corporal punishment.

An analysis of our public education work and these factors "zero tolerance" lead us to the concept of "pushing our children from the schoolhouse 2 jailhouse. What started as local concept is now a national phenomenon that is critically impacting the lives of youth color across the nation.

For us, it is too late once our youth are caught in this pipeline. We must act as organizers, advocates, and caring adults to refuse to allow this phenomenon to have a negative impact on the lives of children and communities.

Environmental Justice

2009-07-09T15:08:00.013-05:00

About 4 months ago we started our community garden. As youth from the community, we work with and help to plan and plant the garden. From Seeds to Scrumptious we watched cucumbers, squash, purple hull peas, stream beans, okra, corn, tomatoes, watermelon, yellow peppers, green peppers, grow from dirt to devouring.

Currently community organizers, along with the dedicated youth from the Leawood community are frequently watering and picking the garden.

We just planted marigold, zinnias and more tomatoes. Our goal is to bring "healthy" back into the community with the help of youth and elders. We also want to teach that hard work pays off !! So Lets Show It Off!!

Preparing for Freshman Year

2009-07-09T14:56:00.029-05:00

As you leave high school, there are a few things you should consider doing for summer vacation. The activities you participate in should be preparing you for college in the fall. The best thing to do, especially if you attended a school that didn’t provide you with a quality education, is to go to summer school. Many of the students who graduated before me and didn’t attend summer school ended up being in remedial classes. They were not prepared for their college courses because they were inadequately taught in high school.

Take summer developmental classes or attend Bridges programs. Bridges is a program in which a college helps you transition from high school to college. Summer school is also very beneficial.

During the summer, it is a good idea to work or do an internship. Most people think that you should wait until you are in college to do an internship, I think that you should intern before entering college. An internship within your planned field of work could help you decide whether this is the direction you want to take.

A summer job is good for a couple of reasons. Reason one is the experience it provides. Having job experience makes it easier to obtain jobs during and after college. Reason two being the money. We all want money to do and buy things. Money doesn’t make the world go round but helps to keep it moving.

Notes From the Blog Squad

2009-07-09T14:55:00.042-05:00

We are a group of young people and a few adults who want to make changes in our communities and our environments thorough community organizing. If you would like to change your community and environment and help us with ours join us here on our blog.

This is a safe space for young people of all ages where ideas are valued and used to make our world a better place. We are a part of an intergenerational model of community organizing through the Nollie Jenkins Family Center. Our young people are the creators and administrators of this blog. All are welcome!

If you want to know who can help to change to the world look in the mirror.

Join the discussion in our comments section to share how you're making a difference.

THANKS!! To our donors that make this website and our work possible through their generous donations of general support to this Nollie Family Center’s Youth Initiatives. Thank you Hill Snowdon Foundation and the Funders Collabarative on Youth Organizing.

I am in College......Now What?

2009-07-09T14:54:00.021-05:00

The transition from high school to an institute of higher learning is a big step and students should not take this step carelessly. There are few changes that have to take place as you go through your college career. However, most of these changes are very minor such as adjusting your study habits, managing your time wisely, managing your money, and taking responsibility. Although, the point I want to stress is developing study habits.

Developing effective studying habits is something that needs to be done to maintain a high GPA (Grade Point Average). Effective studying helps students understand information and develop questions for their professors rather than memorize the information. Professors love students that ask questions in class and asking questions will help you to master the information. Also, it prevents cramming being a necessity for every test, midterm, or final. For instance, in college professors give comprehensive finals (tests the covers everything that you learned from the beginning of the semester to the end) and studying everything in one night is crazy.

Find a comfortable quiet place to study that is free of interruptions such as the library, empty class rooms, and some organizations’ building. For example, study in sections rather than studying everything at one time. Also, another technique is studying in with friends or several of your classmates.

In addition, set aside time each day to study and it is better to study to directly after your class while the information is still fresh on your mind. In conclusion, these are just some helpful tips that helped me but, I encourage you to adopt a routine that suits you.

Thank You For Reading……….Hope it was helpful