MY STORY
"
The “N” word is a strong word, but most young black people feel that
the “N” word is nothing. They feel that it is another word for buddy
or friend. Then there are young people that are young and take the
word to another level. Everyone have different concepts for the word.
There are older blacks that lived in the 50’s to the 70’s that take
the word personally, because they lived with racism.
There is no real meaning to the word. The meaning of the word is
what we make it. The person who made the word imprisons the black
people and put them down. The “N” word came from a painful word to
a friendly word to most blacks. It became like that because the old
shows, music artist and mainly comedians used the word like it didn’t
mean anything to people in those days. Then there are some blacks
that don’t like it when white people say it. Some whites use the
word because the black people allow them to say it, so they feel its
ok to use the word.
Young black people might never experience racism like older folks
have. So if they come across something like racism or someone tells
them about their history, they might change the way they look at
the word or in a different perspective.
There are some black people that don’t really know what the
word nigger or nigga mean.To me I think the word nigga or nigger
is nothing. I think it is nothing because I have never felt threaten
by the use of the word. I know it is not a good word to say, but I’ve
been around the word almost all my life. So if some white person
says the “N” word it wouldn’t mean anything. All I would do is tell
them that it is disrespectful to say the word around me.
I think black people are getting stronger against racism, but
the meaning of the word nigger is getting weak. I think everyone,
should not forget the word but know what it really means.
That’s what the “N” word mainly mean to me.
James Ducre
K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E. Youth Organization
12/18/06
As seen through the eyes of a 9 year old African American Male
Miles Heights in 1942, a 2000 unit home wartime construction style, (Projects).The location was the corner of 131st Miles Avenue.
The railroad trolley cars were running from 131st Miles all the way to downtown Cleveland and back. The guard rail for the train was manually operated by a three shift guard post. It was a vibrant ethnic community, Hungarians, Polish, German and Slovenians.
On the southwest corner of 131st Miles, you would find a drug store, medical center, Tom McCann shoe store, Buster Brown shoe store and National City bank. On the southeast side you would see Ohio Savings and Loan bank and Woolworth department store. Just keep north 131st street you would find two movie theaters, the Corlett Theater and the Avalon Theater. Many businesses, hardware stores "Havies" a dry good store many of the items sold there were for children. Men's clothing store (Haberdasheries'), donut ahops AND MUCH MORE. Many small businesses were alive and vibrant.
THEN CHANGE CAME.
As the African Americans moved into the community the ethnic community began to leave. Not just because of fallen business, this was only a few at that time. It was because of inherited prejudice place upon the young children. I find that a person is not born prejudice but is given these emotions from ones family. As I grew older and I entered high school at John Adams the negative behavior had reached the classroom. When I first arrived at John Adams it was predominatly, Jews, Hungarians, and Italians.
The businesses had begun to change. Many became store front churches, (one on every corner). Barber shops and Beauty salons started to develop. Many of the businesses folded and the homes became abandoned dilapidated. The banks and theaters became churches. A once vibrant community with a coffee shop opening at 6:00am, donuts 10 cents each, banks, clothing and shoe stores and theaters now lives only lives in the mind of a 74 year old man Elmore Buford who once lived in MILES HEIGHTS.
TRUE OR FALSE
|
Statements like'...'If I'd known African-Americans, Hispanics, Jewish and Asians would buy my clothes, I WOULD NOT have made them so nice. I wish these people would *NOT* buy my clothes, as they are made for upper class white people' |
Then send it to the whole community that's not white people and see the result.
We have to see the result of unity.
Let's find out if Non-whites really play such a small part in the world.. Stop buying any range of their (Tommy H etc) product, perfume, cosmetics,
clothes, bags, etc.,
2) Scene took place on a British Airways flight between Johannesburg and London .
A White woman, about 50 years old, was seated next to a black man.
Obviously disturbed by this, she called the air Hostess..
'Madam, what is the matter,' the hostess asked. '
You obviously do not see it then?' she responded. '
You placed me next to a black man.
I do not agree to sit next to someone from such a repugnant group..
Give me an alternative seat.
'Be calm please,' the hostess replied.
'Almost all the places on this Flight is taken.
I will go to see if another place is available.' The Hostess went away and then came back a few minutes later.
'Madam, Just as I thought, there are no other available seats in the economy class. I spoke to the captain and he informed me that there is a seat in the business class. All the same, we still have one place in the first class.'
Before the woman could say anything, the hostess continued: 'It is not Usual for our company to permit someone from the economy class to sit in the first class.. However, given the circumstances, the captain feels that it would be scandalous to make someone sit next to someone so disgusting.' < /FONT>
She turned to the black guy, and said, 'Therefore, Sir, if you would like to,
please collect your hand luggage, a seat awaits you in first class.'
At that moment, the other passengers who were shocked by what they had just witnessed stood up and applauded.
Both the above are true stories. If You are against racism, please send this message to all your friends;
That message was sent too many interesting peoples emails, and of course it reached K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E. Youth Organization member Jerrod who looked this up and he found that it was false. At first we were skeptical of the whole thing and he looked it up on www.youtube.com. Oprah had a whole show dedicated to rumors and had him on the show....................... and nooooooooo I don’t think that just she did it because of the media or she did it for the money because she has money she has all the media she needs. and I (Jerrod) don’t believe she would bring him back with a comment like that. think about it..........now about the airplane one....IDK we do have good writers. Just though I’d let you know. I found the link its http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HdRLSCJWgo
Our members do not except just anything. So with the research completed by our investigator Jerrod we found it to be an untruth. Be careful people!!!
K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E. Core Team Leader
Mynisianion Bryson Jr,
My name is Mynisianion Bryson Jr and I attend
My Story
Lavonda Coker
My name is Lavonda Coker and I attend Greater Heights Academy…Well not anymore because our school has been shut down since November 14, 2008. I was told that we no longer had school. But being that they told us this with no type of notice is really what got me and made me upset. The reason why is because we just started school in September and we’re getting shut down already. I feel that if we go to a public school we would be behind in our work and grades. So I just don’t understand why they would just shut down our school on us children already we didn’t even end the 1st quarter yet. I really just want to know what’s going to happen next.
That’s all
My Story
Lindsey
Hi my name is Lindsey Robert Tyree Johnson Jr. and I have the life of a struggler. Every since I found who I was, I never thought that my life would be filled with so much anger. I have been through more things than I could take but I don’t let it hold me down. I lost my mother when I was seven years old and it has been 10 years for me making it without her. The reason I will make it is because I know that she will always be with me. People think they know things about a person but when they say that they don’t have a mother or father; people change their feelings about that person. I never knew it was so hard to lose your mother, but don’t let it keep you down because it happened for a reason, but it is up to you to “figure it out”. Thinking back on what has happened in my life it made me realize that life is a time to spend with your family and friends. I am very happy to have my family and my friends, but most of all I am happy to have my Godmother Joyce Hood and my Godfather Daryl Hood, my God sisters Rhemi, Darlene, Brittany, and the two Me-Me’s, My God brothers, Kevin Mickey, Marcos, Shawn, My nieces Kiauna and Dy’johnna and my nephew De’Shawn
Love,
Lindsey
My Story
Deshawn Burgan
Hey my name is Deshawn Burgan and I love this organization because I love the people in the organization they have been tutoring me. At this point of time I’m having trouble focusing because my assistant principal Mr.Pattailo who I miss had to leave and go to a
My story
Sierra Boyd
Hi my name is Sierra Boyd I am 15 years old and I been in K.N.O.W.E.L.E.D.G.E since I was about five and being in K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E really helped me go down the straight path. Joyce Hood helps me with my attitude, my grade, and discipline. I love the thing we do and how I can explore NEW THINGS… In my opinion K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E made me a better person.
My Story
Kevin
Hi my name is Kevin. I have been in the K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E. program since August 2008. It has been fun. I have been to a Dream Girl’s play and I have had the opportunity to be in one. I have traveled out of town and I have been enjoying myself. Being in K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E. has helped me stay out of the streets. Joyce has always been there for me no matter what. Daryl is always there too. They both are like our father and mother figures. My grandmother is always there just like Joyce.
My Story
Shanika Coker
Hello my name is Shanika Coker and I attend Greater Heights Academy and I been going through a lot for the past years with my seizures and passing out and things. I love K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E. this is the only place I feel I belong because this is where I feel like I’m loved. There’s a lot more that I can’t explain. I have been with Joyce Hood for my whole life. My school I think I’m doing a little better since I got out of Cleveland Public Schools. I think that K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E. really changed MY LIFE.
My story
Rhemi Walton
Hello my name is Rhemi Walton, and I am writing about the Dream Girls act that K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E. members decided to do on November 7th, 2008 at the Karlin Hall. During this event I had a lot of fun. I saw a lot of people faces showing excitement and happiness which made me feel good because lately a lot of people in our organization have been down because of things that was taken place in people lives. By the organization doing the event made people laugh and forget about the pain they were going through, the Dream Girls Act was a real success and a lot of people enjoyed themselves especially the K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E. members who participated in the act.
My Story
Marcos Bryson
My name is Marcos Bryson and I’m in the 8th grade. My hopes and dreams are to become a Chief. I would like to attend
My Story My Life
My name is Brittany Blanks and I am 15 years old. In my life I have overcome many obstacles that I have faced, and still am overcoming. In 2007 (9th grade year) my grade point average was a 0.46 that mean I had all F’s and D’s. Trying to follow everyone else my grade were decreasing as the days go by. Now that I am a leader my grade has been increasing I am hoping that I can translate that into a 4.0. My goals are going to the National Guard and help other people out in the community. I also want to pass all parts of the OGT s the first time. Hopefully, the poems I write will encourage others to write how they feel instead of doing what they feel. Those are my goals for my life.
K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E. Member
My Story
Tymicia Wilson
Hi my name is Tymicia R. Wilson and since I’ve been in KNOWLEDGE Youth Organization my attitude has really improved as well as my grades which are good so far. I went from a 2.06 to a 2.63 and I’m so proud of myself. I have been in KNOWLEDGE since I was 7 or 8 years old and I’m now 13 years old. KNOWLEDGE helped me in so many different ways. We always have something planned and we’ve done a lot in and outside of our community. We have also put together a lot of shows which include dances and plenty more. We have gone on different trips and seen a lot of people. That’s all we have done so far.
STRONG PEOPLE
FROM THE DARKEST DEPTH OF HELL WE EXCEL.
WE STRIVE LIKE JUSTICE ON THE
WE STAND STRONG LIKE
BUT WHEN THEY BLOW THE HORN WE WILL NEVER FALL.
EVEN WHEN TO OUR PEOPLE MANY THINGS ARE DONE WRONG,
LIKE THE WORD GOD WE WILL ALWAYS STAY STRONG.
A RACE THAT WITH STANDS THE TEST OF TIME FOREVER,
WE SHALL OVERCOME ALL ODDS TOGETHER.
WHAT ABOUT THE FEW WHO FOUGHT FOR US ALL,
THE GIANT, THE TITANS, THOSE WHO STOOD TALL.
PEOPLE WHO WENT AN EXTRA MILE OUT OF THE WAY,
PEOPLE WHO MADE SURE TOMORROW WOULD BE A MUCH BRIGHTER
DAY.
PANTHERS AND POLITICIANS WHO ROARED WITH A PENETRATING THUNDER, FOUGHT FOR OUR PEACE AND LEAD REVOLUTIONS,
STRIVING FOR THE SAME GOAL WITH ULTIMATE SOLUTIONS.
THEY LOCKED UP HEWEY AND BOBBY
AND TOOK DR.KING OUT ON THE BALCONY,
JUST FOR WALKING THEY GOT STOKLEY
AND SHOT KENNEDY IN FRONT OF JACKIE.
WE KNEW THAT MALCOLM WOULD BE NEXT,
WHEN ONE OF OUR OWN SHOT X,
IF IT WEREN’T FOR THEM, WHERE WOULD WE BE?
I THANK GOD EVERYDAY THAT THEY FOUGHT THE WAR FOR ME.
BY: BRANDON DECLOUET
POEM #8
2/19/01
IS IT BECAUSE I LOOK LIKE A SUSPECT?
HOW COME AT ME THEY ALWAYS LOOK DOWN?
IS IT BECAUSE IM NOT FROM AROUND THIS TOWN
HOW COME THE POLICE ALWAYS F#$% WITH ME?
IS IT BECAUSE MOST CRIMINALS LOOK LIKE ME?
HOW COME THEY ALWAYS FOLLOW ME WHEN I
GO IN THE STORE?
IS IT BECAUSE THEY THINK I’LL STEAL
SOMETHING AND WALK OUT THE DOOR?
HOW COME THEY CANT TREAT ME LIKE A BROTHER?
IS IT BECAUSE MY SKIN IS THE COLOR OF
ANOTHER?
HOW COME THEY THINK I'M DUMB?
IS IT BECAUSE I SAY HOW COME?
BY:BRANDON DECLOUET
POEM # 9
2/24/01
IF YOU JUST BELIEVE
My mother and father moved into the Union Miles area in 1969. I was 13 years old. My parents believed that by moving in this area we should have the best education. It was a quick ride to any store and gets anything that was needed for the house and for the family. The homes around us were beautiful and big. We had a long front yard. In the fall all the leaves would fall and it was fun diving into them, not thinking about the danger of falling on a stick and getting hurt. We were able to walk to school right down the street. We would come home, do our homework, and eat dinner (all together at the table). We then could go outside and play “Kick the can”, “Hide and Seek”, “Hop Scotch”, and don’t forget “Jump Rope”. Then street light would begin to come on. We knew it was time to run and make it home or we would be in trouble. We would come home, sit around the television together or would read funny stories to each other. That was the best time of my life. Then 1973 came, everything changed. I began to only see my mother late at night or maybe early in the morning. Trying to get my brothers and sisters to come in the house became a battle. I found myself getting up at 5:00am to get to school on time because my little brother was bused to the
If you just believe.
Sign: Anonymous
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