Carlos Dicerson

 Precious memories mean alot. I have a lot of things that were given to me by others, and I hold on to them because although the person might not always be around, I know that the memories will last forever. I have a lot of things that bring back memories, but there’s one thing that mean the most to me. The one thing that is very special to me is a quilt that I got from my great grandmother. The quilt was full of different colors and patterns that she liked. It is very special to me because she made the quilt a few weeks before she passed away. It reminds me of her and every moment we spent together. When I see the quilt I get sad, but I also smile because I know that by me holding on to it, a part of her is still with me today. She will forever be in my heart and her quilt will forever be in my hands. I plan to always take good care of the quilt, because I know that if she was here, she would do the same

Daddy and Me By:Iesha Thomas

My Daddy was the best fathers I know.He instilled so much wisdom in me thats just unbearable.He always taught me to learn from my mistakes.To thank God and always think before I act.He always said Laughter is the best medicine.I love him so much.He was the first man to ever love he always stated those words and they never left my side.He died 8 months ago.My dad was a bad man but I loved despite what the world thought he was.I knew he loved me,and he always did.He did some bad things but I forgive him,because I dont want to live in bitterness and hate.But I forgive him and now he can R.I.P.

My Greatest Accomplishment by Venee' L. Scott

My Greatest Accomplishment
While I was serving my country in the US ARMY, my greatest accomplishment was born Braylon Christopher Scott on March 4, 2008 at 6:11 p.m. I said in my spirit, " I am ready to give up on having children or even getting married." I was still working, doing physical training (i.e. running, push-ups, sit-ups, rifle ranges and hiking w/ 40lbs on my back), but after awhile I started feeling sluggish and worn down for no reason. So I went to the clinic and got a urine test. It took me a couple of days to actually take the test, but when I told myself to stop being scared and just take the test. I took the test back to the clinic at 10:00 a.m. on a Friday, and at 2:00 p.m. the same day our company doctor, called me in the office and said SPC. Scott are you still taking any medication. Or have you been in the office recently to see me, I said no sir. Then he said well I am going to need for to discontinue taking any medication, he said "congratulations because you are pregnant", and being pregnant was the furtherest thing from my mind because I didnt think I could have kids. I had a miscarriage in 1994 and abortions prior so I thought I could never get pregnant again. I made up my mind and I prayed God that I guess my dream of getting married and having children was a done deal. and then a week later after I prayed that prayer God surprised me and now four years later I have a beautiful, intelligent little boy. I wouldnt change a thing.
by Venee' L. Scott

My Brother Jessica Chavarria

Ever since I was little I wanted to have a little brother. I remember when my parents told me that they were having a baby, I got really excited and hoped it were a boy. Eventually my parents told me I was going to have a little sister.I remember being really mad, because I wanted to be the only girl in the family. I eventually got useto the idea of having a sister; I really didn't have a choice. As each day went on I started to get more and more excited. Many years passed and once again my mother told me that she was having another baby. Both my sister and I wanted to have a younger brother. When my parents finally found out the sex of the baby, they told us we were going to have a baby brother. I was soo happy, I've been wanting a brother for the longest time. I finally got the baby brother that I always wanted.

My WORLD... By Brittany Yates

WHAT MEANS THE WORLD TO ME IS MY DAUGHTER. I WAS BLESSED WITH HER JANUARY 14, 2009.SHE CAME INTO THE WORLD. IT ALL START AT 8:00 A.M WHEN MY WATER BROKE AT HOME AT 8:34 I GOT MY FIRST CONTRACTION AND THATS WHEN I WENT INTO LABOR I WAS ALL ALONG, AND DROVE MYSELF TO THE HOSPITAL. AS I WAS DRIVING IT WAS A SNOW STORM I WAS ON THE EXPREEWAY AS A CONTRACTION CAME OVER ME MY WHEELS RAN OVER A SHEET OF ICE AND I WAS UNDER A SEMI- TRUCK WITHIN MINUTES. I WAS'NT HARMED FROM THE ACCIDENT BUT THE FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS MESSED UP. IT WAS STILL DRIVABLE AND I STILL WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO THE HOSPITAL. BY THIS TIME THE CONTRACTIONS WERE GETTING STRONGER. ONCE I MADE IT TO THE HOSPITAL I STARTED GOING THROUGH THE STEPS OF LABOR. I WAS IN LABOR FOR 10 HOURS AND THATS WHEN I FINALLY GAVE BIRTH TO MY DAUGHTER AT 6:34P.M I WAS LOOKING AT THE PRETTEST GIRL IN THE WORLD. I NAMED HER ZI'YA NEVAEH MAPPS WHICH MEANS MY LIGHT IN HEAVEN. AT THAT MOMENT I REALIZED HOW PRECIOUS LIFE IS WHEN I LOOKED INTO HER EYES, AND EVERYDAY SHE REMINDS ME OF THAT AND IM PROUD IM HER MOM.

The Cotton Experience By; Walter L. Williams Jr.

On a hot October day while driving on a road to Memphis Tennessee to visit my father for his birthday, the year was 2011; during my drive I came across a field of cotton where something in me compelled me to stop, I walk from my car slowly but with determination, my destination was the cotton field. While walking through the cotton field, I bent over to pull the cotton from the stalk, the sun laid heavy on my head and the sweat rolled down my face almost instantly, I felt the raw unprocessed cotton in my hands, the cotton pricked my hands and my mind took me to a place unfamiliar to my natural life; this soon became very familiar to me in the stories told to me by my grandfather. Memories of a life not lead by me, but told to me by my ancestors, of a life traveled by my relatives who actually lived in the past where things were just terrible for black people. People who had the strength and courage to endure a life not fit for man, but a life that granted me the life that I have now. Had it not been for the struggles in the cotton fields of my past African American people, where would I have been, it’s not one man that makes me, but many men and women that traveled that hard road without reassurance or knowledge of where this road will take them or when this hatred will end, that said; maybe it will be better for the people that will follow me later in this life. It’s not just the cotton that was picked, it was also the struggle that my people went through in the fields just too survive, which lead me to the road I’m on today …and I’m grateful to my ancestors…and to all those people known and unknown that fought for me and other African American people to have a better future and life. In the cotton fields, myself, on that particular day, gave me a since of the truth in the stories told to me by my relatives about how bad things were for our people back in those times. I believe that I was lead to this field as a reminder of the past by something higher than me to help me realize that the things I have now are things that I’m not only grateful for, but reminding me of how blessed that I am for not having to go through those times and for the things that I now have access to. Even though my struggle is not as bad as my past ancestors, I can still see by the things that I’ve went through in my past, and how much times has not changed, I know I’m still looked at as a second hand citizen. This cotton that I brought to class is something I keep nearby as a constant reminder of the struggles in my life today and the struggles of black people as a whole. My life has not been easy by no means, it has been full of all types of racial setbacks, from white people beating me with no police help when this is being done to me by a white man, to firing me from their employment for no reason other than the fact that I am a black man who continues to fight for what I believe in. I’m a strong believer in God and what religion really means and stands for, as I deal with the struggles in my life today handed to me feels like I am truly a child of God. The cotton is the artifact that I use as a reminder of my history and all the things I’m going through even today. My history is wrapped around love and happiness, and the belief that things will be better for me in the future, either here on earth or in heaven where I believe is my final destination.

Moorish Prophet by Douglas R. Amersonbey

Prophet Noble Drew Ali is the founder of the Moorish Holy Temple of Science. He was born Timothy Drew in 1913 A.D. and grew up with his aunt who was a gypsy; He went to school in the far east and canada were he obtained the right from the sheik to show the proper rights and teaching of his people (The Moors). Timothy Drew was awarded the sir name of ALI from the tribe of ALI and then was blessed with the task of uplifting Falling Humanity with the appointment from the King. Timothy Drew who was anoited and was given the title of Prophet became Prophet Noble Drew Ali. Prophet Noble Drew Ali, Organized the movement of The Moorish Holy Temple of Science and it later became Moorish Science Temple of America. t

Young educated hard working mother by LaToya

I'm in college to become a physical therapist, so I can provide a better future for me and my child. However, I have to accomplish my goals first, to get my career started.Once I graduate college, I can have a better paying job; with the help of my family, I will succed. Helping others is what I love to do.

Your Attitude by Ms. Kitty Brown

What goes up, but never comes down
Unless you calms down
Sometime, you brings it up
When other has to bring it down
Just look it's all around
You has it, even you!
Oh yes! An you better not for me
What! What! Could it be?
Your attitude!

Broken dreams and broken bones, by Shyjuan

The time my brother broken his arm playing football was an emotional day for me. He was outside playing with some kids and all I could remember was him screaming and crying. I felt like killing someone. We took him to the hospital and he was still crying. I felt so useless because I couldn't do anything at the time to comfort him. As months go by and his arm was healing, I began teaching him about safety in football. I remember him telling me "he's not going to play again" and was telling him that when u play organized you will have pads to help prevent injury. Day by day I conviced him that it is ok to play again. Years later now he's playin on a team at his school and he's pretty good too. I'm glad I could help him through his struggle of recovery.

Life as a comic, by Omarr Kizer

Hello my name is Omarr Kizer and i am a stand up Comedian, my stage name is Doughboii Tala. The Tala stands for To All Loyal Affliates and basically what it means if you rock me Ill rock you. I started doing comedy at least on stage back in 2007, i have been doin comedy for a very long time. I enjoy making people laugh and seeing smiles on folks faces, without laughter a person would be just depressed. As a comic although its fun you get to enjoy time with people, hangout do all kinds of things.For myself i have traveled a bit some of the paces would include Las Vegas, California,Chicago, and Indiana. I may be going to Miami soon to do some great stand up, i am kinda excited about it but if i do get the chance i would be more than thankful. To be a comic you just have to have love for the people and just love to entertain which is something i like doing.I am naturally funny so the whole comedy routine is kinda easy. In my comedy life i have met some famous people along the way who do give great advice, such as Rodney Perry, Damon Williams, De Ray davis and Monique.

Interview by Kitty Brown

Interveiw
I interveiwed Mr. Nevels who currently in the United States Army.

Who serrved eieven and a half for his country.Right now Mr. Nevels is

cemi-retired / unemployed. He served half on the eleven years as a

medical tech. Which consit of labor and deliveing, also emergency

room delivring, also emergency room, ward floors.It took him

two years to be certified for all his trianing.

A friend that will be missed, W.Thomas

My story is about my friend that got killed by the police.His name is Jonathan (Dub) Johnson.He was a close friend.He was loyal to me, overall I think he was loyal person to all people.We all was on the streets.But he had made up his mind that the streets was not cutting it for him.So he started going to school.This school to be exact.He was taking up culinary arts.He had one son that he name after him.Its really a sad story, but the police came to his uncle house for a traffic warrant, for the uncle and end up shooting him in the chest.Then of course you know the police cover it up.So in the newspaper they put that he had a knife and came to the door wit a knife.Still to this day I can't believe that.I don't think anyone who knew him will believe that.But at the end of the day I think he is in a better place.All his worries are over.I just really fell sorry for his son.His son Jr. will have to grow up with out his farther.Which is bad because I know how that feel.You need your farther growing up in this world.So the main reason I wrote this is because he's the main reason I am in school right now.And at times I feel like given up but I always think about what will I do, be back on the streets or end up dead or in jail.

My Family nykia johnson

My family is there for me the whole way even though my mom wanted me to go away for college so that i can have a college experience but she finally realize that its better for me to stay here and get my education because my parents know me they know that by me being a freshmen and new to every thing I get excited and I lose focus on what I am there for so they think that by me staying here they can look at me and help me focus on what i need to focus on so I can get my help from them and then i would have to be struggling because i have my support team there for me i honestly can say I love being here even though i am kind of missing out on being on my own but i still have my parents there for me and I get my work done faster by being here because what i don't understand I have someone there for me.Which is my family and I already know that they going to be proud of me.

Family By Andrew P.

My artifact was about my brother and sister. They are the most important thing to me and mean alot to me . Growing up we were spread apart because our parents are different . I don't talk to them alot but when I do talk to them I always let them know I love them. They are both in High School now , I havent seen them since they were in elementary school . I always told them I was going to come see them but I haven't got the chance to go yet. But I will see them very soon. My father always told me family comes first .I was raised up on family being a big part of growing up. My brother and sister are miles away and I try my best to keep in contact with them but it's hard.

Taking custody of my two cousins. Tyler Kristoff

My meainguful thing I've done is my parents and I took custody of two little cousins, Emrick and Lilly. My aunt a single a mother,her husband had died in a car accident in 2007. When this occurred it drastically changed her life. She always told me,"everything happens for a reason." When this happened my Aunt (a loving and caring mom) changed her ways. She started using drugs to cope with her pain. She losted her job as a nurse, stopped paying attention to her kid and turned into a drug addict. Wendi, once a mother that any kid would love to have, completely changed her ways. When i asked her 2009 why she turned to drugs, she said "thats the only thing makes her feel good and keeps her going in life." She compounded 3 Dui's in a matter of 8 months. Had her licensed taken away and had to serve 90 days in jail. During this time, my parents and I went to court and got full custody of her children. It was such a great feeling knowing that the kids were gonna live a better life. These days wendi went to rehab for 90 days and has been sober since Febuary 17, 2011. Wendi quoted, "After my kids were taken away for me, I finally realized that I had to change my ways. I grew up a lot and I'll never go back to my old ways." After seeing her change, It was such a beautiful thing. We now have joint custody until she serves her 60 days in jail for something else. Wendi, a now greatful mother, said " I'm so greatful of you guys and it was an eye opening experience. I've learned my lesson and so happy to be clean!"

My dreams, My Goals by sandra ivy

My dream is to own my own dance studio. But i have to accomplish some goals 1st to get my dance studio up and running. I plan to 1st go to school for business. Im going to school for business because i want to learn how to run a good business and keep it for many years to come. Dance was always apassion for me i love to dance, anytime i would hear music i would stop what i was doing and just start dancing. Or, sometimes i would sit and just listen to music and close my eyes and i could picture the whole dance in my head i could see what i was wearing and everything. Dance is my life its the one way i can express myself without worring whos looking or nothing. When i get my studio up and running it would its going to be for all ages. There will be all types of dances to learn from hip hop, jazz, ballet, even stepping. I just want this studio to be a place for kids to come and learn and feel safe and have fun. Thats my goal and dream.

Christmas at our House by, Ms. Sandra Stevenson

For years, at our house Christmas was a huge holiday.  Two weeks before the holiday, everyone
would put their name in a grab bag and then we would pick each other's name.  W e had a limit of
no more than ten dollar a present.  So, when the big day would come, everyone would receive a
gift.  It made me feel like we were all really part of a family, who loved one another.  Some of
us would do more and give presents to everyone.  We all would wear the color red and everyone
would wear their pajamas.  That was what was so special about it because, we would all come
to my grand mother's house around two a.m. on Christmas day with our gifts in our hand.  It
made us build unity together as we all grew up.  We tried to stay closer, but as years went by
love one's grew older and that bond grew weaker and our special day just slowly disappeared.

Eventful Night, by Adriane Moore :-)

                                                “Eventful Night”

 

The co-workers and I decided it was time for us to have some excitement. With some of us going to school and work, we barely have anytime to hangout. We decided to catch the train to Chicago, not having any plans. We all meet up at the train station. Brittney, Lee, and Tyiana and I all work together. Lee brought two friends with, Josh and Quinmay. The train leaves a 7:50, the time was now 7:45 and as I look around, I notice one person was missing, and it was time to aboard the train. Brittney says, “Wait”, as she catches her chest, from running up the ramp way, “Where’s Tyiana? We can’t leave without her,” Brittney said. With only 3 minutes left to board the train. Tyiana finally comes running up the ramp way, with her shoes in one hand, and her purse in the other. Yelling, “ Hold That train!” We hop on the train, as the conductor shouts out, “All aboard.”

            There I sit, dazing at the dark night, staring at the stars and moon. Thinking to myself, “What a beautiful night.” In my own little world, then all of a sudden, “Adriane, what are you over there thinking about,” Lee asked? “O nothing,” I replied. “Where are we going,” I asked. Lee answers, “Where ever the train takes us.”  Before I could get another work out, the train was at its last stop, Downtown Chicago.

            Getting off the train I see a rusk of people, walking enjoying their night. Parents taking their last scroll through the park. Hoping on the ride home, the kids will be fast asleep. Couples all cuddle upon the bench, keeping each other warm. Homeless man asleep on the bench with a sign that reads, “Can you spare some change, need money for train ticket.’’ My heart stops instantly, as I see the young man shivering with no place to go.  I couldn’t help but to stop and give him 5 dollars, as my friends continue to walk. He looks up at me and says, “May God bless you mam,’’ as he looks up and smile. I replied, “He did, and all I wanted in return was a smile. (Chicago Alliance to end homelessness stats states, there’s approximately 750,000 men, women, and children homeless in the U.S.)

            Running to catch up with the crew, still debating on where we should go, as I stand in front of Walgreens. All I could smell was the sewer and cigarette smoke. First, we decided to catch a cab and head to the clubs. After arriving at the first club, we could hear the music on the outside of the club. It was a fast pace techno type music. We wanted to somewhere, where they played a variety of music, not just one type. Second, we went to the club called, V Live. It was a rusk of people, all different diversity. We dance and drink all night long. We had a blast; everyone was laughing, joking around, and partying. We dance till the club close about 5 a.m.  After all that drinking, it was time to eat. Catching another cab, back to the train station area and to get something to eat. Walking into the restaurant, the aroma of pancakes and eggs, trigger my nose instantly.  There I was sitting at the table booth, when I looked up to the right of me, it was Mel Jackson. The actor known for, “Soul Food” and “Living Single.’’  Thinking to myself, I can’t get out cause its two people blocking me in.” Quick I have to do something to get his attention,” I say to myself. I swiftly turn around, towards the glass and knock. You would have thought the glass was a drum as hard as I bang on it, as everyone looks up from their plate. Hat and shades on at 5:30 in the morning, slowly raises his shades down smiles and winks at me as he’s exiting the restaurant. Heart beating really fast, you could see it through my black lace top, smiling from ear to ear. Coming down from cloud nine, it was time to order.  Glancing over the menu, I realize everything was separate, nothing on the menu came as a meal. We sat and ate, and then we commuted.

            Rushing to the train station, train departing at 6:45, it was 6:35, leaving us ten minutes to get there. Finally we arrived, time was now exactly 6:48, and there was no train in sight! Fifteen minutes went by then another fifteen, still no train. At 7:30 the train arrives, as the passenger’s gets off and so does the conductor. ‘’Doesn’t this train departs at 6:45,’’ I asked. Picking up his briefcase and locking the train door, he looks at me and says, “Train departs at 9:45, that’s the weekday, you read the schedule wrong. Upset, looking over at Lee and screams, “LEE you read the schedule wrong!!! Looking at me laughing, as he takes a seat on the bench and reply’s, “You might as well take a sit down, we got a long way to go. Sitting  there thinking back to the train ride dark and beautiful night, dazing at the stars and moon out the window thinking to myself, “ This is going to be an eventful night.

By David Quinn

Narrative

 

            Every Christmas Eve my grandpa would always tell us the story of how his father escaped from prison back in Ireland.  He would start by clearing his throat at the head of the table and he would start by saying, “WAAAAYYY back in 1920 on a cold Christmas Eve my Father “Pops Quinn” was put into a VERY COLD jail cell!  He was under the order of the IRA that put Pops Quinn in this situation.  He was under the impression of the IRA that he was a an English SPY!  At the point he was arrested he was appalled that the Irish thought one of their own men was an ENGLISH SPY!  Pops tried to talk the police officers out of arresting him because he was a loyal man to the IRA and the fight against the English.  After Pops was put into his cell he saw a man he knew.”  My grandpa stops all the time at this point for dramatic pause. 

 

            After about a minute he starts again, “This man’s name was never given when Pops Quinn told me and my siblings this story when he would tell us this story.” He would go onto to say, “This man was a guard in the prison and all we know is that he was a friend of Pop Quinn and this man helped Pop Quinn escape from prison in Ireland.  About a month after Pop Quinn was in prison Pops friend like I said earlier who was a prison guard.  After he escaped from prison he found his wife and they both got on the next ship to Canada.  After they got to Canada they lived there for about a month and came to the USA illegally and they raised a family of five in the city of Detroit.” After that whole story my grandpa sat down and he said, “The rest is history, and that is how the Christmas of 1920 started.

Back in the game, by Mrs. Shelia Wims

Education is my goal for the next two years, this is my second time around for college. I talked with key family members about going back to school. (this is
part of my so called "bucket list".

My husband said; " I do not want to hold you back from completing your dream/visions, all my sister's said" We will support you 100% we got your back".

My youngest sister is a principal at a newly opened character school in North Lass Vegas, she said; " If you went back to school I will set it up where you and I

could do some networking" I would have to go to Vegas 2-3 times a year and get a comfortable paycheck monthly.Boy! " this is a great idea I thought to

myself". Didn't have to second guess myself. On top of that the President said; " go back to school if you don't have a job to better educate yourself

for an even better job".

After long thinking and planning, I decide to go back to school. The choice was city versus an university? Well I wanted to take it slow, I felt a city college would

definitely be a better choice for me. So here I am at Ivy Tech for the next two years.