This Blog is a mixture of Current events, Fashion and updates on my life as I move forward as an aspiring designer and host.
My Current Events
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Communication is Key!
Last semester, Spelman College was faced with a shocking story when students and faculty learned that 19-year old Beverly Garrett had committed suicide. On the night of October 24, 2011, the campus flooded with police officers and fire trucks, leaving students in a state of confusion. Some had figured out the source of the commotion while others were left to piece everything together from social networks and through word of mouth.
Rumors filled the dorm hallways: “She was shot by a stray bullet.”, “She stabbed herself.” Following the disheartening event, the following week it was still unclear as to what had happened. Within a week’s notice, an email was sent to invite students and staff to a ceremony that was held to celebrate the life of Garrett, but sources no explanation was given. Weeks following the incident, pamphlets were sent out about suicide and ways to eliminate stress during exams.
Over time, students have taken part of the Spelman experience and remained oblivious to the negative and controversial events that have taken place both on and off campus. Originally in the Spelman Spotlight (The schools newspaper) student ran, students were given more lee way and opportunities to speak and inform the entire student body. When asked about the content of the paper, newspaper advisor Dean Ferguson one of the main facilitators when it comes to what is released about students by students, whether it is through the student run newspaper or in a pamphlet. As the Dean of Students, she is very adamant about allowing students to have a voice. When asked about the content of the paper, Ferguson explained that the division of Student Affairs is very much supportive of a student driven paper. "A survey was conducted to allow students the opportunity to choose what they want to see in the newspaper." says Ferguson. Although this is a good strategy to see what preferences the students have for the schools paper in general, it does not elaborate on the types of controversial issues that should also be included in the paper.
By law, Spelman College along with other schools and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs, are required to track and disclose data about reported crimes on or near campus. “This information includes, but is not limited to, a daily crime log and timely notification of campus crimes that may pose a threat to safety. This law
became known as the ‘Clery Act,’ and took effect in 1990.” This is from the Spelman College Census Information Center. Hopefully with new students coming in the fall, changes will be made to accommodate the students more, and the issues that take place are to be communicated to the student body to eliminate confusion and the creation of misconceptions.In the past certain situations have been communicated, but over time the focus of informing the students and surrounding community has truely fallen off. From Jasmine Lynn to Beverly Garrett: wouldn't they want the community to know their story, to possibly save the lives of others.
Security Speaks out.
When asked about the process taken when a crime is reported on Spelman’s campus, one part time security representative Officer James Cannon stated, “Although there a lot of things we would like to change about the system, we work to the best of our ability to keep the students here safe.” Unlike other schools that provide shuttles, the Spelman shuttle is only allowed to make a few stops to accommodate the students. One of the stops is the Marta station. The Marta is one of the most renowned modes of public transportation in the State of Georgia, as they also work towards having a safe, positive environment. Unfortunately there is not always security on site, making it easy for crime and other things to take place with students and other citizens of the community. Other stops include the Woodruff Library and Spelman’s parking deck. With the lack of resources that are available to the students, it is obvious that the shuttle should make more stops for safety reasons as well as to expand the opportunities and activities in the area for the students. In 2009 A Spelman College student was killed and a Clark-Atlanta student wounded during a shooting early Thursday morning September 3rd on the Clark-Atlanta campus. 1 Killed, 1 Wounded In Clark-Atlanta Shooting
"Jasmine Lynn, a Spelman student in her 20s from Kansas City, Mo., was shot after gunfire ranged out during a fight in the 200 block of James P. Brawley Drive", according to police.
Lynn was walking with a group of friends back to the Spelman campus when they passed by the fight.
"One of the friends actually heard the gunshots, actually saw the weapon and told her to get on the ground," said Lt. Keith Meadows of the Atlanta Police Department. "Before she was able to get on the ground she was struck in the chest by a stray round."
Bystanders then rushed to help Lynn. "I walked up to the girl 'cause she was laying on the ground," said witness Danays Marquez. "She was drenched in blood and it looked like she was taking her last breath."
A bullet also hit an 18-year-old Clark-Atlanta student in the wrist. He was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital.
Although not on Spelman's campus, how could this situation have been prevented? Ones life was lost, another injured what must future students keep in mind when walking around campus.
This reported from WSBTV, however an email was sent out to the student body, nothing else was said nor done about the threats this could call to other students.
When visiting colleges be sure to ask questions, in regards to overall safety:
1. What types of safety initiatives do you have in place? Do you have K9 patrols throughout the campus?
2. How do I contact my child on campus? Many colleges will provide a campus address and local phone service with voicemail.Do you have security cameras and outdoor emergency phones?
3. What kinds of strategies/training do you have in place for students that will help them feel empowered?
4. Do you have security cameras and outdoor emergency phones?
5. What should be done in case of an emergency? Most colleges have campus police. Make sure your son or daughter posts his or her number in a highly visible area.
6. Where are the emergency telephones located on the campus? Do they work properly, and how often are they tested? Do the calls automatically go to the police?
7. Do you have certified campus policemen and are they allowed to carry a weapon?
8. How can I get a summary of crimes that have been reported on campus? What about statistics on date rape?
9. What is your college's overall safety record?
10. In what kind of neighborhood is the college located?
http://angelicatrimble.wordpress.com/
Keeping it all on the Down Low.
Spelman College in particular has done a great job of keeping both violent offense crimes and non-offense crimes a secret. Unknowingly students continue to walk to and from the West End Mall for small items regardless of the crime and other issues going on. Why is it that Spelman has been able to avoid real publicity and failed to inform the public of such situations?
Over time, exploitations and controversial crimes on and around campus have altered this reputation of the schools safety. Because of these minor discrepancies, it is essential that the security on and around Spelman is dedicated to making the right decisions in attempts to ensure that every student and staff member is safe when on campus. Although its not necessarily a good look, when releasing certain information about issues going on, around campus, its imperative to inform current students as well as faculty about what’s going on, so that they can take the right precautionary measures. Since the late 90’s there have been stories and rumors talked about including the 2007 rape of a student from Spelman.For nearly a month, Spelman and its brother school, Morehouse College, had been in an uproar over a freshman student's accusation that four Morehouse men had sexually assaulted her in a Morehouse dorm late one Friday night. The two schools are educational meccas for the black middle class and share a special relationship. "If it had been at another school, they wold still be investigating" yells Kendall Montgomery, Sophomore Political Science Major.
From Lori Robinson http://www.giftfromwithin.org/html/iwasraped.html
"They ordered me to open the door, but I couldn't get the key to work. That lock always jammed. My hands were shaking. I was talking out loud. "I know it's this key next to the silver one." After several of my futile tries, one of the men said, "It better open this time."
Robinson tells her story as well as elaborates on the 2007 rape story from the Spelman Student. According to testimonies the young lady was in a Morehouse dorm late one evening and in attempts to leave she was approached by 4 Morehouse students and raped. Around the time that it happened a lot of controversy surrounded the story as the 4 young men involved denied accusations and were not guilty. More controversy continued in riots and rallies as students began to talk more and more creating rumors and misconstrued information as to what actually happened
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Monday, April 23, 2012
When Twitter starts a tweeting.
George Zimmerman was released on $150,000 bail. The event took place in the middle of the night, as to avoid any unnecessary confrontations with those who feel that Zimmerman should spend the rest of his life rotting behind bars. He will be tried for second degree murder in the fatal shooting of teenager Trayvon Martin later this year. He will be tried for second degree murder in the fatal shooting of teenager Trayvon Martin later this year. Like a lot of the news released with this case this news did not settle well with many people. Authorities will now have to contend with another serious issue like people who have sent threats and now TWITTER threats. With quotes like
"I be glad wen dey just kill George Zimmerman." and
"Dear george zimmerman, kill yourself bitch. Sincerely, everyone"
Hopefully they will not amount to anything substancial.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Nelly and Applebottom
In a recent interview with Nelly, reporter Tristin Avery ;) was able to get an idea of what types of projects he is working on for the future. Hopefully in September he will release an album. He's been working with artists from the likes of Trey Songz, and T.I. Was visiting Atlanta for a special appearance for his Fashion Line Apple bottom."My sister, was always pulling up her jeans" Nelly elaborates on how his sister like other women was never able to find a jean that fit her comfortably which motivated him to produce a fashion line. Last year following his New Year’s Eve performance in Las Vegas he was noted as the best selling artist of this decade. Positive his fans will be excited to hear new music from Nelly coming in the Fall.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Trayvon Martin
LEAD:17 year old African American boy shot and killed by security guard in orlando Florida for no reason,
This disheartening story is getting even more of publicity as time goes on. While visiting his father in Orlando, Florida, 17 year old Trayvon Martin was shot and killed by George Zimmerman the Watch Captian of a latino neighborhood. Martin was a native of South Florida and was visiting his father at the time. Walking home from a local convenient store, George Zimmerman was an on Duty cop at the time and thought that Trayvon seemed "suspicious" and proceeded to follow him. within minutes, Trayvon was yelling for help as Zimmerman shot him dead. Family members and friends of Martin are looking for answers!
This disheartening story is getting even more of publicity as time goes on. While visiting his father in Orlando, Florida, 17 year old Trayvon Martin was shot and killed by George Zimmerman the Watch Captian of a latino neighborhood. Martin was a native of South Florida and was visiting his father at the time. Walking home from a local convenient store, George Zimmerman was an on Duty cop at the time and thought that Trayvon seemed "suspicious" and proceeded to follow him. within minutes, Trayvon was yelling for help as Zimmerman shot him dead. Family members and friends of Martin are looking for answers!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
The Future of Journalism...
Earlier this week I was able to speak with the gorgeous and intelligent Mrs. Monica Pearson of Channel 2 action News. Monica Pearson was honored by the city of Atlanta on Monday for her 37 years with WSB-TV. Pearson recently announced this month that she will be retiring from WSB-TV on July 25. Monica Pearson anchors Channel 2 Action News at 4 p.m. and Channel 2 Action News at 6 p.m.She joined the Channel 2 Action News staff in August, 1975 and ended a run of more than 30 years as the Channel 2 Action News Nightbeat anchor in May 2011.City Councilman Michael Bond honored Pearson with a proclamation for her years of service while working for WSB-TV, and a close and personal reception for fans and friends welcome to greet her as she prepares to depart her home station of 37 years. More to come on her thoughts of Citizen Journalism and the future of Journalism today.
Why Write?
Everyone has a voice but when it comes to actually using it and providing information about different topics, unfortunately everyone wasn’t given the task of mastering the way to communicate it. Providing unbiased, well written information with substance and depth is essential when working as a professional journalist. Acquiring these skills overtime allows one to develop the credibility to be a respected professional journalist. Like music, writing can be a very personable form of art and information source if done properly and in a way that won't hinder anyone’s reputation. Often times with all the citizen journalism its easy for people to get caught up with false accusations and assumptions that lead to a world of rumors and stories that come off in a negative way. Citizen Journalism is when private individuals do what many professionals do, and report often biased information about different issues going on throughout the world globally. This can be an individuals’ take on politics, social, education or one of the more controversial Entertainment. Citizen Journalism can take many forms: Blogging, print, social media and physical ability with flyers, posters walks and even boycotts. With new advances overtime the Internet has given average people the ability to transmit all types of information globally. There are different types of Citizen Journalism two of which being Independent and Semi-Independent Citizen Journalism. Independent Journalism is this idea that involves citizens posting information in ways that are not substantial to the traditional and professional forms of providing information. Semi-Citizen Journalism involves citizens actually contributing, in one form or another, to existing professional news sites as well as feed off of information that has already been provided.
Labels:
Citizen- Journalism,
issues,
social,
Writers
Monday, January 30, 2012
THE BEAUTIFUL ETTA JAMES!
Dorothy Hawkins was only 14 when she gave birth to Jamesetta Hawkins. Jamesetta born on January 25, 1938, in Los Angeles, California knew at a young age that she wanted to sing .At the age of five James received her first professional vocal lesson from James Earle Hines. Hines was a musical director of the local church choir, in Los Angeles. Jamesetta Hawkins known as Etta James had a variety of musical styles. Her style touched some of every music genre like blues, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, soul, gospel and jazz. Starting her career in the mid-1950s, she gained fame with hits such s "Dance With Me, Henry", "At Last", "Tell Mama", and "I'd Rather Go Blind" Throughout her life she faced a number of personal problems, one of the more memorable was he battle with drug addiction, before making a musical resurface in the late 1980s with the album The Seven Year Itch. By the mid-1990s, James' earlier classic music was played in different commercials "I Just Wanna Make Love to You". Due to exposure of the song in a particular UK commercial, the song reached the top ten of the UK charts in 1996. James continued to record for Private Music, she released a blues album entitled “Matriarch of the Blues in 2000. The release of this album had James returning to her R&B roots with Rolling Stones hailing it as a "solid return to roots", further stating that the album found the singer "reclaiming her throne — and defying anyone to knock her off it.” In 2001, James was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, the latter for her contributions to the developments of both rock and roll music and rockabilly. In 2011, James was voted one of the 11 Best Singers on Earth by viewers and representatives of the Encyclopedia of Popular Music. In recent years, James was seen as bridging the gap between rhythm and blues and rock and roll. In 2009 James was able to make a final television appearance, as she performed one last time on Dancing with the stars, one of her more famous singles “At Last”. In November 2011, James released her final album “The Dreamer” , which was critically acclaimed upon its release. James released a statement that this would be her final album. Early 2011, James was diagnosed with leukemia. The illness became terminal and on January 20,2012 just days before her 74th birthday we lost the beautiful, talented soul diva. Although she lived a full and beautiful life Etta James will be missed by all those that she has influenced throughout her life.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
"Courage has No Color?"
Written by John Ridley and “The Boondocks” creator Aaron McGruder, and directed by Anthony Hemingway Red Tails is a film that depicts the story of the Tuskegee air men. Many would argue that the film still succeeds in displaying the experience and lifestyles of how these brave men even through all the adversity and segregation risked their lives to The film’s cast includes Academy Award winning actor Cuba Gooding, Jr., and Academy Award nominated actor and Chicago native, Terrence Howard.
I was able to interview a few Spelmanites about the film COMING SOON!!
Common Knowledge.
“Common remains one of the best pure emcees in hip-hop, still spitting that raw after two decades in the game with his new album, The Dreamer/The Believer.”
– Complex Magazine
Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr. Better known under his stage name "Common" previously known as Common Sense was born March 13th in 1972 is one of the more prominent voices in hip-hop's new millennium renaissance. As an American hip-hop artist and actor born on the South side of Chicago he is still making major moves as he releases his--- 9th album to an audience of beautiful fans. Common released his debut album, "Can I Borrow A Dollar?", under his original name Common Sense. Tracks like "Charm's Alarm" and "Breaker 1-9" immediately putting him on the maps as a clever, amazingly talented lyricist. Having street-smarts, and love for extended similes,Common has produced more and more tracks and roles proving that he is in the right place. With films like Wanted and Just Right he has earned the respect and credibility that he is associated with. Now on his 9th Album,he still doesn't cease to amaze his fans with a full album entitled "The Dreamer,The Believer"
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