College Success Foundation, If Not Us, Then Who?

The College Success Foundation (CSF) had its 6th Annual Breakfast this Thursday! Costco sponsored the breakfast. The College Success Foundation was founded with the intent to improve the educational opportunities of youth in Washington, DC and particularly those within the 6, 7 and 8th wards of DC who are often forgotten about and marginalized. So far, the foundation has given over $14 million in scholarships. Two young women and recent graduates gave their testimonies about what the College Success Foundation has done in their personal lives--one a graduate of Spelman College and one of Trinity University. The Mayor of DC, Vincent Gray along with the DCPS Chancellor Kaya Henderson and CEO of American Express, Ken Chenault and many others were in attendance.

CSF also revealed this video. Do you recognize anyone in the video?

Redskins 52nd Annual Luncheon

Hey, I know I'm really late with this, but better late then never right?

This year in August, I had the blessed opportunity to speak at the Washington Redskins Annual Luncheon as a Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation (WRCF) scholar. Every year the WRCF picks one outstanding DC high schooler and provides them with a $25, 000 college scholarship.

Here are some pics from the event. Oh I got to meet RGIII, Rick Doc Walker, and many other folks! Do you recognize them?

Got to Hear Michelle Alexander at Wake Forest Oct 1

YES! I finally made it! I finally got to see Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow, speak about her research and experience in person. One of my History Professors and I took a nice 1 hour drive from Elon to Wake Forest, a ride in which my head was nodding in and out because of how sleepy I was. Her lecture was in the Wait Chapel and we ended up in the balcony because the "main auditorium floor was full," though while in the balcony I discovered that there were some vacant seats, but I was simply glad to be there.

She spoke for about 2 hours on her personal experience with her incarceration research. She is a very passionate speaker and well-versed in her knowledge. What I love about her is that she's truly honest to telling our present day situation how it is, with no shame, no hesitation and no cut cards.

She spoke about her experience as a Civil Rights lawyer, where she and her team were heavily seeking out a black man to represent on a case of discrimination on the basis of race, who did not have any criminal background--but she was to discover that that was nearly impossible. One day a man came into her office asking for representation. He was well spoken, but when he admitted to her that he had a criminal record, she immediately said, "I'm sorry but I can't represent you." Because Alexander knew if they tried to represent someone with a felony record trying to argue racial discrimination, it wouldn’t work.

 The man began defending himself, raising his voice and explaining that a police officer planted some drugs on him, beat him up and for fear of receiving a heavy sentence he took the plea (which means he said he was guilty because he didn't want to do the time), when he really wasn't guilty. Alexander repeated, "I'm sorry but I can't represent you. Angry and disgusted the man ripped up his papers, walked out of her office and said to her, "You're no better than the police! I can't even get a job, public housing or food stamps because of my criminal record. Good luck finding a man who the police haven't already gotten to!"

Now, Alexander realizes that her biggest mistake was that she WAS no better than the police, because the moment that man said he had a criminal record, she did not want to hear anything else he had to say. A while later (I believe a year or more later), she heard a case on the news about a policeman planting drugs on minority men, beating them up and taking them in and discovered that it was the same policeman that the man in her office had mentioned to her.

Lots of cops are encouraged to do this, for example like New York Police Force's infamous Stop and Frisk Policy. Police are often encouraged to make arrests, because the higher their numbers, the more of a financial incentive they have. Often times a policeman, for example, after an arrest can sell the person's car and keep the profit from it. And who better to target than poor, urban black and latino men?

She argued that the current prison system operates like a modern day caste system--one that is based on race rather than crime prevention and control.

Alexander said he biggest mistake was believing that she could make a difference in Criminal Justice, without considering or lingering on the racial factor.

She dispelled the myth that imprisonment prevents crime, but in fact has increased it. This is also the argument of Todd Clear who wrote "Imprisoning Communities: How Imprisoning Communities Makes Disadvantaged Communities Worse."

Alexander also gave alarming statics--

"More black men today on parole then were slaves in 1850. As of 2004 more men were excluded from voting than in 1870. Felon Disenfranchisement Laws accomplish more than Polling Tax Laws once did."

Minority men with a criminal record, makes them 2nd class citizens for the rest of their lives. She mentioned that because this infrastructure has grown so big and investors, private prison owners, etc. are in so deep there's no way to make the problem immediately grow away. 

Though this state of affairs, is pretty depressing Alexander offered food for thought for individuals against the Mass Industrial Complex, that we must work as abolitionists os this mass imprisonment movement. To look out for families of those in prison and extend ourselves and resources to people who are transitioning from prison back into society. We must also fight for felon disenfranchisement laws to be changed. The trillions of dollars that have gone into the prison industry should be invested in education among other things. 

It was an extremely deep at at times depressing lecture, but we must all start with ourselves first! For me, I will continue my work with ScholarCHIPS, giving the children of incarcerated people's a second chance and allowing them to pursue a college degree. www.scholarchipsfund.com

Bullet Proof? I Think Not

What's with all these shots being fired lately?

The world is going AMUCK!

A deadly shooting was committed Thursday by the US Capitol and another shooting occurring with a man in Oregon, dressed in military wear, fired at a police officer during a routine traffic stop. US News Report

Gun Control Laws are ever so relevant. Why do people need guns when so many don't know how to use them?  But NO ONE who has a gun, wants to let go of it. I can totally see people having a gun in their house, but I don't see a need to have one with you in the store, at the park...and these are questions about gun control we asked people in NC during our Elon Poll and most think you should be able to carry one anywhere. I think our refusal to restrict gun use and permits, with be the DEATH of us.

I know many, if not most will disagree with me. But I'm a peaceful person. If it's my time to die, it's my time. I'm not going to try to bring anyone down with me. What has happened so many times by police and regular civilians, is if they "get alarmed" they automatically start shooting and end up killing someone innocent. This should not become an automatic reflex, if you imagine that could be dangerous.

This may not, or may be appropriate but since we're on the subject I'd like to share with you an R&B song, I love, called BulletProof.

The Bridge goes: We're living like we're bulletproof. Bang, bang, bang, bang. Load it Cock it, aim and shoot.

I think this is how we're trying to live today, but we're humans so we're not bulletproof physically, mentally, emotionally, or politically...just food for thought.

A Gang of Bikers vs SUV

Well this one is quite the doozy! And I don't say that to be funny.

This weekend, as I'm sure you've already heard the story...a large group of bikers stopped a black SUV on the highway that held a gentleman driver, his wife and children. One biker stops directly in from of the SUV and the other bikes surrounded the car. In fear, the driver in the black Range Rover sped off and ran over a few bikers in attempt to escape. Sources say, one man was severely injured, however, he has been charged with reckless driver and his license revoked, as police know that stopping in front of the SUV was intentional.

Not only this, but when bikers caught up with the driver in New York traffic they took off their helmets and began beating on the car windows. Mind you children were in there! The driver called the police about 6 times in attempt to get help.

Some of the bikers are from a group called Hollywood Stuntz, a group that holds an annual gathering to ride through Times Square. Investigations are still going on about this case.

What do you think happened? What would you do if you were in an SUV, surrounded by bikers on the highway with your family in the car? What would you do if you were one of the bikers? And I'm not asking those as slanted questions :) Here's the video on Youtube that has amassed well over 1 million views.

The only way this kind of incident would make any half sense to me is if the bikers had a hit out on the driver, which I don't think is the case. Doing dangerous stunts like "trying to stop an SUV" in the middle of the highway is an absolute no brainer! Stick to popping wheelies please!

Do Flu Vaccines Really Work—Should I Get One?

This story was written with the intent of being published, but that didn't work out, lol so I'm posting it on my blog once again. Thank whoever the genius/es were who realized that THE WORLD NEEDS INTERACTIVE/SOCIAL MEDIA AND BLOGS!

Hopefully it will help you stay healthy or give you some insight for this Flu season.

------------------

As October quickly approaches, flu season inevitably follows suit (though its peak isn’t until about February). Like any medication, the flu vaccine does not work as effectively in each individual, as our genetic makeups (as well as factors such as age and health) cause our bodies to react differently to various medicines. There are also medical factors that determine how effective the flu vaccine will be each year.

Annually, scientists attempt to identify what strains will be prominent in the coming flu virus, so that their vaccines will provide a good “match” to fight it off.[1] Some years the vaccine is more accurate than others. Thirdly, already having a chronic disease may also decrease the effectiveness of a flu vaccination.[2] Knowing these facts, while thinking about flu vaccinations, a question that may come to mind is, “Does a flu vaccination really work and should I even get one?”

The immediate answer is yes!

Unfortunately every year, approximately 36,000 people die from complications related to influenza.[3] The flu vaccine works best among healthy, young adults.[4] One big misconception people have is that a flu vaccination will prevent you from contracting a common cold. If you get sick during the “flu season,” it does not mean that the vaccine did not work; you may simply have a common cold or another type of illness.[5]

Though different variables play a part in how effective your flu shot will be, it is nevertheless highly recommended that you still get a flu shot, as it generally reduces chances of contracting the flu anywhere from 70 percent to 90 percent.[6] Experts suggest getting the flu shot early, as it takes up to two weeks for the vaccine to kick into full operation mode. In this case the phrase applies—“It’s better to be safe, than sorry!”

--Yasmine Arrington ‘15

---

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Seasonal Influenza (Flu): How Well Does the Seasonal Flu Vaccine Work? http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaccineeffect.htm.

[2] Vaccines Health Center. “Flu Vaccine Effectiveness: How Well Does It Work?” http://www.webmd.com/vaccines/how-effective-is-flu-vaccine

[3] Lacombe, Andrew. “Flu Season is Coming, are you getting a vaccine? Fox11. http://www.fox11online.com/news/local/green-bay/flu-season-is-coming-are-you-getting-a-vaccine

[4] Vaccines Health Center. “Flu Vaccine Effectiveness: How Well Does It Work?” http://www.webmd.com/vaccines/how-effective-is-flu-vaccine

[5] Ibid

[6] Ibid

DC and back Again: Yas Is On A Travel Tangent

Oh, did I mention how much I LOVE the city? I had to go home to DC this weekend for CAIR's (Council on American Islamic Relations) 19th Annual Banquet. I won their Rosa Parks Award. CAIR is a phenomenal organization and I will do a blogpost on them soon.

I got to see grandma, and my bros! Man, they're growing taller. Our grandparents from Canada came down, so I got to see them also.

On Sunday, on the drive back to North Carolina the city was live! There was a Caribbean festival going on, and passing through Dupont Circle a Jazz/GoGo like band was playing on a street corner and some young women were dancing in front of them...HILARIOUS!

And I saw two teenage-looking, young adults (if that makes any sense, lol) running across the street holding hands, then embracing each other, cupping each others faces...how cute.

Then as the couple continued to walk, a woman runs past them (she was jogging) and the boyfriend of the couple does this obvious head turn to watch the girl run. I wonder what that was about, lol.

I'll be back in DC on Thursday for the College Success Foundation's Annual Fundraising Breakfast. Then come to see Steve Woniak (co-founder of Apple speak here at Elon).

Tomorrow Tino and I are going to see Michelle Alexander lecture at Wake Forest University. OH, HOW I WISH TO MEET HER! My undergraduate research is on just that, Parental (Mass) Incarceration and it's Effects on the Educational Outcomes of Their Offspring. I reached out to Wake Forest to let them know I would be attending and that I hope to meet her. I was told, I probably wouldn't get the opportunity because of Alexander's busy schedule. I then asked if they would at least have a Q&A, and they will but it's ONLY for "Wake Forest students", but it's a free event. What kind of discrimination is that?

The main goal of any educational organization (I know of course is to its students first), but the overarching goal should be to ensure that all undergraduate students get the most out of their school career/research, etc. That's a hot mess...

Anyways, I'm not going to let that discourage me because I've had people say way worse/mean things and NONE OF THAT HAS STOPPED ME YET!

Recent Adventures

I introduced Pulitzer Prize winning-author, Taylor Branch at Elon last night. He is amazingly intelligent and intellectually gifted! I still have yet to post photos and video from my speech at the 52nd Annual Redskins Luncheon back in August. Will do that soon. :)