Tuesday, May 14, 2013

The History of Our Beloved Journalism


The North Star an ancient american
newspaper still tact until this day
Journalism, as defined by webster's dictionary, is the collection and editing of news for presentation through the media. Due to its great length, this article will focus on post- 1940 journalism in the United States; however, there is much more to explore regarding the history of journalism as a whole, as it dates back to, arguably, the 17th century. To clarify, Journalism has always been the way to formally inform the public through hard facts. 

World War II led the the exponential expansion of broadcast media within the United States. When the soldiers shipped off to the war, so did many journalists as well. Many journalists were charged with the task of evoking a vivid picture in a reader or listeners mind when reporting their stories. In this time period, Edward R. Murrow and his team were national recognized for just that. They were able to captivate a radio listener through their detailed recounts of the battles that many americans wished to see. 

During the 1950s, broadcast media became the most prevalent way to inform the public. This is why is the 1960s, a decade of extreme turmoil, the united states was bombarded with constant news broadcast. During this time period, the media was covering: the civil rights movement, the fight against post WWII conservative values, the assassination of President Kennedy, and the war on Vietnam. Journalist were attempting to cover every aspect of existence. Also, the first 24 hour broadcast occurred when President Kennedy was assassinated. Journalism and the news were taking great strides toward the future.

After this, media began to cover the fight for sexual equality and drug protest. From then until now journalist have covered every major event in american history; However, many criticize journalism's bias on what stories to publish. Journalism is not perfect but I can gladly say that, everyday, we take great strides to make news as objective as possible.  

Kipp Atlanta Collegiate Football: An Unexpected Wildfire

"The Kipp Atlanta Collegiate football team is prepared to shock APS [ Atlanta Public Schools]," said Lester Caldwell, Head Coach of the Kipp Warriors, when asked about what he expects from his football team next season. Is he correct? Will the third year football team be able to terrorize a football league recognized for its rigorous play? They have certainly been preparing for August 31, the day the Kipp Warriors meet the Washington Bulldogs under the big white lights.
Kipp Atlanta Collegiate warriors wearing purple and green

Since the end of the last season, the Warriors have been doing everything from meditating to mastering olympic lifts. The players are not only putting hours into the weight room, but also preparing mentally to achieve an undefeated season. Jeremy Harris, an offensive guard of the football team, happily said, " We never rest." He feels that the constant work that the team has been putting can only result in a positive product.

As a school, everyone is ecstatic for the upcoming season. Will the players have the heart to succeed? The plays have been memorized. But, will the players have the heart to execute them? The strength has been gained. But, will the players have the tenacity to implement it on the football field?

Interview With Jasmin Clark- A Small Girl in a Dark World


Jasmin Clark, a Kipp Atlanta Collegiate Student, has chosen to share her life with us. While acquiring high grades in school and excelling in extracurricular activities, Jasmin quietly suffered through the pain of abandonment. Today, we listen attentively as Jasmin tells her story.


Has anything traumatic happened in your life?

My parents split when I was one. This led to many other events that have scarred me. 

Do you have a Step-  Parent? If so, do you feel this has affected you as a person?


I have had about 4 step- mothers. As a person, this resulted in me having difficulties accepting new people into my life.
Jasmin Clark in her room
What’s the worst memory you have of your step- mothers?

I told my first step- mother that I wanted to be a psychiatrist, she shut me down. In simpler terms, she cut my wings. 

What is your biological parents' relationship like?

They went to court when I was in eighth grade. They do not get along but they both love me, and want the best for me.

What is the best memory you have of your step- mother?

When my mom and me were arguing. My stepmother filled the void and supported me emotionally. She gave me a shovel, and helped me dig myself out of a pit.

Have any friends helped you through this difficult part of your life?
            
Yes, Tiffany Wallace was there to support me in the eighth grade. She provided a shoulder to lean on, and kept me calm through it all. 

If someone were going through your situation, what advice would you give them?

Talk it out with someone and never bottle it all in. Talking helps because guarded emotions are harmful.

Monday, May 13, 2013

"Hard Work Pays Off: The Story off Malcolm X a True Hero”


Malcolm X, an African-American Muslim minister and human rights activist, was tenacious enough to deliberately change his life for the better and have a positive effect on the world. Malcolm X, found a way to transform the lowest points in his life from, shackles that would prevent him from prevailing in a racist world, to experiences that helped him be a proactive and positive member of society. His life deserves to be highlighted because Malcolm X was able to not only able to fight through adversity but standout, fearlessly, within its grasps.
Since his youth, Malcolm X had to experience, the brutality of living in a segregated world. In Malcolm’s early years, his father was killed by white supremacists and his mom was placed in a mental institution. Adding on to the pain of his parents vanishing from his life, two of his uncles were lynched. Due to the prior, Malcolm was placed in a foster home.
Malcolm X a memorable civil rights activist
While the state system is put in place to help young children grow up with a positive family to be positive young adults, the system did not work for young Malcolm. He entered a vicious cycle of drugs and crimes that, if not discontinued, would result in body bag for Malcolm. Eventually, at the age of 20 Malcolm X went to prison for breaking and entering.
In prison, Malcolm changed his life for the better. He converted to the Nation of Islam and his parole in 1952 helped him become one of its public leaders. For 12 years Malcolm X was one of the public leaders related to this controversial religion. Soon after this, Malcolm X founded the Organization of Afro-American Unity.
Sadly, less than a year after leaving the Nation of Islam, the hero of the struggle was assassinated by 3 members of the group. Malcolm X left a positive legacy behind that we are opportune enough to retell today.
In conclusion, Malcolm X was a hero of the struggle and a positive role model. He gives hope for those that want to change their lives for the better. He fought and marched for racial equality and is one of the reasons we live in the peaceful country we live today.
Thank you Malcolm.