project peace journal 2013

ProjectPEACE

Brooklyn College Community Partnership www.theBCCP.org

NYC Trippin’ .............................. 4

The African Diaspora at BCCP ............. 8

Activism .............................. 13

Digital Diaspora Family Reunion ....... 22

Lyricist’s Lounge .............................. 28

Me, Myself & I .............................. 34

22

13

8

Table of Contents

Artwork from:

IS 291 Mixed Media

28

4

34

Table of Contents

Administration

Nancy Romer Executive DirectorDiane Reiser Chief Operating OfficerSteve Ausbury Deputy DirectorWinton Wedderburn Technology DirectorSerphaine Stimpson Business ManagerAndrea Ngan Community Manager

Site Directors

Jill Beale Jefferson Campus HSCynthia Bernadine Erasmus Hall Campus HS/New Utrecht HSClarisa James Project PEACENixon MercidieuPaul Robeson HS/Jefferson Campus HSSheena MinottBrooklyn College Arts LabDenise Paige College AccessAllan Villavisar Roland Hayes IS 291/Bushwick Campus HS

Site ManagersIsabel Moros-Rigau Roland Hayes IS 291Dane Peters

Walt Whitman MS 246

Direct Service Staff

Emi Augustin Music ProductionMaya AzucenaChange Agent

Brent Birnbaum Visual Arts

Uriah Brown BCAL Assistant

Mariah Buyondo Visual ArtsMikael Dejean BCAL AssistantRujecko Dumbutshena DanceOmena El Culinary ArtsGregory Elysee Video AssistantGabriela Galvan Visual ArtsJason Hoelzel TutorToni Jackson TutorNguyen Lam Culinary ArtsCarl Lation DanceFaith Lawson TheaterKallesha Mandley Academic SupportPeter Matson MusicJonathan Mayer Video ProductionEntrfied McCloud Music ProductionKarim Muasher TheaterAlejandra Ugarte BedwellVisual ArtsDania Vasquez Bushwick Assistant

Brooklyn CollegeCommunity Partnership

Bushwick students woke up early to go to a taping of Anderson Cooper’s show, Anderson Live!

Anderson Cooper took time to speak with them about what steps to take in pursuing a career in media.

Anderson Live

with BCCP!

Take a trip

New York City Trippin’

Project PEACE BCAL visited the television studio and office space of Democracy Now! The youth engaged in a discussion about how mainstream media has been covering the presidential debate and how independent media differs from mainstream media.

Democracy Now!

Ice Skating at Bryant Park

Jefferson Campus High School and M.S. 246 had a great time at the Bryant Park’s ice skating rink!

Brower ParkClean up

On October 20, 2012 BCAL visited Brower Park, located in Crown Heights Brooklyn, New York. These outstanding students volunteered their time to help

clean up their community on a beautiful Fall day. They raked leaves and picked up refuse in the park. Cleaning up Brower Park was hard work but that didn’t stop the volunteers from having fun. After the hard work was finished, they had a little time to play an awesome game of soccer. This trip to Brower Park not only gave the students an opportunity to give back to their community, but it also gave them time to bond with each other.

On April 10, 2013 the photography club of BCAL & Robeson youth was featured in an Alcohol Awareness

Project curated by The Partnership for a Healthier NYC. The BCCP participated in the project in collaboration with The Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation. The photography exhibit was on display at Macauly Honors College.

Alcohol Awareness Exhibit

The Project PEACE Journal www.thebccp.org8

Haiti Leadership Project

The republic of Haiti is a country located in the Caribbean. Haiti was the

first independent nation in all of Latin America and the Caribbean. It was also the first Black-led republic in the world. Haiti gained it’s independence in 1804 as part of a successful slave revolution.

On March 1st, the BCAL community gathered together for a Haitian cultural celebration. The cultural showcase included several activities such as singing, dancing, poetry, storytelling, a fashion show and the BCCP’s very own Mikael Dejean sang the Haitian National Anthem. The show was full of fun and entertainment, and during intermission we danced to kompa and dined on griot, Haitian patties and plantains.

Haiti Day at BCAL

The African Diaspora @ BCCP

Vertisme - from Artibonite, Haiti

The Project PEACE Journal www.thebccp.org 9

Paul Robeson Kwanzaa Celebration

Robeson Campus celebrated Kwaanza in December. Kwaanza celebrates the seven principles of African Heritage

which include:

1. Umoja (Unity): To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.

2. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.

3. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our problems, and to solve them together.

4. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.

5. Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

6. Kuumba (Creativity): To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

7. Imani (Faith): To believe with all our hearts in God, our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

Nixon Mercidieu , Site Director at Paul Robeson and Jefferson High School

created the Haiti Leadership Project to connect American and Haitian youth.

Nixon asked his contacts in Haiti to document a day in the life of 5 high school students through photography. The students were from Bon Samaritain De Borel, Centre D’Etude de Liancourt and Charles Delaire De Verrettes.

Using Skype, Nixon was able to connect Haitian youth with his Project PEACE students at Thomas Jefferson and Paul Robeson High Schools.

While American youth have access to technology through their mobile devices, none of the Haitian youth had cell phones and were dependent on communicating with the Project PEACE students through just one computer. It was a great experience for all the young people to connect on a greater level.

Wislande - from Artibonite, Haiti Jean - from Artibonite, Haiti

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Art In Action IS 291 and New Utrecht HS


I live within the Canarsie and East New York area of Brooklyn, New York. Both

of these communities are predominantly black. During my research, I discovered that there were many stores and bodegas that advertised liquor. For example, in a strip mall located on Seaview Avenue and Rockaway Parkway there a liquor store and two doors away a bodega was advertising alcohol. On Rockaway Parkway, alone there were 9 liquor stores and/or corner stores (bodegas) that advertised alcohol. All within a 9 block radius. Also, there were two corner stores and a liquor store that are located within a 3 block radius, two of which were located on the same block!

During my research I realized that there were more liquor stores in Black neighborhoods as opposed to White neighborhoods. For example, at the Flatbush Junction there are two that are located on that strip. Although, there are several corner stores in the Junction, very few had alcohol advertisements placed on their windows. Perhaps one of the reasons is that the Junction is located near local high schools. For example, Midwood High School, and Brooklyn College Academy. In addition, Flatbush Junction has a lot of traffic; from school kids going to and from school, people going to and from work, and the several bus stops and the train station that are present.

A creek is located across the street from my house. Due to Hurricane Sandy and the flooding, a lot of debris has been

dumped or blown there. Liquor bottles are just one of the many trash items that are located there. One of the reasons as to why there is still a lot of debris in Spring Creek, is that there is not enough money, allegedly for the creek to be cleaned. Because of the extensive damage that Hurricane Sandy caused, a lot of areas have been affected by it, and the city does not have enough money to take care of this issue. Another reason as to why there is a heavy presence of liquor bottles in public is because I live in a Black community. Unfortunately, it takes a while for issues to be taken care of in black communities just because of the color of our skin. It is shameful that just because I live in a Black community, there are more liquor stores, more trash, and a host of many other problems that is present in my community.

Briana Ien, BCAL

Acting OUT! Activisim @ BCCP


April was Alcohol Awareness Month. Youth at Paul Robeson High School did a four block environmental scan starting at Dean and Albany Ave to Eastern Parkway and Albany Ave. Students

documented how many alcohol advertisements were placed within that four block radius. Every block contained alcohol advertisements, with the exception of one block (Lincoln Place and Albany Ave) which has storefront churches.

Alcohol Awareness Environmental Scan


Paul Robeson High School

Artwork by: Melissa Ford, Abdule Chaunduy, Haily Oy, New Utrecht HS


Global Warming by Jesus Aviles - Bushwick Campus HS


Imani Myers, Paul Robeson HS

I think more money is spent per prisoner versus college students because the government gets paid for the prisoners, and they have to pay out of pocket for students. The majority of people in prison are black because of discrimination.

Catisha Brown, Paul Robeson HS

I think more money is being spent on prisoners than on college students because they get more opportunities from college students. It’s not fair. The majority of minority people are in jail because of racism.

Jennifer McMillan, Paul Robeson HS

I think more money is spent on prisons because people feel it’s easier to be in prison than college. There are more services provided for free in prisons than in college. The majority of people in jail are minority because most of the crimes are done by minority people. These crimes are committed because of their environment and poverty.

Jermaine McMillan, Paul Robeson HS

Because society has no hope for the Black community they see blacks as “crabs in a bucket.” Once they see someone being successful they try to grab them and put them down. Most African-Americans have been labeled angry and uneducated. Most African-American teens drop out and therefore, that’s

why the government will spend more money on prisons. It’s easier to hit jail, than graduation, it’s easy to produce a baby but not give back to your community. There are so many in the African American community who are rebellious and have anger, aggression, participate in gang violence and murders. They give a bad name to the good people. Too many African-Americans sit and lay back, but there is hope if we can pull together. We can make things happen so we need to step up and decrease the rate of black people in jail.

Betty Joseph, Paul Robeson HS

I think more money is spent per prisoner than college student and that does not allow for students to go to college. There are more people in prison than they have money for. The majority of Black people end up in jail because of the education they didn’t finish and they end up in the streets doing crazy stuff like crimes and then they have to pay the price for what they did.

Felecia Edwards, Paul Robeson HS

I think more money is spent on prisoners rather than college students because the government doesn’t want to invest in students because they would not profit from you taking care of yourself. They profit more from taking care of prisoners. The majority of people in jail are minorities because of a vicious cycle. Education is too expensive which contributes to people not having the resources they need. That leads to a higher crime rate and more money for the government.

Kenia Guiterrez, Paul Robeson HS

More money is spent on prisoners than college students because they know the government is making money off of people that don’t have money. Instead if giving the money to education funding they are using that money for things that are not important. Money goes to police picking up people from the outside for no reason, just to get paid. I want to know why it costs so much money just to go to college. Education shouldn’t be paid for. I think the money that is being used for jails should be going towards LGBT people and women struggling to go to college. I think people of color are getting locked up more than others because we as people of color sometimes can’t control each other, but sometimes when we aren’t doing anything we still get picked up for no reason.

Education Funding vs. The Prison Industrial Complex System

Paul Robeson Campus High School


Voter SuppressionProject PEACE - BCAL

All through history the government has done all they can to stop

people of color from voting. They went through making laws that make it harder for people of color to vote like the grandfather clause that didn’t let people of color that were born at a certain time to vote. Or have a fee to be able to register. People of color have been oppressed into being subservient and inferior.

Voting is so important because it gives a voice to the people, and the government fears that, so they limit their right to have a vote. In the constitution the governed are to have a say in who’s governing them. They are scared that their votes would change everything. Take the current election, why would Romney not want people of color to vote? Because they won’t vote for him, that’s why.

In another election I would not vote for Obama not for his skin color, but because who wants someone that is very carefree with what he says with his mouth and can start a war? His policy doesn’t even change anything he plays it safe to not turn off any voters. The reason why Obama couldn’t do anything that he promised was because the Republican House didn’t let him. Anyways, what the youth can do is just spread the word, awareness is key.

It is astonishing to me that people of color have only been provided the opportunity to vote for less than fifty years. Voting does matter because the person we choose to govern us in office ultimately represents our wants and needs. If we don’t vote, our voices cannot be heard. Without having a decisive say in the actions

of our present, such as who is elected president, then we cannot have a decisive say in our future. Voters Suppression goes against anyone who was once a convicted felon in some states. Voting districts are being changed in black communities to deny people of color the opportunity to vote. Convicted felons are bound by their wrong doings and previous actions in the decisions that affect their futures. The youth can make a difference by spreading the word and making others aware.

Kimberly Anderson, BCAL

It is important to vote if people want to see a change in how they are living. A few

decades ago, “minorities” did not have the ability to vote and felt that they were being treated as lower class people, and it was unfair. Today, African Americans have the opportunity to change for better and have a voice in politics. It is necessary for them to vote and be active politically because it is our president, Barack Obama’s job to represent us as a whole.

A change cannot be done if the public doesn’t speak up. Voter suppression is affecting African Americans. We are a major part of the population and it makes it easier for Republicans to win without our votes. As youth, it can be our job to bring awareness to the public about the things that are occurring politically. We can educate our elders and make it possible for everyone to participate in the election.

Kiana Hodges, BCAL

My vote counts because I’m a young teenage girl and if I don’t like

something in the country, voting is a way to say you want change. My vote can help choose the president that will make a change of what the people want. People of color were the ones being suppressed.

Stephanie Lucien, BCAL

Voter Suppression is effecting the population. The youth can post

their feelings on YouTube, Facebook. So everyone can see how we (kids) feel about how they are treating us. Our vote counts because it makes a lot of changes. It also lets the people in the palace know that you exist. And it also lets them know how we feel about how they’re treating us.

Nadji Jean Claude, BCAL


Voting is a big thing for everyone. Every vote counts I say

this because voting can make a big difference in your life. If you’re voting for a president you want the president who will make the most change that will better you. Voter Suppression is a big thing in the Black community. People of color who were restricted from voting fought for their rights. The youth can start to see that every vote counts and that voting is important.

Frantz R. Lahens, BCAL

Voting matters because it is the only way to have a say in

the government. One vote makes a difference. If we feel we need to make a change in society, voting can change things. For example, if there’s too much violence we can vote for a president that plans to stop street violence through gun control. We can also make a change in the education system. By voting, we can help students become better people and help in society in the future. Through the No Child Left Behind Act many students will impact a better future in society; future presidents or doctors. Voting provides endless possibilities to make a change in life, society, and our country.

Anne Dumornay, BCAL

Artwork by:

DeJean AikenBCAL


I heard of all the effects this hurricane had on you. I just want to write you some words of encouragement during this time of having nothing for yourself.

In life things come and go, but don’t give up. The government and great neighborhood volunteers are trying to build back your community. So hold on a little while longer and don’t give up.

And last I wish you the best in life. There will always be these disasters because it’s nature itself. So power up friend!

Sincerely,Tramaine Yzer, Jefferson Campus HS

This is a pleasure for me to take my pen to write about the people who survived the Hurricane Sandy. It was a big catastrophe. There are a lot of people that died and some are badly injured.

I’ve been very worried for those who didn’t have anywhere to live in that moment, so they had to go to a shelter to pass the rest of the week there. Most people are still living in shelters and some still without power, but know that everything will be okay.

In addition, do not think that you are not going to make it. Try to think positively because positive thinkers always make it through successfully. Strength is all you need to make it through the path. I said that because without strength you can’t hold it through. Be aware that your family and friends need you so just hold on and don’t be discouraged.

Sincerely,Someone who cares, Jefferson Campus HS

Two weeks ago a disaster hit New York City, Staten Island, and New Jersey. Many of your houses have been destroyed. I know it’s a hard time to get your life together. The last thing you need is for something else to happen. As I see on television, many houses were destroyed. I am really sorry to see the grief that has taken place, but I am confident that pretty soon everyone whose life memories were destroyed will be renewed.

Sincerely,Kaniyah White, Jefferson Campus HS

Reflections of Hurricane Sandy from Thomas Jefferson & M.S. 246

Dear Hurricane Sandy Survivor,


I am so sorry to hear what happened during the hurricane. I can’t imagine what you went through during the storm. I know that it is going to be hard to get back to the way it was.

Life is a work of art and I believe that a lot of good things will happen in the near future. I also believe that when we come together and put our heads together we can build back the community the way it was. Life is a wonderful thing.

Sincerely,Shanique Williams, Jefferson Campus HS

Two weeks ago a tragic natural disaster occurred in the tri-state area. The hurricane killed many and hurt many more and till this day some are still left without electricity. The aftermath has cost the city/state millions of dollars. Priceless items have been taken away from you, but you need to overlook worldly possessions and console your family because they need you to be strong and get through this bump in the road. For the children that have to switch schools, it is going to be just like the first day of school and it’s a good opportunity to meet new people and make a new beginning. In time things will get better just pray and believe.

Sincerely,Qsunthan Charess, Jefferson Campus HS

You must be going through a hard time right now, but I would like to tell you that it will get better. You may not think so now and I can’t imagine what you’re going through, but one thing I know is that you’re a strong person and you will come through.

You also have to be strong for your family because they will need you to be. One last thing, I wish you the best and just be positive. In the end, positive things will happen to you.

Sincerely,Shawna Kay Powell, Jefferson Campus HS

Sherissa Jackman, MS 246Kimberly Bernal, MS 246

Artwork by:

Jesus Aviles Bushwick Campus HS


A Family AffairIn the Fall of 2012, The Brooklyn College Community Partnership (BCCP) hosted the Brooklyn edition of the Digital Diaspora Family Reunion Roadshow (DDFR) to unite students, staff and community members with Brooklyn College through the sharing of family photos. DDFR is the brainchild of filmmaker Thomas Allan Harris.

Steve Ausbury, Deputy Director of the BCCP was instrumental in bridging DDFR with the greater Brooklyn College Community. Through the photo sharing experiences staff and students of the BCCP program shared memories that helped unite the communal family within the BCCP. This photo album is a snapshot of our Brooklyn Communal Family. So much of our family history is hidden in our attics, basements or mobile

devices, it’s important to celebrate our differences publically to realize how connected we really are. You can learn more about DDFR at www.ddfr.tv.


Can you find the BCCP student or staff in these photos?

Sheena Minott _____Serphaine Stimpson _____Clarisa James _____Diane Reiser _____Faith Lawson _____Entrfied McCloud _____Amelia Mandley _____Steve Ausbury _____Gregory Elysee _____Rujeko Dumbutshena _____Dami Oniga _____Kiana Hodges _____Kimberly Douglas _____Ashley Distant _____

11

1

23

4

GUESS WHO?

CAN YOU

Back in the Day


1413

12

8

9

10

76

5


Aaliyah “Brittany” Mandley_____Briana Ien _____Kenyel Lewis _____Ezerica Thompson _____Jennifer McMillan _____Jill Beale _____Roxanne Phillips _____Ivan Katz _____

2221

2019

1817

16

15

How many did you get correct?

Go to page 39for the answer key.


Artwork by:Daniliz Capellan, Bushwick Campus HS

If I Could Change The World!

If I could change the world, my main mission would be the environment; how to have a safer and cleaner world to live in. I would try to change the way people live and the things they could do in their daily lives to accomplish that. One example would be to recycle, reduce, reuse.

Recycling is very important because we are saving resources and helping the environment by reusing the things we use. Another factor in the world that I would love to change is society. I feel society is very hard and because of society’s high expectations on people you have

many tragic issues like bullying.

Bullying should be taken very seriously because the things people say can really affect those who are being bullied in so many ways (emotionally, mentally, spiritually etc). You have cases like Amanda Todd recently committed suicide because of bullying and people should start learning from these tragic examples.

Nihada Mehmedovic, New Utrecht HS

My Feelings For You

Since the day I met youI just thought you were radBut now I really wanna kiss youEven in front of my dadI think you’re really greatMaybe we can go on a dateOr just be friendsIn the eyes of fateSo I’ll leave you to decideCause my feelings for youI can no longer hide.

Ta’Shawn Griffith, Erasmus Campus HS

I Am A Dark Beautiful Soul

I am a dark beautiful soul.I see eyes that want to shed tears but the poker face they are on makes them bold.

I wonder what’s more important A house or a homeI am a dark beautiful soul.

I believe in karmaI ask are you who you say you are?I want to find my purpose in life.

I am a dark beautiful soulI cry 90% pain and 10% waterI demand the respect I’ve earned.I imagine a world of peace and harmony.

I am a beautiful dark soul.

Aniah Bradley, Erasmus Campus HS


Lyricist’s Lounge

Photo credits: Jason Cunningham - Brooklyn College

Vulture Written by Kevaughn Nugent,Kamaria Hodge, Zhayron Nelson, Nelson Tisa, Princess Harper,Cedric Preval, Armando Mackfrom BCAL

(Kevaughn)I’m a beast I’m a bird I’m a vulture/Martin, Ali, different cultures/Ghandi my belief bout the hopes done/ when the apocalypse approaches don’t run/I’m a ninja a knight and a shogun/ beast mode turned off and its no fun/can’t run hide away/ way ahead of you when

I’m done ill be perching you on a pedestal

(Zhayron)Now look here the skin color mocha/no surprise I got more drive than a chauffeur/when I turn my moms its something like oprah/ y’all under me yeah its something like coasters/gonna be something now why would you doubt that/all my life I aint never been bout it/ you high off the leaf you aint never gotta sprout/you don’t fit here homie you a outfit

(Tisa) We clearin the road for

missionaries to declare war on/ toxic nicotine fresher than Listerine so if you listenin you would know that whispering is not allowed/ So please be aware of kids without no

Chorus (Kamaria)Vulture feather on my culture/ leavin ur trails like ya supposta but I fear no man/mad cause you cant be on my level x2 poser!

(Princess)You come out of no where take all of my pleasure with moods like the weather/ uh yea in and out your up down leavin me here on the ground/wanna see all


me making me your enemy/ yea you’ll never have meFear no soul/hear no gold bottoms hear and I swear I’ma reach my goal/but my flow sound rich like HOV/ sound crisp like toast in the mode /and I blow like C4 till I’m no more/call a funeral then I reappear do you fear ghost/never die I’m alive till I’m primed and its over

CHORUS

(Ceddy)Yea you are something like a vulture/feeding off my style the way that you supposta/pretty fast from ?/ but I could just surpass any rapper on any level/uh Vietnam legal to make bombs/ and ceddy jay is the one they bite like /so quit the fightun I won so are you done

(Armando)Vultures yall better fly away aint nothing new/ come and go like holiday/ put yourself to bed I aint talkin J holiday/ then I’m back on my blues call me billie holiday/ fallacy rappers get hit with it spit it bars on deck like I’m spittin on a crew ship/hardest than the hardest coulda sworn woulda knew this/if you didn’t you wer stupid / then you woulda killed it

Bridge

Vulture making me wanna be all alone/ringing off the hook get off my phone/telling me its my place babe get out my space aye in this love theres no way

Chorus

Enlightenment Written by Kamaria Hodge, Cedric Preval, Kevaughn Nugent, Loyalty Jean-Aime, Zhayron Nelsonfrom BCAL

1st Verse

So from my cuticles hearts, only if you should know start when enlightening sorta like a bison blowing up my mind

as I’m minding my own dang business/ and I’m to insane I either join a game but I need the game to ashamed/ to sometimes be apart rising above it no injection or a drug in it/gotta rise with a try/ no lullaby could never just put me to sleep at war with myself/my own dang problem I’m feeling like autumn because I’m fallin/ hopefully inspiration is calling/and hopefully when it calls then someday I could evolve it/maybe I’ll have as lyrically when I grab I’m flippin just like gymnastics/ from never split it from how they hear it/I try to steer it but I just have a broken caravan physically a boy but gonna be man/ do you understand I have a plan/ my dream will illuminate/overdosed but never could have provoked/when I lie for enlightment that’s not exciting x2

Pre-chorus

We were born fate aligned/and your beauty keeps me alive/feel your voice like the magic of spring/deep penetrating my mind.

Chorus

Don’t tell me you’ve gone astray/ I talk in circles/ everlasting chains that bind my purpose only x2

2nd Verse

So you tellin me he rapper

with his pants high/not when he pass by/spect me not to make nothing when they say I cant fly/ now Dr. King had a dream so I cant hide/ see me as an invitation now take that/ cause I’m ricky no asap/no cold cases went in this case/ready to change everything when I pace drops/put that on my bars like a cop/right now I’m taking over so wake up/ y’all actors need make up and a prop/ I don’t know yall kids like I went and ate that/ everyone makes but damn who you be pardon/ everyone goes for my success/damn you should be starving listen to the words right now I screw with it often/ can I do rants when I’m from the Brook and these people is callin.

3rd Verse

*Clears Throat* Uh so welcome to the enlightenment/I’m writing with a fist that’s tighter than Michael Tyson is/fighting with myself just because I have a frightening lisp/mad I got a self clothing/self loathing hyphen it/life is like a tv show I aint even write the sh- script/ then who is/ I don’t really know but the truth is/ life is shifty paradigms I need some change paradigms/Foolish thoughts and criminal minds/see you inside


Talent Show: Jefferson Campus HS

4th verse

War time our lines tell them that the portal are aligned chime in then zone out think out loud breathe in the light comes from within what is God and what is sin/ when I came I been saw the same door that you been looking for/ continue to ascend then send the hope to them. Grab the Gem grab the pen that’s how you win/tune into the blue chakara go higher/roll the words off the chest/ creator got the rest stay blessed!

Bridge

Chorus

Closer Performed by the group P.R. (Pretty Regular) from Jefferson Campus HS

Verse 1-Sabrina Vega

In this life, there’s no starting over,

Apologies, crisis, they brush it off their shoulders,Everyone around you seems to get colder,Your circle gets smaller as your dreams get closer,In this life, the probable’s illogical,The money comes your way if the probable’s a possibleImpossible to follow through the obstacles that started you,But look at you; you’re honorable for bouncing back regardless boo,Hey dream, I look you in the eyes, take you by my side and I treat you like my pride,If I get to sinning for this money that I strive, for this life I live is my life to survive,No person is too perfectly perfect, for imperfections are Earthen,I make it worth all the work and I put my heart where my words is,

I think I lived and I learned it,I think I made it, I earned it, I think I made it I earned it.

Verse 2-Michael Hunt

Good days go pass, Good times go quicker,Young kid in the hood had dreams of getting bigger,Want to be the best like Pac, Big and Jigga,Kept a tight circle that was all about figures,

Dedicated to who hated and of my ninjas,Celebrated we made it, pour another shot of liquor,Every day a man gets robbed, another gets richer,Every day a baby dies, another mom to deliver,A deadbeat pops can be another misses’ mister,Another family gone, another angel in the picture,The girl you want to ____ could be a brother’s little sister,Every time a spot gets dark, another gets clearer,I know things are hard, little bro I’m still with you,Came a long way, hard times as a killer,Life will be a trick, long as you don’t hit her,Yeah I know my hand’s full, but somehow I still feel you.

MindWritten by Mindy Jean- Gilles, Jermaine Francis, Cedric Preval, Kamaria Hodge, Kevaughn Nugent,Noe Cointre, Princess Harper, Jamario Samuel from BCAL

(Mindy)

Living in a paradox/wishing my mind wasn’t so free/ the cost of living in my mind might be underrated/softly pursue my dreams that have killed by many/ my mind is extra terrestrial

Verse 1 (Kamaria Hodge)

Psycho/ Crazy tryna be alone maybe/wanna be my own person but these voices keep whispering to me/ and I cant go home looking for a place to call my own/ sing my own song try to make try to break the madness you got me under/ and I feel the breeze looking for some sort of release/the sweet serenity of peace to ease the pain you


got me you got me/rain like teardrops come down my window pane and I realize it’s the pain that makes me strong makes me wanna sing my song

(Princess) Can I get in your mind feel you up with crazy things/let you see what I’m about make you understand me I’m going going crazy/ would you like to join me/let me transform you and make my mind adore you CHORUS

If you could see all that’s in my mind/to live free with me/ in my mind

(Jermaine)

When I step into the booth its like my hope is on a chain/like with dragons that probably melt your brain but leave you with some lessons/ to help you to enter fame/my mind kinda different you think that I’m deranged/I’m mentally insane/freeing plans and images/ way beyond my day metaphoric bits you cross roads I cross waves/I place for blades of grass could give a proper fade/ ill take away the pain/take away the hate/all you gotta do is work and meditate mediate the mediocre problems of your day/live and lets live let the past fade away

(Ceddy)

Crazy by the day from either way that I state to never to never call me a ray day/ by day the rappers try to play crazy/ ill minded how youll find with the ingredients of a bomb how I rhyme/ I’m such a rocker bear stopper/I’m going bonkers never had it on my mind to be labled a monster

(Jamario)

What I’m thinking no body knows/it’s a nightmare raves

and scarecrows/its fake I suppose I need to wash away the pain/ somebody please give me a hoseChorus

(NOE)

Sometime I try to get access to the setting of mind/ sometime I do really want to shine/man I blame the fame/you drivin me insane I cannot stay the same/I really gotta change/my people are screaming for my help/ my way to think is different I don’t wanna live in a prank (Mindy)

Living intellectually feeling really lost might go crazy need to be introduced/making

you think hurting your brain/ enough to go insane/listen to my words it might bring you pain/at the end you understand better to be deep in your right hand/instead of polluting your thoughts and creating a dark cloud that’s holding you down

(Kevaughn)

My mind on focus and I play no games/spittin so slow like I’m on Rogain/ I run this track like an athlete/run laps on

this caffeine/ I need a taxi I got chapped feet from all this work from this track meet/whatBridge (Kamaria Hodge)

Yeaa Yeaa/Feeling lost/getting lost getting lose in this town theres no uses/voices whispering scary souls taughting spirits whos lost in my mind/ looking for the time to excorcise these problems cast out these demons of mind Yea Yea

Chorus


Artwork by:

Rubie Ulloa, IS 291


Artwork by:

Anthony Mftidi, Erasmus Campus HS

My Dream

When I look at the stars I get a glance of who I can be. I forget about all of my problems and struggles as I escape reality. I think about my future, who will I be? What will I be doing? As I look into the stars, I receive an answer. One day I will be successful and satisfied as a dancer.

Kiana Hodges, BCAL

Good Day

The Sun is what starts my day. As I wake up, I notice the sun glaring in my room, the birds singing up a storm, and moving swiftly.This is an indication of a good day. The sun brings warmth to a cold day, and a light to the entire world. Everyday is a good day.

Briana Ien,BCAL

Untitled

Why do you want to study meditation and mindfulness? I would like to practice meditation and mindfulness because youth of my generation get caught up through the hecticness of society today and act impulsively towards situations causing more and more troublesome responses. Also, mindfulness is a good physical discipline in the martial art world, a habit so in that case I could learn to focus and harvest my inner being instead of falling in the stereotype of my generation.

Dajean Aiken,BCAL

Who Are We?

I am remembrance and regret.

I wonder if my past will reflect my future.

I see the road that I mistakenly took.

I am remembrance and regret.I pretend that I don’t feel the pain.

I touch the memories that I try to close out.

I worry that I will repeat the same mistakes.

I am remembrance and regret.I understand that my past will go unchanged.

I say that I am working to achieve a better future.

I dream of the day when these feelings will fade.I wait till the day I will look back and laugh.

I am remembrance and regret.

Marina Milman,New Utrecht HS

Who am I?I was born six months before MAY.I was not born in the DAY.I live across the street from the BAY.I got friends and they call me NAY.

Nashon Allen,New Utrecht HS

Me!Someone unknownor am I undefinedironically who you areis something you’ll findNot to rhyme but mymind tends to rundeeper with every lineI try to drift awaythough something pulls me in close see I’m either off shoreor preparing to drift away by the coast not to boast but you founded most lyrical they brag about the carsyou’ll never see them in it thoughMe changing the worldDon’t you believe in miracles?

David Whyte,New Utrecht HS

Me, Myself & I

Lost Questions by KJ Hodge Jefferson Campus HS

Sometimes I wonderAnd this I’ve noticed is a dangerous thing for me to doBecause I often get lost in my own thoughtAnd these are often the times when I think of youI’ve realized that I feel something towards youAnd sometimes thoughts of you make me smileBut it seems as if there is a blockageSomething blocking me from loving you… fullyAnd honestly I can’t complainBecause you would never feel the sameBut sometimes my chest hurtsAnd I wonder if it’s my heart breaking…

Finally from the war that has been raging in it since I was a childAnd I feel different… I look differentI know I have changedMy soul feels differentI feel my spirit is traveling fast…Restless wandering looking for something to hold on toLooking for my own truthMaking connections with lost soulsWandering spiritsMy soul longs for you at timesand that feeling in my chest comes againThe war raging sobbing from the only casualty Innocence I’m not sure I ever hadThere is always a price for knowing what others just can’t seem to understandSymbols…emotions…stand out in my brainLike a storm praying for the rainbow to comeMy mind gets lost at timesLike shattered piecesSo I don’t make a habit of digging deepBecause that comes with consequencesFew people know of the rage that churns within meHow it hurts as it thrashes

against my ribcageBegging to get outTo release itBecome freeBut I’m afraid that is the one thing in me that will have to stay caged foreverCan I trust you with the key?To hold a piece of meCan I challenge you to help me change?To help me start anew Could you be my friend?My lover?And my woman?

Artwork by:

Johanna CuelloBushwick

Campus HS


Photoshop Class by KJ Hodge,BCAL

We stay in this class for only 45 minutes and learn more and more that anything can happen in this class of students who aren’t really interested.And a psychopathic teach with a hidden agenda who isn’t really interested in the kids.We are all on edge slowly…Waiting for something or someone to provoke this unwanted situation we are in.

Headphones blasting bumping to our own rhythm and finishing our assignments in a pace out of our control.For some of us in here there is the class that decides our futureThe credit we need to finally exit this hell hole. Others can wait or don’t even care.Some of us won’t graduate because of this class.

I look over with a smile at the student blasting Kendrick LamarAnd another secretly listening to oldies such as James Brown.Secretly a Motown lover, but afraid of how that will make him look in front of his friends.To the side of me is a Yugioh fiend and his friend who he often bosses around and controls him indirectly.

On my right a boy who most people misunderstand because of the friends he chooses to associate himself with.These friends with misplaced testosterone, sagging jeans and arrogance sweating off them with every step they make.Most people assume he is just like them and they don’t really now him at all.

I sometimes wonder if he knows himself.

A few yards away is a boy… a revolutionary in the makingIf he would just sit down and try to learn something.“Read…learn it’ll make your life much easier” I think to him… never actually saying the words

out loud.

He has something most would crave in high school and that is power. Power over almost all around him and the influence to make people fear and respect him.

At the end of the table is a girl who struggles in this class, which is to no fault of her own.I feel sad for her…because she might not graduate on time.

Behind me is a boy who I don’t trust.He shifts a lot and never looks me in the eyes and I sometimes feel his eyes burning into my back-

BURNINGGGGGG!

The bell rings and its like everyone exhales at the same time. Grateful that they made it through Photoshop class once again. I pack my stuff with a smile on my face observing everyone who leaves before me.

In no rush honestly. I look and love to see the changes in the ones around me.The hope that the bell gives themfor the next day.


Dreams & SmilesMiriam Avila,Bushwick Campus HS

DreamBlank your mindImagine swirly colorful lightsBecome consumed by the peaceTake in deep breaths, RelaxThink about the things you love the most

Open your eyesWatch everything drain awayAs the rush of burning lightsWelcome you into cold realityThe rain of people as they burst to and from the doorsThey push and pull you in their river like currents

Breathe in, inhale your surroundingsThe stench of sweat fromThe damp shirts of the basketball playersIn the gym.

Lunch time.Sit with those peopleSit but don’t say a wordWhy would you dare burden them with your pitiful problems?Smile

You almost made it through the day.Class, sit for hours, write things down,Bell rings, next classThe dark void expands the feeling of self pityAnd emptiness burns a hole within your heartSmile. Play the pain off. Maybe this time you’ll fool yourself too.You know no one caresJust smile.

8th period ends, time to go

Finally the end of the day comesWalk through the hall,You’re teased wherever you walk.You’re called fat.You’re self esteem is chipped one by one,Piece by piece.

They destroy you.They break you.They invite you to the inevitable depression.Smile.

You get home and throw yourself into the arms of your loving bed.Bury yourself into the warm embrace of your blankets.Take out your key to unlock the door and burst into your temporary paradise.Drown yourself in the rhythm of the deep music’s melodyDream.

Dream.Blank out your mindImagine those colorful lights andBecome consumed in your peace.Take in deep breaths and Relax.Think about what you love most.You know when you open your

eyes,Cold reality will smack you across the face.Reality lays at the foot of your bed, following and stalking you, shadowing your every move. You know its there and you cant ignore it.Your fragile and pure dreams will forever lay on your pillows.Dream.

Dream and become one with you desiresBut remember, always rememberThose dreams are always meant for sleeping

Artwork by:

Ericka SanchezBushwick

Campus HS

Dear Young Me

I attend Alabama State University. There are over 3,000 other people here. I have a roommate. Her name is Jessie. I enjoy her company. She’s smart, cool and funny. We are interested in the same things and study together. My overall favorite thing about college is the experience and getting to know all types of people from all over the world. Learning new facts and things about subjects I never knew existed.

Right now I’m studying about physiology and more. The hardest thing about college is keeping up with the work. Having nobody pressuring me makes it harder. So far, I’ve been pursuing Physical Therapy as my career. College is not exactly how I expected. It’s a little more challenging but the more work and the harder I try, the more I achieve.

Love always,Christiena Edwards,Erasmus Campus HS

To Self With Love

To Self:Hi, How are you doing?I wrote this note to sayI hope you’re having fun at Brown.I miss you since you’re away.I figured I’d write you a letter,and at the very endI’d sign it “to self with love”Since I’m my own friend.

To Self:Are you alright girl?Is life still moving on?Do you have a new roommate?Have you known her long?Is she a nice person?Is she kind and fair?Thinking back I rememberyou were terrified of the idea.

To Self:I miss you dearly!I hope you stay the same.

Don’t stray from your pathor lose yourself in the parties and the games.Have you changed your mind?Is a double major still your dream?Psychology and Pre-Law?I know that can’t be as easy as it seems.

To Self:Is college all you expected?Do you miss us all?Your mom and all your sisters?If it gets too hard just call.I know it must be difficult.Pennsylvania is far away.But if you get too homesickIt’s okay not to stay.

To Self:I hope you make itand do all you want to do.Even if things change a little,just make sure you stay you.This letter’s almost over,and at the very end“to self with love” I’m signingBecause I’m my own friend.

Maleka Christopher,Erasmus Campus HS

MAKING OF“THE SNAKE MOVIE“

I.S. 291

DDFR Answer Key

Sheena Minott 1

Serphaine Stimpson 11

Clarisa James 3

Diane Reiser 7

Faith Lawson 4

Entrfied McCloud 2

Amelia Mandley 13

Steve Ausbury 14

Gregory Elysee 8

Rujeko Dumbutshena 9

Dami Oniga 12

Kiana Hodges 6

Kimberly Douglas 5

Ashley Distant 10

Aaliyah “Brittany” Mandley 18

Briana Ien 16

Kenyel Lewis 20

Ezerica Thompson 15

Jennifer McMillan 21

Jill Beale 19

Roxanne Phillips 22

Ivan Katz 17

MONOLOGUESStudents composed and performed monologues based on the writing prompt – “i know where i’m

going because i know where i’ve been...” Students performed their monologues for film/video.

Dedrian Gibson,Jefferson Campus HS

I know where I’m going because I live in Flatbush. When I walk through the avenue I feel relaxed with a fresh breeze. Where I’m from people get shot for being in the mix. We heard bawling because loved ones are dying.

Where I’m from you can hear sirens.

Jasmine Washington,Jefferson Campus HS

I know where I’m going because I know where I came from. I came from Bedstuy. Yea “Bedstuy do or die”. I know where I’m going because Brooklyn is me. I am Brooklyn. I know where I’m going because my attitude wont let me fail. I know where I’m going because fallen soldiers will carry me there. I live in Brownsville/Ocean Hill now. I’ve seen babies having babies. Drug dealers “ghetto pharmacist”. I know where I’m going because I’ve made thousands of mistakes and learned from each of them. I know where I’m going because I refuse to be another failure. My ignorance wont let me fail.

Cache Ellington,Jefferson Campus HS

I know where I’m going because I am my own person and no one can tell me what to do. I know where I’m going because I have made mistakes in my life and you shouldn’t have any regrets but to learn from them.

I know where I’m going because I know I’m going to make it in life and become a successful person. I know where I’m going because I grew up with an educated mother that taught me well. I know where I’m going because I’m old enough to know right from wrong.

Verneda White visits students at Jefferson Campus HS

BCCP SupportersNew York City Department of Youth and Community DevelopmentNew York State Education DepartmentNew York State Higher Education Services CorporationBrooklyn CollegeDepartment of Psychology - Brooklyn CollegeBrooklyn Community FoundationCon EdisonCUNY Vice Chancellor for Academic AffairsThe United WayThe William T. Grant FoundationThe Josephine FoundationThe After School CorporationAssemblywoman Rhoda JacobsEdilberto and Guadalupe Peñaloza

2013 Project Peace JournalProduced by:Clarisa JamesWinton WedderburnRayvon James - Copy EditorKiana Hodges - Project PEACE InternBriana Ien - Project PEACE InternRoodgally Senatus - Project PEACE Intern

Front Cover:Bushwick Project PEACE CollectiveMagnet project using items donated from Materials for The Arts

Back Cover:Olga Sanchez - Bushwick Campus High School

Artwork from:

“A DOCUMENTARY ON HATS“

The BCCP Social Network

thebccp.org facebook.com/thebccp twitter.com/thebccp vimeo.com/thebccp

project peace journal 2013

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