Behind Bars

I will never forget my experience - getting a jail tour of the John E. Goode Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Jacksonville, Florida. It was eye-opening, shocking and powerful to say the least.

The best TV directors and producers couldn't depict a better picture than what I saw with my own eyes. These were real people in a real situation that reflected real problems in their lives.
The most powerful part of the jail tour was hearing a 18 year old inmate named Brandon, a ONE in THREE featured student speak. September 13th, 2011 I'd read Brandon's story at The Cummer and had the opportunity to meet his mother. Learn more about Brandon's story and the ONE in THREE exhibit.

We all make mistakes. Some of us continue to make the same mistakes. Some of us make the choice to change. Brandon has made the choice to change despite being behind bars. There are others like Brandon too.

I'm a native of Jacksonville, Florida so I'm not oblivious to the fact that crime is a problem for the city. Crime is a problem for every city where poverty is an issue. Poverty and education are two factors that relate to the city's crime rates. I could provide you with a statistic about how many African American men and women are "in the system" but I don't need too. I could provide you with a statistic about how many minorities and low-income Caucasians are "in the system" but I don't need to. Statistics will not make our reality different than what it is. They will only signify the drastic measures WE need to take to CHANGE the reality.

Who are WE?
Every citizen of Jacksonville. We are the people of Jacksonville. We are the people living in the communities and among those, who are making the biggest mistake of their lives. We can't change a person's situation or problems. We must focus on what we can do... mentor a child, volunteer at a school, provide individuals with information about nonprofits that may be able to help their family.

I would recommend that if you are interested, participate in the Civilian Observer Program offered by JSO. More information can be found at JSO Civilian Observer Program.

Ignorance is Bliss

One phrase from my childhood that I will always remember is, "Ignorance is bliss." I first heard this phrase from my librarian at Sallye B. Mathis Elementary school when I was in 4th or 5th grade. It has stuck with me throughout my life. Another phrase that I have heard countless times is, "Knowledge is power."

There are so many unexplained trends in the African American culture that young people don't understand or research. The phrase "Ignorance is Bliss" applies to the young African American teenagers sagging their pants. It applies to the countless individuals, who decided to plank and post pictures of themselves for the world to see. There are other examples of individuals, who participate in activities and say things without knowing the full context of their words. I would encourage my fellow friends and young people to research and learn the history behind popular trends before getting involved.

In elementary, I learned "Ignorance is bliss." In middle school, I learned that being smart made you a nerd. In high school, I learned that education was my number one priority. In college, I learned to be a skeptic.

Take the time to learn and research the history of African Americans before being an active participant in what's the latest trend in society.

Belonging At The Table

For years, women have set the table and cleared the table. It's not a mystery that every woman is accepted at the dinner table. There are mothers, who teach their daughters to follow the ritual of femininity. There are mothers, who teach their daughters to break the monotony.

Women are now accepted at the board room tables, conference tables - even on panels and podiums. Belonging at the table for women means more than being present in the room and fetching water for individuals. Belonging at the table for women means having your voice heard and valued by others. It's an inner sense of awareness that every woman feels when they're in a room with others. The quiet voice that whispers, "Why am I in this meeting?" or "I don't have anything to contribute." As women, we must silence that quiet voice.

We belong at the table because we have a different way of thinking than our male counterparts. Let's face it... men need us. Women belong at the table as active participants. Women should feel empowered to voice their opinions - start at the table!

Finding a Common Thread

I'm mentoring a 6th grader through Achievers For Life. It's been a great experience and I've developed a relationship with a young girl, who wants to be a cheerleader. We're definitely different in regards to interests and age. In middle school, I participated in band. I wasn't preparing to join the cheerleaders team in the 6th grade. I was practicing how to play my clarinet without squeaking!

Though we're different, we've both found a common thread that we share. Both of us have a sibling, who has a disability which requires special education classes. Both of our siblings aspire to be models.

It is by this common thread, that we're able to relate to one another. I have learned that mentoring helps students academically and emotionally. Though mentors and students only see each other once a week for an hour, it makes a difference.

This is my first time mentoring since I participated in First Coast High School's STAR Buc's program in 2005. STAR Buc's stands for Students Taking Active Roles Buccaneer Style. I along with three seniors mentored a classroom of 9th graders, who were at-risk for failing the FCAT. At the end of the year, the classroom voted me as "Best Mentor." Recently, I was informed that my mentee would be the "Success Story" for her middle school. She's improved academically and her behavior has changed too.

It makes me proud to mentor a child - it's the most important hour of my week!

A Poem & Reflection

Blind Eyes

One foot placed in front of another, short steps are aided by another.
Enablers holds the hands of the blind, guiding and leading.
Enablers whispers in the ears of the blind, suggesting and commanding.
Enablers disables the blind one's mind.

The blind, who can't see pass his own adversities.
The blind, who can't see pass how far society allows him to go.
The blind, who can only imagine what it would be like to see.

To see the colors black or white, and not know the difference.
To see poverty or wealth, and not judge based on appearance.
To see every person for who they are.

One foot placed in front of another, short steps are aided by another.
Enablers holds the hands of the blind, crippling one's dreams to see.

Reflections

"The blind" is someone with a disability to see pass society's expectations. There are people, who live in poverty and they are satisfied emotionally, mentally and physically. You can turn on the news today and learn about the countless unhappy and troubled celebrities in the world. Wealth and material possessions are not a measurement of happiness. Self-actualization is a measurement of happiness.

There are so many young people who have the potential to be great leaders and thinkers. But they can't see pass what society portrays in the media, nationally and locally. "Enablers" are individuals who actively directs "the blind" with guidance. Enablers don't have any motives to hinder an individual yet they affect "the blind" from reaching their full potential.

I encourage you to see yourself through your own eyes.