ourvoicesouthwestdetroit:
Hi my name is Raychel Gafford. I’m 17 years old and i am in the 11th grade. We are the students of Western International standing in solidarity with the students of southwestern. We are here not only in solidarity with southwestern but to draw the line and take a stand for our education.
We are walking out to fight for quality education and to protect our public school system. We are here demanding better education and that our voices be heard. Our school system should work WITH US not against us. I’m sick and tired of being pushed around. WHAT ABOUT YOU??
All I hear when I hear about DPS schools is closings, chartering, MONEY MONEY MONEY and LACK OF MONEY! To be honest, I don’t think our education should have a price tag. I thought schools are supposed to be about educating students so we can be the best members of the community and grow to be successful adults.
Schools are assets to the community. What’s going to happen when all our assets are privatized?? 80% of charter schools are for profit. THAT’S NOT WHAT OUR COMMUNITY NEEDS. Schools are not supposed to be ran as businesses, education is a long term investment. We should not be making money off of our students. We are children, WE ARE PEOPLE! NOT—DOLLAR SIGNS!
The solution is not to close public schools. It’s not a quick fix. It only does long term damage to our neighborhoods. (When schools close, our families, and our neighbors leave the community so that their kids can have access to quality schools and opportunities elsewhere.) We need to improve the public school system here, not shrink it down or sell if off to charters until it disappears completely.
Our community thrives off of public education. Without our proper education we are less prepared for life. We are the future! WE ARE THE NEXT GENERATION OF ADULTS! WE’RE HERE TELLING YOU THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM! We’re done choosing the lesser of two evils, or accepting solutions that are not good for our communities. This time we’re leading the way. We are demanding respect!
Just got word of these activities going on in Detroit for youth this upcoming week of Devil’s night/Halloween!
Saturday, October 27th, 1:00pm – 9:00pm
Youth Workshops & Open Mic @ 5eGallery
Location: 2661 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
Youth workshops will take place 1-4pm, 4-5pm will be preparation for the Open Mic event from 6-9pm. Donations accepted. Please bring your youth!
For more information, contact:pipercarter@gmail.com
Tuesday, October 30th, 4:30pm – 7:00pm
Angel’s Night at The Alley Project, hosted by Young Nation
Location: 9233 Avis, Detroit, MI 48209
We will have 3 “Workshop” Stations that participants will rotate between: Sugar Skulls/Dia de los Muertos Workshop (with Mary Luevanos), TAP Introduction and Tour (with TAP/YN Representatives), and Live Mural Demonstration/Workshop (with Artist TBD). Light snacks and refreshments will be served.
We ask that if youth plan to stay for the whole event that they come with someone over 18 and preferably someone from their home so that they are not at risk of being picked up on curfew violation. Curfew is listed as follows:
“The curfew will make it unlawful for a minor under 18-years-old to be out of their residence unsupervised from the 6 p.m. Oct. 30 through 6 a.m. Oct 31.”
We have this event each year so that youth have somewhere to go and something to do at a time of year when being young makes you suspect. So please respect this suggestion in the spirit of the event. Thanks!!
For more information, contact:erikhoward@insidesouthwest.com
Boo Bug Bonanza
Saturday, October 27 at 12 PM
Location: Belle Isle Nature Zoo
8109 East Jefferson Avenue, Detroit Michigan
For the whole family! Learn about insects, make a craft you can take with you and learn about and eat healthy Halloween snacks!
To ride the bus with your family or for more information, contact Sanaa at: 313-556-1702 ex705
