Jax Youth Poetry Slam

Jax Youth Poetry Slam
Hosted by Taryn Wharwood
Main Library Downtown Jacksonville, Florida

The lyrical stimulation of the senses combined with the auditory manipulation of the English language was demonstrated at the Jax Youth Poetry Slam held at the Jacksonville Public Library.

Poetry is defined by different words, by feelings, by thoughts and in some cases by actions. The Poetry Slam performed by young people from 11 to 18yrs was emotionally filled and mentally stimulating. A unique definition of poetry is stated by Dylan Thomas, "Poetry is what makes me
laugh or cry or yawn, what makes my toenails twinkle, what makes me want to do this or that or nothing." Poetry does different things to different people just as Spoken Word does, it is dependent on the individuals modes, background, sensibilities and empirical understanding and interpretation of their world.

Support of young people and their talents is paramount to their success in life no matter what direction they take. To help them feel Aweshum (awesome) as S.J. (Andrew Robinson Elementary) student likes to say enthusiastically. I have been corrected several times that I should say Aweshum this exudes excitement, astonishment and jubilation. Young people need the support of adults in their lives to promote positive decisions, establish Aweshum goals and have high expectations for success.

Our young people have hidden talents that are expressed through poetry (spoken and written), written story telling, spoken word, Mime dancing and even rapping. The emotional expressions displayed through heart filled words, mental manipulation of the English language laden with
past experiences and emotional expressions both good and bad, thus leaving a residue that is embedded in those that listen to the display of talents. Spirituality plays a role as well in poetry because poetry does not just come from the mind it comes from the heart. Involving a spiritual
connection does not always mean a religious involvement, but “deepest values and meanings by which a person lives” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirituality).

In these young performers that are students in DCPS schools are the next Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, James Weldon Johnson or Paul Laurence Dunbar and others. These young talents display the lyrical vernacular skills of great speakers that exhibit the linguistic passions
like Malcolm X or even Phillis Wheatley. These young people from middle to high school are creators, developers, expressionists of their poetic talents and their positive contributions to their communities. The Jax Youth Poetry Slam is a venue to birth new talent, uplift and inspires youth.

To help youth explore their lyrical talents that may (take them to vibrant travels around the world sharing their artistic crafts. Anyis an upcoming 6th grader expressed the Poetry Slam was fun and entertaining.

She stated that more kids need to participate and get over their shyness. The Slam allows kids to tell people what they are involved in, how they feel and for adults to listen to them more, because sometimes kids feel their parents and even teachers do not take the time to listen to them.

S.J an upcoming 5th grader at Andrew Robinson Elementary says the poets were Aweshum (awesome), spectacular and amazed him by their talents, poise and confidence. The public library has other Aweshum events that tweens, teens and young adults should participate in. There is more going on in Jacksonville, Florida for our young people that many parents do not realize, the first place to start is at the public library where many events are free, educational, culturally enriching and enhancing the talents of our young people.

Stay informed of more opportunities for young people to show their talents.

Check out these sites about Poets:
Afro Poets
http://www.afropoets.net/
Famous Poets and Poems
http://www.famouspoetsandpoems.com/poets_african_american.html

Events and Resources for families and youth:
Jacksonville Public Library - http://jpl.coj.net/
Jacksonville Public Library for Kids - http://jpl.coj.net/kids/
Ritz Theatre of Jacksonville - http://www.ritzjacksonville.com/
Check out the Ritz Voices Chorus Auditions - http://www.ritzjacksonville.com/programs/ritz-voices/
MOCA - http://mocajacksonville.org/
Cummer Museum - http://www.cummer.org/
MOSH - http://www.themosh.org/home.htm
By Anyis (6th Grader), S. J (5th Grader), William Jackson, M.Ed

Division Through Digital Content

Minorities are learning that their digital footprints and digital
content can keep them from employment, educational
opportunities and military service. I have been blogging for
over 12 years and provided workshops and seminars in digital
content, but it seems many still do not understand what their
digital content is and how it can hurt them. Technology has
changed to where Smart Phones, Laptops, Pads and mini
computers are readily available to access digital environments.
Even in education teachers seem not aware that their content can
cost them their jobs and careers. Technology has opened up doors
that allow families to leave the “hoods” (neighborhoods) and
enter into virtual interactive environments. Social media tools
and social networks are used and visited by millions world-wide
and minorities have a solid digital footprint in the social uses of
technology; the concern is there needs to be more educational
and business uses than social interaction.
Educational Implications

The miniaturization and increased speed of the microprocessor,
lower cost, access to technology through schools, churches, and
public libraries has permitted increased minorities to enter into
the digital age. Entrance allows for access, but this access must go
beyond social access. Schools across this country have failing
students, failing parents and failing communities.  Access to
online resources provides knowledge and allows
enlightenment, education and empowerment there is beneficial
knowledge, but our students must be taught to value this knowledge
and how to use it digitally. The ability to virtually apply for jobs,
attend virtual educational opportunities, online or hybrid classes
has allowed minorities not to be left behind with educational access.
My concern as a public school teacher is why and how can parents
purchase gaming platforms such as the Wii, Xbox, Playstation
and other systems, but their children cannot read on grade level,
have been retained at least once and constantly do not show
academic growth.
Nationally minority students are failing and parents
are failing to teach their children to value education. The skills
in participating in social media sites are not consistant with
educational growth nor create skills for employment in fields of
technology. The youth may have the highest scores in
Grand Theft Auto, Madden 2011,defeat aliens in Halo or can mimic
the moves better than Michael Jackson in “Michael Jackson,
The Experience” (Wii), but how manycan create a PowerPoint
presentation, modify a Word document, send
an email attachment and write a blog with correct spelling,
grammar and literary comprehension?

Web 2.0 and 3.0

Social networking consists of many facets from Web 2.0
interactivity to the growing Web 3.0 intuitiveness of
technologies that “Think and Reason.”
The cloud phenomenon is a reality, not based on Star Trek
or Star Wars imagination and animation. There are growing online
communities of people who share interests and these have allowed
people of various shades of color to communicate globally; the
opportunities to participate in “mass communication and peer
collaboration” (Wikipedia 2.0, 2008) is now, but if we do not teach
our children beyond the social networks they will continue to
lose ground to other students  internationally. Our children will be
the ones in low paying jobs, unable to climb corporate, educational
or scientific career ladders because they do not have the necessary
skill-sets to properly compete.

The Right Tools
In academia the preferred tool is the brain;
reasoning, rationalization, comprehension, socialization and 
collaboration are all beneficial to cognitive growth and development.
Technology is a tool that allows for and encourages “higher
order” thinking skills. The danger for our youth is that they
are allowing technology to do too much of the thinking. In a past
visit to a fast food restaurant, the power went off and the cash
registers stopped working. The manager instructed the cashiers
to continue to work and use their brains to figure out the
exchange of transactions. Unfortunately several cashiers
stated that they did not know how to count out money and did
not know how to give out change. The dooming of our young people
is now; many can no longer count properly, comprehend nor
possess basic mathematical skills.
As any skilled craftsman/woman will tell you, use the right tool for
the job. The right tool for our youth is their minds, but they allow
themselves to be dummified relying on computers.
Proper Networking
"First Impressions can be Lasting Impressions"
Chi Chi Okezie
when involved in social networks be careful of your online
behaviors, that person you are chatting with, exchanging music,
sharing pictures, maybe a future client, business partner or even
future boss. Your online activity has a credibility factor that can
be leveraged  for or against you. We must teach our youth just
because you have a picture or video of yourself at a “beasting
or crunk” party does not mean you share it with the world.
Networking is more than exchanging digits, astronomic signs,
restaurant preferences or even places to shop. Networking also
includes sharing resources, ideas, experiences, and lessons of
leadership. Using Facebook, Brightfuse, LinkedIn, MySpace,
Ning’s, Blogspot, BlogTalk Radio or Twitter are great tools,
but must be applied and implemented  with a purpose and
objectives.
Employers Wise to Social Media

Employers are involved in social networking; they are researching
your content, looking to see if potential employees have
questionable social patterns and lifestyles.
Mike Hargis of CareerBuilder.com,
“Twenty-two percent of employers say they use social
networking sites when evaluating job candidates”, this should
say to youth of today that  put pictures that attract attention
to them as being “sexy, down, gangsta, thugs, straight, gay, etc.”,
but may hurt their chances of employment, military service
or admission to higher educational institutions.  Danger is further felt for
those employed run the risk of being “let go” because of questionable
behavior online and content on their sites. M. Hargis “16 percent of
workers with social networking profiles have modified their pages
with potential employers in mind” (CareerBuilder.com 2009), this is
growing once people learn that their lives are“out in the public eye”.

Their site can be a hindrance or a help when seeking
employment or advancement in careers.  Social sites can be used to
highlight skills with technology, management of information and
finance, the ability to navigate web sites that build professionalism
and connectivity to the business world or your site can show
immaturity, lack of responsible behavior when
interacting with alcohol, drugs and relationships with the
same or opposite sex.

Cultural Implications
Valuable opinions have been made against BET, Basketball Wives
and other shows that depict women, men, children and cultures
a certain ways.  Judgment on ones culture and character may
seem invasive, but from a business perspective many businesses
are worried about their “reputations” in the business and social
community. Their employees outside activities or perceived
habits may reflect back on their work performance so businesses
may make a stance on certain behaviors or lifestyles, stated by
Kelly Vergara, Exe. Dir of Resource Interactive,
"We can learn a little about the candidate's culture fit and
professionalism, we screen for culture above all else, so this is
important”.  Inappropriate behaviors have caused the firing of
people in many career fields even in education. Controversial
information, such drinking or using drugs, inappropriate photographs,
video were the top reasons for dismissal (Careerbuilder.com 2008).
The media is shaping the worlds opinions about cultures, and opinions
shape actions, what are the future perceptions will the world have on
minorities and how will it shape their actions for and against difference
cultures?

Digital Age
The age of digital information is an age of moving information
quickly, at the speed of thought. In the DVD “Business At The
Speed of Thought” (Bill Gates 2001);
Gates discusses that the life blood of business and networking
is information. The use of technology allows us to grow, mature,
and expand into other markets and learning opportunities. Social
networks, IT (information technology) creates a new business
and social resource where we will have virtual partnerships
that potentially can enhance communication and collaboration.

These formed and managed properly (we must continue to teach
the youth) can build wealth, power, prestige and expansion of
ideas or be the demise of a business career, educational goals
and military aspirations because of the lack of knowledge,
discipline and being net savvy.
Repercussions
In 2002 a software engineer created Friendster, the first social
network, in 2003, a young web developer improved the tools
offered by Friendster, adding the ability to earn money
through advertising and launched MySpace.
Today Facebook is the clear leader in acceptance and size
(for now). All these were developed to share content, make
money and changed the world in social interaction. What
benefits will minority students provide in the area of technology
in our country and world?
The growing area of STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
are being taken over by international youth, are our
minority youth only able to
use these technologies in games and social media platforms?
Will they only be able to play and not create, parents you
have a responsiility to guide, teach and model for your
children, if not there will be no growth or success for
minority children.  Just "want to be" entertainers, rappers,
back dancers, comedians, athletes.  We need more
than that for our children and our culture.
William Jackson, M.Ed.
http://about.me/williamdjackson

Everyone Is Accountable To Mayor Brown

The biblical interpretation from Romans 12:2,
“If Change Is Necessary Then Not To Change Is Always Destructive”
Change has come in the political climate of Jacksonville. Voters have created history in the election of an African American Mayor. The unique aspect is that the Mayor is not a Republican or Tea Party affiliate,
but a Democrate.

The historical climate from decades of political separation based on race, education and economics is hoped to change. To create avenues of change it is not solely based on the Mayor and his administration, but all citizen of Jacksonville are accountable to help Mayor Brown make that change effective
and  long lasting.

Traditionally Jacksonville has been a Republican ideological city and as such a different philosophy about public service to people. Republican cutbacks on community services and the needs of low income families and children are often overlooked. The Children’s Commission, Human Rights Commission, public libraries and others that fight for stable families, hungry children and education are always threatened with cutbacks, being cut out or reduction in services.  Having conducted the same political agendas for decades has produced the same results for decades; mistrust of government, disrespect for the democratic process, perception that government does not care about poor (even whites experience poverty) and people of color.  Much has been said of our governmental officials having a civic, ethical and moral responsibility to serve the people that elected them to office.

There should be an understanding that citizens as a community are all accountable for change because our actions will dictate our acceptance or rejection of policies and procedures that will have to be made.
The United States is a democracy and I would hope to see a true democracy in this administration.
 I would hope to see fair leadership with authority, authenticity, ethics, morality and honor.
Langston Hughes said, ”I swear to the Lord I still can’t see why democracy means everybody but me.”
This may have been the mentality of Jacksonville citizens for years, but now there is change in the air.
Not just the aroma of the Maxwell House coffee factory, not just the
stench of the Paper Mill or odors of the Port Authority, but
the sweet perfume  of political change.

Jacksonville has made an investment for the future, as a community we are now more than ever accountable for changing past destructive / separatist directions. The community must show support for our Human Rights Commission, the continued support of the Children’s Commission, participate and contribute in JCCI study groups and professional development opportunities that JCCI Forward creates to better serve the intellectual growth of the citizens, young and seniors. To involve more youth in the Youth Achievement in Technology with E3 Business Group to teach youth how to effectively use technology not just for Social Media, Cyberbullying, Sexting, but prepare all youth for future jobs. More women of all races, religions, and cultures should participate in the League of Women Voters to have a stronger political voice; these are just a few of the opportunities we have and should avail ourselves to.

It seemed by many we were on a path of economic destruction
(high unemployment), continued racial mistrust (colorism, racism)
and educational separation (failing schools and failing parents).

Accountability rests with the individual to empower themselves
with the proper skill set that prepares for future educational and
economic opportunities. This election of change does show that
everyone’s vote counts. Mayor Brown won by  1,662 votes, it
wasn’t Blacks and their votes, but Whites, Hispanics, Asians and
other cultures. The strong African American vote helped and those
that took advantage of their legal rights of voting showed that the
civil rights laws  (Voting Rights Act of 1965) that were earned did
in fact work in the 21^st Century.  

Changes have occurred in politics with more activity by minorities.
I have blogged before about the election processes and been accused of being racist, divisive and extremist because of my encouragement of minorities to vote. Voting is a right that has been earned and a civic responsibility that is taught in our schools so we are all responsible and accountable to push the right to vote.

Republicans have been in power for over 20 years, the reality is minorities have not advanced and provided opportunities to sit at the table of political involvement, economic decision making and educational opportunities. Now is an opportunity for involvement and
redirection, James Baldwin stated, “Color is not a human or a personal reality; it is a political reality.”
The reality is there is a change and more change will come, with change there is growth.

Jacksonville must prepare for growth in education
(valuing education), employment (gaining employable
skills), ethics and ethical accountability (City Council),
enforcing just and fair laws (law enforcement), and community
involvement by all citizens. Accountability is more than the 14
letters that make up the spelling; it is a personal responsibility to
know the value and morality of promoting and participating for the
best for our community.

The next four (4) years and potentially beyond will show how
accountable we will be for behaviors, choices and support for new
leadership, vision and opportunities.

Just because an African American (Alvin Brown) is Mayor, minorities cannot sit on their behinds and chant about overcoming and having arrived. Now the hard work begins. When jobs do come will Whites, Blacks, Latinos, Mexicans, and others be ready for a hand-up not just a hand-out? Will citizens be ready to go back to school for re-education and retraining or will they complain about Mayor Brown not “giving them something” because he is Black like them? The example of this election should be if you work hard, fight for positive change you can overcome homelessness, poverty, lack of education and feelings of disconnection from community empowerment.

Accountability is more than the 14 letters that make up the spelling, it is an individual conscientiousness (understanding) to know the value and morality of what is best for our households, communities, schools, and churches. The next 4 (four) years and potentially beyond will show how accountable we will be for our community behaviors, choices, actions, and support of Mayor Brown’s administration in leadership and vision. Making hard choices now for a better future for all in Jacksonville, Florida.