Derrion Albert The Tragic end to Life, Youth, and Beauty

When I was sixteen the biggest fear I had was if a boy liked me, and my biggest concern was did I pass that test? Did I get my homework done I don't remember, but the thought of losing me life for nothing never came across mind. The thought of seeing my mother's face in the morning and not ever seeing it again in the evening was never a concern for me. However that wasn't the case for this young man who lost his life for what? The price of a life is now in the hands of kids, young people who can't and don't do take care of themselves.

I was shocked when I first heard this story, but then to find out it was caught on tape was heart breaking for me. I understand that through the tape the police and those in law enforcement can catch those involved, but the family will have to watch that on television. You know things were suppose to get better with President Obama in office, his entering the office embarked change for us all, but this is far from it. I'm 23years old and I fear the idea of bringing a life into this world. This young man was 16years old, and lost his life in what the media is calling "mob like action" all because he didn't want to join a gang? Or the fact he was protection someone else from joining a gang? His life was lost to a violent brutal end that didn't have to happen at all. This took place in Chicago but it could have been any where to anyone. We have lost to many great lives to pointless violence and he was just a baby to young to have lived a life. To young to have gone all the places he wanted to go, and do all the things he'll never be able to do now. However the lives that took his are over now too, the cycle has to end now before more lives are lost. We shouldn't wait until this makes it to our backyard. I'm sorry but my heart is bleeding into this story because it didn't have to happen. It didn't have to happen like this or at all and the price of a life is no longer valued as precious but as timed commodity!

I can't understand where were the police and where was the security on the campus and what about the teachers? Where were the people we send our children, cousins, nephews and nieces to school with to protect them at when we need them? I can't help but send out my prays and deepest heart felt understanding to the family. I lost a friend of mine to violence back when I was in high school. He was killed off campus while I was at lunch laughing and joking around, he was losing his life for nothing. He ran over by a truck and them backed up over again, by a man who had nothing to do with the argument taking place. But because he knew the girls involved he killed my friend for nothing.

What are we leaving behind every time another life is lost to preventable violence? " If we kill off the future who is the Future!" quote me this isn't the first life lost to violence but it should be the last. What are we teaching our children and those that are around them that you create your own results at any cost? We need to do better and now, not later not next week but now is the time for a call to action!

By: Geneva Relf






"I think the answer lies in those who are not afraid to take responsibility for the future when others can't or won't."- Arielle Alexander

Ending the Violence with Peace Not War

Ending the Violence with Peace Not War

By: Geneva Relf


This world is a complex place and we are surrounded with negativity. I often catch myself turning off the news and ignoring the news radio. We have become so use to watching violence that's it's almost nothing to us. Youth violence has grown over the years and has gone from simple fighting to now they are killing each other. We are losing our youth not to anything new but to things we have taught them and showed them. I often wonder what hope we have when the world we live in doesn't seem to care. We sell more movies that contain violence than anything else. We need to remember that what we put out there will come back to us.

Our children are prime examples of that and we need to grab every program and resource we have that is trying to change the way we live. The UK is no different except the violence is more racially motivated. Blacks vs. Blacks or as it is said black on black crime and it has gone ignored until now. Violence doesn't care what race you are or even where you live. However the results are the same and everyone pays the price for our neglect to respond. One tragic event takes place and it took a life before anything was done or at least attempted. A young boy 11yrs old was shot tragically and left for dead. We can't just blame the games for things like this tragedy there were so many factors that come to play here. UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown said that he is "aware growing concern". Mr Brown said: "The sources of information for children from a very young age now are the internet, television, commercial advertising. That is a good thing in so many different ways, but where there is pornographic or violent material, any parent is going to be concerned." (guardian.co.uk) Now censorship is the best way to do things and keeping them from all the outlets we provide them with daily! He added: "I think we have got to look at this as a society. I hope this is one of the areas where there can be common ground between all parties. I think you need to review this with a large number of representative groups, from parents, from the different industries itself and from other areas of publiclife. (guardian.co.uk)

Well we have a chance to change the life of these young people. Booshie is doing just that by creating an outlet. The apprenticeship program will teach these youth a trade and give them something to advance towards. This program will give these youth another option and another way of life. I can quote her as saying "My aim for the project is to open a creative studio in the most deprived area of London and help kids from deprived backgrounds who have creative talent and teach them skills through apprenticeships." this is a paid apprenticeship so they will really get a feel for what it is to be in the fashion world. However this isn't just about designer hand bags or keeping dying traditions alive but building hope for those who need it. She also feels that "The apprenticeships will also involve attending college 2 days a week for key skills such as Math & English as many of our under privileged often get expelled from school without being able to read & write. " This is something that we need must do and need to do.

Her plan is something that should be supported this is a great cause for a struggling group of people. If we stand behind her and support her cause just think how many youth will be saved from this? Just image how safer the communities will be now that the youth have an outlet other than violence. She's not just giving them hope through fashion, but also through education and giving them something to look forward to. Teaching them the basics that most privileged youth take for granted.

Violence never solved anything and bloodshed only leads to more bloodshed. How many more youth have to be slain for the message to get across that they need help? Or even that something needs to be done life is a precious gift that should be treasured and given the chance to grow. I support her efforts and feel her pain when it comes to making a difference let's show these youth we still care. However she can't do it herself she needs help from the government and the surrounding communities.


Support the cause and check out the site.

http://www.booshiebagz.com/index.html
http://www.myspace.com/booshiebagz