Walking for Justice, Writing for Change

 Trayvon Martin lost his life on February 26th, when neighborhood watch volunteer, George Zimmerman shot and killed him as he was making his way back from the store to his father's house in a gated community. Zimmerman claimed he looked "suspicious" as he walked with his hood up, due to the rain. Zimmerman called the police to report what he thought was an intruder to the area and after being told not to pursue this individual, he disregarded the prompt and continued to follow the 17-year old. When he finally made contact, a confrontation resumed, ultimately consuming the life of this unarmed, black teen boy. Taken in for questioning after the shooting, George was never arrested and formally charged with the murder even after confessing...Why? Because of the plea of self defense. Using the state's Stand Your Ground law, he was able to walk right out of the police station, while Trayvon will never be able to walk again. The outrage prompted many marches, rallies and protests across the nation, with global support for the family of Trayvon.



On Saturday, March 31st, our writing class students were invited to participate in the 1,000 Hoodies Walk for Trayvon Martin in downtown, Springfield, MA. Because so many were touched by this story and wanted to show local support, over 1,000 men, women and children came out to support the March for Justice. Families, college, high school and elementary students, professors, business leaders, politicians, the young, the old and many, many community supporters came out and represented what unity can look like when we join together for a common cause. 
We wanted to send a message, one of hope and support, the other to our local elected officials that we will not allow the "Stand Your Ground" law to be passed and implemented in the state of Massachusetts. What happened to Trayvon, can and has happened in many states and we're saying enough is enough. The laws were made to protect the citizens of this country, not those who violate them and try to take them into their own hands. Trayvon was indeed a victim of racial profiling and the negative perception that is portrayed on TV and videos of our young minority men. The preconceived notion that wearing a hood and walking while black is a crime or one in progress is ridiculous and unjust. It is time for the conversation on race relations...You know, the one that many avoid.




Our young people need to know that they can make a difference, they can make a change and yes, it will take more than just a walk. But at least it's a starting point to engage the community, to allow those to be their own advocates for justice. Movement in the right direction is an action that will lead to exaltation, a place where we long to be as a people. A place where we all can be free and  it takes these very people coming together to stand for what's right, because it we don't stand for something, we will fall for anything! Stay tuned as our students will be sharing their experiences on this tragedy, what it means to them and ways that we as Americans can come together to change the face of racism. Our very existence depends on it.

Mara Hunter

My Experience with Author Keshawn Dodds by Mara Hunter

Last week was a great and very inspirational class as the young writers listened to the journey of guest author, poet and playwright, Keshawn Dodds. He joined us for 2 hours and engaged the students with his story, gave some helpful tips and talked about faith, life and his passion for creating. His expressive writing style allowed him to capture the essence of his best friend whom lost his life to cancer at an earlier age. "Menzuo: In the Calling of the Sun Prince" is a black superhero, that discovers his powers here in Springfield, MA and helps for justice to prevail in the fight between good and evil. Keshawn also talked about his new book "Whose On My Side: The Story of Kalen Brown" which he turned into a stage play, which is scheduled to debut on Saturday, May 12th, 2012 at AIC's Theatre. Check out the many experiences displayed on our blog by my students. What a great class! Thank you Keshawn for lending your talents, gift and time!!!

Mara Hunter

My Experience with Author, Keshawn Dodds by Illesha Harris

My experience last week was very inspirational. I felt that I could understand and relate to everything that he said and how he first talked about his life to us and gradually went into other life lessons and experiences that inspired him to be a writer. It made me more comfortable to hear that I wasn't the only one that went through certain experiences as a writer.(such as writers block).

Illesha Harris

My Experience with Author, Keshawn Dodds by Johnnae Vernon

My Experience last week with Mr. Dodds was very inspirational. I felt that I could understand and relate to everything he was saying to us as youth. I loved how he first talked about his life to us and gradually went into other life lessons and experiences that inspired him to be a writer. It made me more comfortable to hear that I wasn't the only one that went through certain experiences as a writer.

                                                                                        
                                                                                                                           Johnnae Vernon

My Experience with Author, Keshawn Dodds by Troivahn Clemons

 Last week we met Keyshawn  Dodds, he  talked  about  being in  charcter  with  your  book. Then  he  talked   to  us   about  what  his   play  was going to be  about. It  was  exciting  how  he explained  your book  can be in the same category  but  totally  different. I  hope  I  meet  him  again!

By Troivahn Clemons

My Experience with Author, Keshawn Dodds by Angelica Lopez

Experience, class, life, perserverance, talent, but above all honesty.... My name is Angelica Lopez and through all of this, I found myself face to face with Keshawn Dodds, who engaged me through his words of experience. You truly never expect people so out there to reach out and connect to your mind's memories like I experienced that day. He talked of perserverance, doubt, himself, and his dear friend; which if he could read this now I would say, "may your spirit rest in peace and thank you for having your spirit and pure soul create the story I held in my hands that very day. His words were truly open and outstanding in my eyes. I was laughing, writing, talking, but most of all connecting with a person I suspected to be the total opposite of the person I see in the mirror daily as myself. To my parents, I say "Thank you!" To LaMara I say, "Thank you"! To Keshawn Dodds I say, "Thank you"! To all of the readers of all ages I say,  "Your welcome", because that day , those words, and all our experiences, had given me ideas and inpiration.Now, all I have yet to do is put it all on paper.

Mu Experience with Author, Keshawn Dodds by Vesheniel Peters

My name is Vesheniel Peters and I attended an Expressive Writing Workshop on March 17,2012 at Dunbar Community Center. The workshop was a great experience for me. I say so because I enjoy wrinting poetry. At the workshop, Keshawn Dodds who is an author from Springfield, MA came to speak to us a bit about writing. He also talked about his book and some of his experiences as a writer. I had the priveledge to get one of his books and ever since I've started to read it I could'nt stop turning the pages. The workshop was a success and I had a good time there.