Dear Chicago Youth: Stop Fighting The Wrong Fights!

I do my best to keep judgment to a minimum. 

[In fact, I've been judged for what I've said, written, and worn.]

But some things need to be addressed. 

Last week, students at Chicago's historic Paul Laurence Dunbar Vocational Career Academy--the alma mater of Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson-- used their youthful energy in the wrong way by fighting and causing havoc on their school's campus.  

Don't get me wrong; I was their age 15 years ago and fell short of perfection on my occasions.

However, I had a support system at home consisting of two old-fashioned parents who encouraged me to "get my sh*t together" because the world was not going to accept my excuses in lieu of rent. 

Post by Abnormal Paris.

Those rowdy students at Dunbar don't realize that their REAL competition goes to school in the same neighborhood. Students at schools like De La Salle and The Young Women's Leadership Charter School are being prepared for lucrative careers and unlimited success. Meanwhile, kids who choose to fight and riot during instructional time are being prepared for lives of misery. 

I understand that "the system" is set up to fail minority youth. But I am a living witness that you CAN beat "the system." You have to stop celebrating ignorance and idolizing celebrities! TURN OFF THE DAMN TV! As my parents would tell me when I was younger: "Those celebrities already HAVE A JOB!"

Alternatives

One alternative is the Walgreens Expressions Challenge.  
The Walgreens Expressions Challenge is a creative contest which gives teens a chance to win $2,000 while expressing their views on issues such as self esteem, teen pregnancy, and STD prevention. 

The contest runs from October 1 to November 30 and is held annually. 

After November 30, there will still be opportunities for teens to engage in positive activities as well. 

Teens at Dunbar High School should partner with the PTA to have Family Fun Days at least one weekend a month. During the events, students can enjoy their school in a relaxed environment (with appropriate security) and enjoy surprise visits from notable alumni-- including Jennifer Hudson. 

The next video they should release is one showing the students celebrating a triumph instead of almost trampling each other in a silly fight.

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The First Step To Hollywood: Be An Extra!

Twenty years ago, aspiring actors and actresses had to move to L.A. or New York to get their careers off the ground. Now, future thespians can be part of the action without packing a suitcase. Production companies are choosing more cities for their projects-- which increases the chances of a major film or TV show being shot in your town.

I have been an extra on a few TV shows filmed in Chicago. Some experiences are better than others-- but the key is to have fun! Whether they feature you in the final cut or edit out the scene together, you will be paid and get another item to add on your acting resume. 

If you are ready for your chance at fame, here are a few tips:

- Subscribe to nationwide casting call alerts. 
Project Casting is a great way to find opportunities in multiple cities. If you have a full-time job or live more than 3 hours away, you can still search for weekend opportunities.

- Keep A Few "Amateur Headshots" On You
When you submit registration for the casting pool, you will be asked to send a few recent pics of yourself. They don't have to be done in a studio but don't submit bathroom selfies either.
Get someone to take a picture of you in your living room or near a light background. Wear a casual outfit and make sure your physical appearance is on point.

- Be Willing To "Hurry Up & Wait"
When you show up on time, you will be 2 to 3 hours early for the scene. During that time, you will check in for the scene. You will be given paper work to fill out at either the beginning or the end of your day. (It varies depending upon the company.) Use your time wisely and make new friends if you can.

- Don't Overact; Follow Instructions
Being over-the-top will most likely get you cut from the scene. Directors want natural performers-- not extras who want to be the star. Don't do anything you wouldn't normally do in your daily routine.

- Invest Your Income..If Possible
Save some of your wages to invest towards professional head shots. Then, start looking for a talent agency!

Good luck!

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Kelvin Doe, Another Smart Guy! (#WeSeeYou)

Geniuses come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and ages.

This week, we salute Kelvin Doe (now 17) who is highlighted in the following video. 

He's a Sierra Leone native who made his own light to power his electricity-deprived neighborhood a few years ago. 

Now, he is attracting the attention of electrical engineers and technology experts across the globe.

We See You, Mr. Kelvin... and We Salute You!

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TOP THAT! | Tim Doner Speaks 20 Languages

Tim Doner is a teen with a unique hobby: studying languages.
In fact, he speaks over 20 of them-- with varying levels of proficiency. Last year, he became "Internet famous" when he posted a YouTube video showcasing his goods. 

Many experts call Tim a "hyper-polyglot"-- a term for the few people who master multiple languages with high proficiency levels. 

In the book, Babel No More, linguist Michael Erard examines "the most extraordinary language learners" of the world. 

According to Mr. Erard, polyglots have a "particular neurology" which allows them to do what most people could only dream of: speak, write, and understand foreign languages with great precision.
Additionally, the author states that polyglots also possess unique social and physical characteristics which could explain their "super human" abilities. 

While polyglots are extremely rare, it is possible that Doner's fame and notoriety will motivate others to be language machines. 

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Chicago's "Murderers' Row": An Epicenter of Urban Violence

It is Chicago's home of irony. 

Just a few steps from the historic Leak & Sons Funeral home is one of Chicago's most deadly areas.

According to Homicide Watch, the area around surrounding the intersection of 79th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue is called "Murderer's Row". 

That's very unbelievable. 

I wish this area was known as "Striver's Row". 

Last May, an innocent school teacher was fatally shot after being caught in gang crossfire near the same intersection. 

For those wondering what community leaders are doing, there has been some effort to curb crime. Pastor John F. Hannah, the charismatic leader of New Life Covenant Church, has organized outings to shut down liquor stores and improve safety.

In addition to churches, the Chicago Police Department has been under scrutiny for its response to the violence. A recent Sun-Times article features the following response from police: 

While some residents say the area is getting worse, there has been a 50 percent decrease in murders along the stretch compared with the same period last year. 

Police have deployed additional resources in the area, including officers on foot posts and in “impact zones,” CPD’s Tracy said.

“There is real progress,” Tracy said. “It’s not just on 79th Street, but throughout the city. … Other than two or three districts, we have reductions in crime throughout the city.”

The issue of more police came up in the above video. And I understand many people may not believe police statistics. It's clear that there's a problem here. What can ultimately be done about it? 

On that note, I am curious to know what candidates for Alderman of the 6th & 8th Wards (around or near that intersection) plan to do about this issue.

~ Levois J.

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