Blog Entry #6 on Environmental Justice

Environmental justice improves society in various ways. It helps the youth of society to become involved and learn skills of leadership. Environmental justice also helps communities around the world by fighting against pollution and environmental degradation. The goal of this panel discussion was to focus on awareness, unity, and service within the environmental justice movement. One of the leaders speaks of individuals who may have asthma, cancer, and ADD/ADHD and how poor quality communities affect these conditions. The toxins within pollution that may be present in these communities affect these individuals, therefore, there is a fight for environmental justice. Blacks and Latinos are the major victims of these degraded communities. "People of color live in toxic, polluted neighborhoods." She also speaks about urban and rural communities that are affected, such as North Carolina and Louisiana. We need environmental justice internationally where pollution lies such as, African countries. Water, foods, and air are being destroyed by toxic pollution. The demand for fruits outside of their season have become higher which has become part of the environmental problem. Another leader also says "The whole world has changed." This means that the economy is changing, as well as the society. If we don't like something about our world, we must change it. Environmental justice represents change for the better for the environment. Residents of these communities with poor conditions deserve to speak up about their opinions.

Entry #5:Midterm Self Assessment

Part 1:
All four of my blogs has great significance to the Black race. Firstly, President Obama plays a major role in society. Black individuals see him as the answer for improvement and change in the United States today and for the future. In his A More Perfect Union speech, he speaks about improving the world nationally and internationally. Obama also speaks about leaving the issues and grudges of history behind in order to move forward. For my second entry I chose an article titled Racial Disparity in School Suspensions which provided data of middle school suspensions of different races. Black children were said to have the highest rate amongst the other middle school children. I didn't like the fact that my race of middle school children had the highest rate of suspensions. I felt as if this information was somewhat embarrassing. This information should be vital to Blacks in America. I'm sure that there are many Blacks in America that aren't aware that our children have this issue in society because hardly anything is being done to solve it. Next, my third entry on Black and Latino by Robert Santiago which raises the question of "Why can't I be both races?" There are many mixed individuals in the world that can relate to this personal account. I feel like those who are specifically mixed with Black and White only are pressured to identify with one specific race more than other individuals whom are mixed with other races. Finally, my 4th entry was about Opening Convocation with guest speaker Ben Carson. Carson plays a major role in Black society and his speech at Howard University was a historical moment for us to witness. The aspect I value the most is the fact that these blogs let me speak my opinion about issues of my society and historical speeches that play a huge role to my race. The new experience of blogging for class has been interesting and a contribution to the expansion of my thinking. I noticed that I found interest out of each topic in my blogs which made it easier for me to elaborate and understand.

Part 2:
My journey on writing a research essay has been a long one. To write a distinguished essay there are important steps that should be taken. One needs to research as much information as they can on the internet, in books, etc. One must also cite all information to prevent plagiarism. An outline is a must in order to plan your essay and it helps your write out your essay quicker and clearer. One must have their argument ready and form a thesis. An introduction, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion are the main elements of your research paper. Drafts are helpful after you receive review from a professor or even a peer. Throughout this experience, I have learned how to construct a good research paper and new approaches to take while writing one such as, process, classification, cause and effect, definition, and comparison and contrast. It's easier for me to plan out an essay and finding a workable thesis. I tend to have difficulty with providing enough details to support my thesis. The Writing Center has helped me a great deal with grammar and essay writing. I've always been comfortable with technology because I believe it makes everything such as, completing and turning in assignments easier and quicker. For the majority of the readings in class I tend to always connect them back to the Black community but connecting readings in a global aspect isn't difficult for me at all.

Opening Convocation 2010 with Orator Ben Carson

I found Ben Carson's speech very inspirational. He relayed his speech in a creative way to keep the attention of the audience. Attentive listening and laughs were produced during this historical event. The first question Carson asked was "What is a university for?" He simply answered by saying "Expanding the mind." I related with Carson when he spoke about how boring lectures were not his thing. I believe every teacher and professor should teach in creative ways to keep us interested instead of making us doze off. Carson also spoke about how all individuals should think outside of the box at all times. He asked "If you always do what's done before, how are you going to make any progress? Many people tend to stay in their comfort zone and never take risks. By taking risks, you're learning new things to enhance your knowledge. He said we should be encouragers and find solutions instead of asking why do we have to do things. "Developing God given talents to the utmost to become valuable to people around you," said Carson.This quote means all of us should be an asset to the world. Carson believes if we don't speak up for what we believe then we won't get where we want to be, which is true. In the words of Carson, he said values and principles that govern our lives will give us a successful nation.