Detroit Free Press from Detroit, Michigan • Page 61

if UJ CO 05 (O in cc a. Trojan Star Staff Editor-in-Chief: Jeneil Johnson Reporters: Lorl Blackshear, Kenvatte East, Johnnv Gaines, Eugenia Gary, Kenya Hoiion, Todd Johnson, Rogarlo Merritt, LaShanna Petty, Tawana Petty, Anitra Smith, Chanel Strange, Steven Thornton, Urshula Turner Adviser. Melanie E. Nunn English Dept. Head: John Aldrich Principal: Elijah Porter (All editorials are the consensus of the editorial board.) Tuesday, February 15, 1994 Henry Ford High School, 20000 Evergreen, Detroit, Michigan 48219 Vol.

8 No. 5 ii mi. 1" 111 "-V ISis" JZ ffers lesson in bl ack history, culture Students learn about Africa, before the slave trade, and get a better understanding of their heritage. "What I like about African American History is that I've learned things that I have never known," said 16-year-old Richard James. Warnock said her students make have them mate.

They would separate the mothers from their children just as if you had a dog you would have it mate with another one and sell the puppies," said 17-year-old Clinton Binion. Warnock's class meets everyday, second hour in room 105. first. However, after learning about African-American customs, culture, history, and activities, students seemed to be more receptive to the class. "I learned that our ancestors were treated like they were property.

People would get the young ones and 'l: ''X'i: ass 0 By LATRECE BROWN Staff Writer In the words of author James Baldwin, "Know from whence you came. If you know from whence you came there is really no limit to where you can go." Students in Kathryn Warnock's second-hour African American Stud- itxst I IKENGAS is a Swahili word meaning ll I 1 1 i 'hi pill the class special. Although she teaches her students about African American history, she is also an African-American role model. "I try to give students an opportunity to be creative," said Warnock. Warnock said that students appeared uninterested in the class at volved in more community activities, helping older citizens, food drives, and clothes drive for the needy," said Terrence Dennis, another founding member.

Founding member Corey Wilson said he joined "because it's fulfilling and it gives you morals." Founding members James Thornton, James Burrows, Ron Wilson, Tennell Williams, Derrick Holifield, and Kenneth Vanner, Michael L. Ellis, are also participating members who would like to see the organization branch out and achieve its goal to educate and improve males throughout Ford. I i ECENGAS teaches self-motivation By STEVEN THORNTON AND TODD JOHNSON Staff Writers If you're looking for a group that teaches self-motivation, the will to learn, and how to be a responsible young male, IKENGAS may be the answer. Many students within Henry Ford are under the illusion that joining IKENGAS will increase their popularity within school, and they view the organization as a time of social gathering amongst friends. But members of IKENGAS feel differently.

IKENGAS is an all-male organization at Henry Ford High School Close your to Africa of By NATOSHA SIMMONS Staff Writer Look deep into the pupils of my eyes; she is there. Close your eyes and go back, if you will, back to a time and place known only to those who bear the scars of the motherland's past. We were there, untouched and unknown before they came. The beauty that we aspired to had never been seen. We were kings and queens ruling our land and raising our children as heirs to the throne.

We were a self-educated people with the creativity of artists. Our painting, carvings, masks, and culture were that of pure elegance. We endured sorrow and experienced much celebration. We were a peaceful people before they came. Our land was fertile.

The animals roamed freely under the hot, morning sun. Our homes made of branches, mud, reeds or skins were a representation of our relationship with the earth. Together, we made the beauty and freedom of our land endless. This is the way it was before they came. We began to grow as a nation.

Our children grew older and our elderly died, yet we were unified. We were a family. We needed one another and we stayed together. Together we were fearless people, willing to die for our freedom, land, and families. We were a strong, yet peaceful nation.

We were a nation of love. That was one thing even they could not take from us. But even as the sun shone on the beauty of our people, they came. Suddenly, they destroyed our beauty, killed our animals, and stole our children. Many of our people were taken away by the big ship.

It was a long, terrifying trip for our children. We hear they sold them as slaves. We wept; and still, we weep silently. They had disrupted our peaceful nation. course, African-American History.

At least one student at Ford is upset that the class is not mandatory. "The African-American history class should be as mandatory as English, math and American history," said freshman Rachel George. This is our first Valentine's Day together. Continue to be patient, one day we will be together. "I CHERISH THE DAY." Love, Sleepyhead VV To the brother who has helped to improve unity and brotherhood in Henry Ford.

Continue to stay genu- me in your hearts as well as efforts. To IKENGA, From Todd 1 VV To my special friend and the one I love: I'm sending this Valentine straight from my heart because "You're Always On My Mind." Meika -n- Kala eyes, travel yesterday We were kings and queens ruling our land and raising our children as heirs to the throne. We were a self-educated people with the creativity of artists. The new land became a war ground, a war between us and them. Our celebration has turned to torment.

We no longer find education to be an answer. Now, jealousy and killing is the norm. No longer are men brothers, but they fight against one another. We look to drugs, alcohol, prostitution, or anything to cover our anger and hurt. Our hands, feet and hearts are bound by the chains of the past.

Many of us have no self-respect or family love. There is nothing to calm the fear that overcomes us. It is hard to believe that we were once the creative kings and queens, ruling our land and raising our children as heirs to the throne. They came; they took; they left. They took our freedom, our land, and our families.

Not even our fearless people could stop them. For we are a nation of beauty, but still our beauty is untouched and unknown. Now open your eyes. You can see my heart. It is full of the sorrow of my people.

Now you can see the way -the mother of my people cries. She is beauty; yet she is weeping Africa. By ANITRA SMITH Staff Writer The clubs and organizations at Henry Ford High School are planning several activities during the months of February and March. The Close-Up Foundation: The Close-Up Foundation is advised by Gladys Hobson and Carol Duncan. The group is hosting fund-raisers for.

their trip to Washington D.C. in April. Look for candy and Valentine's ballons being sold by Close-Up members. IKENGAS: The new club IKENGAS, which is Swahili for success, achievement and strength, advised by Jared Davis, is having its induction of new members on February 14-18. YES: Roberta Herter has formed a club called YES, meaning Young Educator's Society.

The month of February there will be an Afro-American Reading Chain and peer counseling during Wednesday's detentions. BPOJt BPOA, Business Professionals of Americans, advised by Sylvia Maddox, is going to be a part of the state Leadership conference at the Westin Hotel on March 4 through 6. Computer Club: The computer club advised by Kyle Hughes, is recruiting and plans to explore computer software for the month of February. Don't forget, February is Black History Month. There are several activities in school and around the city to celebrate black history.

ies class are getting a real sense of from whence they came by doing activities and projects that concentrate on their culture. Projects such as African cooking, jewelry, and mask making are just a few of the activities in which the students are engaged. i success, achievement and strength. that prides itself on improving male sensitivity, self-respect and respect towards others. IKENGAS is a Swahili word meaning success, achievement and strength.

Founding members and IKENGAS President Tierre Wright brain-stormed with Jared Davis on forming an all-male forum within Henry Ford at the beginning of the school year. "In society today the young black men are being condemned, and I refuse to sit back and let that happen without influencing as many young men as possible to a positive direction," said Davis, who is IKENGAS' adviser. cans who have helped to make history-There will be a program held in the auditorium today, Feb. 15, in commemoration of black pride. Some students feel that the Black History Month offers an excellent opportunity for students to learn This is a special Valentine's Day shout to that special guy in 218, third hour, from K.A.

'94. VV Happy Valentine's Day to Ms. Williams, we love you with a great big to the third power, from your fifth hour Algebra 4 class. VV Some shout-outs don't say enough, some go too far, this one says you're fine and that's what you are, to Ken Willis, from M.S. VV Happy Valentine's Day to Myra, Timothy, Sean and my Mom, Dad and cousin Glen, from Lisa Johnson co '97.

VV Hola, to Chilah. LaTonya, and Angela, you all get on my nerves, but Happy Valentine's Day anyway, from you know who. VV I don't have a girl, but if I did I'd rock her world. Happy Valentines's Day to all the fine young sisters of the class of '96. From The Player.

VV Campus Open House i i African Studies program helps boost knowledge By TAWANA PETTY Staff Writer In efforts to support Black History Month, Ron Wells, the Social Studies Department head, is sponsoring an African Studies program. Every year, February is dedicated to the recognition of African Ameri freshman at Ford, says, "It's not right to only bring your heritage to attention once a year." She says she feels African Americans should be studying their past throughout the entire year. Many students at Ford are given the opportunity to take the elective Members come from the 10th through 12th grades. New members are expected to fill out applications and undergo an interview with the founding members. Young men who have at least a 2.3 grade point average overall, are willing to talk to other students, and are able to take care of business at a professional and social level are welcome to join IKENGAS.

Founding member and Vice-President Titus Trotter hopes to see IKENGAS go on to bigger and better things. Trotter began to become involved with the male forum after he was approached by Wright. "I would like to see us get in black culture. Cliff Burks, a senior at Henry Ford, says he feels it is excellent for students to celebrate and become more aware of themselves. Others feel that February is not enough time to celebrate the history of an entire race.

Simone Gardner, a To a special, kind, loving, caring, and understanding friend, I love you, Cy-teria Canty, Happy Valentine's Day. Love your sister and friend Anitra Smith VV To Devon, We shared a special moment that I sometimes think you feel wasn't special. Tell me now how you feel, because I care. Jaws VV To my man Howard, Happy Valentine's, baby. If we work together, we can have many more days with each other.

Love ya, Your Woman VV To Mrs. Nunn, We all pray that you feel better and hope you have a Happy Valentine's Day. Yearbook and Newspaper VV Happy Valentines Day to Todd, Essence, Keonna, Arlene (Boo), Na Na. Happy Anniversary to my mom, Deborah Alexander. Happy Students shout out their feelings on Valentine's Day By TODD JOHNSON AND JOHNNY B.

GAINES Staff Writers Hugs and kisses. Valentine's Day may be behind us, but students still would like to send shout-outs to their friends, family or to that special someone. VV Happy Valentine's Day to Mike, Karen, T.C., Charles (I love you), Nee-sha, Fred and Cat. From Nicki co '94. VV Happy Valentine's Day to all those sweet, sexy singles out there, you know who you are! Tonya '94.

VV This special Valentine's shout-out goes out to a very sweet, very beautiful Tiffany Lowe, from a guy with a deep crush that knows he can only dream to be with you. VV Leann, I will always love you, because I have nothing, nothing, nothing if I don't have you. Happy Valentine's Day, from your baby, Bingo. '95 Birthday Dad. Arneisha To my big-kid family: Stay strong.

I love you all. Also to my best friend, Den-Den, I hope our friendship lasts forever. Happy Valentine's Day, Jeneil. This is your "baby sending a message with love. Happy Valentine's Day to my baby Corey (Co-Co).

Hugs Kisses, I love you. Key-Lo-Lo Happy Valentine's Day to Chris: I hope that our relationship will grow and, in time, we will be more than we are today. With love, Pineapple Head. VV Hi Rock, This is a shout to say how much I love you. You're my everything today and forever! Our love is infinity plus one! Your Baby Kensha VV To my "Strawberry rOlf inrl ITirOnSnri DOflKI Udy CllIU E-VClIlliy I rUyrdlllO 0t Inriilfirlliol frtt April as inuiviuUdi as you Hies Lawrence Tech offers over 30 degree programs in business and management, architecture, JL Tl engineering, arts and science and technology.

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