Donovan Rogers’ Thoughts About Cathy Black, The Ex-NYC’s School Chancellor.

Dear JFC Followers,

As you may know, the Mayor recently appointed Cathy Black as the NYC School Chancellor. Excitement on her behalf of getting the job, but the children and parents are far from excited and they have the right to be. Not only is she unqualified, she has no clue in what her duties now included.

I feel that the Mayor just decided to give a job to a friend that he wanted to bring into his own alliance without giving any thought to the educational needs of the students in the New York City School System. It is imperative that we have someone lead this system with education, business intelligence and training. The Mayor did not advertise this position or seek out the best qualified. It is just giving a friend a job without considering what is really needed. Mayor Bloomberg just demonstrated his lack of caring and knowledge in the field of education. He further demonstrates that he should not have control of the system because he has no professional education training either. Education is not like corporate America where what goes in should go out. We, the children are not widgets or magazines. We are humans who need an educational leader that understands our needs from all walks of life. We are important people who need a Chancellor who understands our needs in the 21st century today. The citizens of New York City now see that Mayor Bloomberg is just an uncaring person more concerned with control and power than the needs of our educational system.

Once Mayor Bloomberg finds a replacement, just maybe he will be respected again because education is a big part of children in any city. He claims New York City to be his work of art, then why does it have big blotches on this painting. Mayor Bloomberg, it’s time to own up to your mistakes and take action before your term is up! Ms. Black, I’m sorry but this just isn’t the job for you.

Your Friend,

Donovan Rogers

To read about the first mission trip to South Africa in 2008, please go to: http://angelrockproject.com/arp/projects/journey_for_change.asp

Journey for Change: Empowering Youth Through Global Service uplifts the lives of inner-city youth through global travel, volunteerism and advocacy work.  More information on the program can be found at www.angelrockproject.com.

Donovan Rogers on the Public Outcry for Gun Control

Dear JFC Followers, 

 What can I say about guns? Like all things, some people love them and some people hate them. Some people claim they are a threat to society, providing danger, and say that guns should be banned. Other people say the opposite; that guns are helpful to law-abiding citizens, providing security and comfort. No matter where you are, on either extreme side of the spectrum or somewhere in between, there is no question about the fact that guns can be dangerous. A gun in the hands of someone who does not know how to use it is a danger to the operator and the people around. However, if you get that same gun into the hands of someone who has had great gun training, like the gun training offered at Front Sight Firearms Training Institute, the gun has become a safety tool, a mode of self defense and a way to save lives. Guns have proven to be a superior form of self-defense time and time again, as they give the operator control over any situation and can be used at a distance! 

Yeah that’s all good, but if a gun falls into the wrong hands, things could turn deadly…real fast! The act to stop this is called gun control and can save many lives if illegal guns get into the hands of criminals. As you may know, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head in January while at a campaign rally in Tucson, Arizona. She was unarmed and defenseless, a sitting duck against her attacker who had a gun. If your attacker has a gun and is ready to use it, how would you feel if you just had your fists to protect you? If you’re lucky, you will end up in the hospital fighting for your life like Congresswoman Giffords. Unfortunately most people that are shot at close range like Congresswoman Giffords normally die from their injuries. This is why the gun control issue must be taken very seriously, because there is no reason that criminals should be able to get access to firearms. There is some shady backroom deals going on here in our country and the government should get to the bottom of it!

  Your Friend,

 Donovan Rogers

To read about the first mission trip to South Africa in 2008, please go to: http://angelrockproject.com/arp/projects/journey_for_change.asp

Journey for Change: Empowering Youth Through Global Service uplifts the lives of inner-city youth through global travel, volunteerism and advocacy work.  More information on the program can be found at www.angelrockproject.com.

Given the Recent Situation in Egypt, How Does Donovan Rogers Feel About Living in a Democracy?

Dear JFC Followers, 

 As you may know, citizens of Egypt recently held a revolution to fight for the right to live in a democracy as opposed to under the dictatorship rule of President Hosni Mubarak.  After two weeks of peaceful protests, they won their fight when the President resigned from his post and the military took over until democratic elections can be held in September. 

Dictatorship is absolute, imperious, or overbearing power or control. Democracy is government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents. Just by reading these simple descriptions, you can tell which government is better and more emotionally healthy for its people! Democracy is a set of principles that protects human freedom, and follows the standards of majority rule. In contrast to a dictatorship, where a dictator rules government and the government operates without the people’s consent, democracies decentralize and guard against all-powerful central governments breaking them down to regional and local levels. By uniting the people and its government, the country is able to communicate more and become superior which is a main reason why the United States of America is considered a super power. 

Democracy also allows the citizens to vote on who gets to rule the land like we do in America. If the right to vote no longer existed, the country would not survive as a democratic nation, but complete totalitarian would reign. This is why so many different people including African Americans, women, and immigrants fought hard to get the right to vote. Voting allows your voice to be heard…and it was Egypt’s turn to accomplish that goal!

To read about the first mission trip to South Africa in 2008, please go to: http://angelrockproject.com/arp/projects/journey_for_change.asp

Journey for Change: Empowering Youth Through Global Service uplifts the lives of inner-city youth through global travel, volunteerism and advocacy work.  More information on the program can be found at www.angelrockproject.com.

What Would Donovan Rogers Say to President Obama if he Could Speak with Him?

Dear JFC Followers,

  If I could spend five minutes with President Barack Obama in the Oval Office to speak about one critical issue, I would encourage him to keep his eye on the prize! Other people would have said gang violence or global warming etc., but I am focused on our future. No matter what any one person has negative to say about President Obama, I still think he is a one in a million kind of man. He is a man that you don’t get to meet very often. He is an astronomical leader and people fail to realize that. The Republican Party takes it upon them to belittle him when some Americans question whether he was the right choice. Well, I believe he is and if necessary I will stand-alone and say that against anyone who might not agree. I believe 200% in President Obama and that’s why I must have this conversation with him. I know firsthand when people try to knock you down by using words and sometimes it can get a little heavy! He just has to have faith that God is on his side.  If anyone can get us out of our economic crisis, it is President Barack Obama. For all you haters out there keep doing what you’re doing because what doesn’t break us can only make us stronger! If he gets stronger, there will be no doubt that he will prevail and be re-elected! This will be my birthday wish when I blow out those candles and President Obama has performed his prophecy…the prediction of a Black man changing the world and going down in history!

Your Friend,

Donovan Rogers

To read about the first mission trip to South Africa in 2008, please go to: http://angelrockproject.com/arp/projects/journey_for_change.asp

Journey for Change: Empowering Youth Through Global Service uplifts the lives of inner-city youth through global travel, volunteerism and advocacy work.  More information on the program can be found at www.angelrockproject.com.

Donovan Rogers’ College Choices

Dear JFC Followers,

Attending college should be a priority for all high school students. It’s one of the most important decisions we will make in our lives.

The two colleges I chose locally are John Jay College and Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.). I’m very interested in the Criminal Justice and Forensic Science programs at John Jay College. I’ve also always wanted to design sneakers, and everyone knows that in New York City, Fashion Institute of Technology is the school to attend if you’re interested in Art & Design.

The three out-of-state colleges I selected are Harvard University, Howard University and Yale University. Harvard and Yale are Ivy League schools that are very difficult to qualify for.  It would be great to list an Ivy League school on my future resume. I chose Howard University because our founder and leader Malaak Compton-Rock received her degree in Arts/Production Management from Howard University. I would seriously consider attending a historically black college or university such as this one.

  Finally, there is one other major I’ve been interested in for a long time…Veterinary Medicine. I chose this major because I love animals! The University of Pennsylvania is one of the top schools in the country to earn a degree in Veterinary Medicine. I also chose this school because my Auntie Shelley earned her Doctorate in Sociology there. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Sociology and Black Studies at Virginia Tech.

 Some people may have accomplished their goals without a college degree. However, I don’t want any obstacles standing in my way. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that employees with a college education earned nearly double the salary of those with only a high school education. It is clear to me the importance of earning a college degree!

Your friend,

Donovan Rogers

To read about the first mission trip to South Africa in 2008, please go to: http://angelrockproject.com/arp/projects/journey_for_change.asp

Journey for Change: Empowering Youth Through Global Service uplifts the lives of inner-city youth through global travel, volunteerism and advocacy work.  More information on the program can be found at www.angelrockproject.com.

What to Do About Students Low Reading Scores in New York by Donovan Rogers

Dear JFC Followers,

There have been numerous reports of New York’s public school fourth and fifth graders performing below grade average in reading and math. our drop out rate is also well over the national average. No child wants to feel like they can’t do something. It’s like a hard video game that they give up on. They also don’t want to feel embarrassed that their classmates are smarter than them. It’s possible that some students are struggling to understand, and are afraid to raise their hands for help because they are ashamed their classmates will make fun of them.

The only solution to this problem is for the schools to provide extra tutoring perhaps during lunch periods or after school. I experienced the same problem a few years ago when I was struggling with math. However, my parents made sure that I took advantage of various after school programs available to improve my skills. Kids learn at a much faster rate when they receive one-on-one sessions rather than in a classroom with 30 other students. Give the children the attention they deserve!

 Your friend,

Donovan Rogers

To read about the first mission trip to South Africa in 2008, please go to: http://angelrockproject.com/arp/projects/journey_for_change.asp

Journey for Change: Empowering Youth Through Global Service uplifts the lives of inner-city youth through global travel, volunteerism and advocacy work.  More information on the program can be found at www.angelrockproject.com.

The Importance of Social Media Sites by Donovan Rogers

Dear JFC Followers,

 Social Media is something we all take part in, whether it’s E-mail or the uprising Facebook, we all use websites to connect with people. Being a Facebook subscriber myself, I know how useful the people’s search can be. I can find old Elementary and Junior High School buddies I haven’t seen in a while. Even kids I knew from day care aren’t hard to find! This is all great, but some people are using Social Media to locate far more than just a former line partner or kindergarten classmate, they are using Social Media to spread awareness.

 On January 12, 2010, a 7.0 earthquake devastated Haiti, killing an estimated 200,000 people and leaving over a million homeless. Haitian-Americans were so sad because they couldn’t reach any of their family members after the earthquake hit. Herold Charles, who was one of four Teen Nick Halo Award honorees, used Twitter to help 25 families locate their loved ones! Then he began using his Twitter account to help guide relief organizations to the exact locations of people still trapped under debris texting for help.

He helped Haiti by just sitting in a computer chair and spreading awareness…we can do it too!

Sincerely,

Donovan Rogers

To read about the first mission trip to South Africa in 2008, please go to: http://angelrockproject.com/arp/projects/journey_for_change.asp

Journey for Change: Empowering Youth Through Global Service uplifts the lives of inner-city youth through global travel, volunteerism and advocacy work.  More information on the program can be found at www.angelrockproject.com.

Why President Obama’s Message isn’t Connecting With The American People? – Donovan’s Idea

Dear JFC Followers,

President Barack Obama, who initially seemed to be a God-given Angel, has lost a great deal of his supporters through polls taken this year (TV, internet, etc.). Not only is he losing, but also the Democrats are losing left and right including the past mid-term elections. Even though Democrats hold down the big seat, President Obama still requires other Democrats to support him. It’s kind of like having a King without any knights; hanging all out in the open by himself may eventually end his political career. Like the saying “a king with no army, is the peasant begging for his merciful life.” He can make all of the suggestions he wants to, but in the end, the Republicans that have a greater number will just reject it.

The next elections are far away, and we have to be the Democrats that he needs. Democrats care for the lives of the common people and it’s about time we common people stick up for ourselves. At the end of the day, we elected this man to run our country. Either way, we have to bare with him until the end of his term, so let it be our responsibility to not scold him for the things he hasn’t achieved, but praise him for what he has successfully changed. I know President Barack Obama can repair the economy, and I know he can end the war and bring the troops home. Have faith and believe, because Obama will Achieve!

Your Friend,

Donovan Rogers

To read about the first mission trip to South Africa in 2008, please go to: http://angelrockproject.com/arp/projects/journey_for_change.asp

Journey for Change: Empowering Youth Through Global Service uplifts the lives of inner-city youth through global travel, volunteerism and advocacy work.  More information on the program can be found at www.angelrockproject.com.

HIV/AIDS Awareness – Donovan’s Perspective

Dear JFC Followers,

 Over the past two months, the Journey for Change organization has begun to learn how to be advocates on behalf of HIV/AIDS in our community. When learning new information, I focus attentively because it is crucial that I know these helpful tips, so I can pass it on to my community. I treat my community as I would treat my cousin or uncle, an extended family that I want them to know these facts so they can prevent contracting the AIDS virus. Now, instead of spreading the virus, they can spread what they have learned and educate those that may be vulnerable. It is so important to raise awareness about this virus because soon, our numbers will be as high as Africa. I’m not degrading Africa, but it’s a shame to know that with all of the knowledge and medicine that we have available, we are still so compatible with a country that has very little. Once we better educate ourselves, maybe we can change American and African lives. We can slowly eliminate this virus one life at a time and the numbers will keep decreasing as time goes on. How can I be helpful toward this goal? I have a voice, and a strong one at that. I will make sure that all of Brooklyn learns their individual status, and what they can do to keep themselves alive. We can comfort those that haven’t been safe, and tell them that they aren’t at fault and people make mistakes. Also, remind them that they also have a voice to tell their stories, and if my voice can make a difference…so can theirs!

 Your Friend,

Donovan Rogers

 P.S. Journey for Change recently attended World AIDS Day at Brooklyn Borough Hall. It was such an educational experience and really opened up my mind. Check out all the photos of us on Facebook.com

Read More Blogs About World AIDS Day

Journey for Change: Empowering Youth Through Global Service uplifts the lives of inner-city youth through global travel, volunteerism and advocacy work.  More information on the program can be found at www.angelrockproject.com.

Joshua’s Nickelodeon HALO Award by Donovan Rogers

I’ve just finished watching the 2010 Halo Awards on Teen Nick, and man, what an inspiration! Not only have I gained more knowledge of why my fellow Journey for Change participant Joshua Hall was chosen to be honored, but also heard amazing stories of other young adults giving back and making a difference in the world. Joshua said that he looks up to Ashton Kutcher because he is determined to abolish the same global problem as Joshua, child slavery. Well, I look up to Joshua as a role model because of his compassion for child slaves of Ghana. He has rescued two of them so far, but he says that he’s not finished his mission. I love people with clear visions because they have the potential to become phenomenal members of society.  My friend and fellow Journey For Change Global Ambassador Joshua Hall is on the verge of becoming a great leader!

See Joshua Hall on Teen Nick Here