The kNOw Youth Media

theknowfresno.org

2009-03-10T20:52:00.000-07:00

Announcing The kNOw's new website: www.theknowfresno.org!!!

We will no longer be using this blog to post stories/articles from The kNOw. Please refer to new our new and improved website :o)

Congrats to Jesse!

2009-03-03T20:35:00.001-08:00

Youth journalist from The kNOw, Jesse Andrews, recently learned of his acceptance to Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA! Here, he writes to request your support:

Dear Family and Friends,

A wonderful opportunity has taken place in my life. I have begun to redefine the way young black men are looked at and portrayed in the media and on the streets, and that is by pursuing my dream to be a doctor, to help those in need through the learning and inspiration that I will receive while at college. I have applied for numerous colleges and my top choice was Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA.

Recently, I received a letter confirming my admission to Morehouse College! This is truly an honor and a blessing.

The statistics are overwhelming for the African-American male. There are over 40.7 million African Americans in the United States. It shocks me that only 1.2 million at the age of 25 and older have an advanced degree. I am inspired to encourage other young men. I may have grown up in poverty but I don't have to live that way forever. As I grow, I will learn to make the right choices. This is my opportunity to succeed.

Unfortunately, there are some stumbling blocks that I need to get over. With your help I can accomplish the goal that college has set before me. I need your help to get to Morehouse! There are a lot of expenses in going to a prestigious school like this one. 1) Airfare for myself and my father, 2) Room and Board Deposit, 3) Admittance Fee. Some provisions have been made to accommodate the expenses, but I have come up short.

I ask that you help me make my dream possible by donating $20 or more. It will go a long way for me! I thank you for your help and consideration. To make a contribution, please email me at: bjdandrews@aol.com.

Yours Truly,
Jesse DeMonte Andrews

P.S. To receive updates on my college experience, please email me!

Video: Teens and Sex

2009-02-26T09:56:00.000-08:00

This week, The Know youth discuss the issue of teens having sex too early or too young. Check out this video:

When Life At Home Breaks Down

2009-02-18T10:29:00.000-08:00

By The kNOw Youth Media

Fresno, CA—Family and home life situations, from absent parents to growing pains, can have tremendous emotional and mental impact on young people. Where family can be the source for one’s success in life, these young writers from The kNOw share stories of how issues at home can create stressful situations and questions about the future.

To An Absent Father
It’s going to be nine years since the last time I saw you. I was eleven and now I’m 20, next month I’ll be 21.

Do you ever think of me? I think of you from time to time. I want you to know I forgive you. I’m not holding any grudges against you. Not having you in my life has made me who I am today. I love myself for who I am. There was a time when I didn’t love myself. I had low self-esteem and I hated my life, but not anymore. You weren’t there for a reason. It just wasn’t meant to be, but your mistake set me free.

Who knows who I would be today if you had been in my life. With the pain and hurt from your absence, I developed into a beautiful young lady. I love people and I show them I care. Sometimes I stop and stare at what I don’t know. But thoughts of you come to mind, wishing you were here. You were more of a father to me through your absence, rather than if you would have called or visited. Please don’t think these are words of anger because they aren’t. Can I tell you how I feel? This is it, with all serenity.

I love you through it all. It was better to not know you, than to know you and have you walk out of my life like you did when I was very young. You never cared. That’s what my younger siblings have to go through. I’m grown now and I’m secure. But if you want something or someone to worry about, think of your children who are younger than me. They are the ones who need you right now. They are in need of the father they once knew. They look a lot like you. Let my forgiveness motivate you to be there for them. Do right for them, and by doing that, you will have done right for me.
-Laqusha, 20

Growing Pains
Just before I went to sleep last night, I thought about me. I’m finally going to turn 18 this week. It’s not like I’m not happy, but it’s just hard to face the reality that I’m an adult. I have more options, more doors open, which means I have more complex decisions to make, like if I should leave home now or wait for another month until I get an apartment. And if I leave home now, where would I stay? And will I be comfortable staying there? I know it’s just about every teenagers’ dream to be 18, but to my surprise, it’s not every thing it’s cracked up to be right now. At this point, I wouldn’t mind a little vacation time, just to travel back to when things didn’t matter at all, like maybe when I was around the age of 6 or 7…no wait, make that 5. Then I drifted off to sleep.
-Patrice, 18

Broken Family Photo
Growing up, my family rarely ever gets the chance to take family pictures, and when we did, it wouldn’t include everyone. We still don’t have a family picture that is complete, but we do have one picture that comes pretty close. This picture was taken when I was about 3 or 4 years old, and in this picture are both my parents and three of my four brothers, and then me. I love this picture because it reminds me of my childhood and my brothers.

In my family, I grew up as a little baby sister who followed her brothers everywhere. I have nothing but older brothers, and they aren’t exactly perfect brothers but I love them still. When I see this picture of our almost-complete family, it sometimes makes me sad because it makes me feel like our family is broken.

My oldest brother is in and out of prison and always away from his own family. Another brother is going to the Air Force and is hardly home. And then me, I am hardly home now since I am always at school or doing some activity.

Whenever I see this almost-complete family picture, it makes me hope that one day our family will be complete again, and that I could see my brothers everyday. It makes me wish I could have a complete family picture, one that has both parents, my four older brothers, and me. I always imagined this picture could be taken at my graduation, but the way things are going now, it looks as if this picture I always imagined will be just like the last one, with both my parents and just three of my four brothers, and then me.
-Arena, 16

Hanging By A Thread
Before I went to sleep last night, I thought about how I am at a time in my life when things just aren’t simple. I find myself wishing for the old days, the ones that I used to wish would end. I feel useless, almost powerless in the world I live in. I have no job, virtually no skills, no money, so why so much stress? That’s exactly it. I can’t really do anything without money. I need it for almost everything. Without a job and further schooling, I’m pretty much frozen in this predicament.

Home is no longer my refuge. I feel helpless and vulnerable. To my mother, not getting a job during a recession is “acting up”. Not taking classes I can’t pay for at some trade school is a “disappointment”. Hanging out and seeing new places with my boyfriend when there’s absolutely nothing to do at home suddenly makes me “like a tramp”. When someone says things like that to you, you feel small. Your pride is crushed and you feel like a complete failure. I want to give up on life, not necessarily die, but to just halt my overwhelming troubles until I could strain them and see what I should take care of first.

By now, I guess most people would feel complete, but I feel like I’m an egg that hasn’t hatched, or like I have unfinished business. I don’t feel like I had the chance to do the things most teenagers got to do, like driving a car, hanging out, or going to parties. The person inside of me wants to live, but the real world is telling me to grow up and move on.

I don’t know what to do. I feel like I am a constant disappointment, a burden to everyone around me. I scramble to find quick-fix solutions, such as selling my own crafts to earn money, but nothing ever seems to be enough. I try, but I’m scared to try harder in fear that I will create this horrible domino effect of making more problems. I am almost at my wits end, but I’m hanging on by a thread, a cheap one at that. I want to be successful, and have my own business someday. Once I get away from home, I think I’ll be able to make that happen.
-Jaleesa, 19

My Awesome Dad
If I could, I would have stopped my dad’s death about three years ago. He was the provider for our family, the rule, and the protector. When he was alive, I never noticed what he did. I was probably ignorant or maybe just too young to notice, but my whole life has changed ever since he died.

My dad was a leader among our Thao clan relatives, and everyone showed up at our family gatherings. I always thought that was how it would be no matter what, but sadly, I was wrong. The last big gathering our house went through were the three dreadful days of getting ready for my dad’s funeral. I was amazed by all of the people who came to pay their respects. There were even cousins I had never met before. But these days, no more than 25 people gather in our house when we have family gatherings. My dad was someone who helped out everyone, but now, it feels like no one is helping us back.

If I could tell my dad something today, I would tell him that it feels like there is no one who loves my family anymore. I’d tell him how the other relatives don’t care. I’d tell him that life without a real man in the house is hard. Everyone looks down at us and no one seems to respect my mom.

I’d want my dad to tell me how proud he is of me and my success with The kNOw. I know my dad would be showing my articles to the whole world and he would be proud that one of my articles got re-published in a popular Hmong magazine. I want him to read my articles out loud and tell me he is proud to have me as his daughter.

I would tell him that he is a great dad and that he taught me well. I would tell him I miss him and love him very much. I would give him a hug and a kiss on the cheek even though a lot of Asian dads aren’t very affectionate—he wasn’t. I would spend a lot of time with him. I’d want him to know that he is my hero.
-Angelina, 16

The kNOw Issue 4, Winter 08-09

2009-02-03T09:38:00.000-08:00

Hot off the press! We just the released the 4th issue of The kNOw youth magazine! Find a copy at your local library/cafe, or email Mai Der for a copy. Stories include:

- Death In The Family: Coping With Life's Tragedies (By Peter Chhan)
- Locked In Without A Key: The Story Of My Life At Home (By "Kamryn")
- Let Me Live! A Letter To My Parents (By "AJ")
- Hmong Shamanism: A Dying Craft (By Dasen Thao)
- Broken Hmong History: Finding My Culture (By Angelina Thao)
- Enlightened Heart: Searching For God, Finding Myself (By Marcus Vega)
- Depression: My Own Painful Story (By Jaleesa Vickers)
- Looking In: Overcoming My Life As An Outcast (By "Marie")
- Left Behind: My Struggle With Family And School (By "Nana")
- Dropping Out On Success: An Epidemic Among Teens (By Jesse Andrews)
- Drop Out Crisis In Fresno (By Roberto Corralejo & Jennifer Gaxiola)
- Grades And Graduation: My Fight To Succeed (By "Violet")
- Miss Independent: Landing My First Real Job (By LaKenya Stamps)
- False Imprisonment: A Day In The Bay (By Kevis McGee)
- The Beat Within: Fresno Writings
- The kNOw Blog Writings
- The kNOw Youth Forum Findings On School Violence
- Photos: Our City (By The Know Youth and Joseph Smooke)
- Damaged By Love: My Story (By Demar Duncan)
- Hip Hop Mimi: My Sister, My Inspiration (By Patrice Word)
- Youth Alliance: My Home Away From Home (By Jaleesa Vickers)

The Bullies I Know

2009-02-01T13:06:00.000-08:00

New America Media, Commentary, Various Authors, The kNOw -- Fresno Youth Media, Posted: Jan 31, 2009

Editor’s Note: The Fresno Unified School District recently announced its plan for a $1.3 million, five-year initiative to reduce the chronic bullying which plagues its schools and students. The initiative will bring in experts to assess the problem and design strategies for reducing bullying and could become a blueprint for schools nationwide. The kNOw Fresno Youth Media Editor Mai Der Vang asked the kNOw writers to talk about the subject of bullying and their own experiences.

Marcus, 19, African-Hispanic-American
As I rested against the fence, engaged in a conversation with a friend, I felt a foot push into my back. It felt as though a tidal wave came over me. My mind transformed from the reflective young boy into a stream against a rock as I turned to see who acted in this manner. I caught a visual of an older Hispanic boy laughing and running away.

Why was I chosen for this foolish act? Had I hurt someone? No!!

I raced after him, fist clenched tightly. I stepped forth with my left foot turned and let off a blow with my right hand directly to the back of the boy’s head. He began to stumble. I took a defensive stance. My friend watched with a grin, poised for combat as I stood there breathing softly with a few teardrop stains on my cheeks. My heart was thumping like I was on crystal meth. The boy walked away. This wasn’t the last time we would engage in a physical confrontation.

This was my seventh-grade year. This problem arose out of racial slurs that were flung in my direction because of my yellowish, brown skin, which resembles that of someone from the Middle East. I had an early fascination with Islam that fueled the ignorance of a few who only threw stupid comments, like calling me a “Hindu”, which happens to be a religion, not an ethnicity, or the title “Arab,” which is far from what I am. I constantly told them that I am mixed between Native American, African American and Hispanic. My facial structure and green eyes didn’t help.

Victoria, 16, Laotian-American
You’ve been through it and I’ve been through it. I thought it was normal to punch guys and call them “girly”. Yes, I was a tomboy. It had never occurred to me that I was a bully, until I made a boy cry in eighth grade. I was stunned when this happened. Boys in school even nicknamed me “man beater.” I’ve come to understand that this behavior has something to do with low self esteem.

I learned to stand up for the victims of bullying because I realized the truth behind each perspective. I have been bullied, too. Although it was teasing and not physical violence, it was still hard to go through. Those annoying girls were causing me to hurt myself. No, I wouldn’t cut myself, but I would punch walls and doors until my hand would bruise. Of course, that did not help either. I learned how to stand up for myself.

When I see someone else stand up for himself or herself, I support them. I have a lot of respect for those who are strong enough to stand up for themselves.

Bullies and victims are alike. They both go through problems each day. The bully is angered by a problem and they’ll direct their anger toward an easy target. Should you punish and ignore the bully and direct all the comfort to the victim? I don’t think so. I believe there’s a reason behind every emotion, but it’s your choice to act appropriately.

Demar, 18, African-Hispanic-American
When I was young, in the sixth grade, I was on the football and baseball teams. The other boys on my team called me names and told me I was not good because I didn’t act the way they did. The reason they picked on me was because I didn’t look at girls the way they did or play around with them. So they called me names.

I was a very shy boy when I was young. At the end of the school year, I was angry with these boys teasing me. My stepfather also bossed me around and hit me a lot. I had a lot bottled up inside. When I reached middle school, I picked on smaller boys. I made them do things that made me laugh. I also had them do my homework. The boys who teased me in sixth became my friends and were a little scared of me.

By eighth grade, you could say I owned the school. The girls knew me and the boys feared me. I was enjoying it all. I was always in the office, but I didn’t get caught for the fights I got in. My stepfather didn’t do much after that. I didn’t show fear. So life got better for me. I thought sports would make me the star of the school, but I saw how the fear of other students gave me power and fame. I needed that. When I hit high school, as a freshman, I stopped what I was doing. I lost the fame I had but I didn’t care because no one picked on me.

Dasen, 17, Hmong-American
Growing up as an Asian boy in West Fresno was difficult. I personally went through being bullied by many. As far back as I could recall, it started when I became a second grader. I was pushed down by an African-American boy. To prevent problems, I just walked off. To be honest, he was a lot taller and bigger than me.

The very next day, he came up to me again and called me a racial name, like “chinky-eyes” and verbally attacked me to get on my nerves. I didn’t want to attack him back because my parents were strict. If I ever got a phone call from the school, I knew the consequences I would face.

So I played deaf whenever he came around to bug and bully me. I wanted to reach out and tell the teacher but I was afraid that the kid would come for me after school.

I’m the type of person that keeps everything inside and won’t complain about it until it bursts out. However, when I became a fifth grader, the boy’s friends started to pick on me to relieve their anger. Knowing I wouldn’t do anything back to them, they would come around and push me after they got into an argument or lost a stupid basketball game.

Finally, my feelings were overflowing and my mind was going out of control. My friends were also being attacked individually when we were not together at recess time. Knowing this made me angry and I talked with my friends about fighting back.

The following day we all agreed to back each other up if anyone tried to bully us. There the deal was made and our first attacker was the Mexican kid, a friend of the kid who attacked me. He made faces at us and called us out to rumble with him. My friends didn’t want to be the first ones to strike at him and get in trouble so we waited until his first strike. Fortunately, nothing happened and we went to class after that.

Later that day, I gathered with my friends before going home. The Mexican kid and his group attacked us and all my friends ran away while I stood my ground. They circled me and shoved me onto the ground and began to kick me. When the campus security came, they all took off and I was taken to the office.

Anna, 18, Mexican-American
Many people get picked on whether it’s behind their back or in front of them. In my opinion, I don’t believe there is one person in the world who hasn’t been picked on. It could be either from a family member, a so-called friend, or a stranger. Everyone has been made fun of at some point in his life.

People bully others because that person was probably bullied before. In my case, I was one of the persons who got picked on. As a child, I was picked on because of my weight and the way I dressed. I didn’t like playing with Barbies or dressing up like other little girls. I was into toy cars, video games, skate boarding, and most things that boys were into. I didn’t wear dresses, skirts, make up or anything that made me look like a girl. I was into baggy clothes and getting dirty. People at school considered me one of the guys and a lot of times many wondered why I didn’t dress like a girl.

I was seven years old and it was the beginning of fourth grade. My hair was super short and I weighed about 130 pounds. I was pretty big for my height and age.

His name was Raul, and he was super attractive. When I met him I thought he was a nice person, and I started to have a crush on him. As the school year went by, he found out I liked him. He would tell me that I looked nice and in a way flirted with me. Some of his friends would tell me he liked me, and others would say he wanted to ask me out.

I got excited and happy. I started to talk to him on the phone and started to trust him. I told him secrets I would not have told anyone. After three days of talking to him the bullying began. It was sort of like blackmail. He started to tell his friends what I told him and as the days went by, the whole school found out my deep secrets. They made fun of me and called me names.

I stayed quiet and I didn’t talk to anyone. I ignored my friends and tried to fake a smile to my family. I was scared and ashamed to show my face at school. My eyes would look at the ground when I walked down the hall. I wouldn’t give eye contact to any students, staff or teachers. I felt like my world had come to an end.

Angelina, 16, Hmong-American
It was the first day of high school when I saw her; she was being shown the way to her classes by her older sister. I thought that was sweet of her sister. I knew her two older sisters because the oldest one was my brother’s girlfriend. She was a short Asian girl with a big, pink backpack. On the second day of school I saw her again but this time I didn’t see any of her sisters with her.

For two weeks straight I passed by her sitting all alone at lunch in the hallway of the math classes. I wondered to myself if she ever ate lunch before or if she even knew where to go to get lunch. I asked my brother’s girlfriend about her youngest sister and why she was transferred from Roosevelt to Edison. And she told me some students at Roosevelt were mean and would make fun of her little sister. I felt sad for her.

One day I worked up my courage and confidence and I just went up to her at lunch and said ‘hi’ to her! She was really positive and a bit clumsy but with a big bright smile. She said ‘hi’ back and asked for my name. To tell the truth, I couldn’t really understand her. She can’t really speak clearly and she often leaves out words.

I asked her to lunch and she was really glad and happy. She was really talkative. She didn’t get her Edison ID card yet so she used her Roosevelt one. I asked her how come she didn’t go and get her Edison ID card and she told me that she didn’t know. Of course, I didn’t expect her to know where to go and get it, so after school I went down to the school’s activity director and asked for her ID card. I felt really good because I know that she would be really happy. The next day I gave her the ID card and she was really happy. I told her that her picture looks great and she agreed. She was still like a little kid and I felt protective of her. I didn’t want anything bad happen to her.

My brother’s girlfriend came over and she told me that her youngest sister changed ever since she started hanging with me at lunch. At first I was scared because I thought that I was being a bad influence, but actually what my brother’s girlfriend meant was that she was a lot happier now. She told me of how her youngest sister would come home really happy each day telling her that she has a Hmong girl friend.

I don’t understand how people could just pass people by and not notice that they are lonely and sad or just need someone. And I don’t see the fun of making fun of other people or how it could boost up their confidence. I think that all people need to do to prevent bullying is have people there to help the victims and the bullies get along.

I don’t think that all the money that is being used on bullying is necessary. In fact, I think that the program that we have now is already good, it just needs more improvements. I think that all schools should have a buddies club. It could be a club where you go and grab lonely freshmen and other kids and be friends with. The members of the club need to be understanding and kind-hearted. I think that with a club like this is worth a try.

Gracie, 16, Mexican-American
A small girl with long dark brown hair, purple glasses that tinted in the sun, white collar shirt and a navy blue skirt. An awkward but loving girl. As she walked down the hallway to go to her first grade class, a pack of boys started walking behind her, teasing her and calling her names. One stuck his foot out and tripped her, which caused her to fall into a puddle of mud. She ran off crying to the office telling the office manager what happened, but nothing was ever done about it.

Sadly, this little girl who got pushed into the mud was me. The next day, I wasn’t going to take these little boys’ crap. When they tried to do the same thing again, I turned around and punched one of them in his face, which caused us to fight and got me suspended.

Now, I know some may think that bullying isn’t a problem, but it is. Kids and teens can’t stand being made fun of or anything of the sort, which causes them to have crappy futures. Take for instance the Virginia Tech shooting. The gunman was made fun of all his life for his speech impediments, which probably caused him to do the thing he did, and I’m pretty sure no one wanted that to happen.

Video: Bullying

2009-01-29T12:07:00.000-08:00

It's a serious issue, and it happens more than we know...bullying! Check out this video we produced. You can also watch it Friday, 1/30/09, on KSEE 24 during the 4PM newscast. It has also been posted to the KSEE 24 You News TV website, here.

Open Workshop today!

2009-01-26T10:14:00.000-08:00

Today, The kNOw youth will hold an Open Workshop, from 4-6PM at New Millennium Charter School in West Fresno (803 Fresno St). The topic is on "bullying". This meeting is open to any young person who wants to come learn more about The kNOw and hang out.

Youth Graduation Empowerment Project - UPCOMING SUMMIT

2009-01-22T16:57:00.000-08:00

Did you know that the high school student drop-out rate in California is almost 25%, meaning that 1 out of 4 students drop out? We can't believe it's that high, but we know it's happening. We see it happening all too much.

WE'RE CALLING ALL YOUNG PEOPLE! Together with the Center for Multicultural Cooperation and Fresno County of Office Education, come join us Saturday, January 31, 2009 from 9:30AM-3PM at the Sanctuary in downtown Fresno (2336 Calaveras St) to learn more about this issue and share your opinion as to how we can solve this crisis. To register: contact Aleiba Moreno, amoreno@fcoe.org or 559-265-3002.

It's time to do something about this issue!

Fresno Teens Weigh In On Obama’s Goal To ‘Remake America’

2009-01-20T23:09:00.000-08:00

Fresno, CA—In his inaugural address, 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, declared “Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin the work of remaking America.” To accomplish this daunting task involves not only our government but the contribution and voice of all citizens in the nation, especially our young generation. The kNOw youth provide their perspective on this historic occasion and what it means to ‘remake America’.

My Vision
When I heard the phrase “remaking America”, the first thing that came to mind was a pretty and greener, new America. To me, remaking America means more opportunities for youth to get involved and help their community. I could see me being a big help to the community somehow. In my head, I saw a lot of people coming together to help stop problems in the community, like air pollution or littering. I saw money coming back to help young people get an education. I also saw a lot of youth being independent and getting ready for their careers. I’m not sure how long it will take for my vision to come true, but I know that President Obama is the one who will help start this vision.
-Angelina, 16

Remake Ourselves
As of now, our country is broken and divided. We are in a recession, soon to be depression, and we continue to be in conflict with the Middle East. Yes, America does need to be “remade”. I believe it means that we are so flawed we are in ruins, and even we as people can’t pull ourselves together. As our economy crumbles before us, it is now almost impossible for the “American Dream” to be fulfilled.

I am young, I have a diploma, but it gets harder and harder for me and other youth to get a job. I’m still confused as to how this all happened. In our society, if you don’t have a job, you’re nothing. I don’t want to end up being nothing forever.

America is supposed to be a place where everyone can be “free”, employed, housed and fed. That whole ideal is diminishing more and more each day. In a way, I believe that we’ve made this problem for ourselves, but we have to find ways to fix it and pay for it. We made our bed, now we must lie in it.

I think it’s unfair that we want our new President to fix every problem that our former President and we created. We’re too lazy to do anything. We have grown weak and now expect our government to fix every little problem we have. Whatever happened to us being strong, driven people?

I believe that to remake America, we have to remake ourselves. No matter our President, this country is no good and powerless if we just run away from our problems. I, along with others, have to take responsibility for what we have created for ourselves.
-Jaleesa, 19

Remaking America Means Change
To me, as a youth growing up in today’s society, remaking America means change. Change in our health care system. Change in our education system. Most importantly, and hopefully, change in our economy. Change needs to happen to remake America.

We need to change our health care system so that everyone can have health care. If everyone could have access to health care, then maybe our country would be healthier.

We also need improvements in our education system. For instance, we need to bring back all the “hands-on” classes that were taken away because of budget cuts. We need the wood shop classes, the auto shop classes, the art classes, and others. We also need to stop taking money from our schools. As youth, we are the future of America, and if we aren’t given a good education, with books and a good environment in school, then how can we be the future? How can adults expect to lower drop out rates when they keep taking money from schools?

We also need to fix our economy. As youth, we want to work and gain experience but how can we when many adults are losing their jobs, causing them to fill new jobs that we are trying to get? Jobs are difficult to come by these days, and not only that, it seems like all we do is spend, spend, spend. This recession sucks, and it seems like the expenses just keep piling up.

In order to remake America, we have to change.
-Arena, 16

The America I Love
Remaking America means we are going through a bad time and saying we need to change. In order to change, we need money, and without money, we cannot change much. As a young person, I am the future. But right now, I need work and without that, I can’t help remake America as I want it to be. If that opportunity was open to me, I know I would not be in this place. I had to drop out of school because I couldn’t pay for bills and stay in a safe place to sleep. So yes, we have too many things to change and I hope we can all help remake America into the place I know and love.
-Demar, 17

Dusting It Off
“What a man, what a man, what a man, what a mighty good man” are the lyrics that run through my head when I think of President Barack Obama. His inaugural speech was powerful, inspirational and full of hope. He recognizes that we as a nation have made mistakes, we have made our share of failures, but he also realizes that it doesn’t mean it’s over for us.

At one point, I felt like people had given up on our country. I thought we were on our way down. But through President Obama’s words, I realized that we must fall first in order to get back up.

President Obama has given me hope, not only as a citizen but also in my personal life. I have failed and I have fallen, but I won’t stay dusty. I have begun dusting off. I went to college for three semesters and I didn’t do well. I fell, but earlier this year, I began the work of getting back up to remake my future. I’m back in school.
-Laqusha, 20

Obama Inauguration

2009-01-20T11:25:00.000-08:00

By Jesse Andrews

The inauguration of President Barack Obama to me means change. I come from a family of alcoholics and drug addicts. I am 17 years old. My life was not easy. I have overcome the pressures of generational curses and have been drug and alcohol free. This means change for me. That there is still hope for my future, that I should never give up, and that I will continue to press forward.

The inauguration gives me the sense of endless possibilities. That just because I am poverty stricken does not mean I have to stay that way. The inauguration day will mark an important day of my success as an African American male who has all the odds against him. It gives me the courage to pursue my dream of going to college to become a doctor, doing the things I love best, helping people.

On my resume, my job objective states, “To inspire, educate and grow in the present world while lending a hand to those that are in need, in my community and in my life.” I can’t forget those who are struggling because I know what it is to struggle. As a senior in high school, I had to support myself the whole four years. Yes my father is around but he couldn’t pay for the various activities that I was part of keep to keep myself off the streets and out of gangs.

I know that being able to watch and keep up with Barack Obama was the best decision I have made in my life, along with saying no to drugs, telling people I don’t do those types of things, and being community-minded while making a difference in West Fresno. I have helped encourage myself through helping others.

This historic day marks the day of my success! I am proud to be an awesome role model to my brothers and sisters that they can achieve greatness because greatness is within. They can see that I didn’t fall in the trap that was set for me and didn’t fall for the negativity. I have made great progress and I am a testimony for other young men like myself. That’s what the inauguration means to me.

Issue 4

2009-01-06T12:36:00.000-08:00

Be on the lookout for our fourth issue, to come out mid-January 2009. As a preview of what you’ll find in this next issue, here’s a brief excerpt from the Reader’s Note:

“In addition to sharing opinions and writing about community/youth issues at The kNOw, we often write about our lives. Whether it’s dealing with depression (p. 8), feeling as though we’ve been left behind in school (p. 10), living with overprotective parents (p. 2), searching for love (p. 18), or coping with the tragic loss of someone close (p. 1), these stories remind us all that life can be painful as a teen.

In this profoundly moving issue, The kNOw writers push themselves to reveal the deep hurt that can be caused by family, school and social circumstances. It takes courage to make yourself vulnerable as a writer, to reveal weakness and pain to readers you do not know, or perhaps to know that those you write about will read these very stories. This courage can only make us stronger as people and more skilled as writers.”

Issue 4 mags will be distributed at local libraries, schools, and cafes around town. To request your own copy in advance, email: mvang@newamericamedia.org.

Events: School Violence/Drop-Out

2009-01-06T12:33:00.000-08:00

1. School Violence Training
The Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health and Department of Children and Family Services, through the Mental Health Services Act, will host a free SCHOOL VIOLENCE TRAINING on Friday, January 30, 2009 from 10AM-2PM at the Cornerstone Conference Center (1545 Fulton St in Fresno) to help adults learn and participate in training that addresses violence at schools, school shootings and mental health. A presentation will be made by Dr. Tony Beliz, Ph.D., Deputy Director for the LA County Department of Mental Health Emergency Outreach Bureau, and guest speakers will include:
• Henry Perea, Fresno County Board of Supervisors, District 3
• Giang T. Nguyen, Mental Health Director, Fresno County
• Catherine A. Huerta, Director, Dept of Children and Family Services
• Junus Perry, Fresno Police Officer
For more information, or to RSVP by January 23, 2009, call 559-452-3460.

2. Drop-Out
Over 1/3 of Fresno students drop out of school before they graduate. Students should have a voice in solving this crisis! The Fresno County Office of Education and the Center for Multicultural Cooperation will host the FRESNO YOUTH GRADUATION EMPOWERMENT SUMMIT on Saturday, January 31, 2009 from 9:30AM-3PM at The Sanctuary (2336 Calaveras St in Fresno). For more information, contact Aleiba Moreno, amoreno@fcoe.org, 559-265-3002.

Let's Stay Together

2009-01-05T13:39:00.000-08:00

By LaKenya Stamps

“Leeeet’s, let’s stay together…loving you whetherrrr, whetherrr times are good or bad, happy or sad.”

My grandma and I vowed we would always stay together as Al Green emphasized. She would be cooking in the kitchen, making her famous peach cobbler for the family. Then the radio would sing “Smooth Jazz 96.7”. Soon after, “our song” would come on, “Let’s Stay Together.” We would dance and sing all throughout the kitchen until my stubborn sister would come in with an attitude. But her attitude didn’t stop our vibe. We danced for the whole two minutes and something seconds and even afterwards.

My grandmother is no longer with us. She has passed on. But every time that song comes on, I still dance and sing as if she was right there with me, telling me let’s stay together.

Video: Cultural X-Mas Celebrations

2008-12-19T09:45:00.000-08:00

Have you ever thought about how different cultures celebrate this holiday time of year? Well we did. Check out our most recent video. You can also catch it TODAY on KSEE 24, Friday 12/19 during the 4PM newscast, or click here to see it on the KSEE 24's You News TV website (or click below).

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from The kNOw!

(BTW, be on the lookout for our fourth issue, set to release in early-January. More details to come.)

Poem: The Fact

2008-12-09T12:07:00.000-08:00

By Victoria Phosykeo

The fact that I’m smiling
when I’m sad.
The fact that I’m laughing
when I’m angry.
The fact that no matter what
I won’t break this character,
but until I do.
I will lose the friends I thought I would have to infinity
are gone by the seconds.
In this day, this one day
Everything is gone and far.
So however I try to write it out,
to sing it out,
to SCREAM it out,
it’s there
and it’s crappy.
It’s called loneliness.
The fact that stress will never go away.
The fact that hate never fades away.
The fact that now an enemy is called a friend.
The fact that I’m angry and I can’t be.
So I must put a smile;
tell a joke, and laugh;
when inside
everything is crumbling.

Video: Dealing With Consequences

2008-11-20T15:40:00.000-08:00

Do teens think about the consequences of their actions? Check out this video from The kNOw. You can also catch it on KSEE 24, Friday 11/21 during the 4PM newscast, or view it here at KSEE 24's You News TV website (or do the easy thing, and just click below).

Poem: Untitled

2008-11-13T12:28:00.000-08:00

By Anna Gil

Songs grow old
People do too.
Soda gets cold
After marching in the blue.
Movies show drama
Like a house under water.
My eyes grow weary
After seeing you fall each hour.
Your mind gets lost
Each time someone leaves.
Your heart shuts down
After you fall asleep.
My love gets strong
Each time you close your eyes.
So lets write a poem
To make this sound right.
And maybe make a song
After Romeo and Juliet move on....

Poem: Lonely Star

2008-11-10T13:22:00.000-08:00

By Demar Duncan

Me!
The one who I think is great.
I see my friends happy and
I am great but now
I am away from them
I don't matter like I used to
I was the one they came to
When they had a problem
Now what do I get?
Nothing and nothing am I.
What in the world do I have now?
But, that's what I get when you push them away.
To think that people that you once loved are gone.
Now look at yourself
The lonely star that will never shine the same way.
What group of stars want you?
No one, that's who.
That's why I am......the lonely star.

Obama Victory!

2008-11-06T11:07:00.000-08:00

It's been an emotional high for many of us celebrating the unprecedented victory of Barack Obama, the first African American president of the United States! We know there are many challenges and questions that lie in the months and years ahead, but we can at least breathe a sigh of relief knowing that change is around the corner, knowing that Americans desire something better, knowing we have just witnessed history...The kNOw Youth had something to say as well:

Demar, 17
I’m happy that Obama won. He’s for the people so I know my voice will be heard. Obama has a lot of work to do for us and we have a lot to say so it makes it hard for him to think about things for the youth and teens because we have to deal with what happened in the past. Obama has to know that the U.S. is not an easy country to run and he will have to work hard for the people.

Laqusha, 20
I’m very excited and overwhelmed with joy that Obama is president of the USA! I am now proud to be an American. It’s so cool to see a minority as president. Aside from everything else that qualifies Obama to be president, it’s a plus that he is African American. He gives our people hope.

Gracie, 16
For me personally, I’m just very glad that Election Day has passed. The president has been picked and we can all move on with our lives. I’m sick and tired of people always talking about politics and sending me text messages that state the tallies for the presidential runners, which weren’t very accurate. Although I’m very disappointed that Prop 8 passed in California, there’s always room for change in the future. With the future generations, we are getting our voice out there. If people don’t like it then that’s too bad because our voices are meant to be heard and will be heard.

Peter, 16
I am really happy that a new person was elected because I despised Bush for being in office for too long. I’m glad that America has pivoted away from an only white male president. For me, I am pro-Democrat because the conservative ways are pro-industrial and pro-business which isn’t all too healthy for our natural lands. I also come from a low-income family, which the Democratic party helped. I am not too happy about all the propositions that did and didn’t pass because I was against prop 8 and 1A but I can’t say anything because I’m not 18 yet.

Anna, 17
Tuesday, November 4, 2008 is a day that will always be remembered. A day that made history. Many people were happy, and some were angry from the results. I believe that everything that happened was done for a reason. Even though I didn’t agree with some of the propositions that were passed, I believe that sooner or later everything will fall into place. I was happy that Obama won though. I feel that he will change America. His victory speech was strong. He showed me he could be a good president. I honestly believed he wouldn’t be a good president at first, but then as I listened to what he had to say, I was able to understand his goals as president. He wants to work with America. He wants the people to show him what they need. He wants the people that don’t want him as a president to show him what they need. Show him how he can make America a better place. I believe everything happened happens for a reason.

Marcus, 18
I feel the results of the election made history in many ways. One being that we have the first African American as president, and also that the country united in finding a solution to its many trials and tribulations. Obama promised to bring upon this country a better environment for everyone, from immigrants, to the poor, to ending the Iraq War. Obama makes this nation an example of all that is possible and gives Americans a new outlook on life in the sense that we can accomplish goals that will move us forward and become productive.

Jaleesa, 18
I am overjoyed that the election has come to an end. Everywhere I have turned, someone was talking about one of the propositions or the presidential candidates. Yes, Obama won, McCain lost—it’s as simple as that. It’s all over, finally…

I am extremely disappointed that Prop 8 passed, but that only proves how close-minded and conservative some people really are. I would have thought California, a place where people came to live alternative lifestyles, a place famous for being so liberal, would not pass a proposition that would make it a law to discriminate against its GLBT citizens. Honestly, it disgusts me, but in all actuality, I must remember that not all people were raised as I was, or have the same beliefs I do. I am proud to say that I voted, but it feels crushing that the proposition I thought wasn’t going to pass did. The people of California have spoken. It is said and done. There is nothing we can do about it…for now…just wait, only four more years, this isn’t over yet.

Kevis, 17
I was working at the polls on Election Day and it was a very unique experience. I’m getting the chance to see what it’s like in a polling place, and getting to know people that I will probably never get to see again in a lifetime. It was very tiring but fun to see how people react at the polls. The only part I didn’t like was the end when we had to put everything away.

Arena, 16
I have so many thoughts running through my mind after Election Day. First off, I’d like to say that I’m really happy and excited that Obama won! No, he did not just win, but he won by a landslide! This really shows that American wants change. I’d also like to say that I’m happy that I was part of history in the making. When people ask where I was when Obama won, I can say that I was working at a polling place in West Fresno, Precinct 9 to be exact. It just makes me feel so ecstatic about our future. Obama winning isn’t just about making history and changes, but his victory also opens so many doors for the underdogs. It he can do it, then so many other people can too.

Chanda, 20
I don’t care who won the presidency this year because of how everyone in my family has been talking and because I didn’t want anyone to be mad at me for choosing the wrong person. I hope that Obama does a good job. I hope Obama and McCain can get along and that McCain agrees to help Obama with whatever he wants help on. I am glad that Obama won. Even if hadn’t won, it would still be put in the history books because for the first time we had a woman and a Black man run for president. And now we have a Black president. All we have to do in the next election is try to actually get a good enough woman candidate to run and to win the presidency. I don’t know if we made the right decision but we won’t find out until we let Obama try to be the best president ever.

People need to learn how to give everyone a chance and not put them down just because he is not the one they wanted to win. Everyone has their opinion, choice, and ideas but that’s what makes us unique and different, and that’s why we went with change.

Victoria, 16
“Yes we can” is what I will look for this upcoming four years. I am ecstatic for the fact that Obama has made history. FDR has shown his 100 days in office as an outstanding president. This is what I’m looking forward to in 2009. As far as talking about politics, it’s far too complicated. I have screamed at my friend about propositions and I deeply regret it. I am happy for the future and the “yes we can” attitude.

Dasen, 17
I am overjoyed right here, right now, at this very moment! We’re making history by having our very first president as an African American. Not only will this affect America, but also every part of the world. On Election night, as I listened to the Hmong radio channel, KBIF 900AM, many people called in and expressed their feelings about the new president. The majority of people who called were very happy with the results while others had known nothing until then.

I believe Obama will be a wonderful and strong president. I hope he fulfills his promises and leads this nation to a new era of government. I was very touched to hear his victory speech. I loved the way he related the history of the U.S. to show how far we have come as a nation. The lady he mentioned, Anne Nixon Cooper, touched me most and made me almost break into tears. I can picture myself in her position and experiencing one century of the U.S. and then finally seeing this change.

Patrice, 17
I am so overjoyed at the moment that I can’t even speak! I can’t wait to let my future kids know that I was a part of something so big. I was here and working when we had our first Black president. I witnessed history. I feel honored and humbled and I want to take on the world. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Jesse, 17
God has opened a window and showed people that you can live life without limits. I am highly joyous and its contagious to know that change has swept the atmosphere, and also that for this coming year there is a lot to be done. Obama has a lot to tackle, rebuild and tear down, but he can’t get it done alone. There are many things that he can’t tackle by himself, like high teen pregnancy rates, or helping broken families stay together. These are just some of the issues that we as average citizens can focus on. We will be “one together” in the U.S.

Report on School Safety

2008-11-06T10:55:00.000-08:00

As a follow up from the youth forum we held in late-September, on the topic of promoting school safety and preventing school violence, here is a concise report of the results and recommendations from the polling session. A lot of work and thinking went into this report, so we hope you find it to be a useful tool and resource. We learned A LOT of interesting things in terms of how young people view safety/violence in their schools, so read the report!

Video: Balancing School and a Job

2008-10-29T11:49:00.000-07:00

Dear viewers! Another production from The kNOw's video team, this time, on the topic of teens needing jobs and balancing it with school. Catch this video on KSEE 24, Friday 10/31 during the 4PM newscast. You can also view it here at KSEE 24's You News TV website, or just click below.

Poem: Untitled

2008-10-23T11:30:00.000-07:00

By Chanda Clark

You are like a Flower
You blossom so beautifully.
You are like a Rose
You are strong and radiant.
You are like a Violet
You are true to yourself.

Love Hurts

2008-10-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

By "AJ"

Dear babe,

I’m trying my best to forget about you. I just don’t understand why I can’t this time. I used to be strong but you made me weak. You just don’t understand what you do to me.

Before, the whole dating/love thing didn’t phase me, but when you came into the picture it all changed. Everything just changed. Before I could let go and I wouldn’t care, but now I can’t let go, I can’t move on, I can’t forget. I’m trying, but I can’t. No matter how hard I try, it hurts.

My heart keeps shattering and my tears keep falling. I try to be stronger for myself and its useless because I keep letting you back in my life. It's like giving myself false hope, but every time you give me hope it fails because in the end we’re still JUST FRIENDS. Why do you do this to me?

I’ve tried to put my guard back up and but it's pointless because it doesn’t stay up because of you. I try to ignore the phone calls and the text messages, but I CAN’T. I try to cheer up, I try to keep my mind off of it, off of us, off of what used to be, it's pointless.

I still answer your phone calls and I always reply to your text messages, constantly fighting myself not to, knowing that my heart will just keep breaking. It doesn’t stop, it seems as if my heart will just be so broken, it’s beyond repair. Why do you keep doing this? You know us being together isn’t what you want, but you still call and text me, why?

What I’m going through right now drains me. It takes all my energy. You take all my energy. It’s something I can’t explain, and you won’t understand. I’m not the person I used to be. I’m letting you take my energy. I’m letting you drain all of me.

It’s killing me deep down inside. Why did I let myself fall back in love with you? Why did you make me fall back in love with you? WHY? They say love isn’t supposed to hurt. They don’t know. Love makes you pathetic. It makes you feel pathetic.

In the end, its still over. We’re just friends. My heart is shattering and my tears keep falling.

Open Workshop: Voting, Education, & Employment

2008-10-06T12:49:00.000-07:00

Our last Open Workshop on the topic of voting (as it relates to employment and education) takes place on Wednesday, Octoer 15 from 4-6PM at the Fresno EOC conference room in Downtown Fresno. Hope you can come!