Oakland Girls Speak

Is Legalizing Weed the Answer?

2010-01-20T12:46:00.000-08:00

I am for, and against legalizing weed. I'm for it because people won't be charged for it or under possession of sale. I'm against because you never know the outcome, If weed becomes legal a lot of drug dealers are going to go out of business. But if the Government increases the prices, then drug dealers will be back into business. They will give more product for a less price. I think weed is different from other drugs. People are mostly still in their right state of mind when they smoke weed. Other drugs,people get strung out and addicted then they need more.
Breanna 17

I'm against because weed is still weed. Now medical reasons are different; it might really help with someone who has cancer. Now the other reason of weed is that it's still no excuse to do drugs. It can kill people. People or dealers, might turn to stealing. Or lowering prices to compete with their work. It's different because other weed might be for health reasons. And other weeds will kill when you smoke to much, and Mary Jane is not the best drug it still can kill. Dealers should go to jail for selling drugs cause sometimes they put things into drugs. They can kill because they were too high to know what they were doing.
Kwanya. 14

I think that they shouldn't legalize marijuana because it's gonna cause a lot of problems. Like when they start having it on farms there's gonna be getting robbed then the crime rate is gonna go up...And I really don't think there gonna make a lot of money because it's too different types of weed the stores gonna have bammer and the hood is gonna have purple and the stores might have tax and the hood have jug...The older people are gonna buy store weed and the young folks are gonna buy from the local...I think if that if they sale weed illegally their gonna go to selling crack or heroin of it becomes legal...I think weed is different in a way, but it's all the same because its an addiction and if cigarette are legal they should make it illegal and make the herb legal... And i think people are gonna go broke and the state is gonna have the money while the people are struggling for their addiction then it's gonna be no point of legalizing it because people are gonna want to save money...
Tiffany J

Everyone deserves quality health care

2009-10-07T14:38:00.000-07:00

In my opinion health care is very important to me because my grandmother has diabetes, and it is very important to me that she is properly cared for. And furthermore a lot of teens are sexually active, and if there is no health care then if they get sexually transmitted diseases how are they going to get the care that is needed for them to not get pregnant. Furthermore what about children that gets pregnant how are they going to get prenatal care. God forbid that their baby gets sick. How would the people with no medical benefits get health care. Everybody deserves to get taken care of and be healthy. Care should be lowered because of the low income housing and families. Health care is important to us. And i think that if health care providers would lower than I personally think that more people wouldn't hesitate to go to the doctor.
-Jaz'min

Love and hate for the undocumented

2009-10-07T14:24:00.000-07:00

I think undocumented people should, but also shouldn't get free health care because we already have legal citizens that are struggling and not being able to afford health care so why should immigrants be able to come to this country and receive health care, they don't pay taxes like we do. But also if a person was born here, and their parents are immigrants they shouldn't be labeled as immigrants. On the other hand if an "undocumented" person comes to a hospital needing help or treatment I don't think they should be denied health care. It shouldn't even be a long process at the hospital. They shouldn't care about money, insurance and anything else. When a person goes to a hospital they should get to get care and that's it. If I was Obama I would make health care a small fee, lower than 25$ for non immigrants, and for citizens, I understand that it will cause too much confusion and trouble if we all had free health care, but emergencies should be free. He should also make medication be an affordable price. A person should never have to be in debt because of an emergency or an unexpected sickness comes upon them.
-Laiajh Weaver

The Dentist is hating on my smile

2009-10-07T13:55:00.000-07:00

I am 16 years old. During a check up at the dentist I was told I need braces. So my mother took me for a fitting for my braces, that's when my mother received news that my health care plan wouldn't cover it because my teeth weren't "crooked enough." So i guess that means unless my mom wants to pay thousands of dollars, my smile doesn't matter to them. It's a shame because in foreign countries they have universal health care, and would be glad to supply me braces. I would love for my senior year smile to be flawless, but unfortunately with my moms health care plan not wanting to cover what it should, it doesn't seem like it's going to happen. When I get older I know I would need mandatory health care such as a dentistry doctory and so forth. In the near future I hope health care grounds can change for the better, because as American citizens we pay taxes involuntarily, our young men can get drafted into the war, so why is it that health care cant be involuntary?
-Akilah Watkins

Mom pays for my health care

2009-10-07T12:36:00.000-07:00

My mom pays for my health care. but heath care is
important to me because once in a while i may get sick that when u
realize u have it. i think everyone should have health care like other
places in the world like Cuba. People like George Bush give Americans
a bad name and to make it worse we cant even get all the children
under five in this country health insurance-they cant decide if there
parents are poor or not? I really think that Obama is making great points
on the health care of the US but the people in congress disrespect
him by calling him a liar and don't listen when he speaks.
They would not do that if he wasn't black -
no other president been disrupted before really think they want to
keep the money goin in there pockets. Cuba has better health care than
America but Bush along with others will say Cuba is a bad place well
at least people there can get affordable medicine I mean i saw sicko
the medicine really costs about $3.00 but in America it cost $50
dollars for one pack ???? Doctors are supposed to help but all they
do is make it worse. Why can't they pay for health insurance through the money
Americans give in taxes???

Obama's point is important because America needs to have lower health care. People die because hospitals deny service based on not having insurance that's wrong. People also don't qualify for insurance because of medical conditions or old medical bills that go unpaid.

Right Now I'm uninsured

2009-10-07T12:11:00.000-07:00

i think everyone should
have health care young people aren't active in the health care
reformation because a lot of people don't educate the youth about
important information like that. parents think that things like health
care should be a need to know basis

and most figure young people don't need to know.I feel it is important
even though a lot of youth don't trip i am feeling the effects of not
havin health care right now. My mom just got a new job and i don't
become effective on her insurance plan till December. Im not sayin i'm
super scared but if something bad happens to me and i have to go to the
hospital it could put my single mom in a lot of debt!
--

Breanna -16

Not Working During Summer

2009-07-15T13:45:00.000-07:00

My summer, I would say is half and half -- it's boring and it's fun becaus eI'm not working and my friends are and I stay home and watch TV, but from time to time I get tired of that. Summer is a dangerous time because a lot of people can't wait to get up and ruin someone's day. At the same time, it could be fun because you don't have school and homework and you're free to do whatever, unless you get a job. I'm home alone most of the time. During the summer a lot of violence happens because people aren't in school.
- Kelly, 16

Summer is Boring and Tiring

2009-07-15T13:43:00.000-07:00

My summer is very boring, tiring and weak. I could be in a funner program. I could spend more time with my friends. I would have had my best summer this summer but my Mama wanted me to join this program at Laney College, so I could get my own money and some college credits. I think that people should have fun time and work time during the summer because that's how it's going to be when we get older. In the area that I live in, summer is dangerous because people in school are on break and they don't really have anything to do. This is around 69th Avenue in Oakland. In order to avoid trouble, I hang with my friend and try to make my own money. Also, I just try to stay in the house and off the streets.
- Mikaela, 16

Summer is Hard Work

2009-07-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

My summer is going good, really good. I am currently working and hanging out with the Curse Crew and doing a lot of writing. I think summer is only dangerous when you make it and if you are some where you don't need to be. If I didn't have to work, my summer would be great. Then I would be able to do more hanging out and relax. That's what summertime is basically about. The more time you give yourself to enjoy, the more better time you'll have.
- Jazmin, 18

My Summer So Far

2009-07-15T13:37:00.000-07:00

My summer is going good so far -- it's only my third week so far. My first week I went to Camp Akili, and the second week I just went to work. It was kindof exciting because I met a lot of new people and learned a lot of new things. I think summer can be a dangerous time because everybody is out of school because they are more likely to run into their enemies.
- Latajh Weaver, 16

Summer Blues

2009-07-15T13:33:00.000-07:00

MY summer is going surprisingly bas ... I haven't done a lot, my friends and I don't really kick it that much. I believe my summer is like this because: a.) I am not very outgoing, b.) I'm not a very social person. If I could have an ipod, believe it or not, I think it would make my summer better, because it would take my mind off of not being around a lot of people. I can't really give advice to others about having a better summer because mines really isn't going to well, but if I would be social, I think I would have a good summer. I'm not home alone, but it feels like it. I don't live far from my friends but they have "busy schedules." Sometimes they just don't answer the phone.
- Akilah, 16

Money Issues

2009-05-05T16:02:00.004-07:00

My mom is bringing home the mulah because my stepdad, he don't got a job. But my sister pays some of the rent. My mom has been bringing home money so she's not tripping. I think if you are just now meeting a boy and y'all go out, he should pay, but if y'all been going out then it's like whoever got the money should pay. If a dude is having his lady pay for everything, than they just be using them.

- LaTajh

A Man Should Have a Job

2009-05-05T16:02:00.003-07:00

My mom is the one that brings home the money. I think this money situation does affect the relationship between men and women. My mom’s boyfriend doesn’t have a job, but he relies on my mom for a lot. I don’t really think very much of him. If he wants to be the big man in the house, then he should at least be able to maintain a job. I think a man shouldn’t rely on a woman to provide for everything, including a cell phone bill. If you want to be a man, then you need to be a man. You don’t need to spend the whole day running back and forth to the store for cigars and Red Bull. I believe in the 50/50 rule in the family situation.

When it comes to dating, I think the boy should pay. It doesn’t have to be every time or anything. These boys who get girls to support them or buy them things are jr. low lifes. A man should never have to rely on a woman!

- Breanna Clark, 16

Some Men Are Lazy

2009-05-05T16:02:00.001-07:00

My mother and sisters bring home the bacon in my family. I believe this does affect the relationship between men and women because most of the men and boys in my family don’t have a job or money. I observe that some men are lazy. I don’t think they have to pay for everything, but they do have to pay for themselves – especially if they are trying to do too much or spend the hard-earned money that girls work for.

- Akilah Stewart, 15

My Mom Supports Her Man

2009-05-05T16:01:00.001-07:00

In my family, my mom is bringing home the money. She has five kids, plus a big 34-year-old kid (her boyfriend). She has to support everyone and pay the bills. Her boyfriend is okay with being broke and mooching off of my mom. This is bad because I can’t take my mom’s money because he takes it all. I think my mom will keep supporting him because they have kids together and she wants him to be around.

I think this trend does affect relationships between men and women because I don’t think it makes a woman think positively of a man that she has to take care of. I think it’s okay for women to pay for men sometimes, but not to make it a national habit.

I see boys my age asking girls for money and I think they are moochers. I believe in being treated like a lady and that your man should take care of you. News flash to ladies who are paying for their boyfriends: you are not his mother!

- Jazmin Watkins, 17

Keep Your Hands to Yourself

2009-02-18T11:54:00.000-08:00

I think that Chris Brown is a young man that has made a very terrible mistake, but I think he did his best by trying to save face and pay his debt to society. I think that’s it's not okay for any man -- no matter if he is black or white, if he is happy or sad of if he is famous or not -- no woman is suppose to be treated like she isn’t worth anything. No woman should be a victim of domestic violence. I say that Chris Brown has started to replenish his image because he paid a lot of money to get out of jail and I think he is learning from his mistakes because he lost a lot of money and endorsement deals. They took his songs off the radio and his commercials off of T.V. I know that for a fact that his image is tarnished forever. Even though people may forgive him and try to move past what happened, but this mistake and poor choice will always be the back of every ones mind. I'm sure that he has lost a lot of his fan base, as most of his fans are women. As far as Rhianna goes, I'm sure that she is truly embarrassed. I think that this situation makes her feel like she was mislead the whole time that they went out. But I think that her and her families choice for her to go back to Barbados was a good move on everyone's part. I think that’s a great idea to let the situation breathe and both parties have time to think. I'm sure that she is going have to start all over. I think that is very important that women know that they don’t have to be a VICTIM of domestic violence no matter what they said or did or they didn’t do. No REAL MAN has to put his hand on you to get his point across. I know that they know that there careers will never be the same but I'm praying for both of them. I think that they both have problems they need to work through. I just hope they get through this but not as a couple.

- a victim

What are you two thinking?

2009-02-17T18:32:00.000-08:00

I believe that Chris Brown shouldn’t be brought up on charges because in my eyes he’s already paid his debt to society. Just for the simple reason that he’s went to jail, lost a major contract, and also his image will never be the same. As for Rihanna I believe her career won’t be the same but, for different reasoning. She will always be known as the women who got beat by Chris Brown. In my eyes what’s to happen to her is she will either give up entertainment, or make a unexpected come back and grow from the experience first hand. As for Chris Brown I believe that his image is forever changed in a way that can’t be taken back now, people will always see him as the singer or former singer that hit a women. Some people still question to this day if he hit her or if she was making this up, but what’s most important is she was hurt and has bruises. Both careers are affected by this situation and the media attention it’s getting, but it makes me question if they weren’t celebrities then would my views be the same?

-Akilah Watkins

Leave Chris Brown Alone!

2009-02-17T18:23:00.000-08:00

I believe Chris Brown shouldn’t have to pay any money or do anymore jail time for allegedly putting his hands on Rihanna. He has paid his debt to society by spending time in a jail cell and paying money, so he shouldn’t have to go through this anymore. Everyone should just leave Chris Brown alone! This is really affecting his career, what more do people want from him. When I first found out, I didn’t believe the whole situation. I thought it was all made up. I don’t know anyone that has ever been in that situation. It is never okay for a man to ever put their hands on a woman but, like I said before, I still don’t think Chris Brown should go to jail for battery.

I think Rihanna is going to pursue her career in Barbados for a while. She’s going to keep singing, but she’s just going to be M.I.A. out of the country for awhile. But Rihanna is a strong woman and I have faith in her.

Breanna Coleman

How I know the economy is bad

2009-02-04T12:55:00.000-08:00

This year I knew the economy for me was bad because for Christmas I only got one
pair of Air Jordan’s and a House of Derion Outfit.Last year I got three pairs shoes a pair of heels and two pair of sneakers and I also got 12 outfits so you can imagine my surprise at the low amount of gifts. IT was this year I realized I need to work if I want the finer things in life.

Prom is coming up and it’s like the most important moment in a young girls life for me I guess im going to have to make it happen on my own since the economy is bad. It’s not fair for me to ask my mom to spent almost three thousand dollars for my dress my shoes my makeup my ticket my ride etc. I really want to help out.

So here’s what im gonna do. I already got my hustle I braid and weave hair at like $65 dollars a head for braids and weaves simple styles. As for anyone else my advice is to find something you are good at and work at it. I think by doing hair I should have half of the money I need for prom by the 31st of May that is like $2500. But even after the prom I plan to help my mom through this hard economy as much as I can.

Jazmin -17 Oakland High Student

Myspace is Private

2009-01-06T18:24:00.001-08:00

I really don’t ask my mom or my family if they want to view my myspace page. But if they ask, then I let them. When I was 14 my nana wanted to see my myspace and I didn’t have a problem with that.There isn’t anything that I have and/or need to hide on my page. There aren’t any inappropriate or violent pictures and I don’t have any foul language on it either. I let everything hang out….privately! I let it be known what is going on. At the same time, I’m not just going to air out my business to the world.

THIS IS MY ADVICE TO PEOPLE THAT LIKE TO BE ON MYSPACE….
1. Don’t give your password out to people because if you get into a disagreement with that person, they might: change your password, give it out to people, or delete it.
2. Make sure there are no inappropriate pictures or information on your myspace page.
3. Only add people you know. Don’t approve strangers, even if they say they know and/or seen you.

-Breanna Coleman

Myspace almost got my a** whooped.

2009-01-06T18:19:00.000-08:00

Last year someone told my daddy that they saw naked pictures of me on myaspace. My daddy told my mama and she immediatleyto come and comfront me. I had just got my lunch when a boy came running in the cafitera talkin bout "Venus yo mama here" before i could say anything my mama came through the door with a mean mugg on her face. I didnt know what was wrong but i knew it was something terribly bad. She led me out out of the school and when we got to the car she told me what my daddy had informed her earlier. I stareted crying because i really didnt know what she was talking about. when we got home i had to explain to them that there was no naked pictures of at all on the internet. I showed them my profile and my profile showed no naked pictiures of me. Then my daddy says " Oh, well he didnt say naked he said too much cleavage." I deleted my Myspace after that becuase it almost got my ass whooped.

Misunderstood.

"Is it myspace...or is it everybody's space

2009-01-06T18:18:00.000-08:00

When I get on myspace it's usually from a friends account. My sole purpose is to see what my friends,cousin's,sister's,etc...are doing. I a;so use it to look at pictures and to see how many friends people have. I believe the worst I've seen on myspace is when my friends had an argument on there. It was basically just them going back and forth talking about each other and the worst part was it started over he say;she say. I personally don't have one because my sister's won't allow it. They both have one they say they use for networking purposes. It does get lonely not having one but in the end is it really your space or...everybody's space.
-Akilah Watkins

Be careful what you post!

2009-01-06T18:17:00.000-08:00

One day my best friend had a picture in her bra and her panties. And she had it at her default picture which meant that everybody on myspace could see the pictures that she took in her bathroom. Within a weeks time a lot of older creepy guys were asking to be her friend and at the time she was only 14 so you can only imagine how she felt. She was so scared so her mother made her take the pictures off and now she has to get her pictures screened by her mom.

It is very important to know what you are getting into when using myspace, and facebook, and any other online service. It is very important to let your boundaries be set when using my space. I only go on myspace really to check my mail and to post the latest pictures. I really don’t log into myspace that much because all the people that are my friends on myspace attend school with me. I think that young girls shouldn’t put inappropriate pictures of themselves because the attention you would receive is not good. Well I think if you choose to continue to have a myspace here are 3 tips for you to make sure that your page is safe.

1. make sure your parent or guardian approves of the pictures that you put on your myspace if you are under 18
2. Be very careful of who you accept as you friends
3. Also be careful of the content that’s on your page. That might help narrow down the people you have requesting to be your friends.
4. Know yourself worth. Don’t be little yourself to fit in with a certain crowd, its not worth it I n the long run.

No Drama on MySpace

2009-01-06T18:15:00.000-08:00

With my MySpace, I let my mom view my page whenever she wants because I think that if my mom doesn’t approve of it, then obviously I shouldn’t be putting it out there for the world to see. I only had one incident on my page when my mom told me I needed to change it and it was some cusswords. I wasn’t really cussing about or to someone, I was just typing how I really talk and there were a few cusswords. It didn’t bother me at all that my mom made me change it because she explained why it shouldn’t be on there. I never was bothered by what other people were writing about. I put stuff out there that I would want my friends, or if a teacher or anything was viewing my page, I would be okay with them seeing it. I wouldn’t want to put out a bad reputation for myself over the internet. I had two friends who were arguing at school and then once they got home they were arguing on MySpace, then it made them want to fight more but they never fought.

I think the three tips for staying out of MySpace drama is make your page private, only add your friends-not just anyone you know, and last - don’t put personal business or talk about anyone.

- Tajh

"Crushin on the wrong one"

2008-12-16T18:35:00.000-08:00

I first started getting into boys when I was in the sixth grade. I had the biggest crush on a eigth grader named Walter Bell, he was popular, he played basketball and he had a grill( TOP AND BOTTOMS). He was sooooo fine back then I did'nt know what to do with myself. He had a carmel complextion, light brown eyes and brown dreads with gold tips. I crushed on him for my whole sixth grade year and was teased royally for it. Girls wanted to fight me and i did'tn have any real friends. I never understood why things had to happen like that but i am glad that i learned a lesson... Never fall for a dread head with a grill from west oakland.Another thing i thought i knew about relationships before i got into one was that loosing your viriginity hurts super bad - this was not true for me it wasn't that bad.
Back when i was younger i used to fantisize alot and i did'nt know what relationships was about. Now i know that their is much more to relationships than just having fun and having boyfriends. Relationships are about being committied to your significan other and loving that person and having their back forever for that moment in time.

Misunderstood, 17

Love is an eye's mystery

2008-12-16T18:16:00.000-08:00

I first started thinking about relationships when I was in the 3rd grade and this boy named Patrick who was cute with gray eyes went to my school.Hahahaha! A myth I heard about relationship is that in a relationship the boy always love the girl,I quickly found this myth to be untrue when I heard a boy said he went out with a girl quote in quote "because she had a big booty". I view relationships now as a stepping stones to bettering or learning about yourself . Almost like your in a relationship to learn life lessons. I believe my views differ from popular cultures belief just in the since that they believe all women are goldigging,you got to be paid,take care of my kids type people but, my belief is the guy has to have a nice personality,manners,and just a gentleman all around.
-Akilah Watkins 15

"The Kiss of Death/Kiss or Die"

2008-12-16T18:15:00.000-08:00

I started thinking about relationships around the age of eleven.I think I was in the sixth grade.But when I seen "the boy of my dreams",I was in the second grade.Two myths about relationships that I believed BEFORE being in a relationship was if I kiss a boy I'll get pregnant and if I look a boy in their eyes,I will die.I found out those myths were false when i looked in a boy's eyes and found out I was still alive.Also,I've kissed a boy before and I'm not pregnant.Now I view relationships different.I view them as a rocky subject.It seems as the girl or woman is always the "Damsel In Distress".Like they need a man to boost up their self-esteem.Self-esteem relies in thy self.No one can ever bring your self-esteem or self-confidence down.
-Breanna Coleman 16

love is a gamble

2008-12-16T17:59:00.000-08:00

i started thinking about relationships when i was 14 years old and thats also when i started dating and and the relationship that i was in at that age lasted for 2years but during the two years i was with him i didnt call us a relationship because i really didnt know what it was and what part do i play in it and what part do he play. but befor i got into the relationship i thought the guy was suppose to spoil me and buy me whatever i want and need will thats what my sister told me but what she did say was that sooner or later he would want something in return maybe because i was to young or whatever the case was but she didnt.but when i found out the spoiling was a lie is when i got into a relationship when i was 14 he was sweet in the beining but after a while he started to change and want more from me that i wasnt reaby to give him so that two year relationship was more like a off and on two year relationship i use to think when we would break up he would go to the next gurl and get it from her then come back to me when he wants to be loved because he knew i erally loved him. So now that i've experienced different things in a few of my relationships over the past few years i really have a hard time trusting men. Relationships make you stronger,happy and some times sad. When i think about it - i dont really want to get married i just can't see myself waking up to the same man for the rest of my life. Most girls nowadays say that they don't want to get married but if they find that right guy they will probably change thier mind.

Momo - 17

Girl's Respond to the Hudson Family Tradgedy

2008-12-16T15:07:00.000-08:00

Learn From My Mistakes

2008-12-03T11:44:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone that’s reading this right now, my name is Lady E and today I'm giving you a real life example of a bad relationship and some advise on how to avoid it.

In 2006, I was going with somebody much older than me, but didn’t quite know the real him. At first he came off so sweet like a gentleman: taking me out, buying me nice things and treating me like a young lady. But after most of the acting was over, he asked me to be down with him - be his girlfriend - and like many young and naïve ladies, I said yeah. So now, the whole act is all the way over, the real him comes out.

Now, I'm bitch this, hoe that and I'm sick of it, but because I'm “DOWN” for him, I stay in the relationship. But he started to put his hands on me, so now I'm ready to go. I told him that I didn’t want to be down no more, so he said I would have to fight him and if I won, I'm out freely. So I said okay, we fought and we was going back in forth and I finally won, and because of the age difference he was sent to jail for 53 years with no parole. He broke my jaw in the process.

Young ladies make sure you be smart about who you chose to go with.

For one: If you're 15, don’t go out with no one that’s 20.

Two: Don’t believe anything they say until they prove it.

Three: Give it at least 4 to 5 months before you start catching feelings for them.

Four: ASK THEM ABOUT THEIR HISTORY.

BE ENCOURAGED AND LEARN FROM READING MY MISTAKES, ENJOY LIFE AND LIFE WILL ENJOY YOU.

- Lady E

What I Would Say

2008-12-02T18:26:00.000-08:00

If i was trying to talk to one of my friends about their boyfriend, I would sit her down to the side and give her reasons why she shouldn't be with that person. You should tell her stuff like: I'm only telling you this because I care about you," because she is probably going to think that her relationship is all good and that everybody is trying to break them up or everybody is hating on their relationship. You shouldn't try to talk or yell in front of everybody because they might feel like your trying to embarrass them in front of everyone.

-La Tajh

Making the Negative into Positive

2008-12-02T18:25:00.000-08:00

I guess it's all in the approach. To me, it's not like you want to offend the person or let them take it the wrong way by saying "I don't like your boyfriend/girlfriend." You should approach them and tell them this is how I feel about your relationship and this is why. Otherwise, you're making them uncomfortable and pushing them away. The key to giving good advice to a bad relationship is applying it to yourself. Don't think that your way is always best, because for some people it's not. Just be mindful of all emotions and situations.

-Akilah Watkins

A Message From the Heart

2008-12-02T18:24:00.001-08:00

I am writing to reassure you that if you are in abusive relationship, or you know someone that is in one that: You should speak up.

I was in a abusive relation when I was 14 years old, and it never was physical until one day when we were arguing about a pair or shoes. And it escalated to him putting his hands on me for the first time. My whole life flashed before my eyes, it was not a good feeling. At that point, I realized what everyone was saying to me was true.

But the way they approached me wasn’t cool. I got approached from almost everybody in my family: my mom and my aunties my brothers. Everybody tried yelling and cussing screaming at me. My friend lectured me about it like every day and it got really annoying to the point that I just started to shut down because I felt like they were talking to me just to hear themselves talk. But what got me to start thinking was my oldest brother. He asked me: 'Was I happy with hurting the people around me because of what I was doing?' He told me I was playing with fire and the dude wasn’t good for me. The only reason why I choose to listen to him was because he was coming from a place of love and he was very genuine in what he was saying to me.

That’s why when my ex-boyfriend and I had that last and final argument, it was easy for me to let go. So if nobody that's telling you is coming from a place of love, I am -- because I know how you feel.

When that person and I broke up, my self-esteem was completely gone. I had to start from the ground up. We were together for about a year and six months.

It is so important for the young ladies that are in abusive relationship to hear this: it's not healthy at all and it can damage you in the long run. So if you know somebody or if you are that somebody, get out of that situation. Trust me, there is somebody out there waiting for you, you don’t have to be treated this way.

- Jazmin, 17

No Matter What the Outcome Is, Say Something

2008-12-02T18:19:00.000-08:00

If you know someone that’s in a relationship that you don’t aprove of, then it's hard to tell that person to get out of it because you don’t know what their reaction gonna be, because if you really care about that person - you don’t want to loose that friendship but sometimes you have to do it because letting a guy disrespect you and talk to you like you're nothing is not okay. My sister was in a relationship where he was hitting her and calling her out of her name and before she even got into a relationship with him, I knew about him and I tried to tell her but she didn’t want to hear me at all. Me and my sis was so tight but I guess she loved him more then she loved me, now we don’t even talk no more. What I'm saying is no matter what the outcome may be: if its one of your friends and it's happening, you have to say something.

-Momo,17

We Have to Bring the Change for Black Women

2008-11-18T18:13:00.000-08:00

Me personally, I don't think Michelle Obama will change how some people look at black women, but for most I think it's not gonna change anything because no matter what color the First Lady is, black women will always be labled as bitches, hoes, hood rats, or just a babymama of somebody. We as black woman have to make that change for ourselves. We have to present ourselves as intelligent, beautiful, black women. We have to start having and showing that we have more respect for ourselves and just love being black women, but if we continue to act ignorant and show no respect for ourselves and others we're gonna be called and looked at as bitches, hoes, ect.

- Araijah

Michelle Obama Won't Bring Change for Black Women

2008-11-18T18:10:00.000-08:00

I don't think anything is going to change just because Michelle Obama is the First Lady. A lot will change for the boys and men, though. They have a role model now with Obama, so their perspective on life maybe different now. There is hope for African American males now and they can acheive anything they put their mind to. It's so much negative things that are portrayed about women. A lot of people see women half-dressed, nude, and/or doing provocative things. A lot of people say "sex sells," so most people say it isn't going to change and sex is going to stay around for a long time. For Michelle Obama, most people might think that it's her job to dress neat, stay covered up, and looking conservative - since her husband just became president.

- Breanna Coleman

Changing the Gender of the Dream.....

2008-11-18T18:09:00.000-08:00

In my mind, I believe that Michele Obama is an African American leader. I say this not only because she's of African American descent, but also because she's bringing lots of change to what we see everyday. I know, personally, she's the reason my mother gets up and does her best everyday. Michelle says that she's making an active change in the White House and it's not something you see all the time in a first lady. I like that Michelle gives speeches and relates to the changes that we want in our communities. You could tell that she's genuine with her goals for the decisions, and not just an act or to look good. I feel she believes that it should come natural to help your husband not just at home but, also with everything he does. Also, I believe that she could hold her own.

-Akilah Watkins

No Free Ride

2008-11-18T18:03:00.000-08:00

I think that a lot more women will start going to college and stuff like that because they know that they can be like Michelle Obama, but I also think that black people will start thinking they have to lead way and stuff like that. Like they're gonna think that since we have a black family that went through the same struggle and they can relate to them, that Obama will give them everything for free - like set up different programs where they get money, but they have to remember they have to work for it.

- Tajh

Obama Will See Us

2008-11-10T13:15:00.000-08:00

Now that Obama has won, I'm expecting the best of the best. He is going to make a big change, you feel me. He ain't even got to do nothing to change, because as soon as they said "Obama is the winner," he have already made change by him being the first black president. He will look at the problems in the world, you dig it??

I think he will look at the black people more. He would like be more supportive of the black community. He know what it is like to have no one to really go to. He been off of food stamps and had single mother.

-Araijah

Obama Will Bring Change

2008-11-10T13:13:00.001-08:00

Having a new president will be a huge and wonderful change. Someone is always complaining about something wrong, but no one is willing to make a change. Barack Obama will be a great president if he is elected and he's willing to make a change. The change I would like to see are new books in public schools, helping teens get to college, and making it easier for teens to receive tuitions. Violence is an enormous issue in a lot of communities. People always say change and difference starts in a community, but no one is trying to change their communities. Obama will change everything. He will help people with housing; hopefully he will change gas prices, stop the increase in crimes, and stop the war issues.

- Breanna

Keep the Change Alive

2008-11-10T13:09:00.001-08:00

I believe that change is very important to this economy. Me personally, I feel that a lot of things should be different in this world - especially since we had so many presidents who are the reason to blame. Violence is a big change that needs to happen soon, before our Latino American and African American sisters and brothers are no more. We as a nation rely on our president to decide on change. So things like the killings in Oakland getting higher and the H.I.V rates going up are serious issues that need to be handled. Senator Barack Obama could be that change that we all need. Even though he hasn't said anything about change, he preaches hope. I hope that he can make the necessary change possible for us as a nation. He also preaches change. So that we could get rid of this war that's been going on. Also, so that the crime rate could go down. These are qualities and change we need in a president. Us as African Americans and Latinos in this community should be apart of this change. In my eyes I'm relying on the elders in my community to keep the change alive and believe that we are overdue for hope.

- Akilah

The Change I Want

2008-11-10T13:07:00.002-08:00

I want to see alot of change!!! Not just for California, but for the whole United States, ya dig? It's so much Bush messed up. Barack Obama has so much in store for him, not in a bad way but as in he can do it. We have violence, gas prices, the war, better jobs, more money, tax cuts and better education, etc… I think Barack Obama will make peace with the war and try to stop the volience with more offircers and more activites in our communities. God help Us and Let Barak Obama make change!

- Neshei

Obama Needs to Stop the Violence

2008-11-10T13:06:00.000-08:00

When Barack Obama becomes president, I want him to make college affordable for everyone. I want him to lower gas prices and cut taxes. He should stop violence in all neighborhoods by going to different neighborhoods and getting more security. He also can start arresting murderers and stuff like that. If I were him, I would address this by making a speech in each city. He should focus more on kids and college students. Also adults that have kids should get special benefits.

- LaTajh

Man Up

2008-09-16T17:56:00.001-07:00

Well, I don't think that in the other parts of the world men should put women down. It is not fair to treat women like nothing but sexual objects. Treat them the same way you'd like to be treated, say "Thank you dear. This is a lovely meal you have cooked." Don't just think of them as your chicks, lovers, females or "wifey," look at her as one of your friends. In my eyes, from what I see around my friends, men aren't doing anything but drinking, getting high and using women. But when she gets tried of him sitting around, and starts to tell him, "Look you gon' have to come up on some money!" he gets mad and starts hitting on his female. Then from there, he goes to the streets but instead of hitting, the violence turns into killing!

-Araiijah
da truth. . .

What women should get

2008-09-16T17:56:00.000-07:00

I think that the thing with women being dumb and having to be lower than men is not fair because there are not a lot of men that work as hard or harder than women so for this reason every, man and woman, should be treated equally. In my neighborhood I see both, I see men helping women out and women helping their men. Most of the time I see both men and women as being equal. For example they both work, have their own cars, and share cleaning duties and stuff like that. I think that if men get paid to go out and work then women should get like a special "housewife" check because it's not as easy job you have to cook, clean and watch the kids.

Woman Vice President?

2008-09-02T18:17:00.001-07:00

I would vote for a woman vice president because she would be helping the president and suggesting ideas and I think we should have a man and woman's point of view on things, but then again it wouldn't because if something happened to our president then it would be left to her. The vice president should fit all the qualifications as president, such as being smart, experienced, and normal and im not sure McCains new vice president (Palin) fits.

"Ms. Vice President?" No Thanks.

2008-09-02T18:17:00.000-07:00

Well I think that a woman cannot be vice president because my Grandmother told me that God put man before woman. Its like saying men have to cook, clean, and do house work while the woman is looking at the football game. To put it simply, I really, really dont think that a woman needs to be vice president.

-ARAiiJAH

Equal Pay for Equal Work

2008-09-02T18:00:00.000-07:00

My business would be a pizza parlor. The workers would have to cook, work the cash register, clean up, and serve the food. I would pay them ten dollars a hour. I would also hire both girls and boys. All employees would get the same amount of money for the days they worked. Men wouldn't get paid more and women wouldn't either, because women and men both need more money. For example, men probably need to support their family or something like that, but some women are single moms. So I don't know every one's situation. So everyone can get an equal paycheck. If they are working the same as their co-workers then they will get paid the same.

- LaTajh

Men Should Get Paid More...at My Store.

2008-09-02T17:59:00.000-07:00

Well my store would be a men's store. It would be open to who ever wants a job. The men would get paid more becuase they would attract other men to come in. They would be looking nice, smelling good, and have on nice jewelry. My store would do very well becuase I have strategy and a good idea to get the money!! I think that men would fit this better because they can talk to other men better than women. you just have to see that women cant do every thing they want its a limit.

-ARAiiJAH

Safe Sex Equals Women Empowerment

2008-08-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

Well if MTV came to me and ask me to do a show wit them. My topic would be about safe sex. It is mostly black woman that is getting HIV and AIDS. So I would like to let young woman know that, it’s not the best idea to jump right in to having sex wit a young man you just meet. I would tell them if your about to have sex. But he isn’t putting on a condom. Ask him, why aren’t you putting on a condom and explain to him the out come of not wearing one.

-aRaijah babii

WHAT GIRL EMPOWERMENT MEANS TO ME

2008-08-20T11:25:00.000-07:00

If I had my own girl’s empowerment group then I would talk about not getting plastic or cosmetic surgery and if they could have like an idol it would have to be Beyonce Knowles, Alicia Keys, or Jill Scott. I wouldn’t encourage them to be anything like Trina or Lil Kim or any of those video vixens, because they always dress like half naked and think they are cute and the stuff they rap about in their songs wouldn’t motivate anybody in doing something except for nasty stuff. They wouldn’t want they kids listening to it and video vixens just let famous people do whatever they want to them because they think they go get famous, they do stuff like dance without underclothes and you wouldn’t want to inspire anybody to do that.

In my program we would talk about stuff like appearance and not always wearing so much make-up or at least no a lot of it. I heard that if you wear a lot of make up everyday when you get old you have to keep wearing make up all the time. I think that you shouldn’t always have to wear stuff on your face to be pretty, because if you get a good boyfriend he should like you when the make up is on or when it’s off.

- LATAJH WEAVER

The Superwoman show starring marteona-alaya johnson

2008-08-19T18:19:00.000-07:00

My show would be called superwomen and I would get women like Alicia keys, Keyshia Cole ,Beyonce, and different women from my church.
I would pick these women because all of them have inspirational spirits and they are strong in what they do.
The theme song would be superwoman by Alicia keys. The women would spend time with the girls and do activities like, makeovers, shopping, and a dinner dance with dates. And for the finale show I would redecorate all the girls rooms and I would throw them a party with awesome gifts and their favorite celebrities like, bowwow, Soulja boy,Pete Wentz, Chris Brown, and Ciara signed, Marteona-Alaya Johnson

females with low self esteem!

2008-08-19T18:12:00.000-07:00

If MTV came up to me tomorrow and ask me to do a show
I would do a show about young females having low self esteem
And how to carry there self as young women and young adults.
Like if we had a conversation about it and females say they have
Low self esteem well find away to break them out of it and just be
There self. I would try to give them some tips on how to boost it up or have someone famous who’s been there before. I would have Jill Scott
Arrive on my show because its like she’s been there before. I would also chose keyisha Cole because she can relate to whole lot of low self esteem because in her songs she lets you know that she’s been down the same path but the she realized she was worth more the what she was put through so she got over it by writing out how she felt.

Shelkeia green
Aka trinasty wife

Older Experiences

2008-06-16T15:08:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have gone out with someone five years older than me. My experience with our relationship was different than most of my relationships because they're more mature and have more experience in life.

-Veira

Dating Older People

2008-06-16T15:06:00.000-07:00

Well, I always date people older than me because it seems to me that they're more mature, but sometimes it's not always true. My experience with an older person… I mean I thought it was cool because I mean it was harmless. I mean he didn't take advantage of me or nothing he just treated me like I was a queen. It ain't nothing wrong with dating people older than you -- just take responsibility for your actions and don't be dumb about it.

-Djjanne Taylor

Older Guys Can Take Advantage

2008-06-16T15:03:00.000-07:00

Dating somebody five years older sometimes can be a good thing, sometimes it may not be. That is because older men can be more experienced and go through a lot things like having a good job, being graduated, and making lots of money. Sometimes it may be a bad thing cause they can be childish, and sometimes they can take advantage of younger girls and use them.

- Vanda M.

Older, Not Younger

2008-06-16T15:02:00.000-07:00

Umm no, I wouldn't go out with someone younger than me because they might think they are all that and they tha shit. Um, but I would go out with someone older cause they, well ... I think they will be more mature.

- Esa Chunky

Nothing Wrong With Dating Older Men

2008-06-16T14:59:00.000-07:00

I have dealt with someone older than me in a relationship. He was four years older than me. I can say he never pressured me into having sex -- it took us like a year to have sex. Because when a female or male date people that's older than them, the person can understand what they go through but when you date younger than you both people are going through the same thing. Like the older person most likely been through it before so it's like you getting put up on game and you know what to expect. But I don't see nothin' wrong with young people dating older people.

What I think about R Kelly going to trial is that I think it's a waste of time because it wasn't like he forced the girl to have sex with him. She wanted to do it then when she went braggin about it and she got caught up and her mom called the police and
made a big deal outta nothin'.

-Shelkiea, a.k.a. Lady Act Up, Free Ma Husband Michael D. Lewis

17 and Under

2008-06-16T14:58:00.000-07:00

I don't know about anybody else, but I am 15 years old and I date boys 17 and under, but I guess it doesn't matter. I mean if someone's in love, it don't matter how old they are.

-Marteona Johnson
I

Older Dudes

2008-06-16T14:53:00.000-07:00

I think it's okay because age ain't nothing but a number. Yeah, like I said, brah. And we didn't know Adam or Eve's age, brah, so it don't really matter if God didn't say nothing, brah. I love you, momma.

-Jesus Crème

Meeting Guys at Bayfair Mall

2008-06-16T14:50:00.000-07:00

My friend that goes to my school just told me about two months ago that she was at Bayfair Mall and she met someone. At first she lied to him and told him she was 16 years old, and even tough he was 20 years old he told her that she was too fine, and looked and acted too grown, that's why he wasn't trippin' off her age. Then she started telling everybody his age and people started saying he was a pervert and he was crazy, so she got scared and wanted to break up with him. So, she told him that she was really 15 years old, thinking that he would break up with her because of her age but he didn't, so she told him her mom found out and she had to break up with him.

-Tajh

My Older Boyfriend

2008-06-16T14:49:00.000-07:00

Well when I was 15 years old, I had my first boyfriend who loved my for who I am. And I loved him too, but here was something that I know my mom and dad will not like at all -- me being 15 and him being 27 years old. But no matter what, he loved me even though he was too old for me. Well, I think that is ok

-Tanya Gaona

My Older Boyfriend

2008-06-16T14:34:00.000-07:00

Well, I think that everyone has talked to someone older than them before. I have talked to someone that was 18 when I was 13 years old. I met him at a party. He was dancing with me and he got my number and I got his and we started talking. My mom and cousins knew but they didn’t care as long as nothing happened.

But I thought that it was a good relationship because he wasn’t very kiddy and that’s good. I liked him very much but he thought that he was getting too old for me, but he really didn’t won’t to break up with me. Some things are good to do, but some times they don’t work out how you want them to.

He knew how to treat a lady. He didn’t care about my age and I loved him. He would be childish when his friends come around, but we stayed together longer but then he got too old and wanted something older than me because I couldn’t give him every thing he desired and wanted.

My ex-boyfriend James loved me, but I was being very childish, but he still loved me.

- Ilene Hawkins

Dating Older Men is Good

2008-06-16T13:59:00.000-07:00

Well, to me, I think relationship with older men are good and the reason why I say that is cause not all of them is mature but the average percent of them are. Um, some of them do think that they can easily influence younger girls, half of them understands what you are going through and they are there for you, but the rest are only with you for one thing. Now, younger men - on the other hand - are very immature and don’t have a life. Bums! They are always depending on a girl and don’t do for themselves, they are just too immature for me and I like people that’s on my level and could comprehend what I'm saying and not playing games, so half the time it can be a good thing and the other it can be a problem. But I'm not going to lie though, all of the younger kids far aren’t immature, but like 79 percent of them are.

-- Makayla Hickman, a.k.a. {{Loud Mouth}}

People Like Violent Video Games

2008-05-02T16:43:00.000-07:00

The game "Grand Theft Auto" is kind of interesting, and kind of dangerous. The reasons why it is interesting is because some people like the fact that it is realistic, and the reason why it is dangerous is because some people's psychological clock ticks and they feel like it is fun to shoot people and stuff, and when they do it they get killed or shot. My sister is like this, when we were watching the shooting part in the video she said that was her favorite part, and my cousin won't accept games without violence.

- Marteona

GTA: Doing Too Much

2008-05-02T16:38:00.000-07:00

Grand Theft Auto is not good for little kids. It does not tell the right message to have a good life. It gets into gang war and shit. But most kids get hooked on it and then they think that if they do the things in the game, they will not die but then they do it and end up dead. Well, the bopperz in the game is doing hecka much, hitting flips and having threesomes and stuff. I think it just gout of control, but it is a fun game but not for kids under 18!!! Except for me, LOL!

- Araijah

Why Do the Girls Have to Look so Bad in GTA?

2008-05-02T16:35:00.000-07:00

Even though I like to play Grand Theft Auto, I still don't think that people should make them type of games. One of my reasons is because it makes girls look like hos and not only that, some kids these days get ideas from games like that will try to do it themself. I mean, I'm not saying not to do these kinda games but it would be nicer if it would have less to do with women doing stupid things and if it wouldn't make the girls look so bad.

- Veira

Too Much Like Real Life

2008-05-02T16:27:00.000-07:00

Playing Grand Theft Auto is okay, but once you take the game out to the real world it's a different thing. It has too much killing for kids, too many things that they can do to real people. I have seen kids doing things like that the game does in real life. And I have heard people saying that they want to do what the game does in real life.

- Tanya

You Have to be Mature to Play GTA

2008-05-02T16:22:00.000-07:00

I think that Grand Theft Auto is a bad influence on kids. It's too easy to buy, they say you have to be 18 to buy it but you could get somebody off the streets to buy it or an older cousin or friend or something. The first Grand Theft Auto wasn't that bad, it wasn't as explicit as they are now but I think they start making the games based on how life is changing, like it's more killing and prostitutes and stuff now, so they take what's happening now and put it on extra thick, like killing the prostitute after you're done with her and just being able to walk down the street and kill everybody. The game is fun because I play it all the time but I know I'm mature enough and I've got enough sense to play a game like that but my little cousins play games like that and they don't know better.

- LaTajh

GTA Influences Kids

2008-05-02T16:19:00.000-07:00

The game is very violent but I still like it. People shouldn't play these games or buy them for their little brothers or sisters. I think you should be 18 and up to play this game. It influences people because little kids see their idol on TV playing it or their older brother or sister playing it and these little kids think in their brain: "I wanna be like them so I have to play this game."

- Dazanea

Why I like Grand Theft Auto

2008-05-02T16:11:00.000-07:00

The reason why I like Grand Theft Auto is because it’s a challenge and it keeps you occupied. Another reason why I like this game is because you can steal people's cars and shoot people. I think young people like this game because they think that when they kill somebody they are going to get away with it. And to them its practice for stealing cars. Also I think people play it because it keeps them in the house and out of trouble. I like the game because there is a lot of action in the game. The game seems real to me because I see the same things that happen in the game, happen in the streets. When I was playing the game before, I went to a hooker and had sex and then killed her because she set me up.

- Shelkeia

Why Can't Games Influence Kids to Make Their Lives Better?

2008-05-02T16:00:00.000-07:00

From what I have been through and what I have seen, Grand Theft Auto is a good but kids take it to the point to where they really try to rob someone or to shoot someone. Sometimes things don’t go the way they planned. I have played the game before because it looked very interesting and I love the way you could kill people and have sex with hos. But at the same time, this game makes me want to go and do something to someone because all the stuff I have been through.

See, my uncle died from gang violence and he was shot 17 times in Los Angeles when I was 4 years old, so I have been through some things that no one else has. Sometimes I wish they wouldn’t make things to influence kids and teenagers to do certain things. Like, if I was to make games I would make some thing to influence them to go to school or to make your life into a better life than what I had, cause I don’t want any one to suffer like I did without a mother or my uncle. I sometimes cry to myself because I don’t have any one but my grandmother and some people say I am never going to be anything in my life, but I think better of myself. Change your life before life changes you.

- Ienee

Why People Fight

2008-04-17T14:51:00.000-07:00

Well girl fights, in my point of view, are coo to see, but when you get into a fight and you get your ass kicked ... that's no fun. What makes it cool to see fights are that they are funny and sometimes I wonder how it started or something like that. Most of them start cause someone talked about them or they just want to for no reason. Like one day my friends wanted to get money fast - and no he couldn't sell drugs or something like that cause they didn't have that job to do - so they just went and stopped anybody and took their shit for no reason, but they did have one way to get fast money, but they always get caught anyway or something. Gang banging is one of the reasons they be fighting for their colors and guns and shit like that but like my family and homies, they be fighting for their respect cause in some hoods they do that to get the respect they want. They fight for streets, territory, turfs, like: "Fight for East Oakland and 57th and 53rd and 13th Ave, but that's all. Okay, bye!

~Esa Chunky~

Boo-c Ass Girls Trying To Be Seen

2008-04-17T14:42:00.000-07:00

Damn, so whatsup with blood? Me, I'm just being me and getting money. What? You thought I was a ho? No, I got a job. But anyway, I know you seen my title and that’s what got your attention. Well, to clear that up: Have you ever posted a video of fighting or some shit like that on YouTube? That’s so ancient. I mean what’s your point? You're still going to be the same-ass nobody you are now. I think you want attention, so I'll tell you what: Go get a job and be bossy, not boo-c! The only thing that’s gonna get you is enemies, and I'll be one because I think it's not cool to have the whole word see some one get they ass beat on YouTube, because that’s a world wide site! I never get on it, but I hear about it. I’m to real for that shit.

Young Keke, too pretty

Oh yeah and you’re the one who'll look like a sucka if you fighting a sucka! And that’s real!

People Testing Me!

2008-04-17T14:40:00.000-07:00

I was on my way to school and me and this girl named Glossy was into it over my boyfriend. Why? Because she was trying to talk to him. We was on the 648 bus going to Community Day School. People was telling her she couldn’t see me and then she tried to hit me, so then I got up and flopped her ass. We fought from the bottom of High Street to the middle to the top. She got knocked off her two toes. The bus driver pulled the bus over and called the police, so we got off the bus and fought again. Then when we got to the school, I got suspend for five days.

Shelkeia Nicole Green, a.k.a. Keke

Boy's Instigate Girl Fights

2008-04-17T14:24:00.000-07:00

Well, what makes girl fights so funny is cause they always talk mess, but when they about to fight they suddenly won't want to and be a lil' baby about it and not fight. Or another reason they don’t fight is cause they can't fight, so they be like: "Oh well, I can't. My mom don’t want me to be fighting," or something like that.

I think boys like to see girls fight cause they want to start the fights up again when the girls try to stop fighting. The girls will be like: "I'm not trying to fight! But if she comes up on me again, I will." So then the boy will go back to the girl and be like: "She said she gonna beat yo ass!" So then that girl will get all loud, so then the same boy is gonna go back and say: "See look at her!" And she will go over there and be like "What you say you're ready to get yo a** beat AGAIN?" And that girl will be like: "I don’t care, we can go again." So they will fight and then the next thing you know, one girl gets beat up real bad so she will call her sister and then the other girl will call her two sisters and her brother, so it's about to be this big old thing WHEN it could have been done with the first time they fight, but no cause it was a girl fight so it's gonna be more than that!!

- Araijah

Snitches Record Fights

2008-04-17T14:21:00.000-07:00

Well about fights, I think it all starts when people start messing with you. The first thing they do is talk trash about you, then you talk back to them, that’s when the punching and kicking starts. Then a lot of people start coming. Well, the people that are some snitches. After that someone calls the police and then it's all bad, like if the girl you are fighting with is more hurt than you than it's all bad cause the police is going to take you, even though the other person started it. After all that happens, all the snitches that saw the fight stay talking about it. Well one time I remember that I was with my friend and one of them just came and showed us a fight in her phone. It was a boys fight at Fremont High. The only thing I remember was that all of the snitches were there looking and of course someone was recording.
- Lupita

I Love Girl Fights

2008-04-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

Why are girl fights more popular? Well, for one thing, they are more entertaining and second, they there are more a thing to look forward to. I’m a girl and personally, I love girl fights. When I see a girl fight, I think of all the things that I would do. Girl fights seem more physical. Like boy’s just punch and dip, but girls punch, kick, scratch, bite, dip, throw and spit. It’s probably a genetic bond, like all girls love girl fights more and all boys love boy fights more. I watch these fights on YouTube and other people’s phones all the time.
- Myesha

Fights Are Fun to Watch

2008-04-17T14:09:00.000-07:00

I think people like seeing fights because they fun to watch and it’s better than watching the boxing fights on TV, because in a fight out on the streets or something you could do whatever you want, there is no rules. I think that people that record the fights on their phones or cameras do it so they could be the person that goes up to all the people that missed the fight and shows them who won and what happened. Most people I know don’t put the fights that they record on YouTube. They only do it sometimes, but not all the time because they could get in trouble or get the people who were fighting in trouble. I would be mad if I had a fight and somebody recorded it, because I didn’t fight so that everybody can watch. I would be fighting because I was mad at the person and whether I won the fight or the other person did, I wouldn’t want it shown to everybody.
- LaTajh

Prices Going Up

2008-04-01T18:30:00.000-07:00

I make money by doing stuff around the house, like washing my mom's car or stuff like that. I used to have a job at Acorn Recreation Center, but that was just a summer job. Other people do stuff like sell drugs and girls go and prostitute, and people gamble. Some people have jobs that they go to everyday. Or some people just steal money.

Right now, I’m trying to get a job holding signs outside that will bring people to buy or rent new apartments. It pays good - ten dollars a hour. Some people sell other stuff not drugs ... like clothes, shoes, or accessories.

I noticed that a lot of people are going broke or not having as much money as they are used it. I could tell because I see more dirty people on the street like homeless people or just dusty people. The gas prices are too high and the houses these days cost too much, I think that has something to do with why parents start complaining more about money. Most of the stuff at the liquor store went up on the prices to like little things like fifty cent sodas and candy bars.

- LaTajh

Fast Money

2008-04-01T18:26:00.000-07:00

Well, my people be getting money by anything they can do to get money. For example, I know people that sell weed on every corner in East Oakland and sometimes they even get high on their own supply, that’s why they be broke as a fucking joke, but that don’t stop them getting weed and drugs and shit. Some of my family, they be selling drugs, all kinds of them all over Oakland. Well, everywhere ... but all they do is wait in their damn corner and wait for dumb-ass people to buy their shit and they do. That’s why people die every day, either an overdose or people don’t pay up. Another body was found on the streets. Either they die cause of that or because of gang banging ... my life used to be all about that, but hmmmmmm ... I have changed a lot.

- Esa Chunky

Getting Money and Getting Rich, So If You Broke You Get Ditched

2008-04-01T18:20:00.001-07:00

Damn, what’s poppin? Everybody and they momma broke. This recession shit killing us, slowly but surely. I can’t even get a hot dollar from my momma without her talking bout: “Where your job at?" And then I.R.S steal, taxes man. They getting over. So get rich or get ditched! Get money and act funny, feel me.

I’m making money by working at Youth Radio. I also do hair and make money off of that. I do about three heads in one week, since I work and go to school. I make at least $160 from that. Can you believe it? Another young black woman succeeding in life.

I ain't selling my body or nobody else’s drugs – that’s the hustle over here in the West. You got boosters, hos, hustlers and I’m neither. I do not have close family or friends who does these things, but where I live you got a little bit of all that. I don’t think they make much money because it’s a lot of people on the same hustle they on, which is not good. And if the recession keeps going, every body gonna be stealing robbing and selling.

See me, I want to make a lot of money, like $300 every two weeks but how can I do that with everybody low on money? When I get the money, I buy things I like such as clothes, shoes and accessories because I’m into my fashion, feel me. Oh yeah, I ain't holding up no signs, talking bout spare change. Fuck that, get on your job. Hahaha holla.

- Young Keke (Free Teddy)

Making Money

2008-04-01T18:14:00.000-07:00

This is how I make my money: I work for The Beat Within and they are taking taxes out of my check. Other people are getting mad because they are not getting paid enough. People sell drugs so they can have the amount of money that they want because they might need it for something. Hoing, some females does it because they are desperate for love and some do it just because they can. Stealing clothes - people do it because they need to provide for their family because they do not make enough money.

- Shelkeia Green

That's Just Nasty

2008-03-18T18:22:00.000-07:00

I think that it is no such thing as a high class prostitute. A prostitute is a prostitute and just because they don’t have the same prices doesn’t mean they can rate each other. If that’s what they choose to do, they just nasty. I found out that the governor of New York was caught trying to get with this so called “high classed call girl” which to me means a prostitute that wants a lot of money but still nasty. Any other time a prostitute would be arrested and stuff but she didn’t get arrested I don’t know why.

-La Tajh

My Friend's Story

2008-03-18T18:09:00.000-07:00

I feel concerned about my friend because she is hoeing for money and she could just get a job.

But then I see women like the one who just got caught with the governor who never gets in trouble and I wonder why things are different for my friend who’s been in juvenile at least seven times for prostitution.

She met her pimp at a girlfriend’s house. He didn’t pimp his girlfriend, but started pimping my friend. She was in a group home at the time. She would run away from the group home to be with him. Even though he was using her, he would also buy her things and make her look cute and feel good about herself. So she liked being with him. It almost seemed like she saw him as family. She’s 17 and is still prostituting.

I don’t think she woke up one day and decided to prostitute. I think he said something to her that made her think it would be okay to do it.

This woman in the news decided to sell her body to pay for her music career. She is an adult and my friend a minor. She is called a “high class call girl” while my friend is a street ho or prostitute. She gets the third most viewed Myspace page on the internet while my friend goes to juvenile over and over.

Why is that?

AMW

Slow Killer

2008-03-04T18:21:00.000-08:00

Some people don’t get tested because they don’t think they need to because of what their partner said. When I got tested, I was really nervous because I didn’t want to be infected with the virus. When I found out that I was negative I was so happy - then I thought about the people who are infected and how they are dying in slow motion: bones swollen, weak and hard to stand -- that’s what I picture when I think of these men and women, silent. But no one cares ...

Do you think if you use a condom sometimes you won’t get nothing, think again. AIDS is a killer, but it don’t ever want to be alone so it keeps finding new partners – keeps finding new ways to infect and kill.

- Lil Missy Says So

HIV Testing

2008-03-04T18:12:00.000-08:00

Well, HIV testing for me is like a must do, have to – just to be on the safe side. Sometimes I’m nervous, sometimes not.

Why?

Because they can tell you you’re HIV positive and I think it would mean you don’t have that long to live, or at least that your life would change a lot.

When I go get tested I'm always nervous but when it all comes down to it, I’ve been negative. When you hear you're negative, it takes all the pressure off your head. Sometimes, when you hear you’re positive - some people break down and cry.

I think it’s good to get tested because you will know that you’re on the safe side - and if you catch it, you will know who you got it from.

When, I first went to get tested I was so nervous I couldn’t be still. I didn't cry, I just kept praying - hoping I didn’t have nothing and I was HIV negative.

Hiv testing is not bad - try it!!!!!!

-Shelkeia Green

These Bootsy-Ass Magazines

2008-02-19T18:39:00.000-08:00

King Magazine is not for me but I say it can be of use to lonely desperate boys. I love when I see black people succeeding in life, but I feel put down when I go to King Magazine and see young beautiful black women half-naked that could have had more clothes on. It could have been worse, but I think it’s a disgrace to all African American women who have respect for themselves and others! And if you have a problem with wat I wrote to bad b***hes get with the movement or get beat on. Believe that the ladies of King Magazine is some bopz, most definitely.

- Young Teddy, jr. hahaha holla bit****

Teen Vogue

2008-02-19T18:36:00.000-08:00

What I liked about Teen Vogue magazine was their style. How they got different kinds of dresses and how they brought back the old school hats with the plain colors. The clothes that they are wearing look so in style and up to date. The other thing I like about this is the poses that they are doing. It makes them look like they know how to rock the clothes that they are wearing. Another thing I like about this magazine is that their hair look so real and the color brings their face out. Last, their make-up is so neat.

What I didn’t like about the magazine was how they make the models bodies look so skinny. Another thing I don’t like was how it seems like they can’t eat the stuff that want to eat. Like, they can’t eat the junk food that they want because I bet the magazine editors want them to be just that one size.

I read this magazine on regular basis because i like to keep up with the latest styles. I love to read fashion magazines because i can come up with my own style just by looking at what the fashion desingner come up with. I get my sense of fashion from myself because i like to dress in my own style and let other people compliment my clothes.

- Shelkeia Green, a.k.a. Keke

What I Thought of CosmoGirl

2008-02-19T18:34:00.000-08:00

I checked out CosmoGirl magazine and I liked:

Potty Mouth in the Secrets section. I liked this secret because if a girl was flirting with my boy friend I would also put toilet water in her cup so she can drink it.

I liked the column talking about being single on Valentine's Day, the writer told the readers not to be in despair if you don’t have a boyfriend on Valentines Day.

I did not like….
When this girl said that she was in NYC and her boyfriend was in West Virginia, because they was not together on Valentine's Day and I think it's important to be together on Valentine's Day.

- Lil Missy Said It!!!!

If I Was the Editor of Vibe

2008-02-19T18:31:00.000-08:00

Every time I’m in the store, I pick up Vibe magazine and start reading it. The stories are mostly gossip, the latest news, and other opinions about hip-hop and R&B artists. Like, for example, recently they were talking about what Aretha Franklin said about Beyonce Knowles and they talked about new videos from Kanye West and Talib Kweli.

I like that they have the latest gossip and news on some of my favorite rappers and singers and they have a lot of pictures.

I don’t like that there is not any games like quizzes, surveys, horoscopes, or something like that. I always look at this magazine if I’m in the store but I never buy any of the issues, unless my mom buys them, because it costs like $4 to $5 dollars and that cost too much for me.

If I were the editor, than I would lower the price, I would add more fun stuff and activities, and I would add more posters. The other thing I don’t like is that they have all these interviews and articles about these old people who not even on the radio no more, so I think they should just focus on new artist and young artist or artists that’s making a lot of money.

- LaTajh Walker

Don't Judge, Obama

2008-02-05T18:27:00.000-08:00

Wassup with it, blood {Barack Obama}:

I have so much to say and, honestly, I don’t think words can explain. So many people judge a book by its cover and haven’t read the back to see what it's about. Well, that’s how I feel. So many people look at me by what someone wrote about me! (Or typed.) My grandma and my mom all ways said pen and pencil will get you in trouble and follow you forever. Well, I have so many talents and can use them in so many ways. I am a smart intelligent girl and my only problem is my mouth. Your tongue can put you in so much trouble that you can’t get out of. But my whole point is if my tongue can get me in trouble, it can get me out of trouble. And this is a message from a young adult that would like for people to look at her from the inside and only wonder about her from the out. If a child could vote, you would have my vote Barack Obama. And not only did I look at you from the outside, but I also looked at you on the inside, to see what you have to offer.

Sincerely,
Sitkeya F (Ms. Latin Bomb Threat, but dont mean it!)

Why I Would Vote For You

2008-02-05T18:19:00.000-08:00

Dear Mr. Obama:

I would vote for you because I hope you would give the group home more money, so that it would be nicer. I would buy nicer furniture and good food with more choices.

Also, we should be paid more for working and get health insurance for when our parents get old so that they can go to the doctor.

Finally, we should find places for homeless people to live.

Sincerely,

AMW

Make Things Better

2008-02-05T18:11:00.001-08:00

Dear Barack Obama:
I think you should win because you are a good person. Also, you are very cute. I think you should win because you’re sending a perfect message out to the young people because your commercial caught my eye and because you are going to be the first black man to be the president. I think you would be good for California because Bush don’t know what he’s doing. I also want you to win because I think a whole lot of stuff would change with you, like you could give us a later curfew and not let us go to jail for dumb stuff. Also, I think you can change the food that people have to eat in jail and have better group home and less police and let us be able to have more sideshows. Finally, I think that you need to win because you are good for us and it would be a good start for 2008 and we can go from there to improve.

- Shelkeia

Dear Barack Obama

2008-02-05T18:08:00.000-08:00

Dear Barack Obama,

I know that you will be elected as the president, so I just wanted to tell you some things that should change about our country. First of all I think that you should lower gas prices because $3 for one gallon is just not working. I think that when you turn 14 years old, you should be able to get a job, because you should be able to earn money if you are mature enough. Also I think college tuitions should be way cheaper, because you have to pay thousands of dollars just to get a higher education, and there are a lot of people that can’t afford college and they could have been the one that cured AIDS or cancer or they could be one of the best judges or presidents but you would never know just because they couldn’t afford over priced colleges. It’s too hard to rent houses or buy your own houses because it’s too expensive and buying a house should be affordable. Last, I think that there should be larger schools, the classes should be small so you can learn more and get more attention, but the whole school should be large, there are too many small schools.

-- La Tajh

Advice about HATERS

2008-01-29T18:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Kelly

I think you shouldn’t care about what people say because they just haters and they wouldn’t be hating on you if they wasn’t jealous. You shouldn’t even trip off them because they not nobody to be trying to impress anyway, so if they don’t like what you got going on - then don’t even trip. The only reason they be hating on you is because they don’t have what you have. If people hating on you, that means you obviously is doing something right. So like if somebody be like: “Yo shoes hecka ugly,” but you know yo shoes is cute, just be like: “Whatever. Don’t get mad, because you couldn’t afford them.” Or if you heard somebody was talking behind your back, you should just go up to them and confront them in front of everybody, so everybody could just see that they is hecka messy.

- La Tajh Weaver

Advice to My Cousin

2008-01-29T18:30:00.001-08:00

Dear Cousin,

I felt like you should’ve used protection during sex. You are too young to have a baby. You’re only 15. I felt like he got you pregnant on purpose, because he put Vaseline on the condom and it broke. Now you’re going through all of this stress because your boyfriend is dead. Now you have to be a parent on your own. But as a big cousin, I’m going to help you so you won’t feel like you’re a lone.

Love,
A.M.W.

Dear Shelkeia

2008-01-29T14:42:00.000-08:00

This was a part of an excercise introducing the girls to video blogs or "vlogs". This particular vlog is Shelkeia's advice to a scenario involving a young woman having problems with her boyfriend.

Dear Shelkeia,

My name is Monique, I'm 18 years old and I'm from Oakland, Ca. Me and my boyfriend have been together for almost two years. Right now I'm 8 months pregnant. He's a good guy, and he's been there for me when I needed someone but lately he's been acting funny. Three weeks ago, he left our apartment and said he was going to go to the store, after he didn't come back for a few hours I called him, but his phone went straight to voicemail. I called his mother, his friends, everybody, but still, I didn't hear from him. Three days later, he comes in the house, I've been worried sick, and he just strolls in and goes in the room. When I ask him what happened, he said that his car broke down and that he stayed at his moms house for a few days while it was getting fixed. I want to believe him, but the story just doesn't add up. What do you think I should do? I want us to be a family, but I don't want to put my baby through all of this drama.

Thanks,
Monique

Weak Minds, Strong Bodies

2008-01-18T11:48:00.000-08:00

It's a new year, so we have some brand new media for you. This is the first of a series of video blogs -- or vlogs -- where the Oakland Girls speak their mind. Here's Sitkeya dropping knowledge on the idea that having a "weak mind and a strong body" allowed black people to be enslaved -- a point that was brought up in The Great Debaters -- and that she applies to pimps and hoes.

Condom Dispensers in Schools: Bad Idea

2007-12-05T15:27:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I read this article about how in Brazil, they decided to put condom dispensers in schools to fight the spread of AIDS. Now, I just don’t think this is a good idea because people in the school can go behind the school or like in a classroom and have sex. Alternatively, they'll have oral sex. That is just trifling to me because that’s really going to want kids to do it more just because they see the condoms there. So, in my option, I think it is a bad idea. In general about condoms, I think that some people use condoms and some don’t. However, what I hear from hoes when I was locked up was that they don’t use condoms. That's nasty. I think people don’t use condoms because they say it feels good but that’s how people catch stuff.

- Shelkeia