Urban Youth International Journalism Program

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    Current Edition Of UYIJP:


    We deemed "The Other Side of The Fence", a cultural anthology, as being necessary because all too often people don't ask us (children) how we feel about changes being made in our community. In the summer of 2005, participants in the After School Matters/Local Advisory Council/Chicago Housing Authority summer program embarked upon a mission to document our thoughts, feelings, and concerns about the changes being made that affect our lives. As children, we are expected to go along quietly with whatever plans the adults in charge are making, and rarely do we ever have a say in these matters. Sometimes as children we can see much clearer than adults because we haven't lived long enough to have become disillusioned, disinterested, or afraid of life. Once we learn to temper our brashness, the fearlessness that remains can be a valuable tool if it's wielded correctly. We found out while working on this anthology that we love the Ida B. Wells. Be this a place good or bad, it is a place that was our home, and for some of us it will be again in whatever new form it takes. For some of us, though, we may never return to the development that takes its place. That thought made us a bit sad, but we are kids so well get over it. The process of making this anthology was challenging at first, but as we really began to focus on The Wells as a living entity, it became more of a labor of love. With this said, we give you our cultural anthology: "The Other Side of The Fence", as seen through the eyes of a future actress, two NBA stars, a lawyer, a pediatrician, a cosmetologist, a parole officer, and a comedienne. Enjoy.

    The Wells
    by The Contributors to the Anthology
    The Wells is a place of many different flavors Click here to read more...

    Everyday Life
    by Felicia Gordon
    Sometimes it seems like just the everyday grind is too much. Click here to read more...

    Stereotypes
    by Alphonso Parker
    If you've never lived in the Ida B. Wells how can you talk negatively about it or its residents? Click here to read more...

    A Year Later
    by Jasmine Holmes
    The Wells would be gone for good. No more late night parties in the Zone, especially no more dog fights. In less than a year the Wells won't be the same. Click here to read more...

    Growing up
    by Paris L. Haynes
    Now that they are demolishing the Wells, it makes me angry and happy. Click here to read more...

    This Ain’t That
    by Tashawna Ollie
    As everyone knows, “this ain’t that” is a slang term, but it can be used in both good and bad ways Click here to read more...

    Penalties
    by Kirby Stanton
    To me, it seems that poor people always pay the stiffest penalties. Click here to read more...

    Me and My Hood
    by Jameel Hasan
    To me, it seems that poor people always pay the stiffest penalties. Click here to read more...

    I Ain’t…
    by The Contributors to the Anthology
    I ain't a crackhead
    I have way more respect for myself Click here to read more...

    Haters
    by Quincy Newell
    Haters are people who don’t like people because someone may have something that they don’t have. Click here to read more...

    Bonnita's Autobiography
    by Bonnita Jones
    It's been almost 10 years since the trailblazers of the Chicago Housing Authority's Urban Youth International Journalism Program (UYIJP) made its reporting trip to Israel and Ghana. Click here to read more...

    Drug Addicts: A Childhood Life with a Mother on Drugs (Part Two)
    by Chantell Suggs
    To keep from crying, I laugh. No mother, four siblings, a son, and not a plan in the world for us. Click here to read more...

    Shop Talk
    by Chantell Suggs
    Many have seen the movie “Barbershop,” but is that really what goes on inside barber shops? Click here to read more...