News For, By and About People
When we saw each other we just smiled. The last time I saw her was in May. I spoke to her briefly on the telephone several times but never met her in person. She works at an organization that helps children who are in the worst situations. How could we ever forget the children in our community? We can write about the tsunami and Hurricane Katrina but what about the children who don’t have the same type of parents that you’re to your own children.
On Saturday, March 17, 2008, the 5th Annual Jasmine Miles Memorial “Walk of Stars” was held. Anna Williams (red sweater) and Nancy Thelen (not shown), who are avid quilters at the Capital City Quilts, 635 S. Waverly Rd., Suite F, Lansing MI 48917 made a quilt for Michelle Miles (yellow shirt) out of material with a lilac print. Rina Risper (far right) spoke about the quilt.
Before her daughter, Jasmine Miles, was killed in an auto accident, she gave her mother a bouquet of lilacs.
Courtesy Photo
If You Aren’t, the Prison Population Is…
During a speaking engagement at Mid Michigan Leadership Academy, a student looks over a portrait of Rina Risper. It was painted by David Jones who is incarcerated in a Michigan prison.
Photo by Yohnny Cardena-Abad, 8th Grade, Mid Michigann Leadership Academy
This past week, I had a surprise visit from my mother who lives in Georgia. Surprise wasn’t the half of it. On a Saturday night at 11:59 p.m., she contacted me to let me know that she would be flying into Grand Rapids at 12:00 p.m. Grand Rapids? Did she know how much gas was?
In this edition, I decided to print an interview that I did with “Wordz in Motion” a telelvision program based in Detroit. It gives some insight to questions that I have been asked over the years and I thought that I would share them with you. I’ve been interviewed for radio, newspaper and television programs most recently in Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida.
I want to share with you why we do the types of stories that we do.
I’ve finally come to terms with the fact that I’m a journalist. I thought since I didn’t go to school for journalism, I wasn’t a journalist. It’s sometimes hard when you work alone to get a grasp on what your role is and what you’re doing.
No matter what, 2008 will be remembered as one of the most exciting times in political history. My 6-year old daughter, Anissa, made it quite clear to me as we watched CNN, a 24-hour news channel, while ironing clothes.
Having children is one of the greatest gifts in the world. With each anniversary that I celebrate, I’ll always celebrate my children, who have been a part of this newspaper journey as well. My children have taught me to pay attention and to watch carefully.
I believe that people who are assaultive – verbally or physically- have no love for themselves and need to rethink what their priorities are in this life. I was recently at a place that I frequent and often see the same people. One of “the regulars” is extremely negative and gossips about others. She reminds me of an egocentric high schooler, who likes to find the weak to prey upon.
In 2008, we’re revamping the paper. Thank you to all of the people who have helped us through it.