Writing is a reflection of your thoughts. Student activists in Students Demand Action of Hudson County are having a youth essay contest on what you think about gun violence prevention. Rules Must be a public/charter high school student 650 words or less What steps would you take to address gun violence in Jersey City if you had the opportunity to present it to a … [Read more...]
About Safa Mostafa
JCBOE Budget Cuts Update: Sports
On August 30th, 2018 I attended the monthly JCBOE meeting. It's always the last Thursday of the month and starts at 6 pm on the dot. This one was particularly important due to the fact that rumors were flying about the budget cuts to the sports, teachers being fired one week before the school year started, and Infinity High School being shut down. You can read more about what … [Read more...]
Winter Youthinjc Networking Event Recap
Our 2nd YouthinJC networking event was held at The C.O.V.E on February 28th from 4-7pm. It couldn't have turned out any better! First, I need to thank the people that made the night possible. The Pacific pizzeria for providing delicious pizza. The ChicpeaJC team working even when we're on vacation. The C.O.V.E for the beautiful space. All of you guys are amazing! I … [Read more...]
Youth Voices Spoken Poetry
There's nothing I love more than seeing the youth receiving credit for the great things they do. This Friday on March 15, from 7:30 pm at Siena Hall of Saint Dominic Academy, Haven Adolescents Community Respite Center will be having a spoken word night in light of recognizing the youth. Haven is a nonprofit organization providing counseling, therapy and many other … [Read more...]
Ward A Community Meeting recap + update on local construction
The first community council meeting of the year was on February 7th. It was held at Infinity Institute High School from 6:30 pm to 8 pm, hosted and held by Councilwoman Denise Ridley of Ward A. This meeting main objective was to address the topic of construction in the community. We mainly see a lot of new buildings being built in Downtown or the Heights, but not really much … [Read more...]
Roots and Wings
I had lunch with a homeless person. It wasn't planned, I was supposed to meet up with a friend who never showed up. I never got the homeless man's name, but he came into the Dunkin Donuts rumbling through the garbage looking for a cup. He saw me staring at him like he had 3 heads. I didn't acknowledge he was homeless until I saw the holes and dirt in his clothes. He gave … [Read more...]
A Call to Action: Jersey City’s Gun Violence Epidemic
by Safa Mostafa featuring a piece by Jai Patel
Below are two separate articles: one by Safa Mostafa who lives in an underserved neighborhood, and the other by Jai Patel who works closely with community leaders. Each contributor shares their perspective on gun violence in the area and the rally that was organized afterward to continue the discussion on gun violence in Jersey City. Safa Mostafa New year, new team, … [Read more...]
I Don’t Know What It’s Like To Be You
By John Doe
The following is an anonymous piece by a local teen discussing their experience working and supporting their family at a young age. If I had a dollar for every time I felt like my efforts weren't good enough, I could probably solve all of my problems. I’m from the South side of the city, where not everything is pretty but most teens work for money to make sure … [Read more...]
Winter Breakers: Tips for Making the Most of those Days Off
Winter break is the weekend we’ve been waiting for all month. You finally get to see your family. You’re done with finals. Let’s not forget, there’s no school for 10 days! With all that time you should definitely make some chilling memories. I know just how you should do that. Finish your homework on a half day. Let’s be real with each other. There’s not that much work … [Read more...]
Youth in JC x CCAJC Networking Event Recap
Photos were taken by Coach C
Our first Youth Networking event was held at Andco on Thursday, September 27, 2018, and it couldn't have gone any better. Before I get into the details of that night, I need to thank the people who made this possible. Thank you Papa John's for sponsoring the event with pizza, Andco for providing the beautiful space, Content Creators Academy alumni, Carlos Hernandez for … [Read more...]
Golden Winny
The one thing about music that people can't deny is it holds memories. Hearing one of Selena Gomez's first song brings me back to my elementary school ages. Listening to punk rock brings me to my emo phase in middle school. Ironically it was a performing arts school. Which is where I met a good friend and rapper Winston, or as his rap name – Golden Winny. I was playing the … [Read more...]
JCBOE Meeting Recap: Budget cuts are hurting everyone
#YouthInJC
The school year didn't start yet, but almost everyone has a problem with the board. The teachers are worried about there positions, some students about there athletics and parents would like for their children to get their education without worrying about a shooter taking there child's life. Let me start from the begin, Monday I got a DM from a good friend, Ariana Ortiz. … [Read more...]
Recap: 3rd Annual Unity Walk
On Saturday, June 9th, the residents of Jersey City marched in unity from the corner of Mcadoo and Martin Luther King Drive all the way to Lincoln Park. Once I arrived at 10:30 am I first spotted the soft-hearted, Pamela Johnson of the Anti- Violence Coalition. She greets and calls me and my little sister, Jennah, the same title she gives to the youth in Jersey City "young … [Read more...]