There's been a rash of shootings in the last month on the south side of the city, amidst everything that is happening with the Corona-virus. We are in complete lockdown yet young kids are dying in our streets. Youth writer and activist Safa Mostafa reports. ----- Up until March 31, Jersey City has only had one homicide. I'd prefer it if we'd have zero but we're all happy … [Read more...]
About Safa Mostafa
We are Jersey City
Where do I begin? The moment I heard about the shooting or the moment I realized it was a mass shooting? I won't lie, I'm writing this on a Friday night after another vigil and I'm still processing. I'm processing that the city that raised me had a mass shooting. It doesn't feel real yet. I'll actually begin a few months back – August, when I protested in front of the White … [Read more...]
A look at recent shootings and the hope for change
Three weeks, 10 shootings, 20+ victims, 2 dead. It's been a hard summer in Jersey City, and yet most people seem to turn a blind eye. I put together a timeline of recent shootings and what we know so far. June 26 Two people shoot at 11:37 pm on Ocean Avenue between Bidwell and Bayview. The 22-year-old and the 28-year-old both were hospitalized for injuries that weren't … [Read more...]
Community Outreach Center: The C.O.V.E
Community Outreach Voice and Empowerment
Everyone needs that one person to talk to when things go wrong. For our youth, it's import for them to have guidance when they need it. Robyn Gorman and Steven Campos work for an organization, Hudson Partnership. In a nutshell, they are that helping hand that comes in and listens to the child, find the problem and work with the family and child to help. This happens before … [Read more...]
Youth Summer Programs in Jersey City
Anyone counting the days until summer? cause same. With all that free time you could be learning a new skill or gaining experience. Below are some great summer programs for teens. Art House Summer Teen Intensive Have dreams of becoming an actor, painter, poet, or screenwriter? Art house production has applications right here. Girls Who Code Learn how to code a … [Read more...]
Students Demand Action Calls You to Action!
You know there's a problem when leaders act like children and children act like leaders. Students Demand Action (SDA) is a national organization of high school students wanting their community to be safer without gun violence. There's also Moms Demand Action for mothers who are concerned for their children to be safe. There are different chapters based on counties. For Jersey … [Read more...]
Child Labor Laws and the Minimum Wage in New Jersey
I started working at the age of 15. I worked at the farmers market every Sunday. Every other Sunday, I would get paid $60. I thought I was rich until I did the math and found out I only get paid $3.25 per hour. Funny, but sad story. Soon after I left, I found out that it's illegal to pay minors or anyone under minimum wage and in cash. At the time, I believe the minimum was … [Read more...]
A Few Things To Know about Ramadan!
Ramadan Mubarak!
It's that time of the year for my Muslim friends and family. Ramadan! For those of you who are unfamiliar to the religious month, it's 4 weeks full of fasting. Let me tell you the back story of Ramadan. Ramadan is the month of the Quran. We believe that during this time the holy book was sent down to earth to our prophet, Muhamad (peace be upon him) and was set for guidance for … [Read more...]
Ward B Community Meeting Recap + Update on Local Construction
Even on my spring break, I find myself at school. Coach C let me know that there would be a meeting happening on April 17th from 7 pm to 8:30 pm and I needed to be there. This meeting was to cover construction in Ward B, more specifically on 20 Carbon Place. At the bottom of the article will be in depth pictures of the plan. Right now, let me give you the … [Read more...]
Write for Change: Youth Essay Contest
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...]
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...]
