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...]
About Safa Mostafa
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...]
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...]