Dear Future Son (from K. Austin)

Dear J.J.,

I will start off by saying that I love you more than anything. As your mother I will be here for you no matter what, and I want nothing but the best for you.

As you grow, I do expect for you to make mistakes in overcoming obstacles simply because you are human. I want you to grow into a successful young man, have a career and fulfill your dreams to the best of your abilities.

It will benefit you greatly if you listen to us, your parents. Do what you are told and be honest with yourself. Always remember that you can talk to me about anything, whether it brings discomfort or not. Stay true to yourself and follow your heart. Talk to God and stay loyal to Him. Innovate, develop your ideas and reach as far as you can. With all this said, I want most of all for you, Jordan Lawrence, Jr. to be happy!

Love,

Mommy

(KeAnda Austin, 11th Grade)

You Will Rise

Here's a smooth, funky, jazzy and inspirational song about rising to face challenges and growing to our full potential performed by Amel Larrieaux and the band, Sweetback.

Inspiration

This blog was inspired by the sudden death of the former director of our program, Dr. Shirley Arnold, a kind and compassionate woman dedicated to opening the doors of higher education to young people. Her passing inspired me to create a unit for students devoted to the exploration of legacies, lasting impressions and the different ways that people pay homage.

Over the winter and up to now, we have read about, discussed and written about a number of religious and secular practices—from Dia de los Muertos, the construction of altars (ofrendas) as well as the building of monuments such as the Vietnam War Memorial and the footprints in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood and more. We have also explored the ways that experiences of the past create much of the structure of the lives we are living today.

I'd planned for the discussions to culminate in the building of an altar near Dr. Arnold’s former office; in lieu of that we have constructed this blog. Although the altar did not come to fruition, the main idea here (probably the most important one) is that new life springs from those things that have passed on.

(Jené Watson)