Youth are face of March for Our Lives Protest

Lizabeth Velazquez was only three months old when she and her family moved from Mexico to California. At the young age of seven, Velazquez witnessed the death of her cousin in Los Angeles due to a gang violence shooting. Now, the 19-year-old DACA recipient is advocating for those impacted by firearm deaths by taking part in the March for Our Lives protest.

“I decided to march to be a voice for my cousin and for everyone that has died because of gun violence,” Velazquez says.

Velazquez is one of thousands to lose a loved one due to gun violence in the United States.  In response to the deadly high school shooting in Parkland, Florida on February 14, 2018, the youth and supporters from across the nation organized the March for Our Lives protest. People were able to express their concerns and demonstrate the need for stricter firearm regulations.

“As a young person I have to speak up, older generations and lawmakers really do not take us seriously, so whenever there is a protest or demonstration I use my voice for change, ” Velazquez says.

Gun related injuries are the third leading cause in death among children in America, according to a News Weekreport in June of 2017. The “Not one more” mission of the March for Our Lives protest serves as a mean to demand the stop for children being shot at schools. This platform is inspired and created by students all across the nation from various backgrounds who are taking a stance and working towards assault weapon bans, universal, and comprehensive background checks among other gun control endeavors.

“I went through sit-ins, freedom rides, the March on Washington, the march from Selma to Montgomery, but this movement is powerful,” says Sen. John Lewis who spoke at the Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta moments before the march officially began. Being a well-recognized civil rights activist, he encouraged protestors to “keep it going and hang in there.”

Lewis says, “There will be no peace, there will be no order until we end gun violence and we must end gun violence once and for all.”

The central march took place at the nation’s capital in Washington D.C. which was accompanied by over 800 more marches across the globe. In Atlanta, approximately 30,000 children and families came out demanding that their lives and safety should be a priority. Participants were able to engage in honoring those who were killed because of firearm violence by signing school desks along the march route.

“It’s ridiculous, I moved to the US from Mexico when I was three months and I still have no citizenship, I’m still on DACA, which has me in a position where I have to pay four times the tuition of a citizen,” says Velazquez.

Velazquez aspires to attend college where she plans to become a pediatrician because of her love for helping children. After losing cousin at a young age, she wants to comfort those who have experienced this tragic by attending demonstrations with her friends.

Velazquez is working towards overcoming anxiety she experiences because the memory she has of the moment and spot where her cousin was shot. She plans to continue fighting for stronger firearm regulation and justice for those impacted by other social issues.

“I hope in the future the laws are stricter for gun laws than for citizenship for young people like myself who want to pursue their dreams and pursue college,” says Velazquez.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCyilY6lSAw

Five facts about gun control in the United States

The Second Amendment of the Constitution grants the right to bear arms. However, many are unfamiliar with firearm regulation. To clear any confusion, here are five facts on gun control.

1. There is an age requirement in order to carry guns.
Per the Gun Control Act, shotguns, rifles, and ammunition can be sold to individuals 18 years of age and older. Firearms other than shotguns and rifles may be sold only to individuals 21 years and older. In Georgia, it is illegal for any person to give, sell, or transfer a handgun to anyone under the age of 18.
https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/does-customer-have-be-certain-age-buy-firearms-or-ammunition-licensee

2. Firearms are allowed on college campuses.
On July 21, 2017, Georgia became the ninth state to allow concealed weapons to be carried on campus. Individuals with a gun permit must be 21 years old or at least 18 with proof of active military duty or basic training. This law does not permit firearms in places such as, preschools, dormitories, class room where high school students are taking college courses, or offices of faculty and administration.
https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/georgia/articles/2017-07-01/campus-carry-among-new-georgia-laws-taking-effect-in-july

3. There is a background check when purchasing a fire arm.
The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993 is an amendment to the 1968 Gun Control Act, which requires all who possess a Federal Firearms License to conduct a background check. Firearm purchasers fill out the ATF 4473 form, this checks for red flags and prior convictions. The background check can take up to 10 minutes by phone or online and gives the answers: approve, delay, or deny when it comes to purchasing a gun. A delay means there is extended research that needs to be done before that person is able to purchase a firearm.
http://www.dw.com/en/8-facts-about-gun-control-in-the-us/a-40816418

4. There are just as many guns as there are people in America.
About 270 million Americans own a firearm. This gives America the highest rate of gun ownership, with 89 guns per every 100 people. Being the third leading cause of death in the children of America, stricter firearm ownership regulation is something many citizens are currently fighting for. White men are more than likely to be gun owners. According to a 2017 report by http://www.pewsocialtrends.org , nearly 48 percent of white men say they own a gun compared to the 24 percent of non-white men and 16 percent of non-white women who do not own a firearm.
http://www.pewsocialtrends.org

5. You can get involved.
Individuals, especially younger citizens may feel like they do not have a voice in matters such as this. To give young people a platform to speak about gun control issues, there are a few protest to be taken advantage of. The March for Our Lives protest was a national movement, inspires the youth to confront legislators on existing gun control laws. The main march took place in Washington D.C. March 24, 2018. There were also several sister marches taking place in major cities such as Atlanta, Los Angles, Boston, and New York.
Being a voice for fellow youth and citizens takes courage, but there are a multitude of roles each person can play in creating a safer environment for all.

Upward Bound prepares first-generation college students

By: Ky’Wan Parker     February 26, 2018

Bruce Terry Jr.’s goal is to become the next in his family to attend college. Terry, a junior in high school, often searches for academic, financial and social resources to help in the process to ensure he has the skills necessary to be successful in his first year of college and beyond.

Terry is one of many students who have experienced the life-changing opportunities the Trio Upward Bound Program provides. This program is funded by a federal grant which services low-income based high school students in the Atlanta, Fulton, and Clayton County school districts who would not have the means to attain a post-secondary education. Students like Terry use the program as a network to meet mentors and counselors to help them along their educational journeys.

 

“I used to follow and hang with a crowd of people that were not going to be beneficial to the goals I want to accomplish for myself and my family,” Terry says. “I have witnessed many friends either drop out of school or go on to live lives that were unhealthy. That’s not how I want the rest of my life to be, I am choosing to make something of my life.”

The program has been dedicated to helping low-income and first-generation college students since 1965. Located at Atlanta Metropolitan State College it is a central hub for students in the metropolitan area to address academic and cultural needs. The motto and hashtag they use is “Trio Works”. It’s used to stress the importance of all resources necessary to student success, which can be found or made at Upward Bound via the strong network of professionals and mentors readily available to scholars. Students also earn a monthly stipend as a reward for attending tutoring sessions, cultural trips, and visiting their counselors.

Bria Carr an educational specialist for Upward Bound says, “It takes a village.” College tours are a huge component of the program and thanks to partners at schools such as Georgia State University, Savannah State University, and Spelman University to name a few, the students are able to stay on campus during the summer to have a residential experience as well.

 

Carr says, “Many of the counselors and tutors are former Upward Bound students who grew up in the area, so we are aware of the various socio-economic backgrounds that our students come from. This is their educational, social, and family nest of support.”

The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from college. In addition to Upward Bound, Trio also offers programs many other students find advantageous during their academic and career endeavors.

 

“I enjoy the new experiences such as college tours, trips, and SAT prep that I get to have because of Upward Bound. This is like a second home, if anything is on my mind I am able to get help which helps me better relax,” says Terry.

Terry was able to overcome the academic and social obstacles he faces. He was accepted into four colleges and is applying for scholarships that will help pay for his college education.

“For the future generation of students, please try to become part of the program. “It keeps students out of trouble and within a positive and family-oriented environment and it feels like family,” says Terry.

First-generation college success tips

By: Ky’Wan Parker       February 21, 2018

To combat the challenge of being a first-generation college student, here are five facts for successfully navigating the college experience.

1. Get involved with on-campus organizations, preferably something related to the related area of study.

Joining major related organizations such as the school newspaper or student government organizations can boost professionalism and link like-minded students together. Don’t know which club to join? Try starting your own.

2.    Develop professional relationships with professors and peers.

Professors and peers are a student’s secret weapon. When a student wants to gain a better understanding of class concepts they can form study groups and visit their professors for one on one time. This demonstrates effort and extra drive to be successful.

3. Study, study, study!

Exhaust all academic resources possible. Everyone’s work load varies, but the important thing to remember is time management. Dedicate at least an hour to review notes from each class and do not become overwhelmed with course work. There are many resources on campus to academically benefit students.

4. Apply to scholarships while you’re in school.

No one wants to be in a ton of debt upon graduation. Therefore, it is imperative to get a head start on investing in your college journey. There are a multitude of scholarship types such as athletics, first-generation, and minority based. REMEMBER students do not have to pay back grants or scholarships.

5. Land internships in the last two years of college before graduation.

One thing a student can not afford to waste is time. It is important to thoroughly enjoy the college experience, but there must be focus. As the journey begins to wind down seek internships from businesses and brands that relate to career goals. Internships often lead to employment once completed. Applying to internships is also good practice for cover letter and resume writing.

Being the first to do something can be a bit scary, but there are plenty resources, organizations and people to ensure success as a first-generation college student.