August 28th

    On August 28, 1963, nearly 47 years ago, Martin Luther King Jr. spoke his famous "I Have a Dream" speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. I analyzed the speech this year in an AP english class and was truly inspired at not only his rhetoric, but at his determination and will to stand for something that a majority of the country didn't agree with. Check the entire speech here. Today, conservative right-wing psycho Glenn Beck decided to host a "Restoring Honor Rally," at the Lincoln Memorial today, August 28, 2010. Guests like Sarah Palin made short speeches, but a majority of the rally was preaching of "Christian values." "It has nothing to do with politics. It has everything to do with God. Everything [with] turning our face back to the values and the principles that made us great.", Glenn Beck. The rally was sponsored by FOX News and consisted of mainly Tea Party members. I guess the purpose was to honor those who died for our country but it seemed more like a right-wing tactic to promote their twisted views. A twitter tweeted it best, "Glenn Beck & Sarah Palin hosting a "restoring honor" rally is like Paris Hilton & Lindsey Lohan hosting a "healthy lifestyles" seminar. Very true.

     Also, Reverend Al Sharpton had a similar march at Washington's Dunbar High School. "Just because you got the spot doesn't mean you're standing up for the dream," he commented, regarding Beck's rally. His march was called "Reclaiming the Dream" and aimed to commemerate King's speech. "They want to disgrace this day and we're not giving them this day. This is our day and we ain't giving it away," Sharpton claimed. Although, Glenn Beck said the date of his rally was purely coincidental. Either way, it is not a 'black day' or a 'white day'! It's our country's day; and a day to celebrate great Americans such as Martin Luther King Jr and Abraham Lincoln. While the rallys, marches, and theatrics are entertaining, they merely break our country apart even further. Let's just focus on moving forward, leaving the two sided political fights behind us like yesterday's paper.
And since this post went over, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHAEL JACKSON<3

Rima Fakih

    When Rima Fakih ريما فقيه was announced 2010 Miss USA she became the first Arab American and Muslim to win the contest. Rima was born in Lebanon but in 1993 her family moved to New York before finally settling down in Dearborn, Michigan. Dearborn, Michigan is known as the Arab capital of the United States. This is very evident as the buildings, signs, and shops are labeled mostly in Arabic. Exactly 20 years ago, Miss USA 1990, Carole Gist became the first African American title-holder. Carole Gist (my friend's mommy) was also Miss Michigan before going on to win the national contest. They both represent the diversity and culture that not only thrives within Southeast Michigan but within the entire state. Together they have broken racial and religious barriers to represent our entire country. I truely love calling Michigan my home. I was also delighted when our school (not very close to Dearborn) became the first MI school offering Arabic as a language for students to take.

    Today was the first time Rima returned to her hometown since the pageant; and I was so grateful to be a part of the event. She is an amazing person and a perfect role model for all young girls. The day began with several associations such as her alma mater's presenting her with awards, along with Arab and Chaldean foundations. Dearborn Mayor, John B. O’Reilly presented Rima with a key to the city as well as declaring July 10th, Rima Fakih Day. When the presenters had gone, Rima was alone to speak from her heart to her family, friends, and fans of her beloved hometown city. She stressed that education was the gateway to success and her secret weapon to winning the pageant. "Anyone who is rich can lose money. You can never lose a degree." Rima hopes to go on to lawschool after her rein is complete. "Love the haters," she exclaimed. "They made me push even harder to prove them wrong. The people that tried to get me disqualified only made me want to win even more." Rima also gave her dad credit for always instilling in her that "anything is possible"; and from what we have all seen, she has lived up to this quote. A Lebanese immigrant, Rima is the epitome of the "American Dream". "I want girls to look at me and say, she comes where I come from. We all have backgrounds. No one is only American." It is beautiful to see when an American can proudly represent all cultures or ethnicities he/she comes from. She is exactly right. Our stories are all unique and we all have another heritage in which we can be proud of. I am so glad Rima is representing the United States because she portrays the diversity each individual in our country beholds. Let me add she has a great fashion sense along with a personality out of this world.

Independence Day

What country did the United States win independence from? Believe it or not, many teens and even adults could not tell you. Britain! The U.S was part of Britain. On July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved and signed by the Continental Congress; thus leaving the 13 U.S colonies free from British rule. Back then the population was said to be 4 million; today, 309 million. Out of that 309 million, 32.5 mil are foreign born citizens (me), and more than 1 in 3 of these citizens became naturalized. A couple days ago Sienne College in Loudonville, NY, released their rankings of the best and worst U.S Presidents. Leading the list was F. Roosevelt followed by T. Roosevelt, Lincoln, Washington, and Jefferson. Clinton holds 13th place, with Obama making a debut at 15. No surprise, George W. Bush lands in the 39th position. As much as I love and honor our country, I used to be the most anti-patriot person in the world. While Bush was President, I was ashamed and embarassed to be part of a country that had totally opposite values and an agenda I felt was extremely destructive. I did not even want the flag or (red,white,&blue) anywhere near me. I did not want in any way to support the United States. However, after viewing the Obama campaign up-close and personal and experiencing true independence, I could never be more proud of my country. Presidents come and go, but the history and struggle our Founding Fathers overcame to guarantee our freedom, lasts forever. I had to realize that one President does not define our nation's values. The legacy of the United States and it being one of the only countries that guarantees all its citizens freedom is something to celebrate. Even if you do not support our current President, be proud of the progress our country has made. Happy 4th of July!!

K!DULT

This past Saturday was the first-ever K!dult Youth Leadership Conference located in NYC. Kidult.com is a website designed for teens(Kidults) and is focused around news and entertainment. "Pharrell and I started Kidult.com so that fearless young minds could become informed, and inform the world about their radical plans," says Mimi, Co-founder and Kidult Editor-in-Chief. Mayor of New York, Michael R. Bloomberg goes on to say, "Today's youth will be innovators in the arts, business, and government, and by participating in this event you are ensuring a brighter future for us all." The theme of this years conference was "Feed Your Curiosity," and I can truely say I was inspired by all the speakers, mentors, and topics. Speakers ranged from Felix Sanion, Founder and CEO of Mundial Sports Network, to "Diggy" Simmons of MTV's Run's House.  Some pictures-

 

First Panel: Turning Your Ideas into Moneymakers

Second Panel: How to Change the World in 90 Days

Think Big: Practical Advice from Pharrell Williams

Who Are You...Really?

Dr. Steve Perry, Founder of Capitol Preparatory Magnet School, Best selling author of "Man Up", Education Contributor on CNN

I also really related to Lynne D Johnson, SVP, Social Media for the Advertising Research Foundation, Karen Nethersole, CEO of Full Circle New York, Tammy Tibbetts, creater of She's the First, and Pamela Newkirk, professor of journalism and NYU. All of the speakers at the conference had truely compelling backgrounds and inspirational messages. I hope to continue to be a part of the K!dult community and also attend the conference again next year. Pharrell said it best when he said, "You are not the 'future', you are today." We have to take action now to see changes tomorrow. We cannot wait for others to stand up for our beliefs. The future begins with today.

Be Thankful

My Sister's Keeper is a definite movie must-see!!(just watched it for the 3rd time!) Even Khloe Kardashian admitted she couldnt stop crying after seeing this emotional film-I became mildly depressed after this past trimester in school and was questioning my priorities and role in life. I felt like I should be punished for not being perfect and for letting down my parents; basically thinking I don't deserve to be happy this summer and I must do something worthy of my time-But this movie reopened my eyes that there are so many bigger things than grades and being perfect. Everyday, people die of cancer, families are torn apart, and lives are changed. Disease, famine, and poverty surround us, and although you may feel like "your world" is falling apart; be thankful you're still alive and able to put these negligible dilemmas behind you. Use the power you gain from overcoming these hurdles to help people worse off and truely in need of some strength.