I wanted to do a story on a restaurant but I didn't know exactly which one I wanted to do. I didn't want to be cliche and replicate a story about Ben's Chili Bowl or Florida Avenue Grill, although those two restaurants are directly in my beat. So, I decided to walk around the area and I just so happened to stumble upon this southern-inspired restaurant.
When I went there I was amazed at how the inside was meticulously decorated. It seemed like everything had a story. There were murals covering every inch of the walls which contributed to the aura of the room.
Something that sparked my attention was that the beverages are served in mason glasses and not ordinary glass cups. This place allows you to experience what a meal would be like in the South. The food was very delicious, because I'm not from the South I really don't know the difference of "real" southern food from "imitation" southern food, it tastes all the same to me.
I did like how every month there is a themed dinner that focuses on Food and storytelling. And there is a guest speaker who either reads to the customers or they discuss an important topic. I really enjoyed myself here and I would recommend that every African American woman attends at least one monthly dinner.
Friday, April 16, 2010
African American Civil War Memorial
I always wondered about the history behind this memorial and I was positive that a lot of young people didn't really know the significane of this memorial. Therefore, I was promted to do an article on it.It wasn't too difficult to get people to comment on this memorial site becasue this is statue is located directly across from the entrance/exit of the metro station. Although, many of the people that I attempted to interview were in a rush, I did manage to get people to stop and talk to me for a couple of minutes. I decided not to use every person who I talked to about the memorial because in my opinion they didn't have a lot of valuable comments.
But I did have a lot of fun writing this piece. I was able to stand around outside and enjoy the weather.
I would like to add that I had a hard time concentrating on my assignment because the weather was so nice but I managed to get everything accomplished.
I did have a hard time getting in contact with the founder of the museum, which is roughly two or three blocks down U street. The museum is very much hidden amongst the surrounding bars and restaurants but it holds a lot of historical pieces that have been donated and/or purchased.
While doing this story, I was able to learn a lot of the background information on the statue and the museum. I also learned that at the end of this year the museum will be re-locating to a much larger location, where they will have the ability to display more artifacts and where they can further educate the surrounding community.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
DMV helps Haiti
As Haiti continuously struggles to recover and make sense of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck the poor island. Local establishments are doing everything they can do to help.
The effects of January's catastrophic earthquake in Haiti are tragic to say the least, and people all over the world are doing whatever they can to help out.
"We may live thousands of miles away but here in the District, there are plenty things you can do to show your support for the relief efforts," shouted a member of the crowd.
It's been over a month since the 7.0 earthquake hit the southern part of Haiti, completely destroying its capital of Port Au Prince.
On Saturday January 17th, 2010 just days after the quake Busboys and Poets organized the "DMV helps Haiti," to raise money for the destruction in Haiti. Local artists came together in the media room at the 14th street and V street location for an uplifting and emotional open mic at Busboys and Poets on 14th and V street northwest. The event was hosted by the popular radio station in the district 93.9 FM station WKYS's DJ Quicksilva. Along with the spoken word performances, community members presented statistics as well as inspirational stories about recovering despair.
"It was very touching to hear all of the inspirational stories. I felt like there was a true connection between everyone in the room. It was nice to see African American people unite as a collective group," said Evelyn Graham, a resident of the Ledroit Park neighborhood.
The event included performances by MTV's "Making the Band" season contestant D'Angela Redman, poet Benny Blaq, and Komplex.
"It was a treat to see all of these performers contribute to a good cause. This was not like any other open mic night. It was very educational. Community leaders were there discussing the statistics of Haiti as a country," said Ezenwanyi Onwuzuruoha , a visitor of the District.
The event was co-sponsored by the TransAfrica Forum. The benefit raised over 4,000 for Haiti. Nicole Leeks, president of TransAfrica was proud to be given the opportunity to co-sponsor this event.
Individuals present were allowed to stand as members of their family in Haiti were honored and remembered.
During the event, Ricardo Noel, a student from the Haitian Student Association at Howard University mentioned the upcoming benefit concert with Wale. As soon as he was done making this announcement the room was filled with applause and cheers.
"It is amazing to see how the Howard University community is coming together to help their 'brothers and sisters' out. These students don't understand how much of a difference that they are making," said Joshua Polk, a local resident.
The effects of January's catastrophic earthquake in Haiti are tragic to say the least, and people all over the world are doing whatever they can to help out.
"We may live thousands of miles away but here in the District, there are plenty things you can do to show your support for the relief efforts," shouted a member of the crowd.
It's been over a month since the 7.0 earthquake hit the southern part of Haiti, completely destroying its capital of Port Au Prince.
On Saturday January 17th, 2010 just days after the quake Busboys and Poets organized the "DMV helps Haiti," to raise money for the destruction in Haiti. Local artists came together in the media room at the 14th street and V street location for an uplifting and emotional open mic at Busboys and Poets on 14th and V street northwest. The event was hosted by the popular radio station in the district 93.9 FM station WKYS's DJ Quicksilva. Along with the spoken word performances, community members presented statistics as well as inspirational stories about recovering despair.
"It was very touching to hear all of the inspirational stories. I felt like there was a true connection between everyone in the room. It was nice to see African American people unite as a collective group," said Evelyn Graham, a resident of the Ledroit Park neighborhood.
The event included performances by MTV's "Making the Band" season contestant D'Angela Redman, poet Benny Blaq, and Komplex.
"It was a treat to see all of these performers contribute to a good cause. This was not like any other open mic night. It was very educational. Community leaders were there discussing the statistics of Haiti as a country," said Ezenwanyi Onwuzuruoha , a visitor of the District.
The event was co-sponsored by the TransAfrica Forum. The benefit raised over 4,000 for Haiti. Nicole Leeks, president of TransAfrica was proud to be given the opportunity to co-sponsor this event.
Individuals present were allowed to stand as members of their family in Haiti were honored and remembered.
During the event, Ricardo Noel, a student from the Haitian Student Association at Howard University mentioned the upcoming benefit concert with Wale. As soon as he was done making this announcement the room was filled with applause and cheers.
"It is amazing to see how the Howard University community is coming together to help their 'brothers and sisters' out. These students don't understand how much of a difference that they are making," said Joshua Polk, a local resident.
Having a hard time getting people to comment/interview
At times I find it very difficult to convince people to allow me to use their name and quote in my articles. I have interviewed and spoken with a lot of people on the street, in the hopes of getting a good quote from them.
I first tried to introduce myself as a student from Howard University followed by me letting them know that I was writing an article about a specific topic/subject and I would then explain what direction my story was going in. At times this method worked, but I felt the direction of the interview started to go in another direction. Sometimes, the person that I am interviewing would begin to ask me questions about my major and what I wanted to after I graduated. So then I started introducing myself as a reporter for the Howard University News Service and they treated me like I was a professional and our conversation ran smoothly.
I've decided that depending on the situation and the type of story that I am covering I would pick a way in how I wanted to introduce myself to get good quotes from them.
I first tried to introduce myself as a student from Howard University followed by me letting them know that I was writing an article about a specific topic/subject and I would then explain what direction my story was going in. At times this method worked, but I felt the direction of the interview started to go in another direction. Sometimes, the person that I am interviewing would begin to ask me questions about my major and what I wanted to after I graduated. So then I started introducing myself as a reporter for the Howard University News Service and they treated me like I was a professional and our conversation ran smoothly.
I've decided that depending on the situation and the type of story that I am covering I would pick a way in how I wanted to introduce myself to get good quotes from them.
Keeping up with my beat
I find it really hard keeping up with all the activities and events that occur in my beat. Its really hard deciding which event I can cover. Sometimes, I get frustrated because my academic schedule and my extra-curricular activities prohibit me from covering somethings. To be an effective journalist, you really have to learn and master time management. Plus, no one wants to hear about news that is old and not important to their everyday life.
I have made a lot of good and strong relationships with people in my ward. I feel as though it was very challenging for me to mix and mingle with professionals and "real" adults. But at the same time it gave me a chance to venture outside of my surroundings, my comfort zone. As students we only allow ourselves to venture so far outside this perimeter, Georgia Ave and 7th street.
I really appreciated the experience of attending the ANC meetings. It made me feel as though I was a member of their community and that my concerns and opinions would be addressed if I ever felt like there needed to be some improvements in the area.
I have made a lot of good and strong relationships with people in my ward. I feel as though it was very challenging for me to mix and mingle with professionals and "real" adults. But at the same time it gave me a chance to venture outside of my surroundings, my comfort zone. As students we only allow ourselves to venture so far outside this perimeter, Georgia Ave and 7th street.
I really appreciated the experience of attending the ANC meetings. It made me feel as though I was a member of their community and that my concerns and opinions would be addressed if I ever felt like there needed to be some improvements in the area.
Reflection of State of the Union
President Obama’s first State of the Union address advised Congress to minimize the influence of special interests and for them to work together to confront the nation’s most pressing issues.
In his attempt to convince an agitated nation that his cure for the still-ailing economy was straight-forward, more jobs, better jobs or even jobs period. Until those materialize, he will continue to release a series of proposals aimed at giving financial aid in the form of increased tax credits for child care, retirement accounts, and help for children who care for aging parents, and relief for people weighed down by student loan debt.
He bragged by stating in his first State of the Union address that his economic program has cut taxes for 95 percent of the working families, after announcing that Democrats leaped out of their seats to cheer, In disgust, Republicans who were present sat quietly. President Obama paused as he glanced over to where the Republicans were sitting and said “I thought I’d get some applause on that one.” President Obama tried to recapture the magic of his yes we can campaign after a season of no we can’t governing but wasn’t too successful with the previous commodore.
His main message was “I don’t quit.” He pleaded for patience and understanding from the American people. And he then followed up by reminding the people, “ I campaigned on the promise of change; ‘change we can believe in,” said President Obama.
LaPorcia Wagner, a local resident in the Shaw neighborhood politely gave her opinion on President Obama’s role in the previous year. “I think President Barack Obama did a great job. But I suggest that he should listen to what the people want a lot more, but unlike previous Presidents, he was placed in office when our country was in trillions of dollars worth of debt. President Bush contributed to this debt as well and he failed to inform the American people right away. We as citizens need to be more patient with this crisis because it can’t be fixed over night.
By the end of his first year in office, the 44th administration had expected to have overhauled the health care system, enacted a market-based cap on carbon emissions blamed for climate change, imposed a new regulatory system on financial institutions, closed the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, etc. None of those have happened, while some of the proposals quite plausibly still could. Some of the initiatives are in progress, some have stalled and others have barely begun.
“His State of the Union address gave him the opportunity to establish his priorities for 2010, offer insights into whether he will implement a fight or flight approach in dealing with his adversaries, and, overall, offer an opportunity to lift himself out of a political gutter, said Jeffery Gilbert, a local resident.
President Obama made it clear that he was willing to participate more with the Republican party and that his party should do the same. There needs to be some type of unity between both parties, especially on Capitol Hill.
“I would also like to add that some people have been constantly complaining about President Obama borrowing money from China and then sending it to the victims in Haiti was a huge mistake, but I always say ‘what if the shoe was on the other foot what would you want the U.S to do for your country’,” said Wagner.
Health care was a major topic that was addressed during President Obama’s speech. When he talked about health care he referenced a Willy Loman-esque soliloquy on his year long effort, as if his bill’s underlying benefits and all his hard work goes unappreciated. When he mentioned the economy he offered a spirited defense of the stimulus plan. But he couldn’t stray away from talking about more bankers baiting, and he gladly promised that he’s determined to see tax rates rise for millions of Americans next year as soon as the Bush rates begin to expire.
Elizabeth Blackmon, a local resident says that President Obama is doing all that he can with this country. He has been given a large task to accomplish and he is working night and day to help this economy. “I think that he is trying as hard as he can. He is only human; people tend to forget that,” said Blackmon.
In his attempt to convince an agitated nation that his cure for the still-ailing economy was straight-forward, more jobs, better jobs or even jobs period. Until those materialize, he will continue to release a series of proposals aimed at giving financial aid in the form of increased tax credits for child care, retirement accounts, and help for children who care for aging parents, and relief for people weighed down by student loan debt.
He bragged by stating in his first State of the Union address that his economic program has cut taxes for 95 percent of the working families, after announcing that Democrats leaped out of their seats to cheer, In disgust, Republicans who were present sat quietly. President Obama paused as he glanced over to where the Republicans were sitting and said “I thought I’d get some applause on that one.” President Obama tried to recapture the magic of his yes we can campaign after a season of no we can’t governing but wasn’t too successful with the previous commodore.
His main message was “I don’t quit.” He pleaded for patience and understanding from the American people. And he then followed up by reminding the people, “ I campaigned on the promise of change; ‘change we can believe in,” said President Obama.
LaPorcia Wagner, a local resident in the Shaw neighborhood politely gave her opinion on President Obama’s role in the previous year. “I think President Barack Obama did a great job. But I suggest that he should listen to what the people want a lot more, but unlike previous Presidents, he was placed in office when our country was in trillions of dollars worth of debt. President Bush contributed to this debt as well and he failed to inform the American people right away. We as citizens need to be more patient with this crisis because it can’t be fixed over night.
By the end of his first year in office, the 44th administration had expected to have overhauled the health care system, enacted a market-based cap on carbon emissions blamed for climate change, imposed a new regulatory system on financial institutions, closed the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, etc. None of those have happened, while some of the proposals quite plausibly still could. Some of the initiatives are in progress, some have stalled and others have barely begun.
“His State of the Union address gave him the opportunity to establish his priorities for 2010, offer insights into whether he will implement a fight or flight approach in dealing with his adversaries, and, overall, offer an opportunity to lift himself out of a political gutter, said Jeffery Gilbert, a local resident.
President Obama made it clear that he was willing to participate more with the Republican party and that his party should do the same. There needs to be some type of unity between both parties, especially on Capitol Hill.
“I would also like to add that some people have been constantly complaining about President Obama borrowing money from China and then sending it to the victims in Haiti was a huge mistake, but I always say ‘what if the shoe was on the other foot what would you want the U.S to do for your country’,” said Wagner.
Health care was a major topic that was addressed during President Obama’s speech. When he talked about health care he referenced a Willy Loman-esque soliloquy on his year long effort, as if his bill’s underlying benefits and all his hard work goes unappreciated. When he mentioned the economy he offered a spirited defense of the stimulus plan. But he couldn’t stray away from talking about more bankers baiting, and he gladly promised that he’s determined to see tax rates rise for millions of Americans next year as soon as the Bush rates begin to expire.
Elizabeth Blackmon, a local resident says that President Obama is doing all that he can with this country. He has been given a large task to accomplish and he is working night and day to help this economy. “I think that he is trying as hard as he can. He is only human; people tend to forget that,” said Blackmon.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
ANC- 1 B meeting
I really enjoyed attending the ANC -1B that was scheduled in March. I have never been to a community meeting ever in my life. Not even in my hometown of San Francisco. I really learned a lot about the ward that I am covering when I sat in at the meeting.
I felt like I was a part of ward 1, the council members and the residents present made me feel really comfortable. I was nervous at first because I didn't know how the meeting was going to be ran. But I got over my fears and everything went smoothly.
For the majority of the meeting I sat down quietly listening to everyone speak. There were quite a few presenters and there was minimal interaction with the audience until the close of the meeting. That was when the residents could voice their concerns.
There were some confusing among the ANC board members on a few presentations. Some people were confused with protocol and it was really tacky. I feel as if I might have been the only one to notice this. Maybe not but I think it needs to be improved. How can a community trust a organization that was created to be the voice of the community when the right rules and guidelines are followed consistently. I don't want to attack the board members but there could have been a lot more organization.
All in all, I enjoyed the meeting. I found out about a lot of good information and I think that I was able to use one or two of the story ideas, or at least propose them.
The meeting began at 7pm and ended around 9pm. It was held in the Reeves building on 13Th and U street. These meetings are held every month at the same location, unless otherwise specified.
I felt like I was a part of ward 1, the council members and the residents present made me feel really comfortable. I was nervous at first because I didn't know how the meeting was going to be ran. But I got over my fears and everything went smoothly.
For the majority of the meeting I sat down quietly listening to everyone speak. There were quite a few presenters and there was minimal interaction with the audience until the close of the meeting. That was when the residents could voice their concerns.
There were some confusing among the ANC board members on a few presentations. Some people were confused with protocol and it was really tacky. I feel as if I might have been the only one to notice this. Maybe not but I think it needs to be improved. How can a community trust a organization that was created to be the voice of the community when the right rules and guidelines are followed consistently. I don't want to attack the board members but there could have been a lot more organization.
All in all, I enjoyed the meeting. I found out about a lot of good information and I think that I was able to use one or two of the story ideas, or at least propose them.
The meeting began at 7pm and ended around 9pm. It was held in the Reeves building on 13Th and U street. These meetings are held every month at the same location, unless otherwise specified.
Google maps
I am having a hard time creating my google maps. I have tried more than three times to sit down and do it and I keep having problems uploading pictures to my map. It is really simple to add a description. All you have to do is write a little blurb about the area and why it is significant.
I've asked various students in the class but they either don't have the time and patience to help me or they forgot how they attached their pictures to their map. It makes me wonder, if they really put it up themselves if they can't even show me how to do it, but I may be over exaggerating a little bit.
I have some really nice pictures that I took from my ward. I honestly feel as though my ward is the best because it is very diverse and it has a lot of wonderful attractions. Each community in my ward has a unique story or a different type of vibe. I truly love covering my ward. I would love to share it with the class on the google maps but I can't figure out what I am doing wrong. I even went to a workshop with my professor and I thought I grasped the concept when I went there but I guess I didn't.
I am so frustrated with this assignment. I am used to usually catching on quick with anything that I do but for some reason, I am having a hard time with this one.
I've asked various students in the class but they either don't have the time and patience to help me or they forgot how they attached their pictures to their map. It makes me wonder, if they really put it up themselves if they can't even show me how to do it, but I may be over exaggerating a little bit.
I have some really nice pictures that I took from my ward. I honestly feel as though my ward is the best because it is very diverse and it has a lot of wonderful attractions. Each community in my ward has a unique story or a different type of vibe. I truly love covering my ward. I would love to share it with the class on the google maps but I can't figure out what I am doing wrong. I even went to a workshop with my professor and I thought I grasped the concept when I went there but I guess I didn't.
I am so frustrated with this assignment. I am used to usually catching on quick with anything that I do but for some reason, I am having a hard time with this one.
Famous Howard Theatre will soon return
Many people have been hoping and wishing for the day to come when the famous-Howard Theatre would once again be up and running.
I decided to pay homage to the late and great Howard Theatre, a place where many African Americans got their first taste of fame. Many people relied on this establishment to bring them genuine talent.
For some decades, this place hasn't had any talent grace its beloved stage. But sooner than later that day will come.
I wasn't able to get any information regarding the building schedule but I might be looking in the wrong places. I have been on their website and I have attempted to email a variety of people but they keep getting sent back to me.
I will try to visit the site sometime this week and see if I can find a number somewhere on site. I did get a lot of good interviews from community members. I couldn't find anyone who was in much older to speak to me about the Howard theatre, I figured I wanted people who could better appreciate the return of the Howard Theatre.
In my opinion, I think that the return of the Howard Theatre will open a lot of doors for up and coming artists in the DMV.
I decided to pay homage to the late and great Howard Theatre, a place where many African Americans got their first taste of fame. Many people relied on this establishment to bring them genuine talent.
For some decades, this place hasn't had any talent grace its beloved stage. But sooner than later that day will come.
I wasn't able to get any information regarding the building schedule but I might be looking in the wrong places. I have been on their website and I have attempted to email a variety of people but they keep getting sent back to me.
I will try to visit the site sometime this week and see if I can find a number somewhere on site. I did get a lot of good interviews from community members. I couldn't find anyone who was in much older to speak to me about the Howard theatre, I figured I wanted people who could better appreciate the return of the Howard Theatre.
In my opinion, I think that the return of the Howard Theatre will open a lot of doors for up and coming artists in the DMV.
Dry Spell/ Update
So, as the semester comes to a close, I am finding it harder and harder to find some story ideas. I don't want to do the cliche stories. For example, the Cherry Blossom Festival. I want to expand my journalistic skills and find stories that can capture the essence of what I feel as though my readers would be interested in.
I thought of doing a story on the possible opening of a new Smithsonian museum of African American History and Culture. I think that would be a great story. But there might not be a lot of information on it seeing how it is scheduled to open on the National Mall in 2015.
I also wanted to do a story on the closing/remodeling of the Mt. Pleasant Library that is scheduled to occur in the beginning of April.
I'm having a hard time finding someone who I feel is worthy enough to do a profile on, I could do it on one of my ward's ANC council members because I believe that each of them lead a very hectic and strenuous life. But I'm still in the proces of finding someone who I feel is suitable.
I thought of doing a story on the possible opening of a new Smithsonian museum of African American History and Culture. I think that would be a great story. But there might not be a lot of information on it seeing how it is scheduled to open on the National Mall in 2015.
I also wanted to do a story on the closing/remodeling of the Mt. Pleasant Library that is scheduled to occur in the beginning of April.
I'm having a hard time finding someone who I feel is worthy enough to do a profile on, I could do it on one of my ward's ANC council members because I believe that each of them lead a very hectic and strenuous life. But I'm still in the proces of finding someone who I feel is suitable.
Gala Theatre
I believe this was one of my hardest stories that I had to complete. I wasn't able to get a lot of people to speak on behalf of this theatre. One, because a lot of people haven't heard about this theatre. Maybe because it caters to the Hispanic community more so, than any other. But people aren't aware that this theatre shows films, with English subtitles.
Since, I have been a student at Howard University, I can admit that I had never known of this place. And it's funny because I definitely pass right by it on my way to the grocery store in Columbia Heights.
This theatre has a lot of rich history and has a lot to offer to the surrounding community. I wasn't able to speak with the founding members in person or on the phone but we did correspond through email. I figured this might be easier, there might have been a language barrier.
The people who I spoke with seemed very enthusiastic when talking about the theatre. I would like to get a couple more opinions an/ or views but its hard when there is a limited number of people who know about this place.
The theatre is in a very historic theatre called the Tivoli theatre and it has a lot of rich history and seems to be in very good shape from looking at the exterior.
DC Rx Card
As assigned by my professor we were supposed to attend our ward's monthly ANC meeting. I was fortunate to do so. During the meeting a lot of information was brought up and discussed. One story that stood out to me was the new DC Rx card that the DC Chamber of Commerce is giving out to residents of the District to use to receive discounts on their prescription drugs.
When I decided to do this story, I didn't really have a direction. I just figured it would all come to me when I started doing my research. At the ANC meeting representatives from the DC Chamber of Commerce spoke about how the card works and how it will benefit the residents of DC.
I managed to get their contact information and I contacted them with several questions. All of my questions were answered plus many more. It was just hard getting in contact with Meredith because there were two people working with the DC Chamber of Commerce with the same first name.
I then thought of a way I could make my story unique and that was by adding the medical society of the district of Columbia. I wanted to know what role they were taking in helping patients get help with affording their medication.
I learned that the DC Rx card is accepted at various pharmacies as long as they are one of the many stores that support the discount card. This card can also be used in different states as well.
I wasn't able to get someone from a pharmacy to speak to me, and I went to various CVS locations. That was very difficult and frustrating. But I was able to get a resident to speak to me about how she heard about the DC Rx card. I really enjoyed researching and writing this story.
When I decided to do this story, I didn't really have a direction. I just figured it would all come to me when I started doing my research. At the ANC meeting representatives from the DC Chamber of Commerce spoke about how the card works and how it will benefit the residents of DC.
I managed to get their contact information and I contacted them with several questions. All of my questions were answered plus many more. It was just hard getting in contact with Meredith because there were two people working with the DC Chamber of Commerce with the same first name.
I then thought of a way I could make my story unique and that was by adding the medical society of the district of Columbia. I wanted to know what role they were taking in helping patients get help with affording their medication.
I learned that the DC Rx card is accepted at various pharmacies as long as they are one of the many stores that support the discount card. This card can also be used in different states as well.
I wasn't able to get someone from a pharmacy to speak to me, and I went to various CVS locations. That was very difficult and frustrating. But I was able to get a resident to speak to me about how she heard about the DC Rx card. I really enjoyed researching and writing this story.
Darnell's Mocha Lounge
I randomly stumbled upon this story. I was walking to the U street metro station and I was stopped by a random man who said he was the owner of Darnell's Mocha Lounge. His name is Darnell Perkins. Perkins was very energetic when he introduced himself and immediately got my attention.
For some years now, I had passed by the boarded up row house where there was once a thriving coffee shop, called the Mocha Lounge on 9th and Florida Ave.
As I began talking with the new owner, Darnell, he brought me in and told me about his vision and what he plans to do with this establishment. I was welcomed by the cozy envoirnment and the marvelous paintings on the inside. He gave me a complete tour of the lounge.
As soon as I entered I felt like I was at home and that was what Darnell strives to do when his customers enter. He has a lot of great ideas and it made my story very colorful.
I was invited to come back on Thursday for a live jazz performance, by Johnny Steele, a local artist. Steele played mainly old school music from the 60's, 70's and early 80's. I was a litlle out of my element but I was able to adjust. I feel as though I got very good interviews. I wish I could have gotten more but I was on a time schedule and couldn't do as much as I wanted.
The New Freedman's Clinc
I began by brainstorming story ideas but, I couldn't come up with anything. I was referred by a professor to contact the director of communications at Howard University and I did.
At first, I emailed Mr. Ron Harris who is the director of communications at Howard University. He didn't quite understand my question or what I needed and he allowed me to come meet with him in his office. About 15 minutes later I was in his office and that was when he actually told me about the Freedman's clinic and how it would be an excellent story to cover. He mentioned that most Howard University students wouldn't know anything about the clinc.
It is really intertesting because earlier in the year, I rode in a cab with a driver who was talking about a free clinic at HUH that his daughter who was in medical school at Howard University had started and how she was in Oprah's 'O' magazine, talking about the sucess of the clinic. I should have taken notes during that conversation becasue it could have given me a different angle. I remember him saying her name was Roalat Adulai. Too, bad I really didn't pay attention.
The questions that I asked the medical students really allowed me structure my story. I was able to get a lot of different prospectives. I was very fortunate to get an interview with the acting supervisor, Dr. Charles Mouton, because I was told by his assistant that I wouldn't be able to get an interview with him because his schedule was so hectic.
At first, I emailed Mr. Ron Harris who is the director of communications at Howard University. He didn't quite understand my question or what I needed and he allowed me to come meet with him in his office. About 15 minutes later I was in his office and that was when he actually told me about the Freedman's clinic and how it would be an excellent story to cover. He mentioned that most Howard University students wouldn't know anything about the clinc.
It is really intertesting because earlier in the year, I rode in a cab with a driver who was talking about a free clinic at HUH that his daughter who was in medical school at Howard University had started and how she was in Oprah's 'O' magazine, talking about the sucess of the clinic. I should have taken notes during that conversation becasue it could have given me a different angle. I remember him saying her name was Roalat Adulai. Too, bad I really didn't pay attention.
The questions that I asked the medical students really allowed me structure my story. I was able to get a lot of different prospectives. I was very fortunate to get an interview with the acting supervisor, Dr. Charles Mouton, because I was told by his assistant that I wouldn't be able to get an interview with him because his schedule was so hectic.
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