Project Peace at BCAL took a critical look at how news reporting, social media are affecting Egypt’s Struggle. Here is a sample of some of our members work:

Christa Noel
Edward R. Murrow High School-9th Grade
If the government took away my right to use facebook, I wouldn’t feel connected to certain people. For example, I talk to some of my family on facebook that are far from me. I feel Egypt used facebook to liberate their country. If someone needs to know what’s going on they would use facebook. The situation in Eqypt is similar to the civil rights movement because people are protesting for both the human rights and civil rights. They both want good and better for the people.
Yvesnee “Loyalty” Jeanaime’
Midwood High School- 11th grade
Personally, If the government took away my right to facebook, I would be hurt, confused and furious. I mean, we live in the United States of America, a very democratic country such as ours, could have the audacity to block us from the world wide website? I would be absolutely furious and most of all afraid. If the government could block a whole country from a website, what else could they do? I think when it comes to aspect of rallying up alot of people for a cause, it was a smart idea. I feel sympathy for the people of Egypt and I send them my best wishes. One could compare this situation to the Civil Rights Movement but I wouldn’t. When I think of the problem in Egypt I think of the French Revolution. I think of the inflation, the police brutality, the president and how
poor the people are.
Tadia Toussaint
BCA-12th Grade
If the government removed my right to utilize facebook I would feel violated. I would be disconnected from alot of family and friends. Social networking would be very different. In Egypt, they destroyed everyone’s opportunity to use facebook. Facebook should be used to connect to others and not for political discretion. The people of Egypt are in a very similar situation to those who were involved in the Civil Right Movement. They are protesting the events which they feel are unjust and used facebook as a form of protest.

The Brooklyn College Community Partnership’s [BCCP] first “Belle of the Ball” Prom Dress giveaway was a tremendous success!  The Brooklyn College Art Lab [BCAL] facility was transformed into a princess haven with over 200 dresses lining the walls, along with shoes, accessories, and many other great free items.

BCCP received donations from many supporters like the Municipal Credit union [MCU], Brooklyn College faculty and students, as well as BCCP staff, family, friends and the community.  We also received donations from Carol’s Daughter Hair and Skin Care Company, Alexis Crawford Accessories, Avenue, David’s Bridal and Stellar Style Events.

Ms. Gina Sobers of The Municipal Credit Union not only supported our efforts by promoting the events at their various branch locations and collecting from their members but they also arranged to have staff assist at the event.

Nicole Williams, celebrity make up artist and host of the Fox television show “Ambush Makeover” made a special appearance at the event and gave free makeovers to students. Ms. Williams also gave makeup tips/advice on proper application , skin care and students received free MAC make up products.

BCAL’s fashion Instructor, Carla Selby, owner of Carla’s Creative Workshop was on hand for fittings and alterations.

Over 90 high school seniors from various Brooklyn high schools attended and everyone left with a gorgeous dress.  Their happiness showed in every moment of the event and students documented their appreciation on a thank you banner for all to see.

We would like to thank everyone who helped make these students the “Belle of the Ball”!

Student talent worked with teaching artist Entrfied to create The Recipe, a 16-track CD produced in BCAL. But you don’t have to own the CD to listen, we’ve got the tracks for you right here!

Let Me Win

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She Wouldn’t Leave Me

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Stand

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Let Me Explain

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Will You Be There?

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Riding in The City

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BCAL Anthem

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Falling in Love

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One Day

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No Matter What

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Swagg

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Everyday Struggle

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Jam Joint

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Baby

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Shake Your Shoulders

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Mind Power

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Danielle Deloatch student from James Madison High School in Brooklyn received three awards at her school ceremony (President Education Award and two other awards for Outstanding Service).  Danielle has been attending Brooklyn College Art LAb (BCAL) since her Sophomore year.  Danielle is now a Senior and looks forward to continuing her education at a CUNY college this Fall.  Congratulation Danielle – YOU DID IT!

My name is Ryan Bethune and I am a freshman that attends Stony Brook University. To start it off my first year of college was completely different from my four years of high school at Brooklyn College Academy here in Brooklyn, NY. The main aspect was the fact that I had way ore freedom than I ever had while I was in high school. I’m not talking about just the personal aspect of college, like not having anyone telling you what to do, but also the academic aspect of it. The Professors in college don’t tell you harass you when you don’t hand in assignment or remind you about them. If you don’t hand in an assignment they don’t tell your parents about. Going to class and doing everything you are suppose to do is up to you and no one else. Also the personal freedom is so great that it might overwhelm you. When your in college anything you want to do you have free will to do, but you have to be responsible for the actions you take. Its your choice if you want to go to that party while knowing you have a 9:00AM class in the morning.

In my own personal opinion I feel that everyone should go away to colege if they have the chance. Dorming in college and getting away from your parents is an experience that you can only get in college. It helps builds you as an independant person so you will be prepared when you actually go into the real world. Even though this was just the end of my first year of college dorming has introduced to me what is like to almost be an adult. You start to learn some of the challeneges and decisions you have to make when living on your own. Overall my college experience was a good one and suggest that everyone goes to college not to expand your intellect but you expand yourself as a person. While in college you will learn alot about yourself and learn how to become the person you want to be.

-Ryan Laws Bethune Freshman Stony Brook University

Recently, BCAL hosted t-shirt designers Danielle and Jewells. from Due Justice. to assist us with designing our shirts. They came to discuss what makes a good t-shirt design, view our designs and demonstrate the art of printing on t-shirts. It was a cool experience. We discussed ink colors. contrasting colors, silk-screening the actual printing process and marketing to a target audience. What stuck me was  dating a drawing can prevent a person from copying and claiming it is their work; an inexpensive way of copyrighting. BCAL members shared their t-shirt designs; the final design was a mix if two different members’ designs. Jewells and Danielle were very informative, down to earth, and interactive with their audience. I really learned from this experience about the steps for t-shirt designing and look forward to wearing our t-shirt.

By: Kevin Rodriguez

The Earth Day Celebration was a great display of the community coming together. The neighborhood came out with their families for earthly family fun. There were live performances and it was ill. I was feeling the creativity with how  they used oil cans for instruments. The demonstration showing the uses of solar energy and how much more eco-friendly it is was crazy. They used a solar panel to charge an ipod touch. The kids also  learned the benefits of recycling and how to do it through a game where there was a recycling can and a regular can and the kids had to put the trash in the right can. The kids also planted seeds and families enjoyed puppets made from recycled materials with puppeteer Ronny Wasserstom.

By Jahlena Robinson

The Black Brooklyn Renaissance was crazy. They had all types of dance from the 1960 – 2010 mixed into african dance. They were trying to say how all dances and things in the black culture are derived from africa. It was mad hot they had the stiltwalkers of Cote d’lvoire and the moko jumbie which are the tradition of Trinidad and Tobago. It was also to bring the community together. Also they were so influental that the crowd gave money for the Hatian funds.