Benjamin Franklin once said,
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
We appreciate the tremendous feedback. We are proud to report that all the prizes are secured and our young alumni are expected to open a bank account.
We strongly encourage you to read the contents in this e-Newsletter and watch the videos. An informed person is our agenda.
We expect that each Alumni should inform and take permission from his or her parents or guardians who are also invited.
THE LINK TO RESERVATION FOR THE PRIZE GIVING DAY AND BANQUET IS AT THE END OF THE INVITATION.
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Above: In the video, Baba Rufus Tiefing Stevenson, a former United States Diplomat in African countries and the United Kingdom, a former United States Peace Corps Volunteer in African countries, a Vietnam Veteran, founder of Jah Kente International, Inc and the Executive Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors, presented two poems in a session: The Final Call by Langston Hughes and For My People by Margaret Walker.
The Poems, and the Middle Passage by Robert Hayden and Strong Men by Sterling Brown are part of the Jah Kente International Curriculum Framework or Study Guide for Performing Arts: Redemption Ritual, Inviting Our Ancestors to be Present, which is aligned with the Common Core Standards in English Language Arts.
The Common Core State Standards Initiative is an educational initiative that details what kindergarten through high school students throughout the United States should know in English Language Arts and Mathematics at the conclusion of each school grade. They correspond to the College and Career Readiness (CCR). The initiative is sponsored by the National Governors Association (NGA) and the Council of Chief State School Officers(CCSSO).
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Black Lives Matter:
How Much More Harm Can a Knee on Our Neck Do?
The Middle Passage by Robert Hayden: This is a recitation of the First Stanza capturing the era of slave trade and interpretation of the poem in light of contemporary realities. It is a co-production by Jah Kente International - MBSYEP 2020 Communications and Media Specialists and Performing Arts - Robert Hayden Career Work Groups.
All the presenters are 14-15 year old and the persons whose voices you hear in the narrative are: Darwin Bonilla-Alvarez; Irika Chiamaka; Dionne Smith; Major Brice Walker; Samirah Smith; Blake DeBose; Amirah Moses-Starr; and Instructor Herbert Boh. Their presentations were made on the closing day of the program on August 14, 2020. Picture depictions were contributed by the Visual Arts Department.
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CLASS IN SESSION:
COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA SPECIALISTS
Jah Kente International is Proud of its Communication and Media Specialists.
This inspired start of the Jah Kente International Communication and Media Academy.
Journalism Immersion - will take place in an African Union Member State each year to cover a major development or conference.
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Reporting on COVID-19 and Self Assessments by MBSYEP Employees. |
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After the Invitation and Scope and Content of the Jah Kente International - MBSYEP 2020, please meet the outstanding new intern-employees and awardees from the Jah Kente International-MBSYEP 2020 in the various Unforgettable Categories with employees from Virtual Assistant, Performing Arts, Visual Arts and Designs, and Communications and Media Specialists. This e-Newsletter closes with lead department instructors and experts a and the |
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Jah Kente International, Inc.
Arts & Humanities Prize Giving Day
with the
Launching of
The Unforgettable Class:
Jah Kente International - Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program 2020 Alumni Union.
Providing Individualized
Mentorship, Scholarship, Internship, With Wraparound Services.
Saturday, September 26, 2020
Time: 5:00 pm to 8:30pm.
Venue: Second Baptist Church,
816 3rd Street, NW,
Washington, DC 20001.
Historic location which served as an Underground Railroad for slaves escaping to freedom.
4 Course Meal Catered Banquet
Outdoors With Candlelight .
High End Dinner Theatre;
Visual Artist Show Case Salon
Celebrating Harlem Renaissance:
1920-2020 in African Heritage Month.
Starring
Jah Kente International -MBSYEP 2020 Alumni Talents
Featuring
Dignitaries and Guests of Honor.
Free.
By Invitation and Reservation Only.
Social Distancing will be observed.
Special Seating by Families and Free Masks and Sanitizers.
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The Scope and Content
By Evelyn Joe
Chief Executive Officer
The Mayor Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) is named after the iconic Mayor Marion S. Barry whose civil rights activism and mayoralty in the District of Columbia are embodiment of Black Lives Matter- a legend with the foresight.
In its 41st year in 2020, the MBYSEP is operated by the Government of the District of Columbia, Department of Employment Services (DOES). Young participants, ages 14-24, are paid by DOES. Businesses, Government Agencies, and Non-Profit Organizations serve as Host Employers.
Jah Kente International Inc., a Non Profit 501 (c) 3, tax exempt and tax deductible organization, serves as a Host Employer.
In its 2019 MBSYEP INDEPENDENT EVALUATION by the Cole Group, LLC, for the DOES, a major recommendation was for the "MBSYEP to be considered a foundational component in a broader series of in-school and out-of-school opportunities for learning, work experience and career exploration, rather than as an isolated, once-a-year program."
The evaluation cited theoretical and empirical studies on Summer Youth Employment Programs (SYEP) in the United States that show a correlation between SYEP and positive impacts on both participants and the communities where they live.
In the example, at the youth participant level, the findings included, but were not limited to, “increases in community engagement and social skills, job readiness skills, and college aspirations” (Modestino and Paulsen, 2019, p. 40).
At the community level, the finding showed that "the benefits to participants in SYEPs have translated into reductions in rates of preventable illness, public assistance, crime, violence and incarceration in many jurisdictions (Modestino and Paulsen, 2019)."
The evaluation recommended "the creation of more explicit connection between employment program as well as developing intentional pathways that offer multi-year, progressive experiences for youths."
Jah Kente International, as host Employee of the MBSYEP 2020, served over 100 participants in Performing Arts, Communications and Media, Visual Arts and Designs (ages 14-15) with MBSYEP Virtual Assistants (above 18 years).
Today’s global economy, interdependence, and information technology are major determinants in life that extends beyond the city's and national boundaries with employment opportunities, trade, and exchange of ideas. Most of our participants, with more than 80% from East of the Anacostia River in Wards 7 and 8, reside where unemployment and poverty rates are highest in the District. It goes without saying that they do not have the same local opportunities, networks, and global exposure compared to their socio-economically advantaged peers.
A defining feature of the District of Columbia Public School School Report Card is the School Transparency and Reporting (STAR) Framework Rating of overall school performance. This is a requirement under the Federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
Within this framework, schools are rated from 1 to 5 STARs. 5 reflects the highest level of performance. More than two-thirds of the District's STAR I underperforming schools that require a Comprehensive School Plan are in East of the River. This fact calls for special attention to the need for year-round career readiness for the target population, especially when some may drop out of high school, and many will not proceed to college or immediately do so after high school.
Issues of poverty may generate conditions that require wraparound service that differ from ordinary delivery strategies. It is a comprehensive, holistic, youth and family-driven method of responding to youth experiencing serious mental health or behavioral challenges. The ripple effects have negative impacts on career readiness. Wraparound puts the youth at the center of care.
To be competitive in the local and global markets, with vigorous institutions reinforcing adaptation to new knowledge, the District of Columbia must offer tangible opportunities to all its young demographic populations to acquire the skills, knowledge, and values to participate in local, national and world affairs.
Jah Kente International -MBSYEP Career Training is international in conception, in content, and in execution. It focuses learning by reflecting it in the mirror of global understanding and economy sustained by global information technology.
These knowledge, skills and values are incorporated in all aspects of the highly competitive and rigorous curricula with specific concept, knowledge, and skills that participants are supposed to know and be able to do as a result of each lesson.
On Soft Skills and Arts History, participants are encouraged to develop an understanding of the nature and value of their own culture and heritage as a fundamental starting point in advancing intercultural understanding and considering the fundamental relationship between human commonality and human diversity, and in fostering peaceable coexistence and communities.
At the Adolescent Stages of Development, which include physical, cognitive and social emotional growth, our young employees may not be too sure of their career paths and some are interested in different fields than what they signed for. This is especially evident in the broad category of performing arts (playwright, actors, directors). Some of the participants are actually aspiring to be medical doctors, real estate agents, lawyers, educators, to National Football League (NFL) players.
Respect for, and acknowledgement of, each participant's individuality, background, and learning styles establish the basis for trusting relationships because trust is essential for collaboration, learning, training and growth to flourish.
Accordingly, Jah Kente International training inspires, nurtures, and harnesses the natural instincts and intellectual curiosities of our young employees and welcome their innate desire to wonder and explore. They also examine topics that are early foundation for self-awareness, freedom, social and restorative justice, commitment, compassion, empathy, honesty, tolerant respect for the values of people from other cultures (cultural relativism), integrity, resilience, and other traits that drive visionaries who have shaped society.
Instructors use Inquiry as a teaching method, which allows a range of teaching techniques that are personally connected with the development of the participant's comprehension of the world. The explicit expectation is that adept inquiry will lead to responsible choices and actions. Beyond career focus, the Jah Kente International-MBSYEP addresses the development of the “whole student” - the intellectual, social, emotional, aesthetic and cultural.
Therefore, instructors execute two curricula simultaneously. One addresses the course content: demonstrated mastery (concept, skills, knowledge, and application) of a specific subject; and the other addresses Soft Skills (ethics, habits of the mind, and socioemotional intelligence) that help youths to acquire attitudes that are vital for sustainable success, and also considering efforts, initiatives, attendance, and participation as central to learning.
Each lesson gives central focus to the participant as “the knower,” constructing meaning from existing knowledge and personal experience through active inquiry, including participant's personal interests. The lessons and activities provide structures to link the participant's “inevitable uncertainty of self” with the process of careful self analyses, logical and communicable thinking.
Helping youths make connections between formal lessons and real life experiences, including in their neighborhoods, establishes strong foundations for learning and it reduce abstractness, immateriality, imprecision or what some may even call mere views that are disconnected from their own realities.
When youths master technical contents and soft skills, and apply them from year to year as the foundation for learning and training activities, they are capable of knowing what they are doing, why they are doing it, empowered to make connections, and standards become attainable.
In attaining the standards, our young employees are encouraged to experience the world through interactive activities, question the source of knowledge, and to assess them, in other words, for examples: What does this information mean to me (why is this being taught)? How does this feel? They reflect upon it: What does this say about me? How does it fit with what I know? What does it mean for other people? They discern action based upon finding: What must I do? What are my responsibilities? What are the consequences?
Theory of Knowledge
The theory of knowledge is vital. At the Jah Kente International-MBSYEP, our young employees are not expected to the passive recipients of information. They are expected to question the source of knowledge as well as the nature and accuracy of knowledge in order to develop a more informed understanding of what we know, as individuals, communities, and the larger world, and do not know.
Critical thinking is key: This encourages instructors to interact with participants and for participants to reflect on how people in society claim to know and who is driving the narrative. The process aims to provoke thoughtful and purposeful inquiry into different ways of knowing, and into different kinds of knowledge.
For examples: "How do we know for sure?" What counts as evidence for A? How do we judge/assume that B is a better system, including education and governance? What does C theory mean in the real world?
Through the interactive discussions, participants are encouraged and cheered to express themselves to gain greater awareness of their personal and ideological assumptions, as well as to develop an appreciation of the diversity and richness of cultural perspectives that inform values and systems, including education and its curriculum, careers and organizational cultures.
In these chain reactions, lessons, training, activities, and choices become deeply personal experiences that are linked to the real socio-cultural, economic, and political world in the frame of Seymour Sarason’s "context of productive learning."
Finally, the quality indicators of the Jah Kente International-MBSYEP training are participant-oriented outputs, which are changes that are produced in the identity or character of the youth through the cultivation of his or her intellect, career choice and commitment to the process, ability to think critically, and to develop values that enable people to constructively interact in the work place and society.
The program, home, and community are construed as interdependent and essential components of institutional development to significantly improve the contributions that Out of School learning and career training make to the welfare of participants, the neighborhood, the District, and society as a whole.
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In addition to the awardees on this list, all youth employees who submitted an article, poem, painting or participated in Career Work Group production will receive $50.00 |
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MEET THE HIRED INTERNS AND AWARDEES.
Each demonstrated outstanding qualities in respective dimensions.
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From left to right:
Jeremiah Ogunsiakan
(Visual Arts).
International Internship during school break: Ethiopia.
David Whittington
( Communications and Media).
International Internship during school break: Ethiopia.
Amirah Moses-Starr
(Communications and Media).
International Internship during school break: Egypt.
The three Jah Kente International - MBSYEP 2020 Employees inquired about job opportunities during during the interviewing topics on Soft Skills. They were interviewed and hired in a Soft Skill segment. All three will work with an after school schedule that does not disrupt their regular school activities and homework. In addition, they will travel internationally for internship.
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Tijá Odoms, Ward 8, College Student
PRIZE $4000,00
Career Internship, Ivory Coast
Tijá Odoms participated as an employee in the Mayor Marion Barry Summer Youth Program 2020 hosted by Jah Kente International, Inc. She severed as a Virtual Assistant.
Jah Kente International, Inc is proud to name Tijá Odoms as the Jah Kente International-Mayor Marion Barry Summer Youth Program 2020 Scholar.
Jah Kente International is delighted to match the Mayor's Scholarship Program of $4000.00 and, in addition, an all expense internship in Ivory Coast.
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Aspiring Diplomat
Profile of the Awardee
My name is Tijá. I am an alumni of Anacostia Senior High School. I am currently a senior in college at Sewanee: The University of the South on the Posse Scholarship. Here, I am majoring in Politics with concentrations in Law and Justice and Global Institutions.
In the future, I want to become a United States Diplomat stationed in either East or West Africa. In order to prepare for a future in the Foreign Service, I want to become fluent in French. I am constantly seeking opportunities to learn more about how interconnected the world is through education, cultural exchanges, language learning, and travel.
Besides my professional dreams, I hope to learn to play the piano one day. I have a deep love for music, especially soul and R&B. I also love meeting new people, as I am very outgoing.
Best,
Tija
Tija Odoms
Sewanee: The University of the South C'21
Posse Scholar
NAACP President: Sewanee College Unit -
From: Tija Vaniece
Date: Tue, Aug 11, 2020 at 10:19 AM
Subject: Fwd: Mayor’s Opportunity Scholarship Award Letter
Thank you Jah Kente for writing me a recommendation for this scholarship opportunity!
My acceptance has been one of the brightest moments I’ve had this summer. I look forward to staying connected with you all following the completion of MBSYEP and I have hopes of building even stronger connections with the staff at Jah Kente.
Best,
Tija
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: LaShaun Basil
Date: Monday, August 10, 2020
Subject: Mayor’s Opportunity Scholarship Award Letter
Dear Tija Odoms,
Thank you for accepting your 2020 Mayor’s Opportunity Scholarship Award. Your personalized Award Letter is attached to this email.
The Mayor’s Opportunity Scholarship Team
Attachment: MOS Award Letter 2020
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Tijá at work. Getting Supplies for Visual Arts.
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Tijá (middle) with Baba Rufus Tiefing Stevenson, Founder and Executive Vice Chairperson, Jah Kente International, Inc (right) and Althe Nallo, Executive Assistant, Jah Kente International, Inc. (right).
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Tijá at work (right) with Baba Rufus Tiefing Stevenson, Founder and Executive Vice Chairperson, Jah Kente International, Inc (right) paying for the supplies.
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Jordan Artist from Ward 8
College Student
Jah Kente International-MBSYEP 2020 Most Unforgettable Virtual Assistant and Organizational Catalyst.
Prize $2400.00
This summer I learned that what you do right now sets you up for the near future. I learned you have to have patience, everything happens for a reason. Jah Kente helped me help others with being a virtual assistant.
Thanks,
Jordan Artis
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Kareema Foye, 15 Year Old From Ward 8
Visual Art and Designs
Jah Kente International-MYSYEP 2020 Most Unforgettable All Round Champion of the Lessons.
Prize $1500.00
All Expense Paid Trips to Five African Union Member States in the Five Regions. Kareema will reside on College Campuses as a Visiting Student - Visual Artist and Designer.
In Kareema's words:
What I learned from this (Jah Kente International -MBSYEP) program:
- Soft skills, more about the Harlem Renaissance, short and long-term goal, how to invest time, the 5 keys for a successful interview, physical and mental and spiritual things to do when you are upset and need to channel your way from negativity.
- The 5 cs - character, capacity, capital, collateral, and conditions, your disposable net income
- How college can give you more ideas on what you want to do in life, college have many opportunities for you to do, unsubscribe from everything so you won't have high student loan.
- How to save money, how to unplug your self, how to be a CEO.
- How ( due to miseducation), some are brainwashing people when really Egyptians created everything in the world we live today.
Note: this is a reference on the origin of civilization in Africa.
Kareema covered all the bases: Her Career Work Group as an active participant in the Visual Arts and Designs, and submitting her painting; Soft Skills; Financial Literacy; and Theory of Knowledge.
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Misha Bedmister:
15 Years Old, Ward 8. Performing Arts.
Jah Kente International - MBSYEP 2020 Most Unforgettable Persistent Path Finder.
Prize: $2000.00
Misha is an an aspiring Physician: Obstetrician-Gynecologist.
Misha was originally assigned to the Jah Kente International site. However, she was switched to another host employer. But the confusion did not discourage her. She keep attending work.
In her own words, Misha wrote:
What I learned from Jah Kente International MBSYEP
- I learned how to be a leader and the traits I need to be a great leader.
- I learned about financial independence such as the different types of loans.
- I learned things I didn't know before like how working hard and with the right people can open doors to advance my career, and being able to get new opportunities.
- I also learned that being opened minded to peoples culture can get you to learn about others and their culture, being accepting, and being able to talk about these stuff with others, and encouraging them to be able to share where they come from.
- I learned about the thing that I need to be a great leader such as being open-minded, confidence, attentive, honesty, and being able to have work ethic.
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Auli Young
14 Years Old, Ward 8. Performing Arts
Jah Kente International - MBSYEP 2020 Most Unforgettable Resilient Employee.
Prize: $2000.00
Auli was originally assigned to Jah Kente International site. There was no method to put his time because his name no longer appeared in the roster. Nobody remembers Auli sending a mail to complain. But he kept attending work.
In Auli's own words:
"Hi my name is Auli Young and I’ve learned so much from this program, I have learned how to be a leader, and how to have and constructive conversation building people up, this program has taught me to embrace my culture and work hard for everything I want in life, thank you to Jah Kent International for choosing me for this award, and thank you for teaching all these new things about our history and culture. Thank You."
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Jewell Jones, 14 Year Old, Ward 8.
Performing Arts.
Miss Congeniality, Belle of the Ball, Jah Kente International -MBSYEP 2020
PRIZE: $1000.00
In addition: Trip to South Africa with her Mom, all expenses paid. Pocket allowance for back to school supplies, "dress for occasion", manicure and pedicure for one year.
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Jewel graced the Jah Kente International - Mayor Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program 2020 with her warm and pleasant disposition; friendly and sociable interactions that create a positive and inspirational work environment. Jewell is a joy to be around.
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Jewell in her own words:
By participating in this program, I have learned so much. Each and every one of you guys have all taught me the most important habits to succeed & blossom in life. Whether it was the relation between using the techniques: Soft skills, Leadership skills, Teamwork, Communication skills, Problem solving skills, Time management skills, Presentation skills, Good work ethic [etc.] it all made a difference.
As for some people this program was probably just an easier way to get the big checks, but as for me I didn't just take an advantage of that aspect but also the aspect of learning essential information along the way. And for this being my first part time job some things were a little challenging but with no challenge then no growth. Sharing how I feel with other people especially with other teens about my age and putting in my own creativity made it a little more easier.
It's disappointing that by this pandemic I wasn't able to see neither of you in person, but I was still able to through a screen which is better than not seeing neither of you in general.
Thank you for giving me a lot of advice as with not just having a career but also with life/my future. I will not forget it. Thanks for all your love and support, each of you are all good human beings (omg that was so corny haha) keep it up! Stay safe and spread POSITIVITY!!! GIVING BIG VIRTUAL HUGS! ️🏾
– Sincerely, Jewel Jones
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August 5, 2020
Award Presentation of $1000.00 to Jewel Jones (middle) by the Founder and Executive Vice Chairperson of Jah Kente International Inc., Baba Rufus Tiefing Stevenson (right). Althe Nallo, Executive Assistant, Management Department, Jah Kente International, Inc. (left).
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N'Dea Banks-Mackey, 14 Years Old, Ward 7
Performing Arts:
Jah Kente International MBSYEP 2020 Most Unforgettable Jah Kente International.
Voted by Peers.
PRIZE $1000.00
In addition: Expense-paid trip to amusement park in the DMV with her parents and siblings.
My Name is N’Dea Banks-Mackey and I am 14 years old. Some of my future goals are to, successfully operate my own journalism company, have published 5 books by the age of 25, and to be a film actress and director. One thing that really resonated with me from Jah Kente Summer Youth program was, Closed mouths don’t get fed.
You can’t be afraid to show the world who you really are. The reason that stuck with me is because, I was hesitant to show the program my work. My poetry is an extension of myself and I was afraid of what my peers would think of me. I soon came to realize that there were people that went through some of the same struggles as I, and my work was a voice to them. Knowing that motivated me to continue my writing.
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Jeremiah Ogunsiakan, 15 Years Old, Ward 8
Visual Arts and Designs
Second Place : Jah Kente International MBSYEP 2020 Most Unforgettable Employee Voted by Peers.
PRIZE $350.00
Hey! My name is Jeremiah Ogunsiakan and I am currently in the 10th grade. My main hobbies are editing, playing games and studying. I have 2 years worth of work experience. What I''ve learned during the MSYEP program are morals and ethics to help me improve I look at things and the way I do things.
I learned how to manage money and other cultures. This program has been a journey for me and I'm utterly excited to be continuing with the Jah Kente International program, and to see what's in stock for me!
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Darwin Bonilla-Alvarez, 15 Years Old, Ward 4.
Communications and Media Specialist
Third Place : Jah Kente International MBSYEP 2020 Most Unforgettable Employee Voted by Peers.
PRIZE $250.00
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I learned from this summer job that we have to save to go to college. And that we have an opportunity to study when we use our skills that we have learned and tools. I also learned that all human persons are important not caring for racial ethnic groups.
I learned how to socialize with my colleagues and how to control my emotions and difficulties in a workplace and that we have opportunities to be able to fulfill our goals and purposes as long as we propose to achieve it in this life always if we have God on our side. - From Darwin
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Samirah Smith, 14 Year Old, Ward 5.
Communication and Media Specialist
Jah Kente International -MBSYEP 2020 Most Unforgettable Image and Heritage Expression.
Prize $500.00
In Addition: An all expense trip to Ghana
What I learned from Jah Kente International is to but yourself in others shoes before you judge them. Jah Kente International also help me gain a lot of self love for myself it also told me some of the history of me as a black women that I didn't know about.
It taught me me not to let fear get in the way of you out shining and taught me responsibility because at first when summer came I didn't do anything but sleep. But working there showed me more to the world and that you are going to get grown one day and have your own life.
It taught me to be ready and prepared for anything and how to manage my credit in the future and it taught me that it's ok to be different and it's ok to lose, just make sure you get back up and Try again and it's ok to Be YOUR SELF ❣️
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Trinity Hinton, 15 Years Old, Wards 8
Performing Arts
Jah Kente International -MBSYEP 2020 Most Unforgettable Career Explorer
Prize $200
My name is Trinity Hinton, I’m 15 years old and I really don’t know what I want to be in the future. But I plan to make a difference to this world.
When I was younger I wanted to be a fashion designer. But when I got older I wanted to be a realtor. But now I see that none of that is it early for me. Now I’m currently a youtuber and I want to see where is that going to take me in life. My inspiration is God and my family and friends.
Above: Trinity also presented a video on her thoughts.
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NYA TUCKER, 14 YEARS OLD, WARD 7
PRIZE: INTERNSHIP, MENTORSHIP AND $150 MONTHLY ALLOWANCE
From: Nya Tucker
Date: Fri, Aug 7, 2020 at 8:53 AM
Subject: Short Bio: Nya Tucker
To: Rufus Tiefing Stevenson
My name is Nya Tucker and I am 14 years old. I will be attending Mckinley Technolog High School for my 9th grade year. I completed my middle school years at Kipp DC Key Academy in Washington DC where I currently reside. I was a playwright, actor and directing intern at the Marion Barry Summer youth employment program of 2020 with Jah Kente International, Inc.
Although this is not my first job experience it was nice to learn new skills that will help me throughout my whole life and getting a job later. Such as soft skills, credit, budgeting and more.
My dream is to be a cosmetologist doing makeup for celebrities, a very successful chef, an actress or a professional singer and/or dancer. I love giving back to the community and volunteering for opportunities to help people in need. I’ve done multiple soup kitchens and passed out food and supplies to the homeless.
My plan is to be successful while also doing things that I love. I don’t wanna be yet another rich girl that is doing everything for the money, I want my money to mean something and I want to have fun while working.
I am very gifted in the acting field, so maybe that’ll get me somewhere but some of my hobbies include singing, all day everyday. I love music. I also love to read, I am very passionate about books and I have read a lot of great ones in the 14 years I’ve been alive. And I also love cooking and trying out new recipes.
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CHIAMAKA IRIKA, 15 YEARS OLD, WARD 4
PRIZE: INTERNSHIP, MENTORSHIP AND $150.00 MONTHLY ALLOWANCE
From: Chiamaka Irika
Date: Mon, Aug 10, 2020 at 1:10 PM
Subject: Jah Kente Alumni Union
To: Jah Kente International
Greetings! My name is Chiamaka Irika. I am currently 15 years old and I am about to enter into my sophomore year of high school. I am an aspiring medical doctor and I want to ask if Jah Kente international can assist me in finding an internship underneath doctors after the pandemic. Now, more than ever, every doctor, nurse, and other staff members that work in hospitals are extremely important. I believe that one day, in the future, I can also contribute greatly to the medical world.
However, I know that before I jump in to work as a doctor in a hospital, I need the required training, as well as the knowledge of how different areas in a hospital function. It is never too early to start on training, and that is why I am asking now. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Please and thank you!
On September 3, 2020, Chiamaka updated:
My name is Chiamaka Irika. I am a 15 year old sophomore in School Without Walls High School and aspiring medical professional. I worked in the Playwright/Director department in the Jah Kente International Summer youth program for MBSYEP. There, I learned extremely valuable life lessons. Those lessons include how to manage money and my favorite, to act upon your goals. It is one thing to have a goal, and another to take steps to achieve that goal! I also learned that I wasn't as bad as I thought I would be in writing poems.
I believe that it is important to be a leader in your community and take advantage of opportunities. Jah Kente has gifted me with a medical internship after the pandemic, and I am very grateful for the opportunity. I will never forget this experience during the summer and I am proud to be in the Jah Kente alumni union. Thank You!
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Nakaiya Morgan: 14 YEARS OLD, WARD 8
Communications and Media
Jah Kente International-MBSYEP Most Unforgettable Philanthropic Aspirant on Becoming a Foster Mom.
PRIZE: $750.00 and Mentorship.
Sports Medicine Internship: Cameroon during the African Cup of Nations officially CAN (French: Coupe d'Afrique des Nations), also referred to as AFCON.
My name is Nakaiya Morgan, I am 14 years old in the 9th grade and I attend archbishop Carroll high school. My whole life I have been acting and doing performances, so far I have been in 7 plays and even got to preform at the Kennedy center. Some things I like to do outside of school is swim, dance, travel, and write. One day I hope to work in the medical field in either sports medicine or radiology and also hope to be a Foster mom so that I can help other children.
Somethings that I have improved on in Jah Kente International is my social skills and how to put myself out there. I also learned what it takes to be in the media and start my own radio show which I feel could help me to be successful in the future if I wanted to try this for a hobby. Overall it was a great experience and I really enjoyed it and I hope other teens in the future receive the same opportunity that I was given.
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JEWEL JONES: 14 YEARS OLD, WARD 8
Performing Arts
Jah Kente International -MBSYEP 2020 Most Unforgettable Go Getter.
PRIZE: $500.00
From: Jewel Jones
Date: Mon, Sep 7, 2020 at 11:16 AM
Subject: Re: My bio profile for my alumni
To: Rufus Tiefing Stevenson <info@jahkente.org>
This is my alumni profile that I wrote August 14, 2020.
Jewel Jones
On Fri, Aug 14, 2020, 12:24 AM Jewel Jones wrote:
My name is Jewel Jones. I am 14 years old and will be going into my 9th grade year, as with being a freshmen at Ballou Senior High School. As over the summer, I have gotten the experience to work for my first part time paying job.
The program I was participating in was called "Jah Kente International" for Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program 2020. As the start of the program, I was assigned to work as a Playwright/Actor employee. I enjoyed the program, with sharing my ideas, learning essential information as regards to understanding the Soft skill learning techniques, Credit, Good work ethic [etc.] & connecting with different people along the way.
By the outcome of this pandemic, I have experienced some challenges. As for example, not being able to finish the rest of my 8th grade year with any social interaction between me and my school peers besides online, including starting the new virtual learning process overall.
I wasn't able to have the type of ceremony that I've expected to have after finishing my whole three years of middle school but I was still grateful that in the end of my accomplishments, through all the struggles, & hard work, good things were still coming my way.
As for my future plans after high school and/or college, I don't necessarily know what they might be with reference to me still learning and still discovering what interests me as with doing something that I'll be wholehearted.
Also regards to this pandemic happening from covid-19, that if so - Will this virus still be present in the future? and if so, What will the world be like? How will everything around revolve? if not, How would things change from how they used to be from the previous outbreak?.
I'm still taking note of things, as far as I go. Besides thinking about my future goals or the future period and what will arouse my curiosity, I know that what ever I continue to do later on in my life or shall execute, that to not rush the process...good things take time!.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: info@jahkente.org>
Date: Mon, Sep 7, 2020 at 8:39 AM
Subject: Re: My alumni
To: Jewel Jones
Hello Jewell, what did you write? I am not sure we got it.
See you on Sept 26. Remember, you won for financial literacy!!
On Sun, Sep 6, 2020 at 11:11 PM Jewel Jones wrote:
I created my alumni a while ago, Did you guys receive it earlier before the program ended?
Jewel Jones
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Jah Kente International-MBSYEP 2020 Career Group Champions for the Poems by Poets named after their Career Work Groups.
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Prize $500.00
Above: Aziza McClain Baxter (right) Baba Rufus Tiefing Stevenson, Founder and Executive Vice Chairperson, Jah Kente International, Inc. (left). when Aziza received $200.00.
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Prize $500.00
Above:"Tiarra Williams led her Career Work Group, Performing Arts - Sterling Brown - with the Poem "Strong Men."
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Tanai Green: 14 Years Old, Ward 8
Performing Arts
Jah Kente International-MBSYEP 2020 Most Unforgettable Employee and Parents.
Prize $500.00
Tanai was originally assigned to the Jah Kente International Work Site for the MBSYEP 2020. But her name no longer appeared in subsequent updates so she could not be paid. Tanai's Mom and Dad, and Jah Kente International representatives inquired about the problem. Tanai was sent to another work site. She dutifully informed Jah Kente International Management.
Tanai returned to the Jah Kente International MBSYEP 2020 program during the extended weeks. Her parents are exemplary in fostering program-home cooperation.
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Nya Tucker, 14 Years Old, Ward 7.
Performing Arts.
Jah Kente International -MBSYEY 2020 Most Unforgettable Confident and Intriguing Personality
PRIZE $200.00
On Fri, Aug 7, 2020 at 7:59 AM Nya Tucker wrote:
Hello, this is Nya Tucker.
I was just emailing to let you know that I am going to be attending Mckinley Technology high school for my high school years. But their summer bridge program starts on Monday also at 9 am. I am going to try my hardest to make it to both but I'm wondering if I don't make it to work a couple days will my pay be docked? or will they be excused absences or whatever?
Hello Nya:
Please do not miss out on your Summer Bridge Program. If it goes beyond 11:00 when Break Out Room assignment is completed, we will exercise the "whatever option. This means Jah Kente International will consider that you completed your MBYSEP in the seventh week. We got your short bio yesterday. Bravo! At the expense of Jah Kente International, which has nothing to do with DOES payments, you may have your dream started. We will speak with your parent(s) about the possibilities in your bio.
God bless you.
Management Team
From: Nya Tucker
Date: Sat, Aug 8, 2020 at 10:31 AM
Subject: Re:
Great, thank you so much! And the summer bridge program is from 9:00 to 12:30 :( . So hopefully I'll be able to manage both.)
Note by Management: Nya Tucker not only hoped, but translated the hope to action. She made it with 4.0 attendances
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Meet the Jah Kente International -MBSYEP 2020 Pioneer Visual Artists whose Harlem Renaissance work would be on display for Silent Auction at the Tiefing Salon.
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Above in July 2020. Picture on the left: Zahi Covington and Baba Rufus Tiefing Stevenson, Founder and Executive Vice Chairperson, Jah Kente International, Inc. delivering supplies for Visual Arts to Zahi.
Pictor on the right: Zahi Convington.
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Karmyn Collins-Marable, 15 Year Old Ward 7.
Performing Arts
Soft Skills Application on the Spot
Prize $250.00
Karmyn alerted Management when having difficulties with internet connection and when informed of the extended MBSYEP program, she immediately signed in without delay.
Above: At Jah Kente International Site at Kuumba Learning Center: Karmyn (right) and the legendary Professor Kelsey E. Collie (left).
Dr. Collie, PhD is Professor Emeritus of Theatre of Arts at Howard University. He served as Assistant Dean of the College of Fine Arts at Howard, and in 1973, founded the world renown Howard University Children’s Theatre and developed a major area of concentration in Children’s Theatre (only one of two accredited programs at African American universities).
Professor Collie is the Evaluator of Jah Kente International Theatre Arts and Professional Development Program.
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Above: Karmyn Collins- Marable (right) and Althe Nallo (right), Executive Assistant, Jah Kente International, at the Kuumba Learning Center Work Site.
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OYP @MBSYEP · Jun 23
Thank you!!!! It's the dedication from the creative employers who continue to create opportunities to expose and engage youth. This is Amazing!
#MBSYEP2020 twitter.com/ChardelleMoore…
Big smiles! Today I had the pleasure of leading a virtual corporate training on activating higher levels of motivation accompanied by a powerful poetic performance for Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program! Thanks for having Motivational Moore! @MBSYEP!
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The Instructor for Financial Literacy at Jah International is is Theresia Atanga Wansi, PhD. Dr. Theresia Wansi is a tenured Professor of Economics at Marymount University. She has been part of Marymount’s faculty since 2007. In addition to teaching in the areas of finance, economics, and management information systems, Dr. Wansi also writes and speaks about her areas of research interest.
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Marty A. Lamar is the Director of Music at the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal (AME) in Washington, DC and a lecturer and the Musical Theatre program coordinator at Howard University. Professor Marty Lamar is an accomplished musician, actor, and educator with several regional and New York theatre credits, including building secondary and elementary school performing arts programs, and writing/producing faith-based musicals that have premiered in Florida, Georgia Washington, DC area.
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