‘Leila Khaled’ explores the meaning of terrorism

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By Talia Whyte

The Bay State Banner

Everyone has someone they look up to as an idol, whether it is a Hollywood actor, a high-profile politician, or just an ordinary person who did something extraordinary. But what if you had the chance to meet your idol and they turned out to be something you didn’t expect?

Filmmaker and journalist Lina Makboul had this experience when she met a not-so-ordinary person: Leila Khaled, the world’s first female hijacker.

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Johnson calls on community to help reform Boston schools

By Talia Whyte

The Bay State Banner

New Boston Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Dr. Carol Johnson said that it is up to students, parents, educators and the community at large to share responsibility for reforming education during a forum at Freedom House in Roxbury on Saturday.

Johnson’s remarks came one day after the release of a new Boston school system report revealing that nearly half of Boston students don’t graduate from the city’s public high schools in four years.

Serving notice that she will not be the “lady sheriff” doing all the work to improve the present system, Johnson said, “The city has to come together. It is our collective energy and work together that will help our students be successful.”

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Program provides ‘Future Hope’ for ex-offenders

By Talia Whyte

The Bay State Banner

Like many young men, Marcus Barrow got caught up in the negative influences in the community. He started hanging around the wrong crowd, eventually getting involved in gang activity. For the last five years, Barrow has been in and out of prison for his crimes. Determined to change his life after being released in April, Barrow took some classes while working a part-time job.

Read the full article here.

Peace Institute a beacon of hope for the community

By Talia Whyte

Bay State Banner

Tina Chéry is one of the leading forces in peace activism in Boston. A mother with a passion for the community, she is best known for her efforts in organizing the annual Mother’s Day Walk for Peace — an event that brings hundreds of activists together each year to stand up against violence in the city.

Read the full article here.

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