Fall Edition 2018
The Stars newsletter contains unedited, original work written by and for Washtenaw Literacy learners. The opinions printed here do not necessarily reflect those of the editors or of Washtenaw Literacy
Have fun reading the Fall edition of Stars! We hope you had an excellent semester. Enjoy the holidays and see you in the Winter semester!
The Late, Great, Dr. Martin Luther King
Darrick Simpson
Did you know that Dr. King was born at noon, January 15, 1929 at the families home, 501-Auburn Avenue, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia. His maternal grandparents were Reverend Adam Daniel Williams, second Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist, and Jenny Parks. His paternal grandparents, James Albert and Delia King were share-croppers on a farm in Stockbridge, Virginia.

He grew up, and went on to marry Coretta Scott, the younger daughter of Obadiah Scott and Bernice McMurry Scott of Marion, Alabama on April 27, 1927. Four kids were borne to Dr. and Mrs. King!

Dr. King skipped the 9th and 12th grade without formal graduation and he entered Morehouse College at age 15.

In 1948, he graduated from Morehouse with a B.A degree in Sociology. In September of 1951, Dr. King began doctoral studies in systematic theology at Boston University. He also studied at Harvard University.

Dr. King was a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement. He was arrested 3 times for his participation in civil rights activities. The organization which was responsible for the successful Montgomery Bus Boycott from 1955 to 1956 (381 days).

Dr. King’s selfless devotion gave direction to (13) thirteen years of civil rights activities; his leadership gave and inspired men and women, both young and old, in the nation and abroad.

In 1958 the U.S Congress passed the Civil Rights Act since reconstruction. King’s first book, Stride Toward Freedom is published. He also met with Dwight D. Eisenhower on problems affected black Americans. In 1961, the Interstate Commerce Committee bans segregation in interstate travel due to the work of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Freedom Riders.

In 1963, King was arrested for demonstrating without a permit. April 13th is when the Birmingham campaign was launched. This was the turning point in the war to end segregation in the South. June 23, 1963, M.L.K. led 125, 800 people on a freedom walk here in Detroit, Michigan.

In 1968, at sunset, on April 4th, Dr. King was fatally shot while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. His assailant was James Earl Ray. He was arrested in London, England for Dr. King’s death.

Dr. Martin Luther King spent his entire life focusing on desegregation, helping poor blacks, and better equality for everyone. He also gave several speeches throughout his life.
Education is the Key to Life
Fatima Hassan

Since starting with Washtenaw Literacy, I have improved my English in speaking, reading, and writing. Working with Washtenaw Literacy on vocabulary, writing, and practicing the computer has made education much more interesting and has built my confidence. I used to have doubts when I couldn't speak enough English, but now I can understand and interact with people without a language barrier.

Before coming to Washtenaw Literacy I took English classes at drop-in centers and learned some words but couldn't go far. When my kids were little, I didn't have the skills to help them with school-I could help with math, but not reading or writing. I wanted to help them, and if children need help and parents don't know enough English, it becomes a problem for the family.

But the Washtenaw Literacy helps any person who is motivated and determined to reach their goals. Now I'm more independent. My kids used to help me with English, but now I'm helping them.

I've always valued education-Education is the Key to Life.
Should people have pets?
Alan C
People should have pets because they are great companions. Pets are fun and enjoyable, especially for children and senior citizens. Children like to play with pets, and pets are good friends. Pets provide company for seniors; also they give them a sense of responsibility. Dogs bark to let people know if a person is there, giving them a sense of security. Pets are great for exercise. Taking care of a pet is less work than taking care of a child.

  However, pets can be a problem for many people. Many household chores including walking the pet, cleaning out a box or cage, maintaining a fish bowl, and cleaning up after the pet mean more work for the owner. Pets can cost more money because they need food, health care, medications, and miscellaneous expenses. Pets need care when their owner goes on vacation. Also some family members may be allergic to the pet or the pet may become jealous of a new baby.

  Pets are great companions for people to have, especially for families with children or senior citizens. On the other hand, a family should have money for the pets’ expenses. Special family needs must be considered when buying a pet. Cats or dogs are not the best pets to buy if there are allergies or a new baby.
Prep 100
& The Yankee Air Museum
"I did my project World War I feature the SpadXIII which was a fighter airplane which was built by different people, and it used in some of war. The one thing I like from this semester on my project was going to the yankee Air Museum to look at the spadXIII in person. Because it was so big and cool to see." -- Dominique

"I learnd how to do better research and make good slides. I also learnd how to comprehind what I was reading. I’m very excited to start the GED classes." -- Jibreen

"I learn that at the Yankee air Museum there were all different kinds of airplains. And different kinds of army uniforms." -- Kevin

"I learn about the A-4C Skyhawk and what it can do." -- Keith

"I Learn that the Blanik didn’t fight in the war an the u.s. Air Force use the Blanik as a military trainer." -- Robin

"Computer is fast Wedsite was how I Learn research on my project. Jennifer and tutor help me out. Big Jets displayed I thought Bigger the faster? Techinlogy get better more advance when we move toured the future." -- Dale

"The most important things I learned in my project this semester is always to trust myself during a presentation to prosent Rosie the Riveter and Willow Run. What I liked about the Field Trip to Yankee Air Museum is a lot of information that I knew and information I didn’t know about Rosie the Riveter and Willow Run about B-24s and the plant." -- Angel

"I learned that because I have been out of school, 40 years plus that I’m never too old to go back and learn. I have achieved a lot in just 3 to four months of coming back to school. I believed and know that in time I am going to get my GED and more on to bigger and better things in life. So I’m really looking forward to my future." -- Debbie
Owen
Carol Jones
Owen have been There for me. Why? I have been sick. he have Did a Lot for me. And I Thank God for him. That why I Love him so, No one know Him Like I Do. he is a good man to me. he get me What I Need. I Dont have To ask for any Thing. he just Do it for me he HLPE me A Lot, when I went To The Hospital he stayed with me at all Time. he Did Not go Home at all. he said he have To see What is going on. That make him A good man in my Life. God Put him in my life for A Reason. And he do so much for me and we Help one and other When We Are Both are Sick. we do What we can as God to Help us, and That is all we can do he is what I Need in my Life.
We hope that you enjoyed this edition of the
STARS newsletter! If you have any articles that
you would like to be included for the next edition,
please send them to riggins@washtenawliteracy.org.
Washtenaw Literacy's Mission

Believing that literacy is the foundation for a sustainable community,
Washtenaw Literacy provides literacy support, free of charge,
to adults through a network of trained tutors.

It is our Vision to eliminate illiteracy in Washtenaw County.
Washtenaw Literacy, 5577 Whittaker Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, 734-337-3338, washtenawliteracy.org