THE JOURNAL
The Class of 2013 The Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists (formerly the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Communicators) is in its 23rd year of its annual Urban Journalism Workshop for high school and college students at Lincoln Humanities and Communications Magnet, 2826 Hatcher Street, Dallas, TX. Beginning in February 2013, this 12-week workshop is open to students in Dallas, Tarrant, Ellis, Collin and Denton counties. Students receive hands-on experience working with seasoned professionals who have gained a reputation locally and nationally, as well as internationally. The program, which emulates one started by George Curry, Gerald Boyd and other members of the Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists in St. Louis, was started by then-Da"as Morning News editor Rochelle Riley and has graduated students who have gone on to anchor newscasts, edit newspapers, open public relations firms and produce radio shows. Previous speakers have included: Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price, former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk, Senator Royce West, Fort Worth Star-Telegram editor and columnist Bob Ray Sanders, Da"as Morning News columnist Norma Adams Wade, Our Texas Publisher General Berry, PR gurus Lyria Howland and Rose Gafford Blair, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Irwin Thompson, K104’s Sam Putney, 97.9’s Gary with the Tea, Da"as Examiner Publisher Mollie Belt, Producer Haile Gerima and Da"as Weekly Publisher James A. Washington. At the conclusion of the workshop, the students participate in a closing ceremony where they will present a newspaper, television news show and radio broadcasts. For students interested in next year’s class, check out the website at www.dfwabj.org. The application deadline is December 31. LAKEISHA HAYES Lancaster High School LaKeisha Hayes, who happens to be a Leo, sees herself being the CEO of a Production company when she is older. Born in a Baptist believing family she has struggled to resist peer pressure in school and is inspired by Oprah because she is inspired by her life story is feels she has been an inspiration in her life. Self driven and motivated Ms. Hayes is certain to reach her goals and enjoy a prosperous future though she does not see children in the equation as of now. She enjoys making short films and listening to music. As she gets older she is uncovering new things about herself like her passion for colors and no longer feeling the need to be a part of the "in" crowd because she does not place her self esteem into what others think of her. She enjoys using her clothing to create her own unique expression. She has a younger brother who shares the same Mother as herself and to her Father she has an older sister and two older brothers. She is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside and it shows by her participation in her church with the boys' praise dance team as well as taking photos. -Sierra McMurray VERNESHA GRIFFIN Home-School
Vernesha Griffin, the girl who is truly on fire, aspires to be like her two favorite idols 11-plus Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys and singer/ song writer Usher. Just like in the nature of a Capricorn, Vernesha has the ambition, creative mind, and work ethic to become anything she chooses. Born at a weight of 1.9 pounds due to her mother being in a car crash, Vernesha wasn’t expected to make it, or she was supposed to be a dysfunctional child. However, defeating all odds Vernesha managed to play volleyball, basketball and run track in her public school years. Now being home-schooled, Vernesha has settled down and decided singing is her passion and plans to attend Cedar Valley Community College upon graduation. After the passing of her grandmother, who was a musician, Vernesha knew that her talent and desires were in the field of music. Furthermore, in pursuing her dreams, Vernesha is currently in singing lessons, is branding herself with YouTube, and auditioning for singing gigs. Overcoming obstacles in her path and defeating what at first seemed like unbeatable odds, Vernesha is well on her way to becoming a beautiful and talented singer. Jershayla Johnson BARRY HARRIS Duncanville High School Intelligent, a natural-born leader, loves a challenge -are just a few characteristics to describe Barry C. Harris, Jr. When he is not spending most of
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his day writing computer codes and building computers, he is hard at work preparing to attend either Howard University, The University of Maryland at College Park or Florida A&M University, this fall. Harris is looking forward to studying security information systems which will lead him to a career of his dreams, working for one of the 16 branches of Intelligence in the government. Harris continues to educate himself by studying philosophy and religion. In his down time you can catch him rocking to the late, great Jimmy Hendrix. Getting the opportunity to attend the 2008 and 2013 inauguration has been an overwhelming experience and has taught him so much about life. Harris has accomplished so much in just the first phase of his life; whether it’s joining a new program or challenging himself on his next project, the man can do no wrong. He is the man with the plan. -Shenice Sanders ANNYA SMITH Duncanville High School Annya Smith is a senior at Duncanville High School and plans on attending Florida A&M University after she graduates. She has plans of majoring in either photography or math education. Her birthday is March 12 and Annya was born in Orange, New Jersey. She was adopted by her aunt Cheryl Smith and moved to Texas, to live with her aunt who she knows as mom, when she was a young girl. Annya has five siblings 3 brothers and two sisters. Annya was once an athlete playing basketball and soccer. She has left those days