The Lion's Roar Newspaper: Volume 3 No. 3

THE LION’S ROAR NEWSPAPER

Black History Month Edition

Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors Visit Urban Prep

By Dominick Williams Managing Editor, Bronzeville Campus

On February 22nd, Urban Prep students, faculty and staff from the Englewood, Downtown and Bronzeville Campuses gathered together in the Englewood Auditorium for a special assembly. The assembly began with Mr. Dennis Lacewell, Urban Prep's Chief Academic Officer making an announcement that all students would be attending an advance screening of the newly released Creed III movie. Student were excited! However, Mr. Lacewell continued and to our surprise, introduced special guests actors Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors, who are both stars in the new Creed III movie.

During their visit, the actors were able to participate in a classroom "check-in", where students and guests are able to state their names and the meaning behind it. The classroom visit concluded with a unity circle.

The actors then did a conversation for the

entire schoolbody discussing their lives and encouraging students. Urban Prep students were able to ask questions and the actors were open and honest.

To conclude the visit, Jordan and Majors presented Urban Prep with a $5,000 check then student ambassdors Mr. Tristian Hunter, Class of 2024 from the Englewood Campus and Mr. Kevin Scott, Class of 2023 from the Bronzeville Campus presented the actors with Urban Prep gear (ie. sweatshirt, jackets and an Urban Prep red and gold striped tie).

"The surprise visit from Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors was a good chance for students to see that their goals are attainable and it shows young people like myself that our role models are people too." - Mr. Lavell Scott, Class of 2024, Englewood Campus.

Chief Operating Officer Mr. Troy Boyd Jr., Chief Academic Officer Mr. Dennis Lacewell, Mr. Tristian Hunter, Class of 2024, Englewood Campus and Mr. Kevin Scott, Class of 2023, Bronzeville Campus pose wtih Actor Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors after presenting them with Urban Prep gear.

Photos Credit: Beking Joassaint

Englewood Seniors Messrs. Mich Turner, Deondrae Gardner, Roderick Duffin, Alvin Hollins during the classroom visit with Jordan and Majors; Messrs. Zachary Smith, Class of 2024, Downtown Campus, Kevin Scott, Class of 2023, Bronzeville Campus, and Tristian Hunter, Class of 2024, Englewood Campus posing questions to the actors.

What’s UP in the world?

Chicago Mayoral Election: Our Voice

By Kevin Scott Freelance Writer, Class of 2023, Bronzeville Campus

Chicago has clearly been disappointed with Lori Lightfoots mayoral impact these past 4 years. It was proven in this year's race when she received an unimpressive 17% of the vote. Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas lead this year's mayoral race. Both competitors made it to the mayoral runoff with 34% and 20% of the votes. Lightfoot, singled out for rising crime, has lost the confidence of Chicagoans, but mainly by educators and police.

Paul Vallas is a former CEO of Chicago Public Schools. He has built his mayoral campaign around reducing crime and improving public safety. He has also touted his record as a fixer who led public school systems in Chicago. Vallas is heavily backed by the Chicago police department, gaining 91% of their endorsements. Vallas has been highly favored so far.

Brandon Johnson, a former educator and organizer for the Chicago Teachers Union, is heavily backed by the educators and the CTU. Johnson has spent most of his career educating children and fighting for working-class families. He is focusing his campaign on reforming schools and community safety by a ‘treatment not trauma’ approach to policing. Johnson also supports investing in programs that make our streets safer and provide resources for the homeless population.

Both candidates are Democrats, but their views vary widely, from school choice to measuring academic performance to how schools are funded. As a young Black man in the city of Chicago, I want someone in office that prioritizes the education of people of color and supports working-class com-

munities. Brandon Johnson being a former educator and a Black man helps me identify with him more. It also makes me feel more confident in his agenda for helping Chicago progress, not leaving

Photo Credit: Chicago Sun-Times

out people who look like me. Overall, I want my next Mayor to invest in Black and Brown communities and programs that will bring about change.

Kevin Velasquez, Cartoonist Englewood Campus Class of 2025

Urban Prep Englewood Hosts Annual Black History Assembly

During Black History Month, Urban Prep Englewood Seniors coordinated an assembly as a project for Pride led by Mr. Johnny Dorsey. The assembly included the the history and depiction of the Black Panthers Party, where students enacted roles of the party's leadership.

Black History: Englewood Pride Leader Featured on CBS News

By Tristan Hunter Staff Reporter, Englewood Campus

Urban Prep Englewood Pride Leader Mr. Johnny Dorsey was featured on CBS News Change Makers Segment during Black History Month. The feature was in honor of the work Mr. Dorsey has done for over a decade with Urban Prep's Peace Makers After School Program. This program works to reduce violence and provide a safe space for young people. When asked about his experience, Mr. Dorsey replied "The experience I had at CBS was unlike anything I've ever experienced. I was honored to talk about the mentoring opportunities I have been afforded during my time working with young people. I thank God for giving me the chance to talk about something I love doing."

Mr. Johnny Dorsey speaking with CBS News Anchors Charlie De Mar and Mugo Odigwe during the Change Makers segment with a special feature for Black History Month.

Photos: CBS2 News

Photos: Johnny Dorsey

Messrs. Michon Edwards and Vernon Chambers holding the Black Lives Matter sign during the assembly; Messrs. Micah Turner, Alvin Hollins, Devin Bufford, Levin Turner, Terrell Bloom and Calvin Jordan, Class of 2023 during the Black History Assembly.

Students and Community Members SpeakUP to SaveUP

Photos Credit: Jessie Mack

On January 19, 2023, Urban Prep students, faculty, administrators, parents and community members attended the Public Hearing conducted by the Illinois State Board of Education.

Pictured: Urban Prep students reciting the creed at the end of the public hearing; Mr. Frank Iverson, Class of 2023, Bronzeville Campus; Urban Prep Alumni brothers Julius and Joseph Olalusi; former United States Senator, Illinois State Comptroller and Illinois State Attorney General Roland Burris; Urban Prep Bronzeville Dean of Students Mr. Thomas Daniel; and former 20th Ward Aldermanic hopeful and Urban Prep Parent Andre Smith.

WE ARE COLLEGE BOUND: URBAN PREP STUDENTS ARE FEATURES

FEATURES

ARE ADMITTED INTO COLLEGE & RECEIVE STRIPED TIES

Students who recieved their ties during the month of January and February

Englewood Campus

(Jan. 2023)

De'Anthony Ball

Elijah Brown

Rael Brown

Sincer Carter

Deondrae Gardner

Alvin Hollins

Deovay Johnson

Jaylan May

Joseph Smith

Jeremiah Woods

(Feb. 2023)

Julius Blackwell

Billy Hayes

Cardell Rush

Bronzeville Campus

(Jan. 2023)

Seven Brimmer

Ian Isbell

Javonte Jordan

Robert Howard

Bernard Howard

Rondell Gilmore

Juawain Jackson

David Allen

Kevin Scott

Dylan Purnell

Kamari Payne

Jabari Plummer

Dayion Gage

De'Andre Lashawn-James

Jermaine Jackson

Yasser Young

(Feb. 2023)

Kanye Morgan

Leandre Mauldin

Miles Johnson

Austin Cloud

Ayden Cloud

Urban Prep Seniors after receiving their striped ties; Mr. Seven Brimmer being lifted by his classmates to the stage after being accepted into 83 colleges; Messrs. Jermaine Jackson, Deovay Johnson, Ian Isbell and Kevin Scott pose with their family following the On To The Next One Ceremony at their campus; Mr. Terrance Anderson being celerbated by fellow classmate as his name is called.

Melvin Campbell

Traveon Dupart

Josiah Jackson

Chakai Rogers-Washington

Justyn Garrison

Photos Credit: Dominick Williams/ Jessie Mack

I Have A Dream: UP Students Remember Dr. King

Dr. Martin Luther King's dreams were plentiful and the one dream that was never fulfilled for Black people was his dream of economic equality. His desire for Black people to become better and to get what they deserve never happened. This, however, is only because his words were clouded. The focus being on his equality speech more accurately his peace speech where people are judged on their character opposed to the color of their skin. I believe that it doesn't hold much weight given the circumstances we face today. I feel that our economic growth

is overshadowed by the desire to become purely equal along with the other things that the system uses to distract us from our true objective, which is becoming better in the form of economic success. I feel that we don't learn enough about economics and politics it prohibits us from actually achieving long lasting growth and change. I believe that Dr. King's dream of equality where we are judged by our character opposed to the color of our skin is dying today mainly because we are still oppressed. We continue to suffer from racial profiling and police brutality. I believe that the people who oppress us simply changed the name of what they're doing and simply began to do it in a smarter,

more covert way. Furthermore when discussing his dream it's also misinterpreted to fit a narrative that to be equal to white people, we must be like them. However, in reality that wasn't the intention of the dream; at least to me. The dream itself is to be comfortable with being Black and in order to improve, we must be ourselves and further our knowledge of economics to bring about change opposed to trying to fit in with people by conforming to their ways.

I HAVE A DREAM

I

I

KShawn Moore Class of 2025 Englewood Campus –

I have a dream that I will be able to walk outside without the fear of being shot and that one day society will realize that my life matters.

Joel Brown Class of 2026 Bronzeville Campus

[Op-Ed]By Latrell Scott Freelance Writer, Englewood Campus

Image Credit: ABC KSTP

Cardell,

Rush

Class of 2023 Englewood Campus

Savion Harold Class

of

2024 Downtown Campus

have a dream that I will not be judged by my upbringing but be afforded the same job opportunities as others.

have a dream that one day I will not be seen as a target but I will be treated with respect and have equal opportunies like my counterparts.

I have a dream that Black and Brown boys will be able to open up about their emotions without being judged!

Students Receive Gold Ties For Being Exceptional

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

Mr. Johnson received his gold tie in Africana Studies during the month of February. His nominator wrote “Mr. Johnson has shown great improvement in my class with his behavior and his grades. He participates in class and he also comes to me for additional help when he needs it. In addition to that, he makes every effort to stay on task to complete his work. He would sometimes stay after class to complete his work. Mr. Johnson currently has an "A" in my class. I am really proud of his great efforts to be successful in class. ”

Mr. White received his gold tie in English Language Arts. His nominator wrote, “This young man has shown PSAT assessment growth from the first benchmark in November to the second benchmark in February. We are exceptional not because we say it but because we work hard at it. This young man is demonstrating relentlessness in proving that progress is not an option, but that it is the expectation. The benchmark composite is 860. With the class high score in English Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) of 770, his Composite score is 1210. This young man should be recognized.”

Urban Prep Teachers of The Month

Mr. Clark received his gold tie in Africana Studies during the month of February. His nominator wrote, “Mr. Clark may be a quiet young man, but he has hidden leadership qualities. When asked to help out in the classroom recently after maintenance had moved all of the tables and chairs to the side of the room, Mr. Clark jumped in to help and didn't stop until the job was done. I can count on Mr. Clark to come to class in full uniform with all the materials he needs to complete his assignments. Of course he would never go anywhere without a pencil and paper since he is an accomplished anime artist. Mr. Clark earned an "A" on his last quiz in Africana Studies and is working to keep his "A" in the class.”

Mr. Joseph Jones is an Urban Prep Alum from the Class of 2013 and currently works as a Pride Leader at the Urban Prep Englewood Campus. This is Mr. Jones' first year working at Urban Prep. Students choice Mr. Jones this month because " He shows us that we can overcome every challenge that stands in the way of us finishing any assignment."

Ms. Nicole Ross teaches Spanish I/II & Afro Latino Studies at the Urban Prep Bronzeville Campus

Ms. Ross has been working at Urban Prep for 3 years. Students choice Ms. Ross this month because "She takes time to teach us many life lessons, instead of just giving work."

*Students at each campus are polled by the Lion's Roar staff to identify their campus' Teacher of The Month

Mr. Emmanuel White Class of 2026 - Downtown

Mr. Jaydon Johnson Class of 2026 - Englewood

Mr. Christian Clark Class of 2026 -Bronzeville

Mr. Derek Hofland recently joined the Urban Prep Downtown Campus and teaches Algebra II w/Trigonometry, (Honors) Geometry and Algebra I. Mr. Hofland graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a BA in Mathematics and a minor in Computer Science.

UP STUDENTS REFLECTIONS: WHY MY FEATURES

is not the only thing that should bother us. It’s the fact that it is the shortest month of the year and we don’t inform our people about other prominent figures whose shoulders we stand on today.

It is important, especially in today’s society, that we know how powerful, worthy, and intelligent we truly are. We aren’t just a speech or a single civil rights movement moment.

Seven Brimmer, Class of 2023 Bronzeville Campus

Black History is something that is so powerful, yet so hidden and shortened when it comes to the different figures of our history. We only talk about Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” speech. We only talk about the incident with Rosa Parks and the front of the bus. We only mention a very select few things to

talk about every year, and it always is the same. There are figures that should be noted that have done wonders for the Black race, such as the Buffalo Soldiers, Black Panthers, Carter G. Woodson, Marcus Garvey, and so many more.

The fact that we have only a month to celebrate our history

We are people who overcame the unimaginable challenges of slavery and segregation. We are people who created various things, such as music, computer communication, and more. We are descendants of people who created the most powerful monuments in the entire world, the pyramids.

Black History isn’t something to take lightly, it’s something to show the true strengths and changes that Black people have shown.

MY BLACK HISTORY IS IMPORTANT!

I think that knowing about African American history is crucial for us as a community because I'm an African American male going to an all-boys school where most of the students are. For me, Black American history is a rich and complicated tale of struggle, resiliency, and success rather than just a list of dates and facts.

My connection to my roots and understanding of my identity are facilitated by learning about African American history. I can respect the sacrifices made by my ancestors and the advancements gained by learning about the history of slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, and the ongoing battles for racial justice.This information also makes me feel proud of my cultural history and the many African American music, art, literature, and culinary traditions.

Furthermore, overcoming racism and injustice requires an awareness of African American history. I can grow in understanding and compassion for individuals who have been historically disenfranchised and oppressed by learning about African Ameri-

cans' experiences. With this understanding, I may better identify and confront my own and other people's racist views and behaviors.

Last but not least, I feel that embracing African American history is essential for inspiring Black people today and in the future to continue the legacy of excellence and achievement. We can find strength and inspiration from the struggles and successes of those who have gone before us in order to triumph over

our own challenges and achieve our objectives.

To sum up, learning about African American history allows us to gain insight into our past, combat racism and injustice, and inspire the future generation. That goes beyond being a topic for the classroom. We must impart our wisdom and pride to the following generation because, as African Americans, we have a great and motivational story to tell.

Elijah Cooper, Class of 2023 Englewood Campus

URBAN PREP BASKETBALL

Photos Credit: Jessie Mack

Urban Prep's Englewood Varsity Basketball Team competing against Prospectives High School of Technology, Chicago Sullivan and Wells. Pictured: Messrs. Joseph Coleman, Class of 2023; Tristian Hunter, Class of 2024; Levi Turner, Class of 2023; Lamar Murphy, Class of 2025; Alonzo Morris, Class of 2023; and Mr. Joquan Coleman, Class of 2023.

2022-2023 SEASON RECAP

Urban Prep's Bronzeville Varsity Basketball Team competing against Harlan and Ogden International.

Pictured: Messrs. Jakari Dismukes, Class of 2024, Frank Iverson, Class of 2023, Davion Worthy, Class of 2024; Kevin Scott Class of 2023; Melvin Moore, Class of 2024; and Justyn Garrison, Class of 2023.

Photos Credit: Jessie Mack

Urban Prep Basketball Season Recap Cont'd

Urban Prep Downtown Varsity Basketball Team competing against Intrinsic Charter School Downtown Campus and Urban Prep Englewood Campus. Pictured: Messrs. Savion Harold, Class of 2024, Jafari Mahonie, Class of 2024, Michael Woodard, Class of 2024, Dontrail Green, Class of 2025 and Orlandtae Smoot, Class of 2025; Coach Jack Avery talking to plays during a timeout.

Basketball Season Standings

ENGLEWOOD VS.

Kennedy (L) 57-47

Catalyst-Maria (L) 56-53

Englewood Stem (L) 59-43

Chicago Sullivan (W) 71-17

Wells (L) 68-56

Perspectives Leadership/Tech. (L) 78-56

St. Francis de Sales (L) 46-40

JAN./FEB.Varsity Game Scores

DOWNTOWN VS.

Goode Stem Academy (L) 55-26

Victoria Soto (W) 62-30

Kelly (W) 34-31

Intrinsic Charter School DTN (L) 64-27

Manley (L) 120-16

BRONZEVILLE VS.

Agricultural Science (L) 52-40

Harlan (L) 71-67

Fenger (W) 78-74

Richards (L) 68-50

Brooks (L) 79-59

Ogden International (L) 68-63

Muchin College Prep (W) 75-70

Acero Garcia (W) 125-30

Dunbar (W) 85-81

Phillips (L) 83-57

Photos Credit: Jessie Mack

Urban Prep Englewood Basketball Senior Night 2023

March's Issue

What's UP in the world?

Students of the Month

Teachers of the Month

UP Private Screening of Creed III

UP Students Celebrate Women's Month

Bronzeville Black History Assembly

Indoor Track Season Coverage

Englewood Instramural Sports

The Lion’s Roar Staff

Dominick Williams, Bronzeville

Seven Brimmer, Bronzeville

Elijah Cooper, Englewood

Tristian Hunter, Englewood

Ian Isbell, Bronzeville

Qwaylin Miller, Bronzeville

Kevin Scott, Bronzeville

Latrell Scott, Englewood

Kevin Velasquez, Englewood

Michael Woodard, Downtown

Managing Editor Writer Writer Staff Reporter Photographer Writer Writer Writer Cartoonist Staff Writer

Messrs. Joquan Coleman, Joseph Coleman, Levin Turner and Alonzo Morris pose with Coach Mike, Englewood Principal Othiniel Mahone and their families after receiving their custom Urban Prep jackets and posters as well as presenting their parents with gifts.

Photos Credit: Jessie Mack