Everyone knows Donald Trump’s campaign slogan was “Make America Great Again”. But when was America ever great? To me and many others, it was never great. But, we do have some people that believe that it could have been great before. America is a “good” country but it was never great.

This past year, we saluted and said farewell to our inspiring former president, Barack Obama. President Obama was and still is a great leader to the people of America. But how did President Obama become the wonderful leader he is today? Let’s take a look back at Barack Obama’s story about how he became the great person he is today.

On January 24th, BET aired the three-day event “The New Edition Story” which takes you on the journey of the legendary R&B music group, “New Edition”. This epic three-part series takes you through the lives of Bobby, Mike, Ralph, Ricky, Ronnie, and Johnny Gill. 

On Saturday, January 21, 2017, women marched in Washington and millions more marched in cities across the country and all over the world.

In the last game of the 2016 College Football Season, LSU played Louisville in the Citrus Bowl located in Orlando, Florida. Coming into the game, LSU had to stop Heisman Trophy Winner powerhouse quarterback Lamar Jackson. Lamar Jackson averaged 272.5 pass yards per game. He had a 56.2 pass percentage, and 148.8 QB rating. 

One of the most famous African-American leaders I can think of is President Barack Obama. President Obama has done many great things for this country, not only during his time in office as president but also as the senator from Illinois. President Obama has inspired many African-Americans to follow their dreams and also to make sure that they do everything they can to make a change.

I want to be a doctor when I get older because I like to help people. To become a doctor you have to go through medical school. Doctors work full-time hours. Most doctors work overnight.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had dedicated his life to stopping racist acts and giving African-Americans freedom. We celebrate Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday because of Martin Luther King’s day honors and marks the 3rd Monday of January to remember the great and powerful things that he did. His confidence and wisdom made him who he was. 

When I think of African-American heroes, I think of people who have made a statement with their lives and did not just live it like a normal person. I could name one million people who come to mind when I say African-American hero. 

On Monday, January 9, 2017, I along with five other scholars at Tech Prep had the chance to attend the Martin Luther King Jr. Hidden Champions Award Luncheon. There were five different honorees: Scottie Irving, Monica Watts, Davina Callahan, Eric Weaver, and Thomas Penny. Martin Luther King III and Ward 8’s new Councilman Trayon White were there. 

In my opinion, President Barack Obama is the first African-American President who has been given an opportunity to show that he knows what is best for America and the world.  During his presidency he constantly demonstrated that he was a president for the people.  During his final days in office he is continuing to demonstrate his position of “democracy for all”.  

On December 22nd, 8th graders from Tech Prep middle school went to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. 

On November 30th, Legendary bass player Larry Graham performed at the Stratford Auditorium in honor of Concerts for Causes. Dionel Grice, Jewel Lake and I had the honor of attending this concert. We also received new instruments from Concerts for Causes on stage.

On, December 17th in Baltimore, Maryland, our first winter storm hit in a big way knocking out power, and causing hundreds of accidents. But, one major catastrophe due to the icy roads was the 67-car-pileup on Interstate 95, which involved a huge tanker explosion.

For the past few weeks, this question has been going through my head. Do we really need cell phones? Yes it’s great technology, but why? Over 92% of people in the United States own them. Yes, they are really useful, but do we really need them. I believe yes and no...

Police should not have the right to do as they please just because they’re police. They are supposed to be there to help and serve—not to come at people who they think look like they are doing wrong. Just because they have authority and are supposed to protect the city or state, does not mean that people should have to suffer because of cruel-acting police....

On, Wednesday November 17, 2016, Tech Prep’s BUILD program launched its first idea pitch competition. All BUILD participants were dressed in their business suits and dresses ready to present their ideas. All BUILD mentors came out to support us and judges were there to assess our pitches....

On November 22, 2016, Jonathon Walker was driving a Chattanooga school bus and the bus ride ended in a tragic crash. The crash left five children dead and 12 children hospitalized. Walker was driving a normal route but the Chattanooga school bus accelerated down one road....

Our black lives are important. For instance, Terrance Sterling is another innocent black citizen who is now dead because of a caucasian cop. Terrence was on his way home from a bachelor party on 17th and U Street in Washington, DC around 4:20am on September 11, 2016...