DENOUNCE THE "N" WORD INITIATIVE MEETS WJRT-TV12's MICHAEL J. THORP!

Thanks to our new association with Kathryn Hunter-Williams, creater of Flint's (Traveling) Afrikan Museum, we managed to obtain a spot on Michael J. Thorp's "NEWSMAKER" show! We were set to record in the studio of Channel 12 last Friday, May 2. It was the usual cast of students with one new, worthy addition (Justin McGarry). The "regulars": Maurice "Moe" Hood, Suleng Patrick, and Andrew Henke.

Little did we know that this was Thorp's last show...he announced that fact during the last minute of the program. Our group felt honored to be a part of his show that day--and he added to the "sizzle" of the show by being "right on" with his questions with ample compassion and interest. Mr. Thorp was just plain smooth, making the show alive and interesting. Afterwards, he shared something with us that will not be know by the general public until Tuesday, May 6. He's going to be running for political office, throwing his hat in the ring in an attempt to become a State Representative. I won't say where at this point because he did not want anyone to know until Tuesday.

Our part in his last program went extremely well. I say that because the kids were absolutely phenonomenal! Sincere and honest, they brought Ms. Hunter-Williams to tears at one point. She's been involved with denouncing the "N" word for about ten years now and it was just too much for her to take when Maurice Hood starting quoting Shakespeare at one point. I understood her emotional response; she's been "fighting the good fight" all these years and it was too much to behold--the depth of sincerity put forth by Maurice and the rest of my students. They are not your "ordinary" kids!

Afterwards, we drove to Paul's Coney Island, on Center Road. It was well known to Maurice and a couple of others in our group, but I had never eaten there before. The fare was good and I even met the owner, Paul...whatever his Greek name was. I told him I thought he was Macedonian and he looked a little miffed at that mistake. Seemingly, a nice guy. As luck would have it, his restaurant was featured on the front page of The Journal the next day, Saturday, May 3. It was touted as one of the first Smoke Free Michigan restaurants...smoke free before the actual law is in affect (soon). I'll go back again for sure. Three reasons: (1) good food/fair prices; (2) friendly service and nice owner; (3) smoke-free environment...something that's important to me, especially when I'm with my family.

Anyway, Now Ms. Hunter-Williams is going to help us reach the right person with Comcast...to do yet another show on our Denounce the "N" Word Initiative. We're ready. We're able. We're as enthusiastic as ever!