History in the Making

Remember where you were Sept. 11th 2001? I can remember being woken up by a call from my mom. "Kirsten, have you seen the news? A plane hit the World Trade Center!" I rushed to the TV, flipped on the station and was glued to the TV for hours upon hours watching the coverage of this tragedy on our soil. As I sat in front of the TV again for hours today, I realize how much history I have seen in my life. My mind is drawn back to reflect on Sept 11th, then to March 2003 when the first war of my life time was declared on Iraq, then on to the Tsunami and Katrina both disasters the likes have never before seen, and then there's tonight's election. Tonight, Nov. 4th 2008, the first African-American President has been elected. A few years ago, people would have thought this was something that could not be possibly so yet here we are with a new President-elect Barack Obama. Watching the crowds reacting to this news I was struck to see the gamat of colors celebrating together this big step in history. There are many Americans who can still remember the time when America was gripped by racial strife and segregation, many who still struggle with the past feelings of oppression. When watching today, I was touched by the hope that was present on so many faces in the crowds. Whether you are for or against Barack Obama, it is still time to celebrate the giant step our society has taken. Finally, we can truly say that our country is built on equality for all men. We should all take a moment to appreciate this moment in our history, and our role in this day today with the votes we cast either for or against Barack Obama. What a cool thing for us to see this moment in history unfold before our own eyes. Who would have ever guessed that America, a country who was segregated less than 40 years ago, would have elected an African-American President.

My First Featured Article

I just recently got involved in writing articles for the newsletter Insight, which is the newsletter for the College of Public Programs, and I just found out it is being run on the main News page. How exciting! So I decided to post it on here to share with everyone. Enjoy!



Concert encourages students to meet downtown neighbors
By Kirsten Martin

This Friday night, Nov. 7, a crowd of enthusiastic Arizona State University students will gather in downtown Phoenix to hear live music and become further acquainted with local business owners and residents.

They’ll take part in the final concert of the “Know Your Neighbors” series, featuring a free performance by Arizona band Try Me Bicycle at 7:30 p.m. at the Paisley Violin, 1030 N.W. Grand Ave. The event coincides with the First Friday artwalk.

The seven-part concert series aims to promote integration of the students and staff at ASU’s Downtown Phoenix campus with the community in the surrounding metropolitan area.

“Community involvement and partnerships are incredibly important to the students, faculty and staff at the downtown campus,” said Deb Gullett, associate vice president and dean at the ASU College of Public Programs at the Downtown Phoenix campus. “Our academic programs are structured to involve students directly in applying their growing knowledge and faculty-led research to make a difference in the city’s neighborhoods.”

During the event, the School of Social Work Student Organization will hold a fundraiser for the Neighborhood Ministries' Parent Volunteers Christmas program, which allows parents in need to volunteer community service hours in exchange for vouchers to buy gifts in its Christmas Parent Store.

Formed in the fall of 1995, Try Me Bicycle features Andrew Naylor on vocals and guitar; Jay Novak on bass; Jacob Koller on piano and synthesizer and Nathan Geer on drums.
The group blends modern folk, jazz and piano to create “quiet, organic music that evokes the feeling of day-tripping and long drives at twilight -- the recollective course of the vagabond on holiday,” according to lead singer Andy Naylor.

For information, contact Malissa Geer at mgeer@mainex1.asu.edu or Kirsten Martin at Kirsten.martin@asu.edu.