Pieces of History

January 20, 2009

The Original Lincoln Memorial

Yesterday was very busy. When you walked down the street you could scarcely see the group you are with. As I walked past dissimilar people I could feel their enthusiasm. For instance, the major talk around the city was Obama. There were many tourists from all over and I did hear some African accents.

That evening we went on a rather amazing historic adventure, ChocolateCity Tour. On that tour we learned about the history that the whites tried to hide from everyone. We learned that Healy which was the president at Georgetown was a black passing as a white man. We also saw the original Lincoln Memorial. It was funded by blacks who gave the money to white carpenters so that they could sculpt it. When the statue was finally revealed it showed Lincoln about to whip a slave. Lastly we went to a slave dungeon where actual slaves were held. Some of them died down there which made everyone a little scared.

Today we woke up at 3 o-clock in the morning to see the inauguration. There were about 1.8 million people there to see Obama. We had to stand in line for about two hours and we finally got inside of the gate. Everyone was screaming Obama!! and you could feel the positive energy. People were cheering and clapping almost throughout the whole time. After he got sworn in, he gave a speech. It talked about how all deserve a chance to pursue their real measure of happiness. Obama said that he wants us to look at who we are and how far we have come. For America the real question is not if your government is too big or small but if it works. I enjoyed his speech and can’t wait to go on tomorrow’s tours.

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Elexis, this is so nice to read. Your experience in Washington was very historical. I am proud of you. My mom is also proud. You are a excellent writer and I admire you. I thank your mom for letting my mom know about the after school writing club we share with Mr. Rucker. I am inspired to write better, Congratulation.

Darian-Alexus Moore 3:21AM 01/24/09

So Fun!

January 18, 2009

Today when I woke up I could feel the difference between Washington, DC and California. There was no sun and it was very cold. Later on in the day we took the subway and walked to the Holocaust Museum. When walking it seemed like every time you turn your head someone is selling something with Obama on it. All you hear is:

Obama jackets!
Obama pins!
Obama calenders!

Obama, Obama, Obama!

Everyone was trying to sell something. At the Holocaust Museum we learned how Hitler persuaded people into being against Jews. While being there we also learned that he was a great leader. Even though he wanted to KILL Jews he still was able to persuade people into doing what he wanted. At the museum it also showed how the Jews were once at peace and how Germany was getting worse and worse as Hitler came along. Some places that were destroyed were:

Uslek
Usti
Turzovka
Bryton'
Hungary
France

After the Holocaust Museum we got onto the subway. It was very crowded and everyone was smushed together. Right after the subway we went out to Guapos. That is a Mexican restaurant, it was so good! I can't see what is in store for tomorrow.

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it looks like u had alot of fun that day

averyanna 11:04PM 01/20/09

Hey Elaxis how are you doing out there? I know you guys are pretty cold and probably tired from walking around,but don't you think it's worth it. I am hoping to see you at school next week or even this week so that you can tell me all about your adventure in Washington. Tell everyone that i said hi and i am looking forward to seeing all of you guys next week....:-]....from your best friend Ivy

Ivy 7:13PM 01/20/09

Elexis, after hearing President Obama's speech, do you think he has anything in common with the leadership qualities of Hitler? Something to think about. What level of persuassion does President Obama have and what do you think he will lead our country to do? I look forward to a reply and further writings of your experiences in D.C..

Ms. Marie Comerford 3:45PM 01/20/09

You are learning so much in DC, that is an additional perk. I am glad you got a chance to visit the Holocaust Museum, so you can better empathize with people of Jewish faith. We have to go to the Museum of Tolerance when you come home.

T Lewis 2:03AM 01/20/09

Teena Lewis 2:02AM 01/20/09

Elexis, you told that story so well it felt like I was there. That is the purpose of a good writer to make the reader feel the experience. I will be at the Inauguration tomorrow afterwards I want to taste the food at Guapos.

Amasha Griffin 12:16PM 01/19/09

Elexis, why do you think Hitler was so successful at persuading the German people? It is important to understand how it happened so that we can prevent it from ever happening again.

Mr. Diaz 11:46PM 01/18/09

Bye, Bye Sunny California

January 17, 2009

Today it was very cold. The weather was sort of like Southern California because this air was also arid, but was cold. Everyone was bundled up in jackets, hats, scarves, and gloves. First we all walked to Georgetown.

When we went to Georgetown we had a tour guide who was named Rachel and she pretty much told us about all of the older buildings. For example Healy Hall holds some classrooms as well as other offices. At the school they also have a performing arts building which allows talented students to express themselves. I really liked Georgetown because of all of its programs.

After that we went to the Air and Space Museum. At the Air and Space museum we learned about the first pilots which were the Wright Brothers. We also saw some black Pilots. Some of them were:
• Lt.John S. Morgan
• Lt.Willie Fuller
• Capt. William R. Thompson
• Commander Benjamin O. Davis Jr.

We also saw a presentation called, Star Station 1. That taught us about what goes on when you go into space. For instance putting on a space suit takes 2-3 hours (that is a long time)! Also before you put on your space suit you wear a mag A.K.A (diaper). We did a demonstration and Kaila was part of it. They made her put on the mag (Ha Ha) it was so funny! The demonstration also talked about the space station. The woman who talked to us told us there is only one commander and they are in charge until they rotate positions. I really enjoyed my "adventures" today and I can't wait until tomorrow.

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Take good mental notes each time you visit a college. That way you will have an easier time deciding which schools to apply to in a few years. Glad you enjoyed Georgetown. - Mr. Diaz

Mr. Diaz 5:12PM 01/18/09

it sounds like you are having a wonderful time . I wish i was there

seanchapman 3:35PM 01/18/09

Sounds like you are off to a great start. It makes me wish I was there. I am looking forward to hearing about each exciting day and learning new things.

penny n 12:08AM 01/18/09

We're Here!

January 16, 2009

When I arrived in DC after six hours I was so excited! The plane flight was great! I am so happy that Virgin America sponsered this flight.

Basically on the plane we did our homework, watched TV and listened to music. When we got off of the plane we took a tram to the baggage claim and then took a bus to the subway which is called the Metro in DC. I realized that a lot of people DON'T use cars. When we were on the subway we just sat and relaxed. That is when we then found out through an email on Mr. G's Blackberry that we would see Warren Brown (owner of Cake Love). I am so interested in meeting him because he is a great leader, since he started off as a lawyer and decided to follow his dream of becoming a baker instead. He was actually in my presentation two weeks ago. It was a Powerpoint sharing where I wanted to go when we got to DC. I am so appreciative of the people who assisted us in scheduling him to talk with us Wednesday evening, the day after the Inauguration!

Now we are staying at Mary's house who is a relative of Mr. G's and I can't wait to experience tomorrow's "adventures!"

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Im proud of u and miss u alot i cant wait to see u again

Myah F 10:30PM 01/24/09

I hope u guys enjoyed it luv ya

aquoi 12:30AM 01/22/09

hey elexis wacha dooin oh and i miss u in LA i hope u r enjoying your self

averyanna 11:09PM 01/20/09

Greetings Elexis, This is a once in a lifetime opportunity you have. Make sure you live in every moment of it. You can be successful in every walk of your journey as long as you continue to work hard, stay positive, and socialize with like minded people. Me and my family are so proud of you. You are a phenomenal writer. I read all of you blogs and I enjoyed the journey you took me on. Peace and love Amasha

Amasha Griffin 12:23PM 01/19/09

Elexis, What an honor and a privilege to represent your school at the inauguration for President-elect Obama. I’m taking it all in on CNN but it doesn’t compare to your being in the mist of everything and bearing witness to this historical event. Enjoy every moment and stay warm.

Darlene 8:41PM 01/17/09

Elexis, What an honor and privilege to represent your school at the inauguration. I’m taking everything in on CNN but it doesn’t compare to your experience of being in the mist of all the excitement and bearing witness to this historical event. Take lots of pictures and take warm.

Darlene 5:27PM 01/17/09

So...how's the weather? More importantly, what's it like with 100 people in Mary's house and 3 bathrooms? I'm sure your learning the value of patience and understanding. We all miss you back here in sunny and warm Los Angeles, but we REALLY do wish we could be there with you. Looking forward to reading more blogs. Stay warm. P.S. tell Wayne I may having trouble with my computer, because I don't see anything for his blog. Mr. J

Mr. Jutabha 12:00PM 01/17/09

Sounds like your arrival was eventful. You got to ride the Metro and you received great news about meeting Warren Brown. I can't wait to hear more about tomorrow's adventures. Be in the moment and take it all in. Hearing about your appreciation for those who are helping you is refreshing.

Teena Lewis 3:58AM 01/17/09

Elexis, Class of 2014

Hi, my name is Elexis from the class of 2014. I am a junior (seventh grader) at KIPP Academy of Opportunity middle school in South LA. I am one of the hard working students who has been selected to go to the presidential Inauguration and tour Washington, DC, as a result of my writing a stellar essay! I will be blogging about my leadership development in Washington, DC, each night between January 16th and January 22nd. Feel free to subscribe and get my daily postings! "Be nice. Work hard."

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January 2009