Hassan Fofana, a College of Staten Island journalism student and former Liberian refugee has seen many different cultures in throughout the neighborhoods of New York and Liberia. Currently residing in a diverse apartment complex in Yonkers, Bronx- he also spends his weekends at the Park Hill Liberian Community Center. he says "Not many people from my area study or go to school, so the center is a good place to get work done."
Prior to living in Yonkers, Fofana bounced around parts of Jersey and New York City after arriving here from Africa in 2004. While in Liberia he lived in the town of Monvori, which is named after our 5th President, James Monroe. Fofana says the reason behind this is because Monroe helped African slaves in America help return home to their families and pick up the pieces of their missing ancestry back in Liberia. Fofana describes Monvori as mostly country, but with outskirts of city. He has lived in both areas, and traces his roots to the Mandingo Tribe of Kings in Africa.
This was a fun exercise in class.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Staten Island Ferry Procedures
Hey all, updating this blog for the journalism class because this one didn't quite fit with music...
The Staten Island Ferry is one of the essential truths of New York City. Whether it be late, early, smelly, or scary- it is always there for our convenience.
The Ferry does not charge for its services, and yet it still comes to us, steadily, everyday without fail (sounds like all my writing endeavors).
What would happen if this service was halted? Thinking back the only two times I can think of where the Ferry went out was, 911 and the crash. What is the protocol? What do all the people already in motion over the water do if a situation arises that they should not move on (the class example was tornado or hurricane) Where will all the people go that are waiting?
I don't have the answers to these but it is an intriguing thought. How would one go about finding this information out? I know-I know, a lot of questions but the solution is pretty simple... call. Call the transit office or go speak to an authoritative figure there, maybe they can lead you to the right direction. The answer could be straight up, or they may give you the run around like most agencies do. I have found the quickest and most efficient way to get info is to just ask, you'll be surprised of the results if you put fourth a little effort.
The keys to finding out any good information are as follows:
1. Have the right questions prepared, and don't be afraid to ask the tough ones. Ease into the tougher ones as you become more comfortable with the person.
2. Make sure your sources are legit. If your sources are wrong or unreliable the story is shot, and all credibility is gone. Say goodbye to the career...
3. Get a quote, and get an opinion from someone who isn't a part of the story. This can include a passerby, and frequent visitor, etc.
4. Give credit where credit is due, and be true to the contributors. They will never work with you again if you fail them, and they could slander your name.
The Staten Island Ferry is one of the essential truths of New York City. Whether it be late, early, smelly, or scary- it is always there for our convenience.
The Ferry does not charge for its services, and yet it still comes to us, steadily, everyday without fail (sounds like all my writing endeavors).
What would happen if this service was halted? Thinking back the only two times I can think of where the Ferry went out was, 911 and the crash. What is the protocol? What do all the people already in motion over the water do if a situation arises that they should not move on (the class example was tornado or hurricane) Where will all the people go that are waiting?
I don't have the answers to these but it is an intriguing thought. How would one go about finding this information out? I know-I know, a lot of questions but the solution is pretty simple... call. Call the transit office or go speak to an authoritative figure there, maybe they can lead you to the right direction. The answer could be straight up, or they may give you the run around like most agencies do. I have found the quickest and most efficient way to get info is to just ask, you'll be surprised of the results if you put fourth a little effort.
The keys to finding out any good information are as follows:
1. Have the right questions prepared, and don't be afraid to ask the tough ones. Ease into the tougher ones as you become more comfortable with the person.
2. Make sure your sources are legit. If your sources are wrong or unreliable the story is shot, and all credibility is gone. Say goodbye to the career...
3. Get a quote, and get an opinion from someone who isn't a part of the story. This can include a passerby, and frequent visitor, etc.
4. Give credit where credit is due, and be true to the contributors. They will never work with you again if you fail them, and they could slander your name.
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