I’ve been teaching English Composition for the first time and have been loving it. They’re fresh out of high school, smart, ambitious, a bit afraid and hungry to learn techniques of strong writing.
My journalism students have been older and in many ways wiser. Some of them have felt more like colleagues than students.
Speaking of student/colleagues, one is Brooklyn College Journalism alum Paul Frangipane (photo), who this week left me with pride almost beyond articulating. Almost. His piece in the Brooklyn Eagle touches so many tender nerves. I hope that in past years I spoke to him and his classmates about my own time (reporting!) in New York State prisons - and how those experiences affected me in ways so strong and uplifting.
What a terrific job Paul did reporting on this family of a New York State prisoner and the hardships that are faced by them and so many other spouses and children of the incarcerated. The photos are Paul’s also. He has become as good a photographer as he is a journalist/writer. Eagle, be as proud as I am.
I’m proud also that Black Brooklyn State Senator Velmanette Montgomery is a sponsor of a bill to ease financial burdens on families struggling to offer emotional support to imprisoned loved ones. (The Assembly sponsor is Carmen De La Rosa of Manhattan.)
Peace to all.
https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2019/10/11/family-visitation-bus/
Comments