Preparing for Adulthood

By Sarai Murdock

Life comes with certain experiences nobody can escape, adulthood is being one of them. The transition from being treated like a minor to being treated like an adult can be exciting but also comes with scary and uncomfortable beginnings.

Forty-seven states, and Washington DC, consider 18 the “age of majority” which signifies that you are no longer considered a minor and legally have the rights and responsibilities of an “adult.” From that point is when most people begin to take on the journey of independence and maturity which comes with a whole new set of experiences. This journey can look different for everyone depending on your upbringing and environment.

“Growing up I thought being grown was more relaxed and laid back,” said 22-year-old De’Von Means. 21-year-old Andrew Easterling, a college junior, agrees. He thought that adulthood would be a bit more carefree and consist more of partying and staying out late. “ I see now that there’s actually just a lot more responsibilities and there’s just always some different obstacle happening every day and it’s just about navigating through those,” he said.

“The first thing I noticed was people definitely view you differently, you’re not a kid anymore so nobody expects you to have that kid mindset. So it’s definitely a big expectation,” said 19-year-old actor Jeremy Murray. Dashiah Welch, a 21-year-old nursing assistant and model, says for her it was eye-opening having to learn more about herself, her goals, and the type of people she wanted to be surrounded with as an adult. “Learning who you are as a person, figuring out what it is that you really wanna do with your life because I feel like that’s a recurring thing as well in some adults when you just don’t know what you really wanna do.”

One big difference between being a minor and becoming an adult is work and income. In a world that experiences capitalism, this can be very hard for upcoming adults just stepping their foot in the door of financial stability. According to Forbes, the average annual salary in the U.S. is less than $60,000 per year. “We are out here paying to breathe damn near. I make my guests walk around my house with candles, like do not turn them expensive lights on. But in all seriousness, the bills were the first thing I noticed about adulthood, something is always due,” said 20-year-old Shylynn Gordon.

“The amount of financial responsibility compared to what we make and how much work we put in is way out of whack,” said 26-year-old Darnese Birch. “A lot of the facade or fantasy I guess of everything being figured out and having a career has to do with movies and TV shows and then later as I got in my teens and college years that’s when social media became more prevalent, so social media kind warped that whole perception of being an adult, it’s so much pressure around your early 20’s/ mid 20’s to have your career and to make like $70,000 a year, have a big family or big house, and have all these nice things but that’s not the reality at all,” she said.

In the past few years, social media has grown exponentially. Some of the most popular social media apps consist of TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. On TikTok, you can come across millions of different users from all around the world. Lifestyle videos and content have become more popular where content creators will take videos of what a day in their life looks like, how much money they spend in a day, and the kind of lifestyle they are living. In today’s time, people now have different opportunities to make an income through social media content. Constantly seeing so many young people live a lifestyle that you perceive as “better” than your own can impact self-esteem.

“Adulthood makes me feel anxious,” said Shylynn Gordan. “I also compare what I’m doing and what I see others doing. It always puts me in a down mood and I shut down for a few days. I definitely take more self-care/mental days to try to stay sane.”

The question is, are young people being properly prepared for adulthood, and if not, what is the contributing factor to this issue? “A lot of people be in their own world and they really don’t pay attention to the youth and the youth needs us, just like we need them. They teach us, we teach them, they’re showing us something new,” said

Dashiah Welch. “Putting more programs in the school, more programs, clubs, communities, I mean just building a community, somebody just stepping up front.” She believes that this society needs the right group of people to build up the youth, especially when it comes to the teachers and leaders in school. “Everybody is not fit for that role. But somebody that’s really trying to put power and build them to be better than what they are or just in general just being a better person, being smart, being knowledgeable.”

Darnese Birch offers a different perspective to the conversation. “Kinda goes back to your village, your family, your friends, I feel like we could do a better job at holding one another accountable rather than putting the power into systems like schools.” She believes we should build community within our neighborhoods. “My biggest thing is our older generation or our parent’s parents will always be like ‘yeah these new kids coming up they don’t do this they don’t do that’ but it’s just like what are they being taught? Are they coming home with these different little things that they picked up, are you correcting them, are you nipping them in the butt, are you building community with your neighbors, are you building these after-school programs for kids for financial literacy or how to handle certain things and prep for adulthood?”

With all that said, what are some things that older teens about to enter adulthood can do and expect?

Save and Build Money

“Save, Save, Save! Sometimes you don’t need to buy the new iPhone or clothes every week. It’s better to have something put up for emergencies or rainy days and not have to call on nobody to help,” said Shylynn Gordon, a 20-year-old entrepreneur.

“Save your money, you never know what could happen. You might not have nobody to turn to but if you know you’re good with that money and you got money in your pocket you gon’ always, forever, be good,” said Dashiah Welch, a 21-year-old nurse assistant and model.

Focus and stay prepared

“Work on your time management and organization skills. You gotta know how to be adaptable with things,” said Andrew Easterling, a 21-year-old college film major.

“Focus on what’s in front of you.” said De’von Means, a 22-year-old model.

“When you’re focused, you’re more in tune and you’re more tapped into the world, more than a lot of people are. I feel like a lot of people aren’t tapped into what’s really going on so as long as you stay focused, as long as you stay happy, everything’s gonna be okay,” said Jeremy Murray, a 19-year-old college student/actor.

Continue to Be Yourself

“Be yourself and do whatever it is that you wanna do no matter how crazy it sounds and save your money,” said Darnese Birch, a 26-year-old videographer/photographer.

Sarai Murdock, born in New York and raised in Cleveland, is a local journalist, multi-disciplinary artist, and the young author of Bully Free Zone: How to Stand Up for Yourself.

Algebra Tea House: A Beacon of Community and Cultural Harmony

By Amahriah Ransom

Today, we bring you a narrative on the pivotal steps taken by small businesses, exemplified by the journey of Algebra Tea House, nestled at 2136 Murray Hill Rd. in Cleveland, Ohio, radiating warmth and solace.

Helmed by Palestinian native Ayman Alkayali, Algebra Tea House isn’t merely a café; it’s a conduit for community cohesion and solidarity with Palestinian causes.

Established in 2001, the tea house has evolved into a hub where diverse patrons connect over 28 exquisite teas and dishes steeped in Palestinian heritage. Ayman, the visionary owner, infuses his passion for art into every corner, adorning the space with handcrafted marvels that embody his ethos of inclusivity and cultural appreciation.

At Algebra Tea House, the ambiance exudes tranquility, enveloping visitors in a sanctuary illuminated by soft lighting and adorned with evocative pottery and paintings.

The establishment’s ties with the Palestinian community run deep, evident in its culinary offerings, Middle Eastern spices, and symbolic scarves representing resilience and freedom. Purchasing these scarves not only supports the tea house but also signifies solidarity with its mission.

Ayman’s penchant for community-building stems from his worldly experiences, driving him to raise awareness about societal issues. Algebra Tea House stands as a testament to this ethos, aligning with movements like the Cleveland Resisting Movement and fostering unity between Black and Brown communities.

For patrons seeking a second home, Algebra Tea House offers a haven of serenity, culinary delights, and diverse perspectives. It’s a place where connections are forged, thoughts are shared, and peace reigns supreme—a sentiment embodied in every corner of this cherished establishment. Come. Experience the comfort and camaraderie of Algebra Tea House—a home away

Block Clubs and How they Build Stronger Communities

By Izzy Aparicio

Block clubs, street clubs, and block associations are local organizations that try to help the people in their vicinity by watching out for each other. One might ask, “Why would my neighborhood need a block club?” The answer: every block can use a block club.

Popularized by The National Urban League, a civil rights and urban advocacy organization, block clubs have been utilized to try to protect individuals and foster community within the area.

What are the advantages of starting and having a block club? They can get neighbors organized and get active. Block clubs can assist seniors in need and ensure the safety of children during their daily school commute. Clubs can organize block parties and cookouts to socialize as socializing is a necessary part of a functioning neighborhood. Anything to get people working together is a good thing.

In an interview with Cleveland.com, Carol and Kurt Black talked about how they started a block club in 2003 in Cleveland’s Slavic Village neighborhood. They mentioned that seeing problems in their community like drugs and crime, which they did not want to continue, made them want to organize others to solve it. Starting a block club helped the community spread awareness, and also get people involved in remedying the issues. The club went from three to fifteen members, organizing projects like a spring cleanup. Also, many city police departments agree that block clubs help reduce crime and keep people safe.

There are many block clubs in the Cleveland area, especially in the Slavic Village. There have been ones in Lakewood and Ohio City. However, Covid-19 put a damper on some block clubs. It became harder to organize and some block clubs dissipated. But this doesn’t have to be where block clubs end.

Maybe a regular block club wouldn’t work for you? Vertical block clubs can help people identify issues within a specific apartment building. Walking clubs can increase the overall health of a community while recognizing challenges that the city may need to address. If all else fails, virtual block clubs may be the answer. Many people have busy schedules and cannot get together in person, so virtual meetings help bridge this divide. These clubs are all about talking with each other to solve problems and have each other’s backs. There are multiple ways to make it happen.

In the end, start small. It may be challenging, but a few passionate individuals can start a block club and change their community for the better. All it takes is one person to start a change. Meet up with others and start a block club today.

Jessica Barbara Horne: Community Champion and Legacy of Kawaida Spirit

By Sheila Ferguson

In the heart of Cleveland’s Hough community, a beacon of unwavering dedication to social justice and community empowerment has dimmed. On March 5, Jessica Barbara Horne, the retired founding Director of Cleveland Cleveland Urban Minority Alcoholism Drug Abuse Outreach Project (UMADAOP), transitioned, leaving behind a legacy etched in the annals of Ohio’s social services landscape. A funeral service was held on March 17, the community mourns the transition of a shero whose 50 year record of service continues to inspire and uplift generations.

Acknowledged as one of the captains who directed UMADAOP’s family and child welfare programming from 2004 to 2012, her legacy remains deeply rooted in love, hope, and healing for all who had the privilege of knowing her. Horne’s commitment to the well-being of the Black community and her efforts to combat the ravages of chemical dependency and addiction are remembered with reverence.

Horne’s dedication to the spirit of “Kawaida” permeated her work and community life, leaving an enduring legacy. “Kawaida,” as described by African American culturalist Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga, emphasizes the value of African culture as a foundation for liberation, ethical insights, and solving complex challenges facing Black communities. Horne’s embodiment of these principles ensured her impacts were lasting and profound.

Throughout her illustrious career, Horne was hailed as a beacon, pioneer, shero, and superhero, a testament to her unwavering belief in the beauty and uniqueness of all Black people. Her tireless advocacy for cultural pride, uplifting and encouraging words, and intergenerational impact, left an indelible mark on the Cleveland community.

In recognition of Horne’s enduring contributions, her family is establishing the Jessica B. Horne Scholarship Fund to empower future generations. The scholarship will honor her commitment to education and community empowerment, while ensuring her legacy lives on for years to come.

Horne’s passing marks the end of an era, but her spirit of resilience, compassion, and commitment to justice will continue to inspire and uplift communities for generations to come.

Residents Discuss the Future of Slavic Village

By Mark Silverberg

A meeting brimming with excitement unfolded in Slavic Village at the Darl Center for the Arts. Nearly 70 Slavic Village neighbors, business owners, and representatives of community institutions gathered to envision the future of the Slavic Village community. What were the high priorities of residents? How could residents and institutions cooperate to foster a thriving future? What are the next steps to realize this vision?

The Discussion

Earl Pike, former Executive Director of University Settlement, highlighted the significant changes underway in Slavic Village in his introduction. New executive directors were on the horizon for University Settlement, Slavic Village Development, and the Boys and Girls Club. Earl emphasized the necessity of collaboration among the institutions in Slavic Village to effectively serve residents’ interests, citing ongoing challenges faced by residents.

Tom O’Brien and Taryn Gress of Neighborhood Connections facilitated the meeting, prompting participants to identify one thing they love about Slavic Village. Ten minutes were allocated for small group discussions on this theme. Residents expressed admiration for the resilience of the people, the positive neighborhood organizations, community restaurants, loyalty, churches, and various other aspects of Slavic Village.

Attendees were asked to provide examples of times when the community had united to effect positive change:

Preventing the establishment of the new Cuyahoga County jail in Slavic Village.
Transforming Trick or Treat on Fleet into an annual event, now in its fifth successful year. Organizers, led by Tamika Compton, responded to a community need, experimented with different trick-or-treating approaches, and achieved significant success.
The initiative behind Trick or Treat on Fleet spurred the organization of other community events, such as the recent Bunny Hop. It catalyzed the establishment of the Southeast Cleveland Resource Center, now in its second year.
Residents addressed concerns about groundhogs at the North Broadway Network Night, launching a campaign supported by a grant from Neighborhood Connections. This effort involved obtaining cages and a certified wildlife trapper, conducting an awareness campaign with t-shirts and yard signs, and hosting a free screening of the Groundhog Day movie. Neighbors collaborated to tackle a common problem.

Attendees also voiced a desire for more of the following in Slavic Village:

Improved information sharing and communication to keep residents informed about neighborhood developments, with SVD’s website highlighted as a valuable resource
Establishment of a community calendar and resource hub to disseminate information about events and available resource.
Implementation of a positive media campaign highlighting successes and positive aspects of Slavic Village.
Development of an asset map of Slavic Village to inform future planning based on community assets, shifting away from a focus on deficits.
Provision of small grants to support block clubs and events, as well as to fund block captains, recognizing the importance of block clubs in fostering neighborhood connections.
Creation of part-time paid positions for neighborhood activists to prevent burnout from volunteering.
Expansion of spaces similar to Darl’s Collection, including the renovation and activation of historical buildings, and the utilization of vacant spaces for creative endeavors such as music and art, as well as business spaces to support entrepreneurs

Expectations for the leadership of larger organizations in Slavic Village included:

To foster cooperation among the leadership of community institutions to benefit residents, setting aside ego.
To partner with grassroots groups already engaged in community work.
To ensure transparency regarding programs, plans, priorities, strategies, budgets, and expenditures.
To advocate for resident democracy, allowing every resident to become a member of the SVD board with voting rights, similar to the model on Cleveland’s west side, and electing board members from the community.
To improve reporting on the follow-through of priority issues identified by residents.
To strengthen connections with stores and businesses in the neighborhood.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Considerations of why certain neighborhoods receive more funding from the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and other funders encompass various factors. These include the tax base of a neighborhood, the origins of its leaders, and the magnitude of longstanding structural challenges. However, one certainty prevails, when residents have a voice in decision-making, it results in investments of funds and energy that are more likely to yield lasting and impactful outcomes.

At the community meeting, residents expressed hope that the dialogue they initiated would persist into the future. Perhaps the new leaders of Slavic Village Development, Shauna Sanders, and University Settlement, Richaun Bunton, could play a role in facilitating this process.

The meeting underscored the neighborhood’s existing wisdom necessary to envision and cultivate a flourishing Slavic Village. Numerous examples illustrate residents coming together to drive positive change, such as Community Yahoos, Slavic Village Stakeholders, the Southeast Cleveland Resource Center, Slavic Village Neighbor Night, and others. The challenge now lies in harnessing this reservoir of knowledge, establishing an ongoing community engagement process that prioritizes resident voices, and effecting lasting, positive change aligned with resident priorities.

Billboard Celebrates Fathers in Slavic Village

By Mark Silverberg

University Settlement unveiled a billboard in Slavic Village on Aug. 15 which celebrates fathers who participate in their Fatherhood Initiative and Rise-Reentry Programs. The billboard is on Harvard Avenue, just west of E. 71st St., facing west. As of Aug. 25, over 50,000 people have viewed the billboard!

These programs at University Settlement support and assist fathers in the Slavic Village Community and the Cleveland Metropolitan area. Both programs work closely with the Department of Children and Family Services. They are:

The Fatherhood Initiative program engages with fathers by offering them ways to become better fathers and role models to their children. The range of services includes parent enrichment classes, building healthy relationships inside and outside the community, and assisting them with support and housing needs.
The (RISE) re-entry program allows fathers who have court involvement and are on parole probation to obtain assistance and support. Those services include employment, mental health, vocational training, legal aid, and more.

Both of these programs seek to capture each father’s potential and wrap services around them to break down any barriers they face, and to assist them to become resilient and thrive throughout their lives. Both the fathers, families, and community benefit from this investment in the importance of fathers and fatherhood.

If you are interested in participating, or for more information please contact, Markis Jordan at
mjordan@universitysettlement.net or call 216-456-0909.

Markis Jordan (l), Program Manager talks about the importance of the programs at University Settlement.

Andre Bruce, one of the program participants, talks about the importance of the fatherhood support programs at the billboard unveiling.

Thank You Cleveland Foundation!

Cleveland’s Opportunities for Incarcerated Youth and Ex-Convicts

By Veronica Maciag

Where would we be without our hobbies? Well, Cleveland has been trying to ask just that of the members of its community, more specifically, the population of Clevelanders that identify as ex-convicts or as incarcerated youth with the Cleveland Juvenile Detention Center.

John Carroll University’s branch of Writers in Residence (WiR), an organization dedicated to teaching creative writing to incarcerated youth, is one such effort. WiR has gained popularity in the area due to its collaboration with Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) earlier this month. Working to not only provide private opportunities to write, WiR also showcased some of the youth’s current pieces to students, faculty, and other interested parties at CWRU. Ever since, WiR has only continued to grow in popularity, spreading to the larger Cleveland area, and even into other regions of Ohio. Allowing the youth to foster their creativity, create healthy coping mechanisms, and get their names out as writers has set up a unique path for the re-entry period.

On the other end of the spectrum, Edwin’s Restaurant, located in Shaker Square, has been recently cited for providing a “second chance at life” to ex-convicts. Brandon Chrostowski, the restaurant’s founder, made it his mission to change how re-entry functions in the United States. Now, Edwin’s Restaurant has done just this by offering work experience in restaurant management and cooking. By helping these Clevelanders explore a possible career venture, or at least a side hobby, Chrostowski has provided the perfect steppingstone for launching this new and improved portion of the ex-convicts’ lives.

Students Organize for Inclusivity on Euclid

By Lily Stuart

During the first few weeks of April, Case Western Reserve University students who walked across campus were greeted by who they later deemed the “Euclid Preacher.” Armed with a sign that proclaims that passersby are “Liars,” “Thieves,” or “Immodest Women,” among other more profane and often anti-LGBTQ+ insults, the street preacher became notorious for telling students that their “judgment day is coming” through a microphone attached to a speaker.

Perturbed by this display and tired of watching their peers be insulted, a group of students decided to stage a peaceful counter-protest on the opposite corner of the street. They noticed that their peers tended to argue with the preacher, rather than engage in any positive discourse. What began as a group of four friends making signs developed into a 70-person team. One of the main organizers, Isaac, had goals to “create a counter-message of inclusivity, be welcoming, and tell people that they’re not alone.” Organizing themselves through Discord, an online messaging platform, the group orchestrated ways to spread their message safely and directly. On average, there were about 20 students on the corner at a time, many of whom took “shifts” that coordinated with their class schedule. Another main coordinator, Malcolm Miller, commented on how “self-sustaining” the protest was; students shuffled in and out efficiently, regardless of whether or not the original organizers were there, and maintained the positive message with few hiccups.

The demonstration instantly gained attention. People in cars beeped and waved to show their support and those walking past gave hugs and cheered. Some walkers even stopped just to chat, encourage the crowd, or give the students snacks and bottles of water. The group didn’t consist solely of CWRU students; it also included students from the Cleveland Institute of Art.

As of April 19th when writing this article, the street preachers are still present on CWRU’s campus. Nonetheless, after having what they noted as “very productive conversations,” Issac and Malcolm plan to continue organizing after the “Euclid Preacher’s” departure, albeit on a smaller scale. They hope to continue spreading messages of positivity, love, and inclusivity.

*Quotes are sourced from a personal interview with Malcolm and Isaac and may have been edited for continuity*

20+ Questions About Broadband Legislation in Cleveland

By R.A. Calhoun

Mayor Bibb’s administration submitted two pieces of legislation for Council approval. The first was a $20 million proposal from Digital C, a Cleveland-based, non-profit technology enterprise that provides fixed wireless internet citywide. The second proposed legislation was an agreement with SiFi Networks to privately invest over $400 million to deploy a citywide fiber optic network, without any public financing. Both were presented at the City Council meeting on Monday, May 8.

There was also a special presentation by Digital C just before the regular council meeting. Digital C states on its website that they have connected more than 1,100 households, including the homes of more than 900 Cleveland Metropolitan School District students.

Digital C is bringing an additional $20 million-dollar grant received from the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Foundation and the David and Inez Myers Foundation. Last July, Digital C was federally granted $3 million to provide affordable, high-speed (35 megabyte) internet to the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood in Cleveland.

A City of Cleveland press release states that Digital C already offers access to thousands of households in Cleveland. They plan to expand their coverage to all 170,000+ households within 18 months of signing a contract with the city, pending City Council approval. They are a company that has taken 7 years to sign up 1,100 subscribers and 900 households.

Why would residents sign up now for a service not available for 7 years or 2 years minimum?

SiFi Networks is revolutionizing the US telecom market through private funding, building and operating citywide, open access, 10G fiber networks. For context, think about how water travels in a pipe. A kilobyte is like a straw. A megabyte is like a 1/4″ copper pipe. A gigabyte would be a sewer in the street tall enough for a man to walk in. SiFi Networks offers an open-access network that enables service providers of all sizes to access new markets without the cost of constructing a network.

Why Digital C? Was there a Request For Proposals (RFP) process to choose a Provider? Was there community input?

Here are more questions that need to be answered for the City Council and the residents of Cleveland.

General Questions

How long has SiFi Networks been building networks?
How many projects in other cities are completed?
Do they have other projects of this size?
Is there any data available for the work they have completed?
Issues? Accidents? Customer service?
What is the Installation status of the current 11 cities where they are working?
Is the infrastructure going to be available to all ISP’s?
If SIFI is going to provide the fiber and ISP’s are providing the service, what is Digital C’s role?
“The funds will also be used to expand Digital C nationally.” What does this mean? Is the city paying to promote them nationally?
In terms of labor capacity, will they bring in a full crew or hire locally? If locally, how many?

Technical Questions

Is this a full-scale build out of a fiber network? If not, where is the focus? In what neighborhoods?
How will they install the fiber? Above ground? Underground?
Front Yard? Back Yard?
How does the fiber get to the home from the Network Access Point (NAP)?
Above ground? Underground? Digital C?
Who is going to provide the installation of the fiber and terminal to the home? Does Digital C have experience in running cable? When and where?
Where will the HUB or central office be located? Who will maintain it?
How many ISP providers are already signed up in other cities?

Contractual Questions

Once a contractor has completed a project like this, what is the contractor’s anticipated revenue? Is there a financial projection?
Is Digital C open to Revenue Sharing or a percentage of your revenue as a community benefit?
When will Digital C apply for state funding?

The premise is that the more information they provide assists the City Council in making a better decision on whether to pass legislation.