With fists raised and a call for peace, five Prince George's County children demanded "No, no, no, no violence" to kick off the Gospel Kids and Teens Book Club essay contest that was sponsored by Zoe Life Ministries.
The Rev. Delores M. Roberts of Capitol Heights developed the book club in 2001 to help students read fluently, improve critical thinking and increase their self-esteem and problem-solving skills. She also inspires local youth to write books and speeches and to participate in the group's original stage productions.
For the ministry's third essay contest, which took place at the Barnes & Noble store in Bowie, Roberts invited club members to discuss how they would combat violence. Since 2007, Roberts has been talking to youth and parents to address fighting, bullying, assaults and other unacceptable behavior in local schools.
For the contest's opening, she enlisted the writing talent of Devin Peoples of Arrowhead Elementary School as well as Dominique Brown, Cedric Levia, Deandre Woodward and DeAngelo Wilson, all students of John H. Bayne Elementary School.
Four speechwriters pitched wide-ranging proposals to the 50-person audience: everything from creating hotlines and Web sites to using parades and even a Goodyear blimp to encourage residents to lay down their weapons. Orators included 6-year-old Tylena Bullock of Washington, D.C., and 12-year-old Javon Seaward of Francis Scott Key Elementary School.
In his presentation, first-place winner Darren Newman reflected on getting attacked by a group of students while attending Laurel High School.
"I realized that just because someone acts like [he is] your friend doesn't mean [he is] loyal," said Newman. "I also realized it is better to keep my mouth closed sometimes. I understand that I don't have to respond to everything someone says."
Natasha Edelen of Glenn Dale, who served as a contest judge, said her 12-year-old stepdaughter had been involved with the group for about seven years.
"The book club increased her self-confidence and made her more assertive," said Edelen, who volunteers regularly with the club.
Noting the organization's new focus on anti-violence, Edelen challenged parents to pay particular attention to school bullying.
"Parents have to be involved," she said, adding that her stepdaughter displayed signs of stress after experiencing conflict with a fellow student a few years ago. Edelen solved the problem by speaking directly with the other student's parents.
Dorthea Samuel, mother of second-place winner Desiree Samuel, 11, said her daughter now shows an excitement for reading. Samuel's 13-year-old daughter, Darnise, played an angel in the 2008 Zoe Gospel Kids production "Heart of An Angel."
Samuel, who also volunteers, received honors during the contest for outstanding service to the organization.
"I enjoy helping out and seeing the kids bloom," Samuel said.
Zoe Life Ministries
How it makes a difference: This nonprofit offers a book club and other activities to combat illiteracy and violence among youth. Call 301-350-0688 or go to www.myspace.com/mamazoa.
