Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man who fought for civil rights for everybody. He was most famous for his fight for equal rights for African American people. Born January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia, he would regularly witness people like his father face segregation in places like church. As a child, he felt that this was unfair. He would begin to lead marches as a young adult. Martin Luther King, Jr. was inspired by the way Gandhi protested peacefully and saw the success of peaceful protests which was why most of the protests he led were peaceful. He would lead multiple successful protests and would finally lead a protest taking place at the capital. There, he would deliver his famous "I have a Dream'' speech. On this one ill fated day however, on April 4, 1968, as he was preparing to lead another march for better conditions for sanitation workers, he was assassinated. On this day, January 15th, we celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., and all the contributions he made to the civil rights movement to all people who needed civil rights.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.… We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed." — Martin Luther King, Jr.

Written By: Jason Yan

Sources: NAACP

The cervix is a fibromuscular organ that’s a part of the lower end of the uterus. It separates the uterus from the vagina, or birth canal. Cervical cancer grows in the cervix slowly over time. The first change into being cancerous is dysplasia, where abnormal cells start to appear in the tissue. If these cells are not gotten rid of, it can become cancerous and spread more rapidly and further into the areas surrounding the cervix. 

In the United States over 11,000 people get diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. There are two main types of cervical cancer. The first type, called squamous cell carcinoma is named after the squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells. This cancer takes up around 90% of cervical cancers and develops in the ectocervix; the outer part of the cervix. The other type is adenocarcinoma, and develops in the glandular cells of the endocervix, or the inner part of the cervix. This part of the cervix forms the canal connecting the vagina to the uterus, and is made of glandular cells and mucus. Adenocarcinoma is much rarer to develop than squamous cell carcinoma. 

Though cervical cancer doesn't usually show early symptoms, some may be vaginal bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods, and pelvic pain. Some more advanced symptoms may be blood in urine, swelling of legs, and pain in the abdomen. This cancer is curable if caught early, so screenings and prevention is recommended. Many cervical cancers can be prevented by HPV vaccination, and can be done for people ages 9 -- 45. Screenings are also encouraged, for they can find the cancer in its early stages, and prevent the cancer from growing and causing more damage. Since this is Cervical Cancer awareness month, inform your family of the cancer, get screened, and take the proper precautions against it!

Written By: Lucinda Wilson-Petty

Sources: Health.gov, National Cancer Institute

The month of January has the privilege of being quite an important month, for it is National Blood Donor Month. This tribute was started in January of 1970 by President Richard Nixon, as requested by the Senate. During this month, people are encouraged to give blood if they are able to.

Why give blood? People give blood to help others who need it. They may need blood because of injuries, from a cut to a crash, or illnesses, such as kidney disease. There is also a nation-wide blood shortage, which is a dangerous place to be standing in. People give blood to have in reserve for themselves further down the line, or for close family and friends. These are classed as direct blood donations, and can be put into action at different blood banks.

Where does one donate? There are many blood banks around the country, but one in New York is the NYU Langone Blood Bank. When deciding to donate blood, one has to figure out why they are donating, and who that blood will go to. It is important to put research into different locations, and what that location will do with the blood that they receive.

Not only is one able to donate red blood cells, but you can also donate white blood cells and plasma. White blood cells are protectors of the body, and are only produced when needed, so to donate them, you need to take medication to produce extras. These will then be extracted to be donated. Plasma is what the different blood cells are suspended in, and are around half of what we consider blood. To donate plasma, you have to take different tests and fit a criteria, to know if your plasma is compatible and suitable to be donated to other people. Overall, donating any part of blood is helpful to other people, family, and your future self after traumatic events or serious illnesses. 

Written By: Lucinda Wilson-Petty

Sources: American Blood Centers, NY Blood Centers

January 20th is National Cheese Lovers Day, where cheese is celebrated, from gouda to cheddar! People host cheese tastings, cheese makings, and write sonnets to the product. Cheese has been around for nearly as long as we’ve domesticated milk, thousands of years ago. The cultured dairy product has over 1,000 variations, created all over the world. These get eaten in sandwiches and salads every day, and are made in huge portions, so people from all over the world can have a taste. Cheese is something that anyone can make, you just need to sacrifice a little time out of your week!

 Written By: Lucinda Wilson-Petty

Sources: National Day Calendar

For: Lucinda Wilson-Petty

From: Jason Yan

"Their amazing new haircut"

For: Mr. Yee

From: Mr. Lento

"Well done on organizing the robotics teams in their successful endeavors"

For: Vewonica Fraczek

From: Anonymous

"I'm taller, love you. 😘"

For: Ms. Walker

From: Eclipse Carbon

"For being a great teacher and a good friend."

For: Reynardgadi Lie

From: Anonymous

"For being a sweat in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate"