EPISODE 58 – BELMONT HIGH SCHOOL IN THE 1960s

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In our 58th episode, we are honored to chat with Karen “Kiwi” Burch, as well as her sister Cheryl McDonald. The sisters tell us about their respective careers in education through and beyond Los Angeles, their parents’ profound influence on their education, and the diverse student population of Belmont high school as early as 1963. Karen and Sheryl also describe running for the Associated Student government at Belmont high school, the once-prevalent LAUSD practice of “funneling” non-white students to separate schools, redlining’s impact on their families, and their grandparents’ cafeteria at none other than the Central Public Library. A truly can’t miss post-session for fans of our special panel series.

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EPISODE 43 – THE POEM WE SIGN

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In our 43rd episode, we catch up with none other than Bethanee Epifani. We talk inauguration, Amanda Gorman’s “The Hill We Climb,” vaccination in Los Angeles, and even $100,000 dollars. That’s right. If you’d like to support more of the work at jimbotimes.com, you can join us for a new adventure on Patreon at patreon.com/jimbotimes. Our photo for this podcast is from theamandagorma.com and credited to Kelia Anne.

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Second Chance (A Ninth Grade Student’s Poem on Redemption)

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Everyone needs a second chance,

A second chance to say goodbye.

To say sorry, to understand.

To hold a grudge or to start a new chapter,

A chance to remain hurt, or a chance to forgive and forget.

But why remain hurt if there’s a second chance to stop hurting.

I need a second chance, you need a second chance,

We need a second chance.

MT

MT is a Black 9th grade student at Dorsey High School in the West Adams area of Los Angeles. His favorite hobbies include playing basketball when he’s outside, and playing Fortnite when he’s stuck at home. This poem is dedicated to his father.