Zakiya Bell:
CLASS OF 1991
Roosevelt High SchoolClass of 1991
Gary, IN
Ypsilanti High SchoolClass of 1991
Ypsilanti, MI
Mann High SchoolClass of 1991
Gary, IN
Alfred Beckman Middle SchoolClass of 1987
Gary, IN
Horace S. Norton Elementary SchoolClass of 1985
Gary, IN
Zakiya's Story
Life
Hello to all my fellow Panthers. Even though I didn't graduate from Velt that black and gold blood runs through my veins. Let's see, so much since I left GI; Attended SIU & John A. for a short while meaning I didn't finish. That was for early childhood education. Went back to Michigan became a life-skills therapist for TBI's. Moved to St. Louis to open a sports bar that fell through stayed and worked for SPR Studios did mega traveling, promoting, modeled for a CD cover, and met a few celebrities along the way. Just recently relocated to Chicago searching for employment. No ring. No children, although I do want both and soon. Well that was the short version if interested in hearing the long version drop me a note. I still come to GI to visit so keep in touch. Be sweet, Piggy aka Kiya
School
ELEMENTARY-HIGH SCHOOL
Jefferson Ele.-2nd grade; Became friends with a bully(Tracy) and the girl(Ebony) she picked on everyday. Had my first crush on Cleveland I can't remember his last name or even what he looks like.
Douglas Ele.-2nd, 1/2 of 3rd grade; Met my first best friend Valencia, my first paddle from Mr. Champion do you guys remember him? he always used to scratch his hair and bite his nails, yuck! Valencia and I got in-school suspension for stealing lonlatas(now or laters) candy. Most embarrassing time was when I got psoriasis and my hair fell out, I had this huge bald spot and got teased. But I did get to stay home until it cleared up. Fav. memory me and Roynetta laughing at Ms. Boston(lunch matron) shouting "Quiet Quiet" everyday and after school hanging out at Valencia's with Melvina.
Aldridge Ele.- 1/2 of 3rd grade; This was my worst school experience ever. First of all I had to leave my best friend to move to Chicago, on top of that I attended a school that catered to one of the suburbs notorious projects(the gardens) so me, Keisha and Thurman were bullied every, yes! everyday we went. It was the worst but I did make a friend Antonette and my mom was our teachers aide so she could keep a watch on us.
Norton Ele.- 4th-6th; Two words: Mrs. Gunn enough said. Norton was my favorite of all elementary schools. I got two new best friends Ebony and Keeda another bully Clark and another crush Travis. This school had it all! This is also when my mom promised that we wouldn't move again. Norton is where my social foundation was built. All the ki...Expand for more
ds I went to school with just about lived on my block or a street over in both directions. Fav. memories: Mrs. Smith(Granny) who gave me quarters for jello pudding pops at lunch, and who can forget kickball on cold and rainy days. Mrs. Hopkins & Mrs. Ward who both inspired me to become a teacher.
Beckman Jr. Hi.- 7th-8th grade: These are the grades that introduce us to the three B's: boobs, boys and band(Mr. Pickett). Beckman catered to many areas of the city so all my old friends became my new friends in addition to newer friends and it just so happen the bully(Tracy) and girl she bullied(Ebony) were both friends of mine and then later became friends. Fav. memory .25 sock hops at lunch, watching Wooshie sweat from housin, while the girls did the smurf, flute and wop.
Roosevelt Hi.- 9th-1/2 of 11th: "Velt" what more can I say. Couldn't wait to wear that black and gold Panther jacket. For most this was the time of lost virginity and found love. High points were ROTC and drill team, community center, and Panther's Den, Glen Robinson, parties at the pavillion and armory after a big game win. Pizza for lunch everyday for four years. Fav. memory chasing Bay-Bay around school. I wasn't able to finish because my mom broke her promise and moved again. The one place that we could all go no matter what school or grade was Screamin Wheels every Saturday 8-12pm.(move yo body... jack yo body) I loved living in GI and wouldn't change a moment of my life there from the worst to the best, my only downfall was I didn't get to graduate with all my friends, I was there but it wasn't the same.
Inkster Hi.-remainder of 11th grade: OCB Gang (Out Cold Boys) ran the hood. To sum up this experience it was cool but I was happy to leave in June. I did make a few friends and me and Keisha had a class together.
Ypsi Hi.- class of '91: It wasn't Velt but I made the best of it. Culture shock for me, coming from an all black class to a mixed class. WOW! And everyone got along. Leah became my new friend and she was just as silly as me. Fav. memory: Mr. Liebue 5th hour english I don't think I ever did any work in his class and still managed to pass with a B. Prom night in Detroit with Leah and Tif coming in a 10am. The first time since elementary that all three of the Bell kids attended the same year it was so much fun. Thats my schooling all summed up, I hope you enjoyed it.
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