Hello, my name is Marlon Bailey. I am a Masters in Urban Studies student at CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies .My major track is policies and administration. I am a amateur urban photographer, also, focused on taking pictures that captures the essence of New York’s urban communities . Using this type of visual aid made me more appreciative. And have also validated that I have made the right choice in pursuing a Masters degree in Urban Studies at SLU. Being an alumnus of the CUNY Model Senate, CUNY Ambassador Program, and Black Male Initiative and also a former Vice President of Queens College Evening and Weekend Student Network(EWSN). I remain politically active, and with this activism founded and also coached the Jamaican Knights Chess Club for K-12 grade students. This allowed them to be a part of the Chess-In-The Schools summer camp and scholarship programs.

I grew up in Jamaica, so political activism had always been ingrained in my family. Although my family was divided straight down the middle politically. Half were registered members of the Jamaica Labor Party and the other half registered members of the People National Party. However, we always put aside our political differences, because we believe that family comes first. Showing me that although politics can be divisive, people can find common ground and work together. Although it is dangerous to be involved in political activism or belong to any of the two major parties in Jamaica. With this knowledge my mother still took the risk of registering people to vote and also kept political meetings. She used to say to me people must get politically involved to enact changes and should never let the negative aspects of politics discourage them from getting involved. Because of her influence, now I am politically involved to enact changes.

---

---