Editorial: The Horizon wants to hear from you

From the beginning, the Highbridge Horizon has been an advocate for the residents and business people of this neighborhood. The paper has pointed out injustices and has shown people how they can be rectified. The paper has run with the idea that people of color in a working class community can be represented in a fair and unbiased manner. The Highbridge Horizon is the voice of Highbridge, publishing stories about the concerns, opinions, achievements and ideas of our readers.

When residents have complained about broken streetlights, poor mail service, an abysmal education system and a host of other issues, the Horizon has reported it.

With the war in Iraq and a presidential election on the horizon, with the city school system undergoing major changes and the economy still struggling to bounce back, the need for communities to come together to discuss these issues is greater than ever.

The Horizon staff therefore extends this reminder, this invitation, to share your opinions, ideas and concerns with us, to become a part of your community newspaper. We want to write about what you want to read about. There is room for short notes on the letters page, and for personal and opinionated essays on the op-ed page. And for news stories about situations or unique events on your block, in your building, in your community center, in our parks.

Our writers have represented all walks of life: the high school student, the struggling single mom, the retiree. No previous newspaper writing experience is needed, just a desire to contribute to the dynamic tapestry of Highbridge.

Horizon staff will teach you the skills you need to write for these pages. If you have ever had an opinion you’ve wanted to share with the world, this is the place for you. Whether you are a poet, a critic, a sports fan, or a political analyst, a teacher, a parent, a storeowner or a student, you can make a difference.

Join us by calling our office at 718-681-1549 or through email at hbhorizon979@hotmail.com. Or just stop by our office at 156 West 164th Street. We look forward to hearing from you.