Local Activist's Quest For Justice Leads to Jail Time

TRENTON-- Local political activist and blogger, Daryl Brooks, was jailed Thursday for not complying with his parole counselor's request that he admit to a crime he insists he did not commit according to close friends of the beleaguered activist.

Brooks, a former senate candidate, was convicted in 1998 on counts of lewdness, endangerment of a child, and sexual assault, a crime for which he has maintained his innocence.  After serving his time, the political firebrand has confronted issues plaguing urban and suburban neighborhoods alike: drugs, guns, gang violence, inadequate educational system, prison system, police corruption and poverty.

Brooks' most recent bout with the criminal justice system comes at a time when he had initiated a hunger strike protesting what he thought to be unjust treatment by the Mercer County Parole Board.

In a recent Occupy the Hood blog, Brooks said that his hunger strike was brought about by the parole board's decision to revoke his Internet privileges. According to Brooks, the parole board denied him the ability to appeal or challenge their decision. He reports that they will not let him or his attorney see or have a copy of the lie detector results. The activist views the parole board's actions as somewhat like what would happen in communist countries like China or North Korea, not in America.

Now as Brooks sits in jail, his friends and supporters demand an immediate investigation of the matter.

According to the embattled activist's mother Jane, his bail has been set at $1,000. She has already put together $500 of that amount.

Cafe International Goes Out With A Bang-- GPS Style

TRENTON-- Add a little James Brown, sprinkle a dash of Sam Cooke, and incorporate some spoken word and Southern cooking and you have Cafe International's last GPS event. Last Friday, the city's well-known local cafe was host to Ghandi's Poetry Spot for the last time since the Cafe has decided to close its doors.

During the event, Anwar's Reflections-- a Trentonian affiliate-- stopped by to check out the festivities. Regular GPS performers like Fat Boy said that Ghandi was 'magnificent' and that GPS kept him off the street. Cafe International's part owner, Chazz said that 'he loved Trenton' and that the GPS would not stop despite this being the Cafe's last show.

In an interview, Brian Williams, said that Ghandi is an energetic dude, he has the gift to gab.

Guitarist Gary Amir DeGree said that he had a ball at the show after performing a rendition of Prince's classic tune When Doves Cry.

GPS regular Joel A. Smith said, "I remember meeting Ghandi a few years back and recognizing that he was going to do something very special and positive in the City of Trenton, and I think it goes without saying that he has done exactly that. Every poet, musician, artist and fan owes he and The Cafe International family a tremendous "Thank You" for their vision and dedication to making it a reality. Salute to Ghandi"

Charmaigne Full Figga Davis said that Ghandi is like a brother to her and that the GPS is an eclectic array of people that all come together. You hear all different types of music and culture from individuals from Trenton.

Please see video footage of the event below along with interviews before the show:

Trenton Cafe Goes Out With A Bang With A Little GPS

TRENTON-- Local hang out spot closes up shop as many city residents say good bye this Friday. One of the city's most well-known social hang out venues is shutting down shop. For those that don't already know, Trenton's Cafe International will be closing its doors in the near future.

One of the cafe's last shows will be Friday, April 27th. After being in business for 5 years now, the Cafe has been host to many popular events like Ghandi's Poetry Spot (otherwise known as GPS), Jazz nights featuring Kool and the Gang trombonist Clifford Adams, and various comedy shows just to name a few.

This Friday, the Cafe will be hosting its last GPS show featuring its founding master of ceremonies, Uganda Prescott, otherwise known as Ghandi.

Prescott, a Trenton resident, decided to hold his open mic poetry spot at the Cafe three years ago because he saw that there was a poetic void in the city that needed to be filled. In the beginning, it was a struggle for Prescott. Initially, he had trouble finding a venue that would hold his show. As a matter of fact, Prescott was turned down by numerous locations, but the Cafe was willing to give him a chance.

During each show, audience members were invited to share their poetry, music, comedy, or whatever else their heart desires. At GPS, all are welcome to share their gifts and talents.

After starting out small and fighting the perception that a poetry spot would never work in a place like Trenton, Prescott soldiered on and to this day, he has developed both a large and consistent following. Indeed, over the years, he has attracted and brought together quite an eclectic cast of characters to perform.

For this Friday's event, Prescott has scheduled Trenton singer and songwriter Charmaine FullFigga Davis, spoken word artist and Trenton resident Sister Sabree, South Jersey's Ron Syncere and Chris Crisis, to name just a few.

Southern cooking will be provided by the Cafe. Doors open at 8 pm. Admission is $10 or $17 if you want a meal to go along with the show.

For more information, contact Ghandi at 609-638-3216.

Stay tuned for interviews related to this story: