Trenton Kids Are in The Market

TRENTON-- Candy, hot dogs, clothing, and other assorted goodies were all on display Saturday morning at the city's PJ Hill School as area youngsters took part in Rider University's Minding Our Business (MOB) market fair.

MOB is a community enrichment program designed especially for Trenton area youth. In  the program, inner city youth are taught the basics of running and operating a business.

At this year's marketfair, MOB recognized one of its chief sponsors, Regional Manager Tom McCaloon of retail giant Wal-Mart.

During the event, there was a talent show, music, and youngster's were given the opportunity to sell their goods to members of the community.

One student sold tie die shirts and brownies. His mother, Valerie, said that she is proud of her son and that the MOB program has taught him about being responsible. Another parent, Tawanda Bennett, said that she had both her son and daughter in the program and that they have benefited from being in MOB. This year her son sold hot dogs, bagels, and other snacks.

Marsha Nelson, a former MOB student and now entrepreneur behind the business, Bling and Things, said that after being in the program, she has aspirations of being a part-time entrepreneur, among other things she wants to do when she becomes an adult.

For more of Anwar's Reflections coverage of the MOB program, click here.

For more information about the MOB program, contact Dr. Sigfrido Hernandez at (267) 879-9029.

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Occupy Trenton Holds Trayvon Vigil

TRENTON-- On February 26th in Sanford, Florida. George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer,  tracked down and shot 17 year old Trayvon Martin, an unarmed teenager. Zimmerman still hasn't been arrested because local police have indicated that the neighborhood watch volunteer was 'standing his ground'.

According to the controversial 'stand your ground' law, citizens have the right to use deadly force anywhere they 'reasonably believe' it is necessary to stop another person from killing or hurting them badly. 

In response to this event, anger and outrage have swept the country. Marches and rallies have ensued involving prominent individuals like civil rights activist Al Sharpton and radio personality Michael Baisden. President Obama has even called the incident a "tragedy".

This tragic episode has also sparked local interest. Pastor Simeon Spencer of Union Baptist Church decided to have his congregation wear hoodies this Sunday in remembrance of  Trayvon.

On March 26th at 7 PM, area residents will hold a vigil on the one month anniversary of Trayvon's murder. The location will be the Occupy Trenton site at the World War II Memorial Park 136-140 West State Street (across from the New Jersey Statehouse). 

 People will light a candle, tell a story, sing a song or just quietly observe the moment. This is a space for people to peacefully mourn, share their anger, and give each other strength and hope in the long fight for justice.

Like citizens in many cities across the nation, members of the local Occupy the Hood movement seek to  remember Trayvon and countless others that have been wrongfully murdered because of prejudice and fear. 

Members of the Occupy movement say that, besides Trayvon Martin, there have been other prominent cases involving similar offenses. Cases involving individuals like Sean Bell,  Oscar Grant, Sakia Gunn, Brisenia Flores, and Luis Ramirez. They argue that there are many more out there that remain nameless, faceless victims of a corrupt, unjust society, which says some lives are just worth less than others.

For more information please contact Occupy Trenton at (609) 222-4790, Charles Hardy at (609) 635-1082 or Daryl Mikell Brooks at (609) 421-5439.

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