Residents Talk Relationships At The Trenton Social

TRENTON-- So, it's a Thursday night and I'm on Facebook running through the news feed that never seems to stop and I stumble across a relationship blog cipher happening at the Trenton Social in just 30 minutes. I hop in the car and head right over because I recognize that despite feeling like I have a firm grasp of what it is to be in a quality relationship, I understand that sometimes feeling like you know something doesn't necessarily mean you really do.

Indeed, relationships at times can be hard work. I don't have to tell you this, we hear it all the time at the barber shop or at the hair salon, around the water cooler at work, at the church, in school, in the news, you name it, the issues surrounding relationships are all around us. But being an African American male, the issues in Black Relationships trouble me in particular.

New York Daily News Columnist Ralph Richard Banks reported in 2011 that roughly 7 in 10 black children are born to unmarried partners. Conditions like this almost always lead to children being raised by one parent, which believe you me, can be a struggle and a strain on families. So, I said all that to say that the more we talk about these relationship issues, the more we can begin to address to them and not deny their existence.

Indeed, that's a big reason I went to the Relationship Blog Cipher hosted by Neisha Kelly, a relationship blogger. I wanted to hear some thoughts and feedback on what's happening in our relationships. I wanted to receive some insight on some of the dysfunction plaguing our partnerships. And after going, I can definitely say my expectations were met. During the Cipher, we talked about a whole host of issues and topics. The subject matter ranged anywhere from whether it was necessary to have a 'checklist' of things you want from a relationship to whether relationships should be liberating or restrictive.

The discussion was on the one hand refreshing because it truly felt like a sigh of relief to get some things out in the open and clear the air about relationship concerns yet at the same time our exchange was somewhat challenging to the extent it got me to give careful thought to my ways or habits in relationships. The Relationship Blog Cipher is a conversation that needs to be continued and from speaking to the show's host Neisha Kelly, there is more yet to come...
 

Anwar's Reflections Honors Dion Clark

TRENTON-- Anwar's Reflections-- a Trentonian affiliate-- sat down with East Trenton community activist Dion Clark Saturday morning to discuss his lifelong commitment to community service.

Recently, Clark said good bye to his life of activism and community service after suffering a heart attack at the age of 49.

While working in the community, Clark has run for political office and consistently fought for quality of life issues like eliminating urban blight and keeping elected officials accountable. Along with this, Clark demonstrated his commitment to the community by not missing a single City Council meeting. Rain or shine, the East Trenton native was there.

In the past, Clark has been recognized by individuals like State Senator Shirley Turner, Congressman Rush Holt, and others for his work in the community.

Clark is Anwar's Reflections first ever recipient of the Community Servant of the Year Award for his work and dedication to the community.

In an exclusive interview, Clark said that he has always sought to be "a good neighbor" to others when doing work in the community. He said this desire ultimately came from the way he was raised. Clark went on to say that despite walking away from his life of activism, he hopes others will pick up where he left off and keep working.

For access to Anwar's Reflections exclusive interview with Dion Clark, click below:

Anwar's Reflections Says Show Must Go On After Thief Makes Off With Empty Laptop Bag

TRENTON-- As the city of Trenton as a whole grapples with crime and other social problems, I too have my own story of misfortune.

This evening my car was broken into. The unknowing criminal made off with a black computer bag filled not with a laptop, but with used library books, pens, and an old notebook (my PC is in the shop getting repaired).

What makes this story more unique is that the incident occurred in the heart of Downtown Trenton, just steps away from the State House, who would've thought???

Needless to say a police report will have to be filed and a broken rear  window will need to be replaced. Now granted, I should not have had my laptop bag in the back seat visible to the naked eye and things could be worse (I could have been physically harmed), but as I type this blog from my cell phone, I say to myself, what does this isolated incident say about the overall state of affairs in the city of Trenton.

Indeed, it seems as though poverty is a very real thing here in the state's capitol. Along with this poverty comes its constant companions, i.e. drug abuse and crime. In this particular climate, it seems as though the old saying, 'desperate times call for desperate measures' holds true, but nevertheless, there comes a time when one can no longer remain silent about things that matter.

Alas, the question becomes: where do we go from here as a city: chaos or community? Lo and behold, it seems as though it is just these sorts of unfortunate events that make me want to bring different members of the community together all the more and have a real discussion about where we go from here.

As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, "now is not the time to cool off" and return to business as usual. Rather, now is the time to take positive action and talk about things we can control. Now is the time to speak about service and solutions.

Are you with me? Will you join this conversation?

Anwar's Reflections Hosts MLK Panel Discussion at MCCC

TRENTON--Anwar's Reflections--a Trentonian affiliate-- will be hosting two panel discussions during historic King Week 2013 in Trenton to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

 These two events are scheduled for Jan. 22nd and Jan. 23rd at Mercer County Community College's James Kerney Campus located at their Downtown Trenton site. These events will be held from 6 to 8 pm.

These public forums will focus on one of the fundamental questions that Dr. King posed during his lifetime, he asked: Where do we go from here: Chaos or Community?

Indeed, as the city of Trenton grapples with 24 homicides, a 48% graduation rate, and dwindling resources many people are wondering if we, too, are headed for chaos or community. As I said before, Trenton is in bad shape. Something has got to give. So it is in the tradition of Dr. King's eloquent words, that I am saying that now is not the time to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism or to consume the all too tempting shot of do-nothingness, but rather now is the time to address our community's issues in such a way that sparks ongoing and concerted action. It is my belief that now is the time to talk about service, in particular, community service.

During this forum, panelists will discuss things like, how can we better serve our communities? What practical steps can we take today to address the condition of our families, our schools, and ultimately our city? In what ways, do our everyday acts of community service help to bring King's well-known 'Dream' into existence in the 21st century? What, if anything, would Dr. King do if he were alive today? What are the challenges and opportunities surrounding servant leadership in the tradition of Dr. King?

Panelists will include writer Will Deshair Foskey, playwright Rashad Walker, Kieanna Childs Alexander, Duncan Harrison, Jerell Blakeley, Rio Swinson, Celestine Chukumba, New Black Panther Party Spokesperson Divine Allah, among others.

The event is free and open to the public at large. Refreshments will be available.

For more information on the event, contact Anwar Salandy at 609.968.6114.

If you want to hear this blog being recited by Anwar Salandy, click below to hear the audio version:

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Independents Meet In Trenton But GOP and Dems Are Nowhere To Be Found

TRENTON-- Independent third party U.S. Senate candidates came together Wednesday afternoon to discuss some of the issues in Trenton, but the two major political candidates were nowhere to be found.

Wednesday night, Anwar's Reflections-- a Trentonian affiliate-- hosted a U.S. Senate Debate at Mercer County Community College downtown at their James Kerney campus to inform the public about the upcoming general election November 6th and to discuss jobs, the economy, and the budget deficit, among other things.

The debate was co-moderated by Delonte Harrod, a graduate student and photographer, and Anwar Salandy, a local blogger.

All candidates were invited, including Democratic Senator Robert Menendez and Republican candidate Joseph Kyrillos, but neither Menendez nor Kyrillos were in attendance.

The debate's participants made note of Menendez and Kyrillos absence. Libertarian candidate Kenneth Kaplan said, "I want to criticize Kyrillos and Menendez for not being here today, its shows what they think about the people of New Jersey by not taking on the opposition, by not exchanging ideas with us". Reform Nation candidate Daryl Mikell Brooks went on to say that, "They didn't show up and I'm disappointed".

Menendez and Kyrillos met in Trenton just two weeks ago for the 101.5 FM debate, but their absence last night was conspicuous. Indeed, what does their absence signify? The question becomes: Are they really concerned about issues and problems affecting the people in inner cities like Trenton? If they are, then why didn't they show up? Sure, independent candidates lack the financial resources and backing that Republicans and Democrats have, but don't they deserve a voice at the table?

In a phone interview, U.S. Senate candidate Inder Soni told me that he wants to challenge Menendez and Kyrillos to a debate in Trenton.

A follow-up debate is scheduled for next Wednesday at Mercer County Community College located downtown Trenton inside Kerney Hall from 6 to 8 pm. All candidates are invited.

Socialist Party candidate Greg Pason, Green Party candidate Ken Wolski, Reform Nation candidate Daryl Mikell Brooks, and Libertarian candidate Kenneth Kaplan were at the first debate and have confirmed that they will attend the second debate scheduled for next week.

For more information on the election, click here. For more information about next week's event, contact Anwar Salandy at 609.968.6114. You can also reach him by email at anwarsalandy@ymail.com.

For access to the debate, see below:

Video streaming by Ustream

Anwar's Reflections Hosts Presidential Election Panel Discussion

TRENTON-- What happens when an historian, a political economist, an Iraq veteran, a student, and a community activist come together to discuss some of today's pressing issues? That is the question.

Anwar's Reflections-- a Trentonian affiliate-- and Occupy the Hood NJ came together Saturday morning to discuss the 2012 Presidential Election at the Trenton Public Library.

During our nearly four hour discussion, a variety of issues and topics were explored. From immigration and jobs to gay marriage and race, all of these issues were brought to the table Saturday.

Indeed, it was a heated yet enlightening exchange of ideas. The event was sparked by members of the Occupy the Hood NJ movement and blogger Anwar Salandy.

According to the local blogger, now it is more important than ever to raise awareness about this upcoming election, the stakes are high, this election can drastically alter the course and direction of this country. Therefore, we can sit on the sidelines. We need to get involved and vote.

At one point during the discussion, Rance Robeson, an Iraq military veteran, said that President Obama is doing an outstanding job despite his 47% approval rating according to Real Clear Politics. He went on to point out Obama's achievements and say the economy was not the only issue or factor that was going to be critical in one's voting decisions.

Economist and CEO of online marketing company, Intersearch Media, Dr. Celestine Chukumba had a contrary view. He focused on economic issues like jobs. He said that this election will essentially boil down to jobs, jobs, jobs. Chukumba went to highlight what some have called President's Obama's weaknesses, he spoke about Obama's unwillingness to work with the other side of the aisle (i.e. members of the Republican Party). Chukumba said that "at the end of the day, you have to work with both sides". He went on to mention that there has been an attack on the rich coming from members of the Obama camp and that this strategy is no way to work with both sides as a chief executive.

Others on the panel said that President Obama was at a disadvantage coming into office since he lacked executive experience being that he was a senator and community organizer before being elected to the highest office in the land.

Later, Chukumba went on to acknowledge that there is historical significance to Mr. Obama's presidency, but he went on to caution the audience that there should be principled criticism of his presidency if the nation ever hopes to have another president of color in office in the future. Others on the panel echoed this sentiment.

Community activist Daryl Brooks said that "its not only important to look at the world economy" but also to understand how social issues like Mitt Romney's Mormonism may have an impact on this year's election.

Trenton resident Edward Smith said that despite President Obama throwing a bone to young voters by reducing interest rates on student loans this past week, this doesn't change the fact that young people cannot find jobs after finishing college. 

Educator Dr. Jack Washington quoted political analyst James Carville by saying that this year's election hinges on the economy by saying its "the economy stupid". Indeed, it seems as though the economy will figure prominent as the nation wrestles with an 8.2% unemployment rate, stagnant wages, and high gas prices. 

Graduate student and Willingboro resident, Sam Bardell, recorded the event while photographer Delonte Harrod took photos of the discussion. 

To get more information on this year's candidates and the election overall, click here.

For more on what the panelists said, please see videos below:

Anwar's Reflections and Occupy the Hood NJ Team Up To Talk Politics

TRENTON-- As we quickly approach this year’s Presidential Election, now is the time to examine and discuss President Obama’s leadership and what this year’s election may mean for years to come.

Indeed, as the nation wrestles with high unemployment, failing schools, and a federal deficit, citizens from all walks of life are recognizing how important this election is. The stakes are high.

With this in mind, Anwar's Reflections-- a Trentonian affiliate-- and members of Occupy the Hood NJ have decided to host a panel discussion Saturday, July 7th from 10 am to 2 pm at the Trenton Public Library.

During the discussion, panelists will address a variety of challenges facing America, the state of New Jersey, and on a local level, the city of Trenton. We will cover issues like unemployment, education, and health care, to name just a few.

Members of the panel include historian and educator Dr. Jack Washington, community activist Daryl Brooks, editor of El Latino Expresso Carlos Avila, Hal Fleming, Edward Smith, and Bill Argust.

Members of the community are invited to come and join the discussion.

For more information, contact Anwar Salandy at (609) 968-6114.

Tuesday Night Stroll Leads To Guns And Liquor

TRENTON-- Imagine if you will, its 9:30 pm on a Tuesday evening, and you've had a rough day at work. You find your self strolling through an abandoned playground in North Trenton (not the safest place to be, I admit) after having a few drinks.

Now then imagine if you will, you stumble across a nameless young man approaching you in a slovenly and somewhat tipsy manner. In one hand, he has a bottle of Hennessy that is half empty and in another he is brandishing a pistol.

As the young man walks by, he asks you, "what you doin' around here? where you from? how old are you?" You take a long look at the young man who appears to be five years your junior.What do you do?

Well, ladies and gentlemen, I can tell you what I did and how I felt because I was on the receiving end of those questions Tuesday night. Between you and me, as this young man asked me questions and held the gun, on the inside, I was scared and on edge, but on the outside, I appeared calm and relaxed because I didn't know where this was going to lead. So, I patiently listened to the young man express his concerns about his life being in danger while he loaded the small handgun in front of me.

The young man seemed quite paranoid, saying random things like, "my boy just got robbed the other day' or 'I was stabbed at a party the other day'. Of course, to me, the young man's statement seemed out of place (since I didn't know him from a can of paint). During our conversation, he said that he could rob me if he wanted to.

At that point, I really didn't know what to think. I didn't want to agitate the young man any further than he already was, so I continued to listen. However, on the inside, I was saying I need to get the hell out of here pronto, I was scared.

But then the conversation began to change, the anonymous young man said, 'I don't want to disrespect you'. He then offered me a sip of his Hennessy and again not wanting to agitate or disturb any further than he already was, I took it. After he gave me the sip, he left. About 30 seconds after he left, I ran out of there, going in the opposite direction.

Indeed, this experience was an eye opener. The most obvious lesson I got out of this was that I don't need to be walking in places that are known to be high crime areas. That young man could have easily robbed or shot me if he wanted to, but he didn't. I didn't quite understand this, but indeed, I wasn't in the position to ask a lot of questions. At the end of the day, I am extremely grateful that this nameless young man didn't do anything to me. Yet this experience also opened my eyes to the highly possible reality that this young man was and is not alone in fearing for his life and that there maybe many others out there like him that are on edge and ready to shoot as well.

This situation makes me raise many questions: what social conditions are in place that influence or motivate this young man's behavior? What role do parents play in influencing this kind of behavior? What role do schools play? What role do film and music play in this kind of behavior? Is this a personal responsibility issue where family, friends, and other community activists all need to intervene to stop this kind of behavior? Or is there some policy that government officials can enact that would reduce the likelihood of things like this happening again in the future? Alas, I wish I knew the answer to these pressing questions, but I don't.

However, what I do know is that something has got to give...and soon.