Anwar's Reflections Celebrates 100,000 Pageviews

TRENTON-- Recently, this blog surpassed 100,000 page views and I thought this was a perfect time to do what I love to do...REFLECT. Man oh man, its a beautiful thing to say that this blog went from having literally no page views or hits to now having 100,000 hits. Its a great feeling indeed, to build something when others doubted you.

When this blog first started out, I heard people say, 'who's gonna read that?' 'no one cares about that'. But I never let the naysayers stop me from doing what I love doing... writing and blogging.

Now don't get it twisted, I am not saying this blog is perfect, it still has a long way to go, but at the same time, I know its not where it used to be. For those that don't already know the history, originally, this blog started out as an interview series with local business owners and entrepreneurs. I interviewed people at places like the Hummingbird Restaurant, Amefikas, Cafe International, and Classics Bookstore, to name just a few.

Now it goes without saying that some of these small businesses have since folded up, but nonetheless a great deal of insight was received through interviewing these bright and talented business-people. Indeed, I learned a great deal about the unique challenges and opportunities that small business owners face in launching and sustaining a business and I'm truly glad that I shared this information with you guys, the readers.

From there, this blog branched out into the realm of political and social forums. I and others convened at the Trenton Public Library and Mercer County Community College to discuss some pretty important issues affecting both the city and the state. And in the process, I learned a lot about politics, blogging, social media, and most importantly, the community I belong to.

Going forward, my goal is to resume the interview series and pick up where I left off. However, I have to acknowledge that I do want to take the interview series in altogether different direction. This time around, I want to conduct interviews that will be more socially relevant in nature. I have ambitious hopes to interview thought leaders like US Senator Cory Booker, President Barack Obama, and Hip Hop Mogul Russell Simmons, to name just a few. I know what you're saying, I know what you're saying, but, trust me, stay tuned for more to come...

Trenton Entrepreneurship

TRENTON--A big part of what I want to do with this blog is share insights about topics that have piqued my interest over time. One of those interests include entrepreneurship and the unique world of small business. You maybe wondering what makes this topic so interesting to me. Well, I'm glad you asked, allow me to elaborate.

Since moving to Trenton, New Jersey in 2005, I have found that entrepreneurship and small business creation is very much needed in this community since this city is saddled with entrenched poverty and joblessness. All one needs to do is look at some of the recent closings of small businesses like Cafe International, Can Do Errands, Delorenzos, and historic Amefikas to see what I am getting at here. All of these individual entrepreneurs gave people a nice place to go to, quality products and services, and most importantly, they created jobs that people in the city could possibly take.

Now lets be quite clear, entrepreneurs do a number of things, but I want to focus one of the main things they do, that is, create jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, entrepreneurship and small business play a vital role in the US economy. And looking at Trenton's staggering 10.8% unemployment rate, it seems quite evident that entrepreneurship and small business creation can do our city some good.

According to Google, an entrepreneur is an individual that "takes the initiative to create a product or establish a business for profit". Indeed, the city of Trenton needs more initiative, and less complaint. Instead of moaning and groaning about all the potholes in Trenton, why not create a small businesses that specializes in paving streets? Instead of criticizing Trenton Mayor Tony Mack and the failing public school system, why not do what individuals like Baye Kemit did when he created an African-centered school that sought to address the problems facing public schools?

These examples strike me as the heart and soul of the entrepreneurial mindset. This type of mentality constantly seeks to solve issues instead of complaining or criticizing the powers that be. In short, entrepreneurs don't see problems, they see opportunities.

So I invite everyone to take something from the playbook of entrepreneurs by first of all being creative. Think outside of the box. Take calculated risks and step outside the comfort zone. The best entrepreneurs don't settle for the routine and get complacent. They push the envelope.

However, don't get me wrong, I am not saying that one should go stark-raving crazy by making reckless decisions. Rather the idea is to take moderate well-informed risks and be creative when looking at the stark realities that face communities like Trenton. Instead of seeing hopelessness and desolation, why not see promise and possibility? That's the question I wrestle with everyday and leave with you to ponder.

As Trenton Weathers Storm, Now Is The Time For Service

TRENTON-- With the mayor being indicted Thursday, three shootings just this past week, and a 48% graduation rate, is it any wonder that residents and onlookers alike are saying, "Mercy Mercy Me, Ohhh, Things Aint What They Used to be" as Marvin Gaye once said.

Indeed, Trenton was once a booming town. According to Trenton Mill Hill, this city thrived in the early 20th century due to its manufacturing economy. However, the state's capital now finds itself in quite a quagmire.

News reports from The Trentonian indicate that the city now has 23 homicides on record. And to add insult to injury, the city's only downtown hotel, the Marriott, is talking seriously about having its name changed because it has been struggling to post a profit since opening 10 years ago.

Along with these developments, Trenton small businesses like Cafe International and Can Do Errands have both decided to close their doors, while the owner of another small business, the Baldassari nightclub, has not decided to close his establishment, but has voiced serious concern over the city's violent crime.

Indeed, blind eyes can see that there's something rotten in the city of Trenton. But what's more important to know now is: where do we go from here? City council members and concerned residents alike are speaking out. On the one hand, we have Councilwoman Phyllis Holly Ward saying that "Silence and inaction is no longer an option". She went on to admonish members of the community by saying that we need to "clean up, stand up, and speak up".

Then we have South Ward Councilman George Muschal saying that he was in support of creating a curfew that would require teenagers to be inside by 10 pm. However, Trenton Police Director, Ralph Rivera, said that he would not go along with such a curfew. Rather, he plans to saturate "those areas where violence has been occurring to decrease the level of violence we've been experiencing".

Lastly, we have community activist Duncan Harrison recommending that we hire part-time police officers as a way to help a police force that was reduced by a third due to recent budget cuts. The mayor has even appealed to the Governor's office through a formal letter requesting more funding to address the crime issue, but there has been no response as of yet.

I personally think a curfew is going overboard and will not actually solve the problem, it unfairly punishes everyone when the problem wasn't caused by everyone. I think 'fair is only fair'. As far as saturating high crime areas is concerned, this idea has promise, but at the same time, it may just influence the city's criminals to migrate to those other areas of the city, still leaving us with a problem. At the end of the day, I think the best thing we can do is what Mayor Mack spoke about earlier this week, he said, "The Trenton Police Department can no longer be expected to carry the burden of crime reduction on its own. Parents and guardians need to step up and take control of their homes and children. For those that need help, speak up and speak out. Our administration will continue to do its part by reaching out to state officials to secure additional public safety dollars".

Indeed, I think we (myself included) need to stop complaining and start helping out and be of service to our community. I don't know about you, but it hurts to see my community crumbling before my eyes. It hurts so much that I have decided to volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club. Basically, I read to children once a week for two hours. And from speaking to the program's director, it sounds as though they need all the help they can get. And I'm pretty sure that other groups and organizations are in need of volunteer help as well.

Why not reach out to them and offer your services? If you just so happen to have a gift for mentoring, then why not be a mentor? If you have a knack for working with the youth or the elderly, then what's holding you back? Or maybe just maybe, you have about a hour a week, where you can start a neighborhood clean up on your block. Indeed, we can all be of service in our own way, we don't have to wait on public safety dollars from the State to get things done in our community. Sure, the funds can help and I do believe the government has a role to play in this, but at the same time, I say let's take the initiative as everyday people and start changing within for the better. What do you say?

For those interested in hearing an audio version of this blog recited by Anwar Salandy, click below:

Listen to internet radio with anwarsreflections on Blog Talk Radio

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:

Trenton Goes Au-Naturel

TRENTON-- Weaves or locks, that is the question that a local haircare and wellness organization has put to the city of Trenton. Historically, Trenton has had numerous hair shows, but none of these shows were all natural.

Members of Loc Majesty Natural Haircare and Wellness Salon  want to put an end to that trend so they decided to host the city's first ever all-natural hair and fashion show this Saturday, April 7th at the Lighthouse Outreach Ministry from 3 pm to 9 pm.

Members of Loc Majesty Natural Haircare and Wellness Salon are locticians that specialize in natural hair care. They recommend that people let go of the lye and go au-naturel.

One of the events coordinators, Nichole Towns, says that this event is long over due. Her comments come at a time when many members of Black America seem to be using chemical relaxers to straighten their hair. Yet at the same time, we're also witnessing the growth of natural hair care treatments.

Indeed, the debate between going natural or using chemical relaxers has even spawned the creation of a documentary film named Good Hair featuring well-known comedian Chris Rock.

So, it is no surprise that Trenton is hosting its first ever all natural hair and fashion show this upcoming Saturday.This event is open to the community at large, all are welcome.

General admission is $10, for seniors the price is $5 and for children under 12, there is no fee. Vendors from near and far selling are scheduled to attend. Individuals at the event are invited to purchase clothing, jewelry, foot jewelry,skin/hair products, oils, massages, pedicures, books, and much more.

During the event, community information and literature will also be available.  There will be food vending provided by local hot spot Cafe International. Music will be provided by DJ Smoov. Popular poet Narubi Selah will be hosting.

For more information about the event, contact Nichole Towns at (609) 372-0951.