Anwar's Reflections And Others Convene In Trenton To Talk MLK And Going Forward

 TRENTON-- Tuesday and Wednesday evening, Anwar's Reflections-- a Trentonian affiliate--sat down with a variety of individuals from the community to have a real discussion about where we as a community are headed in light of the many social problems inner cities like Trenton face. Issues like violence (24 homicides in 2012), poverty (i.e., an 11.6 unemployment rate), and education issues (48% high school graduation rate in 2011).

These discussions came the day after the nation took a moment to nationally recognize slain civil rights leader, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
During his lifetime, Dr. King raised the fundamental question: Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? Indeed, this became the central focus of our discussions Tuesday and Wednesday night.

During the events, one individual, Raul Polo Cortes, a well-known poet, said that we need to come together and get involved.

While Ms. Simms, a concerned Trenton resident said that she had her pen and paper ready to take down any viable solutions members of the community forum had about going forward.
On the following night, Willingboro resident and military veteran Rance Robeson said that we need to work with others to improve the community and honor the life and legacy of Dr. King.
New Black Panther Party Spokesperson Divine Allah said that he is going to continue to do what he is doing in the community and stick to his principles.

Community activist Kieanna Childs Alexander said that we need to make sure we understand our history so that we never forget where we came from.

Writer Will Deshair Foskey said that we need to be fearless as we try to improve our communities.

All of the panelists said that we need to do more than just repeat the marches, rallies, and demonstrations that took place during the Civil Rights Movement to galvanize or energize the public.
The panelists went on to say that we need to take other steps to improve the community. Playwright

Rashad Walker said that we need to set up a concrete action plan to deal with community issues.

Others said that we need to work with and speak to our lawmakers and city council members to address social ills.

I , as the moderator, went on to say that we need to capitlize on our unique skill sets and get involved in whatever ways those skill sets can be utilized. For instance, if you have knack for tutoring, why not be a tutor? If you have a gift for mentoring, then why not mentor, and so on.

Overall, the discussions shed light on future directions but still need to be more specific in terms of addressing current issues like education, public safety, and quality of life problems.

Neikel Butler from the Boys and Girls Club brought poets from her poetry program and they recited their work.

The discussions or community forums will continue. Stay tuned...

For access to video coverage of these community forums, click below:

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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Hometown Blogger Sparks Discussion At Trenton Library

TRENTON-- Marcus Garvey once said that a people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots. It was in this tradition that area residents and activists alike met at the Trenton Public Library Wednesday night for Anwar's Reflections First Ever Black History Panel Discussion.

During the nearly two hour discussion, a variety of topics were explored and addressed. Members of the audience were invited to ask questions as well.

From education to black leadership, to President Obama and social problems afflicting communities in Black America, the panel covered a lot of ground.

Panel members included hip hop artist Big OOH, businessman Tracey Syphax, New Black Panther Party spokesman Divine Allah, Garvey School principal Baye Kemit, community activist Darren 'Freedom' Green, and Today's News NJ's Daryl Brooks.

Baye Kemit said that leadership does not have to be monolithic, it does not have to be one person, our leaders are our parents and grandparents. Darren Freedom Green said that President Barack Obama needs to 'stand up and just be a man on some issues' as it relates to problems afflicting the black community. In his analysis of President Obama, Daryl Brooks said that the president has bailed out Wall Street but failed to mention the word poverty in any of his State of the Union speeches.

As a blogger or citizen journalist, I thought it was important to carry on the tradition of the words of the Negro National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing, by inviting a variety of different community leaders and activists to come to the table and have a discussion that would illustrate the diversity of Black America on a local level here in Trenton, New Jersey.

As a viewer and reader, I invite you to determine if the discussion reached that goal.

Please see footage of the event below:

Anwar's Reflections Hosts Black History Panel Discussion

TRENTON-- Anwar’s Reflections, a cutting-edge local blog, will be holding its first ever Black History Month panel discussion Wednesday, February 08, 2012 at the Trenton Public Library, from 6 to 8 pm. The event is scheduled to be held in the library's Community Meeting Room.

Panel members include hip hop artist Big OOH, businessman Tracey Syphax, New Black Panther Party spokesman Divine Allah, Garvey School principal Baye Kemit, community activist Darren 'Freedom' Green, and Today's News NJ's Daryl Brooks.

Discussion topics will include Black Business, Black Entertainment, Black Politics, Black Education, and Black Philosophy.

Guests are invited to ask panel members questions.

Refreshments and a light snack will be provided during the discussion.

For more information, contact Anwar Salandy at (609) 968-6114. You can also reach Salandy by email: anwarsalandy@ymail.com.