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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Trenton Youth Take Part In Spelling Bee

TRENTON-- Empowerment, that's E-M-P-O-W-E-R-M-E-N-T, development, that's D-E-V-E-L-O-P-M-E-N-T. Those were just a couple of the words that local youngsters had to spell Thursday night at  Trenton's First Annual 'Black Pride' Spelling Competition at City Hall. The event was sponsored and hosted by the Capital City Youth Development Council, a local community group whose mission is to 'Motivate And Prepare Future Leaders'.

According to a press release, the event was designed to "promote and continuously enhance the warm spirit of peace and love that was shown at last year's African Pride Festival".  

During the spelling competition, children from throughout the city and surrounding areas showcased their scholastic talent, promoting Black Pride in their quest to become champion spellers. The competition was open to all 4-7th grade students in public, private, charter, and independent schools.

New Black Panther spokesperson, Divine Allah, hosted the event and said that "the spelling bee was designed to offer substance to symbols". He went on to say that "each child has to be a leader, a thinker, and a doer".  

This annual event is being held to highlight the anniversary of the assassination of Malcolm X, one of the leading figures of 'Black History' in America who embodied educational discipline and scholarship. As a child, young Malcolm Little, - [long before X] was told by an elementary school teacher that he could not become a lawyer. Although discouraged from formal education, and after facing many odds, Malcolm grew to become a worldwide icon and Black America's premier example of courage, manhood, respect and scholarly discipline.

This event is one of many held during Black History Month, where we are striving to showcase positive achievements and educational talents of Trenton children and youth. 

Winners of this competition will move on to the 2nd phase/competition in May [Where Health And Wellness Is The Theme] - and then 'hopefully' onto the main stage at this year’s African Pride Festival, where they will be presented with 'Grand Prizes'.

Included in the spelling competition were Jefreda Presha, Anaya Wells, Ajanay Wells-Daniels, Azikiwe Kemit, Akosua Squarrell-Revell, Corey Hayes, Saleel Siplin, Taylor Green Divine, Trey'von Holt, Chaz Swan, Tyree Swan, DeQuan Rose, Julian Newwman, Ras Makonnen Tafari, Mike Conover, Messiah Crews.

The spelling competition was co-sponsored by Trenton ANTI-VIOLENCE Coalition, WUCUSU Inner & EDUtainment, and the New Black Panther Party.

Please see the video below:

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.