Guest Blogger Branches Out & Launches New Blog

TRENTON—Recently, as I was perusing through my email and Facebook messages, (please forgive me, I'm a work in progress, sometimes it takes me eons to check my messages and get back to everyone, but anyway I digress), I stumbled across a message from my friend and comrade, Delonte Harrod. Through reading his email, I found out that he has a new blog entitled Delonte J. Harrod.

On his blog, this Trenton-based journalism major/ photographer aims to share his "writing ability" and "engage the world through words" while sparking conversation. I applaud Herrod for his efforts. From reviewing his website, I see that Harrod also seeks to bring information to the public that they would not ordinarily have access to.

Indeed, Harrod does bring something new to the table by raising thought-provoking questions to his readers. As a case in point, in one of his blog entries, the Trenton-based blogger raises the question,  "how does [newspaper] content shape the perceptions of those who do not live or have never been to Trenton?” In other words: Is the local news of Trenton helping to frame people as only savages, immoral, and/or very hostile people?"

Here, I think Harrod raises an important question that highlights the power and impact of the media. Indeed, what media outlets report to the public, whether good or bad, sometimes gets taken as indisputable gospel, when in reality that information should be examined through a critical or skeptical lens. As a case in point, one day while I was at the library a few weeks ago, a gentleman next to me said that former South African president Nelson Mandela died, when in reality, he didn't. The young man based his conclusion on information received through Facebook. The point here being, with today's media and the saturation of the Internet, one has to take what one reads with a grain of salt and be critical consumers of information. Otherwise, if you don't, you may take what you're hearing or reading as the truth, when it is not.

As one looks at Trenton news, sure, there is bad news to report and I recognize where certain members of the media are coming from, but come on, let's be real. We're not living in Beirut, this is Trenton. Sadly enough, this city sometimes get painted as "Big Trouble" when in my humble opinion, it is not. These kinds of news reports do not paint a complete picture of the city of Trenton.

I think other people are beginning to see this trend in larger society as well. They are not satisfied. According to the Pew Research Center’s Project for Excellence in Journalism, “nearly one-third—31% of people say they have deserted a particular news outlet because it no longer provides the news and information they have grown accustomed to”. The study went on to report that 60.7 of the people polled find that the stories are less complete than they used to be". In other words, people are not satisfied with the media outlets currently available.

This is why I think that it is important to have bloggers like Harrod that present a counter-narrative to what the mainstream media offers. Indeed, reality is more nuanced than viewing Trentonians as mere scoundrels and hoodlums. Trentonians are doing great things everyday, this should not be glossed over or overlooked.

And with that said, I think we are in store for more thought-provoking commentary from Harrod, you can visit his website by clicking here.

Outspoken Trenton Activist No Longer Supports The Mayor

TRENTON-- Local political activist says he no longer wants to be a part of the mayor's team.

Wednesday morning, Anwar's Reflections-- a Trentonian affiliate-- sat down with Daryl Brooks, a former Tony Mack supporter and failed U.S Senate candidate, to discuss what he calls 'the inside truth' surrounding Trenton Mayor Tony Mack and local steakhouse proprietor Jojo Giorgianni.

In an exclusive interview, Brooks, a Trenton native, chimed in on a variety of topics. Despite being one of the chief spokespersons at a City Hall rally last June in support of the mayor, Brooks is now calling Mack an outright liar' saying that he had questioned Mack's loyalty even before he won a seat in the mayor's office in 2010.

During the course of the 50 minute discussion, the outspoken activist cited broken promises and misrepresentation on the part of Mack and his underlings. According to the hometown activist, during a phone conversation with the mayor, Brooks asked him about the recent layoff of one third of the city's police force, and the mayor said, 'f*** the police'.

Brooks went on to express frustration and disappointment with what he calls the mayor's arrogant management style. He believes the mayor has a 'napolean complex', where the motto is, 'its either my way or the highway'.

The Trenton activist left no stone unturned. He called out elected officials, religious leaders, and also what he calls 'Facebook activists' that talk a lot on the popular social media website, but ultimately do nothing outside submitting posts online.

Brooks issued a scathing critique of these leaders and said change is needed.

During the interview, the political firebrand did not hold back.

With regard to Jojo Giorgianni, he said that the owner of JoJo's Steakhouse, has on numerous occasions, openly called many African American city officials 'spooks' and other racial slurs. He went on to say that Giorgianni sells 'crack pipes' at his North Trenton store.

When asked why he has decided to come forward now after being a vocal supporter of the mayor, Brooks said that he had become so sick and tired of being lied to and that he wanted to 'wake people up'.

For more information on Brooks or his blog, Today's News NJ, click here.

Please see a video of Anwar's Reflections exclusive interview with Daryl Brooks below:

Anwar's Reflections One Year Anniversary

TRENTON-- Ladies and gentleman, Anwar's Reflections, a cutting-edge local blog, survived its first year, learning a great deal about the city of Trenton and the larger Mercer County area. Thanks to all the supporters of the blog that made it possible.

In particular, I as editor and chief, would like to take a moment out to acknowledge some very special people. First, there is Meggin Sanez, Anwar's Reflections' first guest blogger. She is highly professional and her work is both practical and entertaining.

Secondly, I would like to give a big thank you to Monique Corbin, she was my camera-person on more than a few occasions, we have been friends since high school.

Third, I would like to publicly say thank you to Hallie Townsend for her support. She works diligently to teach people the virtues of online education. Visit her website by clicking here.

I would also like to give a shout-out to the Trentonian newspaper for helping me and Anwar's Reflections extend our reach.

With their help, I have been able to reach a much broader audience through their regular blog alerts. In particular, I want to thank Aaron Nobel, former editor at the Trentonian, along with Joey Kulkin, managing editor at the Trentonian. Both Aaron and Joey gave me tips to become a better a citizen journalist/ blogger.

Next, I want to give a special thank you to Leslie Taylor, a person that is near and dear to me and my family. She has consistently been there for me and my endeavors over the years. I like to think of her as my MVP (Most Valuable Player). I love her dearly.

Then there is one of my strongest supporters, Janice Flynn. Janice and I met through Facebook and she is great. I enjoy her thoughtful comments and ongoing support.

I can't forget one of my best friends, Rance Robeson II, a former classmate and colleague at Rider University. Rance has mentored me through thick and thin and is like a brother to me. So, I would like to extend a big shout-out or acknowledgement to him.

Also, I can't forget about all the community leaders that have helped me. From Daryl Brooks and Dion Clark to Eric Maywar and Baye Kemit, these individuals do great work in the community. In particular, I want to shout out Raul 'Polo' Cortes, a highly talented poet that truly loves his community and has been very supportive of Anwar's Reflections.

Last, but not least, I can't forget my big brother, Rahman, he originally gave me the idea to create a blog in the first place. I love him immensely along with my mother, Sandra, and my father, Kalaama.

For all those I forgot to mention, please chalk it to my head and not my heart.

Last year was a great year, but now is not the time to cool off and rest on my laurels. Now is the time to build off the momentum of last year and make this year better than the last. Thank you for all your support.

Best wishes to everyone in the New Year ahead.

Interview with Gospel Singer Kevin Jarido

TRENTON-- Anwar's Reflections--a Trentonian affiliate-- sat down with Grammy nominated gospel recording artist, Kevin Jarido, Friday morning to discuss a variety of topics, including, but not limited to, his latest album, his passion for music,  his faith, and much more.

Jarido, an eighth grade math teacher by day, has quite a story to tell. Before becoming a singer, he had a bout with severe depression while in college. After being introduced to the school choir by his college friends, he was able to in his own words, "dedicate his life to Christ". (*For more information about his life, please see a copy of our interview below*)

Since then, the gospel vocalist  has been singing with the group Nu Virtu for almost 10 years now. Having started out in detention centers and shelters ministering to the least, the last, and the left out, Jarido and his group have now released two albums to date.

Under the guidance and direction of David Evans, Bishop of Bethany New Baptist Church, Jarido and Nu Virtu were able to launch their debut album, I'm Free, in 2008, which spoke to issues of freedom and rejoicing. Their latest project was released in May 2012 and is called Time To Get Up.

Jarido, a Seton Hall University alumni, has been likened to Donnie McClurkin and Hezekiah Walker, but the gospel singer tends to shy away from such comparisons. He says he and Nu Virtu have a style and approach all their own.

Jarido said that while creating Time To Get Up, there were definitely challenges, but that he went into the process knowing that, "Anything worth having is going to be difficult". This up and coming vocalist also made it a point to stress the importance of planning and praying as a way to overcome challenges when embarking on any journey that an individual may decide to undertake.

For more information on Kevin and his new album, Time to Get Up, visit his website by clicking here. Or you can like him on Facebook, by clicking here.  To schedule Kevin Jarido and NuVirtu for engagements and appearances please contact Kimani H. Davis, CEO, Transform Agency, at 609-284-2946, or you can email the office at transformagency@aol.com.

For access to Anwar's Reflections exclusive interview with Kevin Jarido along with a YouTube video of one of Kevin and Nu Virtu's songs, please see below: