The People

Who else is tired of hearing Cory Booker talk it but not walk it!?

Even though there is truth to the high level of crime and violence that the city of Newark, New Jersey faces, it makes me sad and angry to see my city depicted like it's a wasteland when a lot of what needs to change is people's attitudes towards the city. Yes, there's poverty and there's violence stemming from gang activity and drugs. But people make it seem like Newark is the worst fucking place in the world!!! There's certainly poverty and violence in other major cities across the U.S., but why is it made out to be so horrific in Newark to the point where people are turning their backs on such a great city?? It needs to be made clear that not everybody is a product of their environment. I can think of plenty people who grew up in Newark and have done wonderful things in their lives( The Three Doctors,Savion Glover, Amiri & Ras Baraka,Lauryn Hill,Shaquille O'neal,ETC). I grew up in Newark, went to a deprived school district, sat in disbelief as someone I knew personally was killed along with others, have friends and family who live in the city, and somehow I will have a college degree by December. This needs to stop! Let's see if this documentary will do anything to change the perception of Newark.

Watch on Monday, September 21, at 10:00 p.m. on the Sundance channel.