My Hometown: Trenton, New Jersey
By Will “Deshair” Foskey
I wonder if people still say, “It’s not where you’re from, it’s where you’re at.” Personally, I’ve never fed too much into the statement. I believe that where you are, has no meaning if you’ve forgotten where you came from. This is why I’ll never forget about my hometown. Trenton, New Jersey. I’ve been checking the heart breaking headlines lately, so how could I forget it? It’s not enough that roses grew from its concrete, such as myself. Check your history, celebrities from all walks of entertainment were born or have lived in Trenton; from comedian Sommore to actress Nia Long to NBA Bad Boy, Dennis Rodman. Hip-Hop’s official torch bearer, Jay-Z paid homage to East Trenton on one of his greatest contributions to Rap music, The Blueprint. “East Trenton grew me, had me skipping school,” he rapped. Trenton residents around his age still have the photographs to prove it.
Trenton is the capitol of the Garden State. And if not for Camden, Trenton would be the urban bottom of the state. Trenton’s population is close to 100k. The area is 8.1 square miles. Trenton has the perfect geographical location as far as access to big cities. Drive 30 minutes southwest and you’d reach Philadelphia. Drive 120 minutes northeast and you’d reach New York City. That’s its gift. Trenton’s curse is being susceptible to out-of-towners which are storming into the city to start new lives after failing elsewhere.
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Out-of-towners are taking advantage of easy access to Public Assistance. Illegal immigrants are having children at a rate that even the US Census wouldn’t be able to account for. And let’s be honest; if their own people are knocking on the door to do a count, do you honestly believe the census form will be filled out accurately? Megan’s Law doesn’t appear to exist in the city. Sex offenders are all over the city. However, if a sex offender moves into the suburbs on the outside of Trenton, letters are sent out to local residents. The list of concerns stretch beyond th
