REAL TALK THURSDAYS returns in October to Discuss Local & Statewide Politics

NEWARK, NJ – REAL TALK THURSDAYS will resume in October with an emphasis on politics for the 2017-2018 school year. Since the election season is taking place in Newark and in New Jersey during the upcoming school year, REAL TALK THURSDAYS is dedicating the month of October to electoral politics.

The Gubernatorial election takes place in November of 2017, Newark Mayoral election, and City Council elections, take place in May of 2018 and the US Congressional midterm election will be taking place soon. The theme of the forum for the month is: Bringing Electoral Politics Back to the Southward Neighborhood of Newark, NJ.

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This fall, we will have a powerful line-up of elected and political candidates representing various levels of government scheduled to speak at the historic school. Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka will be the first guest speaker on October 5, 2017 at 7:00pm. New Jersey Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Phil Murphy and Senator Corey Booker are being scheduled to come on a Thursday, as well.

Hip Hop artist turned political candidate, Dupree Kelly, from the legendary Hip Hop group Lordz of the Underground, plans to speak about his campaign to run for a Councilman-At Large seat in Newark and Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. is committed to speak for Thursday, October 19, 2017 at 7:00pm.

REAL TALK THURSDAYS continues to include community leaders and community-based organizations to insure a successful dialogue among community stake-holders. The organizations and leaders that have signed on to move the program forward will be the following: The Newark Anti-Violence Coalition (NAVC), the Pan -Afrikan Muslim Association, New Jersey Communities United, Douglas Freeman of the Weequahic Park Authority, and the Young & Successful Men's mentoring organization.

Bashir Muhammad Akinyele, the Chairperson of the Black History Month Committee and a history teacher at Weequahic High School, “since REAL TALK THURSDAYS takes place at Weequahic High School in the Southward, it is only right that we have partnered with Newark, New Jersey’s Council President Mildred Crump and Southward Councilman John Sharp James. They have committed themselves to helping us have a successful program.” He also added that, “this program is an opportunity to discuss solutions, with our elected officials, to the problems affecting African Americans, Latino Americans, people of color, women, the youth, and humanity.”

REAL TALK THURSDAYS is a student and community forum initiated by Weequahic High School’s Black History Month Committee. The focus of the forum is to provide free weekly spiritual, cultural and political education discussions to empower, inspire, and organize African /African Americans, Latino Americans, people of color, and the entire human family to become progressive change agents in America and in the world.





Weequahic High School Black History Month Committee was created 14 years ago, by history teachers to organize programs and activities for February’s Black History Month.

REAL TALK THURSDAYS are held at Weequahic high school’s auditorium at 279 Chancellor Avenue in Newark, New Jersey!

For more information about the Real Talk Thursdays at Weequahic High School, contact (908) 956-3523 or (973) 705-3795.