“SPOTLIGHT” On what it’s like to live as 20-somethings in U.S. cities that are sometimes forgotten. text // ISABELLA PIERANGELO photo // CHELSEA FOSTER Sheldon Brown: Dayton, OH
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ailing from the sixth largest city in the U.S., Sheldon Brown grew up in the laidback environment of Dayton, Ohio. Even though Dayton was voted one of the Ten Most Affordable Cities in America by CNN Money, he has no plans of moving back. “My first day of school was my first day in Boston, I had never been on any type of subway before I came here,” Brown said. The slower pace aside, Brown explains that the Dayton youth usually doesn’t follow suit. From political activism to the arts, young people are typically very active in this city. Attending the Strivers School of the Arts, Brown had the opportunity to travel and perform throughout the country. He joins the ranks of many creatives who come from Ohio. John Legend, The Black Keys, and James Brown are all natives. Dayton is a split city, with conservatives and liberals all passionate about their affiliation. As a student, working the polls and getting doors slammed on them while campaigning is the norm. But the perks of living in a state with a huge political presence are great.
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“I met Obama twice,” Brown said. “He came to our campaign headquarters and visited my school... I still get Christmas cards from him!” A little ways out of Dayton, Yellow Springs is a small town with a younger population and great hiking. Famous Ohioans can often be seen hanging around this town littered with local coffee shops. Dave Chappelle is usually spotted skateboarding around town. “Dave came to my show in high school at Yellow Springs,” said Brown. Compared to the quiet city of Dayton, Boston has a lot more young adults, and a lot more action, which is an environment Brown has learned to love. “Ohio is laid-back, no one is in a rush,” Brown said. “Everyone in Boston is always doing something.”
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