People of the Streets by Marissa Pina

Copyright ÂŠ Photo Seminar 2015 All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form in any means--by electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise--without prior written permission. people of the streets

People of the Street

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is more important to click with people than to click the shutter.â&#x20AC;?

-Alfred Stieglitz 5

people of the streets

Streets and Intersections Introduction

pg 9

Giddy Up Gil

pg 71

A Fresh Start to the Day

pg 11

Original Kenzo

pg 81

Persistance and a Paper

pg 21

North of the Border, South of 10th Street

pg 93

Face-to-Face Food

pg 35

Pennies to Papers

pg 99

Midtown Messenger

pg 47

Juggler in the Park

pg 107

Escaping to the Streets

pg 53

Spinning Street Art

pg 117

Seeking Green in Philadelphia

pg 63

Ruthless on Ruth Street pg 129

people of the streets

raduate high school, go to college, get your diploma, work a 9-5 job, retire; This has been the formal structure of the American Dream. A conventional idea that has been instilled into our minds at a very young age. A dream that many deem as unachievable or undesireable. The beautiful thing about Philadelphia is that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a city of unconventionality. Philadelphia is a city built on grit, passion, and determination. A city of second chances, fresh starts and golden opportunities, and most importantly a city built on heart. The heart of Philadelphia can best be summed up by the individuals who grind their lives away traversing the concrete sidewalks from destination to destination. Individuals who very rarely don a suit and tie, instead opting for ripped jeans and a dirty t-shirt. Individuals who know theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not cut out for an air-condition cubicle and would rather prefer the weathered streets that exist beneath them. These are the people who work every day up and down this cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s streets, whether what they do is legal or illegal, all of them have one goal in mind: go home at the end of the day with a sense of accomplishment. Many of them were presented with no other option in life, some chose working on the streets purposefully. What they do affects the entire city and rarely are they recognized. Some of the people in this book, choose to spend the better hours of their day on the street just for their own enjoyment. Philadelphia is a city of hustle, and every individual you come across on the street is hustling to make it through their day. Whatever the weather may be, you can still find these individuals trudging their own paths across the city. Many individuals go alone throughout their day, often times bringing just the things they need to make it through the day. This book is an exploration of the people who chose the unconventional path, these are the people of the streets.

people of the streets

a fresh start to the day Words and photos by Matt McGraw

very morning at 4 a.m., Alex Faynberg is already awake and but Sunday. While he sometimes has another person to help him out the door to start his day. Why? To get the freshest and run the truck, he says that often times he supplies the truck, sells the produce and runs the business all by himself. best produce to fill his stalls at his produce truck located Prices at Faynberg’s produce truck are incredibly low. near 13th and Oxford Streets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Faynberg, age 50, has been working at the produce truck since he Because he can get his produce for next to nothing at the wholesaler, much of the fruits and vegetables that he sells are in was 27 years old—nearly 23 years total. After three years of working at the truck, he was promoted the quantity of an entire bag for $1 to $3 dollars. This is certainly better than the average prices at a grocery to secondary owner, and within the same year, was made the sole owner of the truck and has been running the business and selling store, for produce that is equally good, if not better. Because of his produce in Philadelphia ever since. “I’ve been running this truck fantastic prices and his convenient proximity to shoppers at the Fresh Grocer supermarket, Faynberg gets an impressive number as owner for 20 years,” says Faynberg with immense pride. Faynberg rises early to purchase the produce for his truck of customers. “I don’t really keep count, but it’s around a few hundred a from the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market (PWPM), day,” said Faynberg. located at 6200 Essington Avenue. At the immense wholesaler, Because he gets so much business, Faynberg is able to Faynberg can get the best produce at the best prices, which he can then sell to his customers for almost equally great prices. The afford to keep prices low and customers happy. He says that the best thing about his job is the regular customers. peak hours of business at the PWPM are from 4 to 10 a.m., so Faynberg gets there around 5 a.m. to make sure he gets some of “Some people have been coming to my truck for years the freshest product. He then brings the produce to his truck after now. I get to know people really well. It is great to see friendly he gets breakfast, sets up and sells from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day faces every day,” said Faynberg, with a small grin. people of the streets

people of the streets

Persistance and a Paper Words and photos by Maggie Andresen

own money...You can do it anytime you want to do it, that’s the best part. f you’re passing 10th and South Street at any hour of daylight, there’s a good chance that you’ll see Jerry Tucker in a neon vest, asking for a one- There’s no hours, you can wake up in the morning and say I ain’t got to go dollar donation if you can spare it. Tucker has been a licensed vendor for to work today but you still got your job. It’s all on me, nobody is on my back the newspaper for three years, and owes to it his financial freedom. whatsoever,” said Tucker. “I got involved with One Step Away when I was in the shelter... The day begins at Arch Street United Methodist Church, where every it didn’t seem like I was getting anywhere at first, but my mind came back Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning the papers are disbursed to the to me and said I have to hang in there with it. Before I knew it I was doing vendors. Tucker packs up his backpack and begins the walk from Broad good. I finally got a permanent spot on 10th and South now because I’m part Street and Arch Street to 10th and South Street. It seems as if every third of the 600 club. When you’re in the 600 club you get a permanent spot and person he passes knows him, they walk up and shake his hand seemingly out nobody can work there except you,” said Tucker. of the blue. Tucker takes pride in this, claiming that he probably knows half Tucker was born and raised in Philadelphia, working in and out of of the city. odd jobs after he was orphaned at the age of 16 years old. Now a father of “Being out here I meet more people. If I wasn’t out here on South seven adults himself, Tucker is glad to offer a role model to his children for Street I wouldn’t have know anything about this Rocky movie from this lady financial security, who did movies for thirty years. She pushed me to do it,” said Tucker. “What makes this [One Step Away] different is that you’re your own The film Tucker speaks of is the newest in the sequence of the Rocky boss. You can work when you want to work, the money you get is your franchise; he was chosen as an extra and paid one hundred dollars a day for 22 people of the streets

a week in return. But his small film debut is only one reason that Tucker is well known; he has been featured in the paper numerous times in interviews as well as behind the pen. When President Obama came to Philadelphia last year, Tucker was allowed a press pass and shook the President’s hand. He arrives at 10th and South and dons the unmistakable neon vest that makes his uniform. For the first hour or so only three people buy a paper, and while Tucker isn’t fazed, it is easy to see why the job can be discouraging when crowds of people pass by without so much as a look. “That part bothered me a whole lot when I first started. It seemed like I was just standing here and people were just walking by. Some people would yell things like You ain’t homeless, stuff like that. Get a job! All that kind of stuff. It used to mess with my mind, but as I got used to it, it doesn’t even bother me any more. I was getting ready to say I won’t deal with this, but I hung in there. I got used to it. They walk by now and ignore me, it don’t even bother me anymore,” said Tucker. The day is crisp but sunny, the first enjoyable day to spend outside

in a long while. People pass in swells, mothers carting baby carriages, shoppers at Whole Foods toting groceries, skateboarders and dog walkers and everyone in between. It becomes clear to me that there is a strong regular base that Tucker has built: good friends and readers of the paper. Tucker’s story is one of hard work and relentless hope, he did not have good times handed to him and has built everything that he has with that spirit. “I don’t know what I’d be doing right now if One Step Away didn’t exist, I would have a job doing something different but I don’t think it would be better than this, this is one of the best jobs I’ve had in my life,” said Tucker. “It helps me a whole lot. I say if I was a millionaire and had a whole lot of money id donate a whole lot of money to this organization because I know where I came from and what organization helped me to really get back on my feet.” “Keep doing what you’re doing. Find an opportunity – stick with it… When you give up you ain’t got a chance, when you stick with it you do,” said Tucker.

people of the streets

face-to-face food

Words and photos by Harrison Brink

ood trucks and food truck owners have an interesting place in today’s society. Unlike other eateries, food trucks require face-to-face interaction between a customer and the person making their food. Most people tend to frequent the trucks that take up residency near their homes and workplaces. They develop personal relationships with the owners of the establishments and a truck can become somewhat of a community meeting place. To work a food truck, you have to be personable and enjoy the work. A lot of characters come and go and you have to be able to talk to them and make them feel welcome in the short window you’ll be together. The owner of Temple’s Best Italian Sandwiches on the campus of Temple University, Flamur Kalemaj, is a man with these qualities. Kalemaj, better known to his customers as “Flamy,” came to the United States from Albania eight years ago. Upon coming overseas, he has worked in a number of eateries such as pizza shops and, more notably, Paesano’s Italian-style sandwiches based at Philly’s Italian Market. Flamy’s current menu draws a lot of influence from his experience at Peasano’s and he has adopted a similar passion to create great food. He moved his services to Temple’s Best after the truck was offered to him for cheap by a friend. “He almost just gave it to me, as a friend,” said Flamy, “he wanted it to succeed, so he gave me the opportunity to take it over.” If you are on Temple’s campus, it is more likely than not that you will find Flamy at his truck. He opens the truck for service at around 11 a.m. and stays until around 8 p.m. on most nights.

His day does not start upon opening his truck, however. No, Flamy is up at 8 a.m. many days to make it across the city and back in order to get his ingredients. The first stop is Jetro, a wholeseller where many food service workers go to get products. From there, he moves on to the Italian Market in order to make sure that he gets fresh broccoli rabe, tomatoes and other produce for use in his sandwiches. For Flamy, only the best ingredientes will do. He does not settle for mediocrity. His truck makes available to the students of Temple some of the freshest food around. He enjoys working on the school’s campus. “The kids are smart, very polite. I like it,” said Flamy, “I’m happy to make you guys satisfied.” When it comes to feeding himself on campus, he said his favorite truck is the Sexy Green Truck. “They have the best coffee on campus, I believe,” said Flamy, “and the best food, too.” Flamy is rounding out his first year serving up sandwiches at Temple. “It’s my first year. I hope every student can try my sandwiches but it’s hard getting customers the first year,” he said, “people gotta talk with each other.” But Flamy is finding solace in his food truck comrades. Most trucks seem to struggle the first year of service, just because a lot of students are unsure of the food and what exactly they are selling. “I have friends around, they say ‘for your first year, you’re doing OK,’ says Flamy about the business he gets, “I don’t know what’s going on in the future. “ Whatever the future brings to the plate, however, Flamy is prepared for the challenge and ready to step up with a smile on his face.

people of the streets

Midtown Messenger Words and Photos By Emily Ganser

never feel like I’m working. Ever!” Mike Eng said. He spends most of his time as a bike messenger in Philadelphia. Some people spend their entire lives searching for a job that they love enough it eventually doesn’t feel like work anymore, but unfortunately, bike messenger jobs are diminishing with advancements in technology. Eng works for a dispatcher called It’s DONE! Courier, located on South and 4th street. He delivers anything from court filings to interoffice mail, process servicing or subpoenas. These courier companies not only work with courts and lawyers, but hospitals, print shops, banks, food stores, and TV and Radio Stations. Customers usually prefer bike messengers instead of driving cars since bikes can avoid traffic and stopping in general. “I was sitting in Rittenhouse four years ago,” Eng said, “and some guy came up to me. He had a cast on his arm and he said ‘hey man do you need a job?’ I said ‘yeah, of course I need a job.’ And he gave me an address and a radio.” You can usually find Eng along with other messengers gathered around Rittenhouse Square, in between runs, waiting for a dispatcher to give them an address to pick up and deliver to within a certain time.

“There was close to 300 bike messengers in the city in the 90s and now there’s only about 30 of us” Eng said. Walking and driving in the city can be a stressful task; now imagine being on a metal frame carrying important documents and packages, taking the fastest route, and trying to stay out of everyone’s way. Eng couldn’t pick the most frustrating aspect of biking in the city. “The worst people are the ones just not paying attention at all.” Even though technological advancements provide efficient deliveries, most companies now use e-filing, which eliminates the need for a messenger. iPhones are used instead of radios and GPS is used to track deliveries and pick-ups immediately. Although this helps businesses gain validity, the business as a whole is becoming obsolete. “There’s something about being outside all day everyday. It’s cool at first but I think I’m ready to move my vocation inside.” Being in a few accidents and through multiple surgeries takes its toll on someone whose occupation requires you to be constantly on the move in any weather condition. “You can’t ride a bike forever.” said Eng.

people of the streets

Escaping to the streets Words and photos by Phylandra McFaddin

wiv wakes up in the morning whether it’s to cause chaos in the city or maybe just to buy Nutty Bars for breakfast, either way he is up running around the streets of Center City, Philadelphia. While looking for Nutty Bars to buy, he walks through the small alleyways in order to do a couple of tags. Tagging is the signature of the artist. It is the simplest form of graffiti and is usually done quickly and in one color. When the dark skies approach, Swiv, expands from tagging Center City to doing throw ups in other locations, such as South Philadelphia. A throw up is a more complex signature with multiple colors. After doing graffiti for a while, Swiv is able to execute a throw up quickly in order to not attract attention from passer byers. While walking down the narrow streets of Philadelphia, he also has a fascination of looking at bikes that are locked up. Swiv, 23, was actually released from prison about a year ago for stealing bikes that happened to be gifts for dead police officers’ families. Fortunately, now that Swiv is out, he finally believes in the Golden Rule, “I wouldn’t

want anyone stealing my bike,” he explained. Coming from a family of wealth, his mom allowed him to stay in her old row home, right off the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which happens to be over half a million dollars. Due to issues Swiv deals with mentally and emotionally, he uses graffiti as an escape. While going through constant family problems, he even managed to write all over the walls of his half a million home. Not only are the walls of his home covered with graffiti, the floors are covered with clothes, trash, and, of course, Nutty Bar boxes. “Yeah I sometimes get the urge to clean up,” he says while throwing his clothes everywhere in order to find money he misplaced. At the young age of 12, instead of writing school notes he would write out tags all over his notebooks. His older brother, who also was interested in graffiti, would help him out. Now that Swiv is grown he writes his name throughout the streets, whether he is accompanied with a friend or not.

people of the streets

Seeking Green in Philadelphia Words and Photos by MJ Moyer-Fittipaldi

hile many Philadelphians are used to the lack of green landscapes in the city, Emily Cournet, 22, grew up in Exton, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia that has more landscape than the city. Cournet says “I felt a lack in my life. Since I came to Philadelphia and I’ve been seeking green ever since and it’s definitely hard to find but, the moments you do find it are exceptional.” Luckily for her, at the corner of 15th and Diamond there is a garden owned by Philadelphia Urban Creators, which is a nonprofit program that is dedicated to empowering the community and building bonds through creating sustainability practices within the city. Cournet is one of the managers at the garden. Her tasks range from organizing clean up days, figuring out budgets, writing grants, planting, gardening and even composting. “I can’t get enough of it” she says “I just love being around the plants and life and things that are growing. It’s such an exciting and healing place to be so I’m here all the time.” Even though she is a sculpture major, she believes that she can still apply her education. “We build things conceptually and physically and I think building a garden is something that I’ve

been trained to do in sculpture” she says “Even just thinking abstractly and detailed. It can be the building blocks to anything.” There are even plans for constructing a green house in the near future. ‘Defend the Future’ is scribed on the wall that the garden flourishes in front of, and for Cournet it’s more than just graffiti. “It means a lot of things, we have Duckery Elementary school right next to us so educating the youth and building up the youth in a low income area where the school system is not in good shape, Defending the future is definitely a powerful statement that says a lot about where our heart is.” Do not be mistaken with the Temple Community garden located at the corner of Carlisle and Diamond. While, the gardens are similar Cournet says “they can’t have community members out side of Temple participate…this one is for the community so, some Temple students but, it’s a broader spectrum than that. She believes that establishing ties and creating relationships between Temple students and the local Philadelphians is “extremely important because Temple students aren’t the only ones who live here and we weren’t the first people to live here.”

people of the streets

Giddy up Gil

Words and photos by Eddie

or almost the past four years, Gil Williams has been driving horse-drawn wagons through Old City, Philadelphia. He works with the 76 Carriage Company, which runs tours of Philadelphia out of a stable at 2nd and Cecil B. Moore Streets every day of the week, weather permitting. “The horse is pretty much the best coworker you can have,” says Gil. Durkin “You really don’t have to argue with her too much, and she actually does like working.” All day long, Gil drives tour-goers around the oldest parts of the city and explains the history of each location. Due to the equine laws of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, Gil is really only allowed to operate within the confines of Old City. However, Old City’s rich history and archaic architecture make the area a perfect fit for horse-drawn tours. “I’m usually right by Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell,” Gil explains. “The biggest part of the job is talking to people and trying to get people of the streets

them interested in the history of Philadelphia.” The tours are designed to give a rider a sense of what it was like to travel through Philadelphia a hundred years ago. While one might find that a bit difficult when moving at about five miles an hour through a city bustling with the hectic maneuvering of motorists, pedestrians, and SEPTA drivers, Gil maintains that it’s a peaceful job. “You wind up telling [the horse] ‘you’re fine,’ a lot,” he laughs, “but it’s really nice.” Gil winds up spending the majority of his time working on the streets of Philadelphia. The job has made him very knowledgeable about the city and its history, not to mention the people he sees on the streets as his carriage lumbers by. For him, however, the biggest takeaway has little to do with Philadelphia. “I’ve actually learned a lot about myself through this job. It’s kind of unexpected but it’s really cool when you sit back and think about it.”

people of the streets

Original Kenzo

Words and photos by Joe Schaefer

his is my cousin, he’s doing a documentary on me.” A phrase that was commonly said about me as I followed Craig, a 42-year-old Kensington resident, up and down the streets of Kensington, Philadelphia. “I’m an original Kenzo. Very few people can say that. I take pride in that, and people respect me for that,” said Craig as we walked down Kensington Avenue on a humid Friday afternoon. Craig’s reputation held true to his words as everybody we walked past greeted him with a head nod. “I’ve been shooting up since the 90s, selling pills to make cash, making cash to buy dope,” said Craig. We talked as he prepped the needle and heroin, afterward he pierced the needle into one of the hundred protruding veins in his arm. Within the next 60 seconds he turned from a fluid speaking individual to one of the countless people seen on Kensington Avenue, leaning from left to right yet somehow maintaining his balance. I had to head back home for the night and left him on the corner of Kensington Avenue and Somerset Street. The next day I saw him on the corner of Kensington and Somerset and he greeted me with a hug. “Come on, lets go pick up some dope.” said Craig. We walked towards McPherson

Square, commonly known as “Needle Park”. I told him that because I was documenting him, it doesn’t mean he had to always shoot up in front of me, and he quickly responded by explaining, “…there isn’t shit else to do around here.” As we came closer to a trap house, a young boy, 12 years old or so, rode past us on a bike saying, “Samples, Samples, Samples. Indiana and C Street.” Before I could flick my shutter, I found myself running down Indiana Avenue with 3 other users including Craig. As we approached the corner a clear yet unmarked cop car sat across the street. They watched the junkies surround the young kids to pick up their samples. Craig picked up his share and we went to Needle Park so he could test the latest batch. Hours passed, and I had to leave for the night. Craig asked to borrow my phone to call his brother to ask if he would be able to visit him for Easter. The conversation elevated to an argument, which led to Craig hanging up on him. I asked him if his brother was going to come down to visit. “It’s Easter, of course he’s going to come.” Tears rolled down his cheeks and he slumped in the seat of my car as he leaned through my window. “Just do me a favor and text my brother, tell him that I hope I get to see him for Easter.”

people of the streets

North of the Border, South ofWords 10th Street and photos by Aaron Windhorst

ccupying ten city blocks on Ninth Street in South Philadelphia’s Bella Vista neighborhood, Philadelphia’s Italian Market has been a staple of the city’s community since the late 19th century. The curb market, which arose within the area between Christian Street and Washington Avenue now extends from Fitzwater to Wharton streets, and has been facilitated and necessitated by the influx of Italian immigrants in the 1880s. Many vendors, such as Esposito’s Meats, have held a steady place within the market since the turn of the century. However, as the population of South Philadelphia has expanded and diversified, the historical Italian Market has become a hub of multicultural cuisine – particularly Latin and Asian. This is where we meet Javier Ramirez, a popular vendor of fruits and vegetables on the corner of 9th and Carpenter. Ramirez, 49, immigrated to the United States from Mexico seven years ago, in 2008. Though quiet and reserved, Ramirez’s remarkable

politeness has no doubt engendered his local popularity. “I came here seven years ago, with no family. The people here – well, I don’t talk very much, but they are sometimes like my family,” said Ramirez. Ramirez has lived in Philadelphia since his immigration, and quickly found a home in South Philadelphia. He initially found work at a local restaurant, which led to his current position as a food vendor within the Italian Curb Market. Ramirez, who has now worked as a vendor for four of his seven years in Philadelphia, spends most of his time on the streets of Bella Vista. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Ramirez keeps watch over his extended rows of produce, occasionally helping local businesses when needed. “A lot of the people see me. Some times [they] come and go and I don’t see them for a long time, days, and they come back and they smile. I give food to families, big families, and they all come back here to see me.” people of the streets

people of the streets

Pennies to Papers

Words and photos by Kelsey Dubinsky

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or Terrance Jackson, 46 years old, “One Step Away” was more like a leap in the right direction. After being incarcerated, Jackson found new hope in the program that started as only an income. “One Step Away” is a street paper in Philadelphia that was made to bring awareness of homelessness, those living in shelters, or who are jobless. The papers are mostly created by those living in shelters, and are sold by people in similar conditions to Jackson. Jackson spends five hours a day, seven days a week on the corner of Chestnut and 16th Street selling papers. It has been his routine everyday for the past five years in the same spot. “It was about coming home and trying to find something different. I used to live on the other side of the law and I said, ‘If I sold drugs, why can’t I sell a newspaper?’ So I gave it a try and I fell in love with it,” said Jackson. Many people that pass Jackson walking to and from work

have begun to recognize him and make a donation even if they do not want a paper. He said that the people who ignore him, or act like he is hassling them, “…have to be more conscious and more aware and know what is really going on out there on the street.” If Jackson were offered an office job, he said he would take it in a heartbeat; however, he would absolutely not give up “One Step Away”. Working on the street for the program has not only helped him financially, but has also helped build his character. “I’m meeting new people day-by-day constantly by working on the street. You have to deal with all types of people and all types of attitudes. That builds you up,” said Jackson. Like Jackson, this program has helped many turn their lives around. “You are only one step away from falling into a similar situation. It only takes one mistake,” said Jackson. people of the streets

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Juggler in the Park

Words and photos by Holli Stephens

hope the adults get that I’m here for the kids first and the adults second.” Mike Leroy bends down over a sheet abundant in circus-like props to exchange the three tennis rackets he was juggling for some brightly colored bowling pins. It is the first warm day of the year, which translates to him as a perfect time to start up his juggling routines in the front of Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. He has been juggling since he was 11 and over the years has performed for companies and independently alike. His present goal however, is to catch the lunch crowd so he can tell jokes to the kids as he juggles different objects. “This has been my thing for quite a while. And oh look, here comes a cop now. I think they like me because I’m not soliciting or asking for money. I don’t want people to feel forced to give me any money.” A herniated disc, arthritis of various body parts, and several other injuries made Leroy quit for five years. At one point in his career, he had been juggling knives, chainsaws and balancing bicycles on his head, but that is

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all now a routine of the past. Now, the children are what keeps him going. “When I do street performing, I do it for the children. I juggle with them. I have a couple of kids and two or three families come more than to see my show and then I teach them stuff so it’s interactive. I think that’s why they let me stay there.” Leroy is also a founding member of the Philadelphia Jugglers Club, which came about in 1981. Sadly, he doesn’t affiliate with the organization anymore because of the businessman mentality that the group has gotten. “It used to be more for fun, now everyone is trying to get more into it as a business and it was created as a nonprofit to bring in people who weren’t professionals. But now it seems to be professional and I just don’t think its proper use as a medium.” Though juggling has been around for centuries, Leroy is astounded at how the younger generation responds to his tricks. “The old is the new. They’re digging my stuff and what I’m doing.” people of the streets

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Spinning street art

Words and photos by Brianna Spause

rt in itself is unconventional. The desire to utilize the creative functions of the mind without inhibition has a powerful draw. With blended motivations of expression, income and engagement, Miles Christenson (23) and Ryan Da Lion (25) take to the streets to sell their wares. Whether it be on Temple University’s Main Campus where Miles is a junior Marketing major, the thriving scene of Old City’s First Friday where artists conglomerate, or really anywhere with foot traffic and a friendly disposition, the two friends will set out their art for sale, sit back and wait. The process is simple. One: scout out the location – one where the artists can merely exist as a function of the street, hundreds of eyes will scan the merchandise and most importantly, the cops will just keep on walking. “I know the spot,” Ryan offered, tossing his head in both directions as the pair emerged from the Broad Street line in the middle of a Wednesday lunch rush. “I’ve never been kicked off Chestnut Street.” There was a slight breeze about the 1500 block, where welcome springtime sunshine bounced off high-rise buildings and illuminated

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the street in a soft, diffused glow. Nestled in the shade of a vacant storefront belonging to the Stouffer’s building, Miles and Ryan began to lie out their most recent project, recycled vinyl art. Two: engage – As the artists establish their presence on the street, they immediately begin to change the dynamic of the public space. As the hours winded on, and the falling sunlight was refracted about the sidewalk like a shattered sundial, Miles and Ryan remained a fixture on the sidewalk, and as Miles describes, “a chance for people to stop and exist for a moment.” “Even if someone just smiles, that makes me happy,” he said, describing the incentive to be out on display. It’s the physical interaction however, that makes the hours worthwhile. “I like to see people grab it, I like to see what people see in it because nobody ever sees what I see,” Miles said. “It helps me become a better artist because you actually know there is a third party person that loves what you do and gets a feeling from it. That feels really good. Most people spend their lives second guessing themselves and being selfconscious but when people come up to check out the art, it makes you feel good.”

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Ruthless on Ruth street

Words and photos by Marissa Nicole Pina

started doing it, and I fell in love with it. I mean I never really had a job, I always was in the streets, you know, hustlin’,” said Duss. Duss, 27 years old, has been working on the streets for the past five years as a drug dealer. Something about the streets keeps him coming back for more every single day. Kensington has a way of beckoning people, enrapturing them, and never letting them leave. For some, it’s street art. For others, it’s photos and interviews. Ultimately, most find themselves trudging up the Avenue looking for drugs. But the stories that don’t get told are those of the individuals supplying the drugs. Duss stands out from the rest. At a soaring 6 foot tall, he tends to appear menacing to anyone who would cross his path. Covered in tattoos from face to toe, his presence commands attention. It is this same person who can sit, laugh and sing songs from the 80s with his friends. For the past few years, these streets have been his school, his social hall, and office. The intersection of Kensington Avenue and Somerset Street was once home to the worst drug corner in Philadelphia, just a few years ago. Today, it is still alive with the calls of “subs, subs, subs,” “xanies, xanies, xanies,” and “pins, pins, pins.” Yet somehow amidst it all stands a group of vivacious late 20-somethings. Walking by this group with a camera is almost

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impossible without stopping for a picture to be taken. Duss says he’s dedicated to the streets and making money, he started to fall in love with dealing drugs when he saw other people making money and realized he could do the same. “I say, you know, everything is not for everybody. Don’t look a person, just because they out here, they selling drugs, because at the end of the day, that person gotta do whatever he’s gotta do…that may his only way of getting money, the only way he knows,” said Duss. When it comes to dealing drugs, a lot of people get caught up in the lifestyle. The ease of earning money becomes almost as addicting as the drug they are dealing themselves. It can be a seductive lifestyle. Duss said he starts his days around 11 a.m. or noon on Kensington Avenue. Depending on the day, he can end his day around 5 p.m. or even as late as 10 p.m. It all depends on business, weather, and how he’s feeling. Being your own boss can lure many to the streets to join the hustlers on the corner. The money and the lifestyle is what brought Duss and his friends to Kensington Avenue and Ruth Street. Walk up the Ave on any given day and you’ll see them hanging out besides a chineese restaurant under the El.

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retracing our Footsteps T

he famous saying of not knowing someone’s life until you have walked a day in their shoes was an undertaking explored through the different people’s lives we had the pleasure of observing. As a collective group, we embarked upon a journey of understanding into the lives of the people of the streets of Philadelphia. Philadelphia is not only an urban palace of artists, but artisans who have called the city of brotherly love’s streets their home for years. They struggle and thrive like any businessperson surrounded by four walls but choose to do their occupations in a more environmental setting. The tenacity that these individuals show each and every day as they rise, dress, and head out to their respective corners of the city, is unmatched by even the most astute business person. Deep connections were created through the production of this book and many “subjects” soon became acquaintances and even friends. We embraced the lifestyles and choices of our subjects and tried to grasp their lives, fully knowing our very own were so different from their’s. Don’t hesitate to smile at a stranger. Talk to the person standing alone on the corner. Strike up conversation with a person who looks like they just need someone to talk to. Keep alert and aware of the people around you because everyone has a story to tell, and a history to their name.

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Contributors M A H B K D E D E G

ndresen

arrison

elsey ubinksy

ddie urkin

mily anser

ina

hylandra

rink

M P J S

arissa Nicole

aggie

M M M M F

cFaddin

att

cGraw

.j.

ittipaldi

chaefer

rianna

pause

H S A W olli

tephens

aron indhorst 143

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