05 22 2013

Volume 10: Issue 14 May 22 - June 4, 2013

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How is sequestration influencing the homeless population?

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Poet Danny Lee Baldwin gives his work away! Hopes readers find insight.

Day: 14 Memorial Street Sense vendors remember those who have served.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Reginald Black - 5/23 COVER ART CEO shown compassion when he takes the Homeless Challenge.

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@streetsensedc /streetsensedc OUR STORY Street Sense began in August 2003 after Laura Thompson Osuri and Ted Henson approached the National Coalition for the Homeless on separate occasions with the idea to start a street paper in Washington, D.C. Through the work of dedicated volunteers, Street Sense published its first issue in November 2003. In 2005, Street Sense achieved 501 ( c ) 3 status as a nonprofit organization, formed a board of directors and hired a full-time executive director.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Yebegashet Alemayehu, Margaret Chapman, Kristal Dekleer, Robin Heller, Heidi Keller, Robyn Kerr, Sommer Mathis, Manas Mohapatra, Reed Sandridge, Brad Scriber, Allison Sherry, Michael Stoops EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Brian Carome EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mary Otto ART DIRECTOR Eric Falquero SALES MANAGER Brandon Caudill DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Rebecca Stewart INTERNS Zoe King, Molly Kraybill VOLUNTEERS Monica Anderson, Jane Cave, Margaret Chapman, Jeffrey Gray, Jane Goforth, Roxanne Goldberg, Roberta Haber, Thomas Hedges, Jesse Helfrich, Maurice King, Sean Lishansky, Victoria Hatterman O’Banion, Jenny Hopkinson, Ashley Perks, David Piper, Michael Quizon, Kristin Roach, Mark Rose, Willie Schatz, David Sellers, David Serota, Kate Sheppard, Ernie Smith, Lydia Stepanek, Charlotte Tucker, Bryan Watkins, Marian Wiseman, Eugene Versluysen VENDORS Clinton Allen, Gerald Anderson, Glenn Artis, Aida Basnight, Kenneth Belkosky, Phillip Black, Reginald Black, Viktor Blokhine, John Branges, André Brinson, Sarah Colin, Seneca Cooper, Anthony Crawford, Kwayera Dakari, James Davis, Clifton Davis, Chino Dean, David Denny, Alvin Dixon El, Pieus Ennels, Linda Euell, Samuel Fullwood, Shakaye Henry, Ibn Hipps, Phillip Howard, James Huges, Leonard Hyater, Donald Johnson, Morgan Jones, Allen Jones, Mark Jones, John Littlejohn, Authertimer Matthews, John Matthews, Kina Matthis, Jeffery McNeil, Juanita Mendez, Cynthia Mewborn, Kenneth Middleton, Gary Minter, L. Morrow, Ash-shaheed Rabbil, Chris Shaw, Veda Simpson, Gwynette Smith, Terron Solomon, Warren Stevens Jr, Tony Sutton, Sybil Taylor, O. Shernell Thomas, Eric Thompson-Bey, Jacqueline Turner, Martin Walker, Michael Warner, Wendell Williams, Charles Woods, Ronald Yerquer

STREET SENSE May 22 - June 4, 2013

Changes to Homeless Law are Subject of Hearing Three proposed changes to the law that governs the District’s homeless services system will be the subject of a June 3 public hearing.

Under the amendments, clients in some city shelters and transitional housing programs would be required to place a portion of their incomes into savings or escrow accounts; Families refusing to accept two offers of rapid-rehousing assistance could be terminated from shelter or supportive housing programs; and Shelter placements for families would be offered on a “provisional” basis only to those with no other options, such as staying with relatives or friends. Parents would work with city human services staff to find alternatives to a long-term stay in a hotel or in the city’s overwhelmed family shelter at the former D.C. General Hospital.

The amendments were originally proposed

by Mayor Vincent Gray and placed in the city’s Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Support Act. City human services officials say the measures would help ease crowding at shelters, move homeless people toward independence and save the city $5.3 million that could be spent on other homeless programs. But advocates for the homeless, concerned about their potential impact upon vulnerable people, asked for more time for discussion of the changes.

Members of the city council’s human services committee agreed and voted 5-0 to pull the amendments from the Budget Support Act and consider them as separate legislation.

The hearing on the amendments is scheduled for 11 am in Room 500 of the District’s John A. Wilson Building at 1350

YES!

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NEWS IN BRIEF Pennsylvania Ave NW. Those who wish to testify should contact Malcolm Cameron of the council’s Committee on Human Services by email at mcameron@dccouncil.us or by telephone at 202-724-8191.

-Mary Otto

Councilmembers Propose Fighting Homelessness with Sales Tax Two members of D.C. council are teaming up with a strategy to harness the power of an Internet sale tax to end homelessness.

The plan comes from councilmembers Jim Graham (Ward 1) and Mary Cheh (Ward 3). They cite a survey done by University of Tennessee that concludes the District lost about $35.5 million last year in uncollected Internet sales tax. According to the city’s Interagency Council on Homelessness, D.C. needs an estimated $53 million per year to provide permanent housing to all homeless residents.

Graham and Cheh say they would like to use funds collected by the sales tax to help bolster homeless and housing efforts. Their plan depends upon three objectives— the dedication of substantial funding, the establishment of a concrete strategy with a definite time-frame for success, and the creation of a directorship focused specifically on the issue. They also favor establishing a cabinet-level position for an official charged with working solely on homelessness issues.

“We are deeply concerned about homelessness in the District,” said Councilmembers Graham and Cheh. “In a growing, thriving city like ours, there is no excuse for allowing individuals, families, and children to live on the street, in a car, or without a home. This is the right thing to do.”

But before the strategy gets put into action Congress must first pass the Marketplace Fairness Act, which would require out of state retailers to pay tax on online purchases. There is expected resistance once it reaches the House.

“Right now we have a unique opportunity to fund a transformative investment like this one,” said Cheh.

-Molly Kraybill

Homeless Camp Removed in Arlington A homeless man spent nine years building himself a large encampment in an Arlington park. This past month, after receiving complaints from passersby, his makeshift home was torn down by city officials.

Francisco Fernandez Diaz, a man from El Salvador, built himself an intricate shelter that measured 150 by 150 feet, almost the size of half of a football field.

According to Virginia transportation officials, Diaz spent a year making a fence, a year collecting items, and a third year building his house

structure. His building materials were tree limbs, ropes, and pieces of clothing.

Bernard Roulston of the Virginia Department of Transportation told WJLA-TV that removing the structure required 10 trucks.

But not everyone in Arlington thought the encampment needed to be torn down. In fact, Diaz was more to be admired than feared, according to one local woman.

“I figured if someone’s going to put in that much work building something so intricate, they’re not going to bother me,” said Elizabeth Lee. “They’re not predatory, really.”

According to county officials, Diaz prefers to stay on the streets instead of being in a homeless shelter.

-Molly Kraybill

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2013 Homeless Count: Sequester Threatens Fragile Gains

By Mary Otto Editor-in-Chief

campsites, alleys and parks than in 2012.

But the 13th annual survey, produced by the Metropolitan Washington Council of With help from housing and assistance Governments, warned that many families programs, homelessness has decreased and individuals remain at risk of becoming slightly in the Washington region in the homeless due to the continuing regional past year. scarcity of affordable housing.

Still, a total of 11,547 people in the reIn addition, this year, across-the-board gion have no place to call home, accordfederal spending cuts due to sequestration ing to the newly-released results of an add another element of uncertainty to the annual count of the homeless in the Dislives of the very poor. trict and its suburbs. The total includes The supply of subsidized rental assis3,246 children. tance vouchers used by jurisdictions to The report found fewer homeless famifight and prevent homelessness is dwindling lies and fewer people living outdoors in because of automatic cuts that went into place March 1. Across the country, an estimated 125,000 individuals and families are expected to lose assistance provided through the federallyfunded, locally-administered Housing Choice Voucher program, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“We have already seen the effects of sequestration in the lack of housing choice vouchers,” said DC Coalition for the Homeless executive Secretary of Housing and Urban Development director Mike Ferrell, who presented Shaun Donovan takes part in the annual Point- the results of the annual homeless In-Time homeless count. survey at the May meeting of the PHOTO COURTESY OF HUD Metropolitan Washington Council of

Governments board of directors. Ferrell attributed much of the region’s progress in addressing homelessness to the use of permanent supportive housing and rental assistance programs.

The freeze could impact those efforts, he said.

COG board member Penelope Gross said the loss of rental assistance vouchers has already taken a toll in Fairfax County Virginia, where she serves as a supervisor .

“We had 50 families that were about to receive vouchers. We said ‘Oops. The funding has dried up from the federal government. You can’t have them.’ “ The decision was devastating for the county – and for the families, Gross said.

“They were getting ready to be successful and suddenly they got the legs cut out from under them.”

The county dipped into its own housing funds to avoid having to cut off subsidies to an additional 150 families. But that means less money for future assistance, Gross said. “What do we do next year? We are eating our seed corn now.”

The sequester is also having an effect on District residents seeking housing assistance. With the exception of special housing vouchers for homeless veterans, the District of Columbia Housing Authority stopped issuing vouchers on March 1.

“We usually get 140 to 200 vouchers turned back in each year and we issue them back out,” explained housing authority spokeswoman Dena Michaelson. “We are concentrating our efforts on keeping current clients housed so we are not using the vouchers to get new clients.”

At COG, housing program manager Hilary Chapman said she is working to assess the wider effects of the sequester.

“We think there is pretty devastating potential if it’s not rolled back,” said Chapman, who helped author the annual homeless report , which provides a one-day “snapshot” of the homeless population within nine jurisdictions in the

Washington region.

This year’s data were collected on Jan. 30 and 31 by volunteers and outreach workers who visited meal centers, shelters, parks and wooded encampments to interview homeless people about their lives and needs.

The annual count collects ground-level data on the numbers and makeup of the region’s homeless men, women and children, providing vital information to service providers and federal agencies that fund and oversee homeless and housing programs in jurisdictions nationwide.

This year’s total of 11,547 homeless individuals reflected a 2.4 percent decrease from 2012, when 11,830 people were counted as homeless.

Two Virginia jurisdictions, the City of Alexandria and Fairfax County, reported the largest decreases in their homeless populations since last year. The District of Columbia, Frederick County, MD and Prince William County, VA experienced slight reductions in their homeless populations. Among counties that experienced increases, Prince Georges County, MD and Arlington County, VA reported the largest.

This year’s count identified 1,697 families among the homeless in the region, a four percent reduction from last year’s total of 1,765 families. Children and youth homelessness accounted for 28 percent of the region’s homeless population, also a four percent reduction from last year.

Overall, 36 percent of adults in homeless families reported they were working but percentages varied widely across the jurisdictions. In Arlington County, VA, for example, 73 percent of homeless adults in families said they had jobs, compared to 24 percent in the District.

The survey also included 1,347 people living unsheltered in places such as parks, campsites and under bridges, an 11 percent decrease from 2012. The report suggested that increased utilization of emergency beds and housing options may help explain the reduction.

The count identified a total of 9,517 formerly homeless people now residing in permanent supportive housing programs, thanks to local and regional efforts to move chronically homeless people off the streets, out of shelters and into safe and stable settings. The total reflects a 10 percent increase over last year.

COG board member David Gray said that participating in the count in Frederick County where he serves as a commissioner was an eye opener.

“I recommend every public official do this,” he said. Beyond the bucolic trees and fields in his rural county, he found the shanties and tents of the desperately poor.

“We look out the window of our car and we have an unreal feeling for the world outside,” said Gray.

STREET SENSE May 22 - June 4, 2013

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NEWS

A CEO’s Journey Into Homelessness A CEO’s journey into homelessness offers a fascinating insight into a different world.

By Kate Glantz Volunteer This is a story of compassion in unlikely places. Of men with very little and men with a lot, doing right by each other because it was the right thing to do. This story begins with Eric Weires, a soft-spoken man from the Midwest with kind eyes and an easy way.

On May 4, Weires left his family and comfortable life in Chicago for a weekend of sightseeing in Washington, D.C. Although he intended to visit many of the nation’s most famous museums and monuments, Weires was not your average tourist. His to-do list also included sleeping on cardboard, sampling the cuisine at local soup kitchens and panhandling.

As CEO of Fine Line Services, a Chicagobased maintenance company, Weires was in town to take the Homeless Challenge, a project designed to let Americans experience the realities of homelessness.

The National Coalition for Homelessness has led Homeless Challenge Projects in Washington for more than three decades, and for 48 hours, Weires — the first CEO in Challenge history — would live on the streets penniless and with no guarantee of shelter.

Although the Challenge itself was a new experience, Weires was no stranger to hard times. As a child he thought of homelessness as more than a remote possibility.

“It was always stressful and humiliating and something that always was around the corner. Thankfully, it never happened to me as a kid. But it was rough growing up, real rough.”

Weires viewed the Homeless Challenge as an opportunity to raise the profile of an issue close to his heart and renew a greater sense of appreciation for his own life and how far he has come.

Besides photo identification for security measures and his cellphone to update a video blog, he carried only a map of the city, a checklist of activities representative of homeless life, and a shiny, black industrial-sized trash bag.

Day One began with a walk down Embassy Row. After a brief detour getting lost in Rock Creek Park, Weires located the Capitol and headed downtown. Making progress on his checklist, he stopped at an upscale hotel to request scissors and cardboard to make a sign. He was relieved

CEO Eric Weires sits on a bench and displays his sign asking for help while participating in the National Coalition for the Homelessness’ Homeless Challenge project. Sign reads: “3 Kids. Just wana get home. I’d Appreciate the help!”

PHOTO BY KATE GLANTZ

when the concierge obliged.

After a brief internal debate about how best to frame his appeal, Weires scribbled in blue Sharpie marker: “3 Kids. Just wana get home. I’d appreciate the help!”

He camped out on a corner near the White House and collected $20 within an hour. Taking a passive approach to panhandling, Weires did not exchange a single word with anyone walking by. He was invisible, but he would not go hungry.

Making concessions for others and his own past behavior, he mused, “Who has time to start a conversation with friends [on the street], much less a homeless stranger? There are too many. You would have to stop on every corner.”

Weires tucked his sign into his pocket and headed to Subway for an early dinner.

As night fell, he met up with his homeless guide, Andre, at Franklin Square Park on 14th and I streets NW.

While Andre is a full-time student on scholarship at a local university, he has no source of income beyond what he earns guiding Homeless Challenge participants so he cannot afford to move off the streets.

The night was cold and the bench was hard. This was expected. What Weires did not anticipate were the enormous rats skittering below his feet. For the first time that day, Weires was ready to pull the plug.

Fortunately, Andre knew of a “nice alley” behind a nearby hotel, which was well kept as alleys go. The men pulled cardboard from a dumpster for makeshift mattresses and settled in for the night.

After a few fitful hours of sleep, the two parted ways as the sun rose. Weires was suddenly faced with the gravity of what he described as “the endless day.”

“There’s tons of time. It’s a little daunting, man. This just goes on forever.

If I had to do this for a week, month, year or multiple years … I can see where others lose it.”

Weires also reflected on the chore it had been to locate public restrooms throughout the city. An obstacle, he noted, that could be even more stressful for women. “Even McDonald’s locks their [bathroom] door,” he said.

But compassion was also found in unlikely places. “[That morning] I went into a Starbucks and they were really nice. So nice that I asked them if they wouldn’t mind giving me a cup of their joe. So I got a free Starbucks,” he said.

Feeling positive despite his aching feet, Weires trekked across the city, with $12 remaining and his trash bag in hand. He spent much of the day alone and in silence. Glancing at the bag, he said, “At first it was a little embarrassing, but 99 percent of people didn’t notice me.”

Around 9 p.m., Weires met his second homeless guide, Steve, a self-professed “mother hen” of Homeless Challenge participants who classifies himself in the upper echelon of homelessness. In exchange for housing, he lives with and cares for an ailing senior citizen.

Weires and Steve made camp in an apparently rat-free park on Pennsylvania Avenue. The park bustled with other homeless men and women who for myriad reasons were not sleeping in one of the District’s shelters.

It was another cold and windy night.

With his shoe as a pillow, Weires was comfortable enough but could not stay warm.

No stranger to cruel elements in the middle of night, Steve had an extra blanket, which he tucked around Weires as he slept. The night passed without incident.

Eager to escape the morning chill, the men made their way to the Church of the Epiphany on 13th and G streets, a place of worship and refuge for anyone in need.

Sensitive to extremes of both of weather and circumstance, the church opens its doors at 7 a.m. every Sunday with offerings of Bible study, support groups and a warm meal.

In his final act as a Homeless Challenge participant, Weires used what cash remained from panhandling to buy a gift card from McDonald’s. In less than a minute, the card was handed off to a man in need.

As his weekend peers ambled along another eternal day, Weires slipped off the street as quietly as he had come.

Weires entered the challenge to help shine a light on the untold burdens faced by homeless people in America. For two days, he was largely invisible and powerless, his thoughts and talents masked by rumpled clothes and empty pockets.

But as a corporate executive, Weires’ recognized he has the platform to be a catalyst for change.

Sage or Shaman?

By Bryn Wallace Volunteer The din of whining toddlers and ringing phones make the prospect of actually accomplishing my errand feel more remote than finding a spare buck in my pocket. At the sight of the the eight peeved customers waiting ahead of me I contemplate leaving altogether. Then I survey my seating options and I am struck by the presence of a man sitting patiently on a bench off to the side of the store. His entire demeanor is peaceful and somehow inviting, in blunt contrast to the rest of the scene. He appears completely at ease, with not a care in the world. I catch a sparkle in his clear green eye and feel a smile growing at his quiet amusement. I notice his craggy, weathered hands cupped over a painted wooden cane. I tilt my head, deciding whether he is a sage or a shaman.

I sit down next to him, pull out my laptop and start working. After exchanging a few pleasantries, I learn he is a poet. He tells me he is waiting for copies of his book to finish printing. He begins to rock back and forth keeping time with an unfamiliar tune. Then I hear low, measured words… "America, America the land of promise to thee we came the good and honest we built our foundations and planted our seeds…" The rocking and whispered singing continue. I have so many questions I want to ask him but don't get the chance. His books are

Our True Patriots

By Dannie L Baldwin, Jr.

Boom

Colors of Thought

By Dannie Lee Baldwin, Jr.

By Dannie Lee Baldwin, Jr.

Boom - I heard A gun shot While I was In my room I turned on the TV To see the doom Thinking whether or not Someone’s baby has died Another child of God Has fallen by the side I peeped out of my window Someone is there selling drugs I am seeking an answer From God above As I look all around me Trying to find the love That was once in the hearts Of all above Tears rolling down The face of a mother Who has lost her child Praying to stop The madness To the innocent By the wild

Green is for the land Red is for the blood Black is the heaven That is always above Blue is before the darkness Clear is the light Orange is for the sunset In the mist of twilight Yellow is for the sweat Brown is the brow Silver is for the man That learns how to bow Gold is for the heart Gray is the tears White is for the prayers That God holds so near Pure are his teachings That are taught Throughout the years For every man Woman and child To cast away their fears

To all our true patriots Whose names are carved On the Vietnam Memorial wall And to all of those of whom were called With justification and gratitude I dedicate this poem to you Yes you our true patriots On land sea and air Yes you our soldiers in arms To you we declare Our lives and our country In which we all do share The freedom of choice That of which was made to care For the equal rights on liberty That rings well in our ears For the colors of Old Glory That has unfurled throughout the years Even in a heavenly place The stars and stripes to shine For the choice of freedom and Wellbeing of all mankind Yes you our true patriots God has you in mind so there is no reason to bow down In shame for you Are an American soldier And to you we do proclaim

ready and his ride has arrived. He gives me a signed copy of his new self-published book, "The Good I Learned in the Ghetto,” by Dannie Lee Baldwin, Jr. and we part ways. The poet leaves as peacefully as he sings. As the door swings behind him, I know I will see him again.

Born on December 09, 1953, Baldwin would be the oldest of four. He would never know a life outside of poverty. Through bouts of homelessness, he would remain gentle, humble and unassuming. He now lives in a retirement community outside Woodbridge, subsisting on $1200 a month, completely content with his simple life. His contentment springs from the fact that he is doing what he loves to do: sharing his poetry and as he puts it “caring about people".

While many were fighting the war in Vietnam, Baldwin, a Marine, served stateside at a civilian warehouse located in Crystal City.

At first, I wondered if he thought himself lucky not to have personally tasted of the horrors of Vietnam. But after reading his book, I understood that Baldwin, too, had experienced horrors, and had survived with as much honor as any other war veteran.

Much of Baldwin's writing explores the violence he witnessed growing up in the ghetto in the 1960s. His poem Homie Homie, for instance, offers a reflection on the shooting of his nephew Kenneth Brooks. The gunman served only three years in prison before returning to the streets.

Kenneth Brooks was only 23 when he died.

Tragic stories like that are all too common in this world. But what sets Baldwin apart is that he does not merely chronicle life’s dark side, but clearly demonstrates his belief in the power of human kindness. He firmly believes that he can make a difference in his small corner of the world if he can just help people feel noticed and cared about. He has seen the shadow of death and still pleads for people to love one another, "for having love,” he says “there is no resentment.”

Whether a sage or a shaman, Dannie Lee Baldwin, Jr. communicates wisdom and humanity through the powerful imagery of his poetry.

STREET SENSE May 22 - June 4, 2013

77

FEATURE

Budget Season has Advocates in Enjoying the Drama of Life High Gear

By Zoe King Editorial intern

By Reginald Black Vendor, Da Street Reportin’ Artist There is an old saying that a woman’s work is never done.

The same can be said for local advocates for the poor and homeless, particularly at the height of the District’s budget season.

Monday, May 13 marked a marathon push, starting with the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development (CNHED) advocacy day. The CNHED advocates mustered in the District’s Wilson building before breaking up into smaller groups and visiting the offices of all the members of the city council to lobby for spending on programs such as the Housing Production Trust Fund, local rent supplements and permanent supportive housing.

Advocates who visited the offices of Councilmembers Jack Evans and Muriel Bowser had brief conversations with the council members themselves. City Council Chair Phil Mendelson was in a meeting but the group who visited his office got to meet with Joe Wolf, who works for the office of the city budget director.

The advocates used their time with the officials to stress the urgency of getting chronically homeless people housed. Parliamentarian for the People for Fairness Coalition, Richard Embden spoke about his own experience as a person who is chronically homeless. He talked about how hard it is for homeless people to structure their days around a normal routine.

“Your whole day is oriented by getting a meal and a bed,” Embden said.

Drawing upon her own experiences with homelessness, Jennifer Mclaughlin said if it weren’t for a rapid-rehousing effort by the city “I would have been back on the streets.”

And that was just Monday. Clearly this was going to be a tiring week for city officials.

On Tuesday, the Washington Interfaith Network, along with groups like Miriam’s Kitchen, called and sent emails to the city council. On Wednesday, the Fair Budget Coalition rallied for issues that affect lowincome and homeless individuals. They brought a homemade house created by children living at the city’s family shelter at DC General Hospital, as well as apples and bananas to deliver to the city council.

Councilmember Jim Graham and the chair, Phil Mendelson came out to address members of the coalition, buoying their spirits with the feeling they were being heard.

A group also met with Mendelson’s staff to discuss the importance of spending on housing programs.

“I would like to see you all dedicate money to programs for seniors,” advocate Roosevelt George said. “The shelter is really hard on us.”

Then advocate Eric Sheptock launched into his pitch for younger homeless people.

“We need to get the working-aged into housing.”

A woman named Twildate added: “We’re asking for you to be fair.”

As the week neared its end, on Thursday May 16, the grassroots group SHARC (Shelter Housing and Respectful Change) held a rally in support of the many efforts to help those who are homeless, stressing again the importance of investing in housing programs that help both single people and families leave homelessness behind.

Then SHARC members visited each city council member’s office as well as the office of city Mayor Vincent Gray to drop off lists of the demands the advocates had been pushing since Monday.

For the most part, those who are in poverty seem to have had a voice all this week, but the fight continues. Although the amendments to the Homeless Services Reform Act were pulled from the budget, the council still plans to discuss them at a hearing on June 3.

The advocates ended the week hopeful that their work might have Top: Advocay training Fair Budget. Bottom: SHARC had a substantial impact in the Member rally outside of Wilson Building city’s policy in the coming weeks.

PHTOS BY REGINALD BLACK

It’s a Friday afternoon and a small group gathers on the steps of the DC Jewish Community Center’s Theater J. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are passed around as theater goers discuss their favorite plays in preparation for the matinee show they are about to attend.

Theater J’s Director of Marketing Communications, Grace Overbeke, hands out programs as she gives a brief plot overview of the day’s show, “Andy and the Shadows.” “I think theater is a hugely Guests from Miriam’s Kitchen enjoy lunch while Grace important force in bring- Overbeake of Theater J give a brief plot overview. ing people together,” she PHOTO BY ZOE KING said. “It’s a really important part of community building.” room on Monday. Veronica del-Cerro, one This is the idea between the partnerof the play’s actresses, attended as well. ship between Theater J and Miriam’s “We had so many questions for them, Kitchen, which offers guests of Miriam’s and they were eager to hear our reactions Kitchen the opportunity to engage in DC’s to the play as well,” said Crum. local theater scene free of charge. The This represents another aspect of the collaboration began in August 2011 when Theater J and Miriam’s Kitchen partnerOverbeke began working as a breakfast ship in which Overbeke brings in differvolunteer at Miriam’s Kitchen. Overbeke ent actors, playwrights and directors from spoke with Deputy Director Catherine Theater J to lead a discussion. “That’s one Crum about incorporating another asof the many great things about our partpect into Miriam’s art programming. nership - there’s a lot of give and take,” “Miriam’s Kitchen already has a program Crum said. “Our guests are definitely called the studio series, but there wasn’t part of the dialogue on theater in DC.” a theater division so Catherine and I were Guests were able to sit down with Roth talking about how Miriam’s Kitchen guests and discuss the play, asking questions and could come to Theater J,” she said. Thelearning about his writing process.“It’s ater J began supplying 20 tickets to Friday most valuable to me when it’s not just matinee shows, which were available to presenting a play to them; then there is any guest of Miriam’s Kitchen. Typically, no process,” said Roth. “When you get a two caseworkers attend the production chance to debrief and talk about it, peoin addition to the Miriam’s Kitchen guests ple will reflect on the play.” and the group gathers before the show for Roth also discussed his experience sharlunch and discussion. According to Crum, ing such personal details of his own life Miriam’s Kitchen has attended every feathrough the character of Andy, which is tured performance at Theater J for two roughly based on a younger version of season in a row. “We go to a lot of perforhimself.Some of the Miriam’s Kitchen mances,” said theater goer and Miriam’s guests were able to relate; Overbeke has Kitchen guest Azar Jackson. “It’s just a held a writing program in which particiway for the homeless to be able to expepants wrote their life stories which were rience something within the community.” later adapted for the stage and performed On Friday May 3 guests attended a showby actors at Theater J.“Grace asked us ing of “Andy and the Shadows,” a comedy if we would mind having our life stories being featured through Theater J’s Locally performed at a theater,” said El. “Writing Grown festival which features work from helps me to open up and express myself.” local DC playwrights. “This is my first time Perhaps the most important aspect of seeing a play in a long time,” said Tariq the partnership is the ability to provide Zayid El, who attended the show. “It was all people with access to the theater, aca very energizing and good experience; I cording to Roth.“It gives meaning to our got more out of it than I expected.”Guests production to know that we’re playing to of Miriam’s Kitchen were also able to atall sectors of humanity,” he said. “Everytend a discussion with Theater J Artistic one is equal when they sit in that theater Director and playwright of the show, Ari seat and they are just another member of Roth, when he visited the facility’s dining the audience.”

The Fight Goes On

By Reginald Black, Vendor The decision to close a school can stir deep emotions in a neighborhood. A plan

by DC Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson to close 15 schools has drawn a passionate response from parents and advocates in neighborhoods across northeast and southeast Washington.

United by the grassroots group Empower DC, they sought an injunction to block the closures, slated to start in June.

The advocates insist that the planned closings are discriminatory, pointing out that among the 3,000-odd students to be impacted, only two are white.

Some who turned out for a May 10 rally also spoke about the personal heartbreak of seeing a neighborhood school shuttered. One of them was Marlese Turner, the mother of a son who attends one of the schools slated to close. “I am overwhelmed,” she said.

As the Ferebee-Hope Elementary School cheerleaders chanted “we don’t want our school to close” she began to cry.

The proposed closings will not hit every ward of the city equally. Ward 1would lose only Shaw Middle School at GarnetPatterson. Ward 2 has no schools slated for closing, though some families will be affected anyway. Ward 3 will not lose a school and is not expected to feel any effects as a result of the closures. Ward 4 will lose two schools. Ward 5 will lose four TOP: Cheerleaders from Ferebee-Hope Elementary School, one of the schools set to close, came to perform at the rally on May 10. schools, including an alternative school, BOTTOM: Demonstrators express their demands with signs.

C.H.O.I.C.E. Academy at Hamilton, two PHOTOS BY ZOE KING & REGINALD BLACK elementary schools, and Spingarn High School which also houses the STAY program. which allows adults who have aged out of the public school system to earn

By Zoe King Henderson proposed closing 15 public “The whole purpose of going to school, high school credits. Under the closing Editorial Intern schools, most of which were located in for these kids, is to receive a good educaplan, those students would now attend the district’s lower income wards. The tion, correct?” Boasberg said. “It seems to Ballou STAY or Roosevelt STAY. Ward 6, A District of Columbia judge ruled group pleaded for a preliminary injuncme that the schools they’re transferring represented by Councilmember Tommy against halting the closings of 15 D.C. tion, claiming that closures violated the into are a whole lot better.”

Wells, will lose only one school. Prospect public schools after hearing the case in US Constitution and city and Federal laws.

Director of Empower DC Parisa Norouzi Learning Center. Ward 7, represented by the U.S. District Court on May 10. While Attorney and Maryland state senator stated in a press conference held before Councilmember Yvette Alexander, will opponents argued that the closings will Jamie Raskin argued the importance of the hearing that the school closures conlose four schools, including two elemendisproportionately affect low-income children having equal access to a neightribute to the process of “destabilizing and tary schools and a middle school. Ward and minority students, the judge ruled borhood school. displacing African-American communities.”

8 Councilmember Marion Barry will lose that there was no evidence of intention“The point is that having a neighbor“This is part of gentrification,” she an elementary school serving grades preal discrimination. hood school is a precious public resource said. “This is part of the decades-long kindergarten through the sixth grade.

“The public-education landscape in and a precious public benefit that we process that begins with divesting from In asking for an injunction that would the District of Columbia has changed,” think should not be distributed along the our neighborhoods.” stop the closures, attorneys for the parsaid Judge James E. Boasberg. “The adlines of race and class,” he said.

Empower DC will continue its legal fight ents argued that the children would suffer vent of public charter schools, coupled District attorneys argued against these in hopes of keeping schools open, accord“irreparable harm.” with demographic shifts, has resulted in claims, stating that there is no constiing to a press release issued on May 15.

But in a May 12 decision, U.S. District substantially decreased enrollment in tutional right to having a neighborhood “This fight is not just about schools, but Judge James E. Boasberg refused to grant certain neighborhoods over the last fifschool. City Attorney Douglas Rosenbloom about who benefits from development and the injunction the families were seeking. teen years.” stated the process has been “transparent who will live in this city ten years from In his decision, he noted that while the Opponents of the closings packed the and open” and that the closures are due now,” said Norouzi. “School closures are closures will affect far more minority chilcourtroom as a legal team of 12 argued to under enrollment, and will help conbeing used by the city to promote gentridren he saw no evidence that city officials that if the city goes forth with its plan, solidate resources. fication and displacement.” have acted in a discriminatory way. it will cause “irreparable harm” to the Judge Boasburg seemed skeptical of the The case will still be live in Federal The District is now joining other states children affected, most of which live in opponents’ claims, citing data indicating Court, and Empower DC will decide its next that have school closings in their most minority and low-income communities. that the schools that the children will be steps in the case within the next few days. underserved areas. The families have Community organizing group, Empower moved to have test scores that were in “The lawsuit is not over,” said Lead said they will fight on and only the future DC, filed the lawsuit in March against the some cases two times higher than those Attorney Johnny Barnes. “Our fight has will tell if they will manage to keep their city after Chancellor of Education Kaya of the schools slated to close. just begun.” schools open.

Judge: School Closings Should Move Forward

STREET SENSE May 22 - June 4, 2013

99

FEATURE

Extra, Extra, Read All About It! “I loved meeting Scott! He’s a man who loves the Lord and knows just how blessed he is.

I’m inspired by his story.”

Street Sense Hits McLean, Virginia

By Scott Lovell Vendor I am Scott Lovell, a former homeless Street Sense Vendor. On October 25 1982 I was hit by two cars in one day causing me to be an amputee right leg below the knee. I was twisted pretty severe causing back damage. I now use a mobile wheel chair to help me get around.

I became homeless in 2004 after a long incarceration in VA selling crack. I first stayed off the streets of Alexandria before moving across the Potomac river to Washington DC. In 2008 I started sleeping across the Verizon Center. And I became big Capitals fan watching them in the big screen outside the Center. Where I met a McClean resident and Mary Fancyhill.

One night she and her family stopped to talk to me as I was rooting for the Caps (let’s go Caps!). So she went and told the owner about me and he told her he wanted to meet me.

A couple of weeks later, he came and introduced himself and invited me into his suite to watch the Caps play live.

He pushed me in my wheelchair to enjoy the game. A couple months later he helped me find an apartment and job.

Now I work part time in McClean VA at Embassy Autowash.

So I decided to bring Street Sense to McLean, Virginia. And the people here are loving the paper! People come and talk with me and encourage me to continue to sell Street Sense.

-Nate Robbins Reader, Customer

“Scott is doing what we all should do—supporting our neighbors and community.”

-Gretchen Hendricks Reader, Customer

CHILDREN’S ART: PORTRAIT

“Scott is doing a great job bringing awareness about homelessness to McLean where people really need to hear the message.”

-Sam Barnes Reader, Customer They listen to my testimonies and pray with me. I have laughed with some of them and have cried with some of them.

A lot of them talk about what they can do to help the homeless in McClean.

If you ever are in McClean stop by the carwash or the shopping center and buy a Street Sense newspaper.

There are 1,868 children experiencing homelessness in the District. The Homeless Children’s Playtime Project visits 6 different transitional housing and emergency shelter programs to provide weekly activities, healthy snacks, and opportunities to play and learn to as many children as possible.

Courtesy of the Homeless Children’s Playtime Project

COMICS & GAMES

GLARPH THE POSTULATIN’ SHARK: GOES TO THE PREAKNESS

TERRON’S GAME: STREET SUPERSTORMS

By Chris Shaw “The Cowboy Poet”

By Terron Solomon Vendor

Stall Number 40

By Chris Shaw “The Cowboy Poet” This is where rests The best of Racing Royalty, Affirmed, Secretariat were Where It Was At, They munched the sacred hay From rubbled kerb But this May "Tis home to Orb! Rosario saddled dear Animal Kingdom to victory in Dubai; Then for the Roses Joel showed no yellow, Indeed proved trainer Shug A mellow Derby fellow, Gracious in the winners' circle As was his muddy mount Who'd just crossed the line by Two and three-quarters- With a mighty pounce.

Now the Preakness looms, Thus Orb's spacious equine room in the Champions' Barn will warn his backers To stay the course We want only the Triple Crown For Summa Orbis, Neigh to a losing horse!!

STREET SENSE May 22 - June 4, 2013

OPINION

Is Homelessness a Disease?

The Ballot or the Bullet, Revisited (cont’d)

Seneca Cooper Vendor

By Jeffery McNeil Vendor

The answer to that is yes. The reason why is because of the system.

Housing also has a lot to do with it.

The waiting list for housing in DC is longer than the Mississippi, Amazon, and Nile rivers combined. When more people apply for housing, the waiting list keeps getting longer and longer.

It seems that the politicians here are lazy and don’t do anything about solving the problem about homelessness. My question to the mayor, City Council, also the White House, is what are you guys going to do about eliminating this homeless epidemic.

The disease is not only here in DC but also all across the nation. Mayor Vincent Grey and City Council, President Obama and the administration, what is your plan to end homelessness in this country because this disease is getting way out of

control right now and it must be stopped?

If it isn’t contained, then we’re heading into dire straits. The men and women, especially the ones that have children that are homeless, are struggling because the help from these organizations is not enough to keep them going.

I have a challenge to you politicians that I’m going to issue. My challenge to all of you politicians is this: Do any of you have a plan to end homelessness? Because it seems to me that the words coming out of your mouths are full of crap. What is the real plan to end homelessness, not only in DC, but also all over the country?

I wonder if any of you politicians are man enough answer the question. Homelessness must end, and it starts now. Remember this: The ball is in your court, and the clock is ticking.

Ecology Starts at Home

By Cynthia Mewborn

111

In my last column, I offered some important thoughts from a landmark speech by Malcolm X. Here are some additional quotes from “The Ballot or the Bullet,” delivered on April 3, 1964 at the Cory Methodist Church in Cleveland.

Malcolm X warned his audience that neither political party had the interest of black people in mind. When you read his words, you get the feeling that not much has changed in the nearly 50 years that have passed since he spoke them: “I’m no politician. I’m not even a student of politics. I’m not a Republican, nor a Democrat, nor an American, and got sense enough to know it. I’m one of the 22 million black victims of the Democrats, one of the 22 million black victims of the Republicans, and one of the 22 million black victims of Americanism. And when I speak, I don’t speak as a Democrat, or a Republican, nor an American. I speak as a victim of America’s so-called democracy.

You and I have never seen democracy; all we’ve seen is hypocrisy.”

“Anytime you throw your weight behind the political party that controls two-thirds of the government, and that party can’t keep the promise that it made to you during election time, and you’re dumb enough to walk around continuing to identify yourself with that Party, you’re not only a chump, but you’re a traitor to your race.”

Then he weighed in on voting rights: “I was in Washington a couple weeks ago while the senators were filibustering, and I noticed in the back of the Senate a huge map, and on this map it showed the distribution of Negroes in America, and surprisingly the same senators that were involved in the filibuster were from the states where there were the most Negroes. Why were they filibustering the civil rights legislation? Because the civil rights legislation is supposed to guarantee voting rights to Negroes in those states, and those senators from those states know that if the Negroes in those states can vote, those senators are down the drain.”

Vendor, “C=MB2” While walking one day I met Kevin Parker with a garbage bag in one hand and garbage in the other. I decided to see what he was doing. He explained that cleaning up the environment is his life’s passion. He works as a development consultant and has been in fundraising field for more than 28 years. He primarily raises funds for environmental causes.

He has worked for many clients including the World Bank, the Environmental Defense Fund, the Clean Energy Foundation. His work with these organizations has helped inspire his enthusiasm for environmental causes around the world. Yet he also remains dedicated to his neighborhood and community where weekly you’ll see him walking around picking up garbage or cultivating plant boxes. He attended Yale University though am sure much about his commitment to make his community a more livable place did not come from the university’s curriculum. He also paints out local graffiti with the philisophy that if he is going to be part of a neighborhood he “needs to do something in making it better.”

His work started with just sweeping in front of his house and then he was sweeping in front of two houses. Then he noticed litter elsewhere in the neighborhood and decided to try to address that too. A trash can was stationed at the end

of the road but trash found its way into the streets anyway. He decided to just go around the community picking up garbage. He tried to get neighbors involved.

Some pitched in for awhile and later stopped. He just kept on.

Some believe it is the city’s responsibility or job to beautify the neighborhood but he knows it is really up to the folks who live there.

Personally I don’t believe a degree has anything to do with how you treat your neighbors, your neighborhood, your community or the world. I believe what’s required is the sole act in being selfless which simply means: All selfish desires are removed while you pour out acts of kindness! These acts could include helping a homeless person permanently get back on his or her feet. helping an elderly neighbor with some daily chore, sending an anonymous care package to a wounded veteran, volunteering in a soup kitchen or teaching others how to care about our communities, world and our planet.

The list of selfless acts could go on for eternity. No matter what selfless act of kindness you choose, the most important decision is to just start: performing random acts of kindness!!!! Everything we do in this world and beyond reflects how we feel about ourselves, others, our communities, our world and this planet.

On the black vote, I couldn’t say it any better: “You’re the one who put the present Democratic administration in Washington DC. The whites were evenly divided. It was the fact that you threw 80 percent your votes behind the Democrats that put the Democrats in the White House. When you see this, you can see that the Negro vote is the key factor. And despite the fact that you are in a position to be the determining factor, what do you get out of it? The Democrats have been in Washington DC only because of the Negro vote.

They’ve been down there four years, and after all other legislations they wanted to bring up ,they brought it up and gotten it out of the way, and now they bring up you. You put them first, and they put you last ‘cause you’re a chump, a political chump.”

He doesn’t stop there

Near the end of his speech he concluded the best strategy for change was to appeal to the United Nations “We have injected ourselves into the civil rights struggle, and we intend to expand it from the level of civil rights to the level of human rights. As long as you’re fighting on the level of civil rights, you’re under Uncle Sam’s jurisdiction.

You’re going to his court expecting him to correct the problem. He created the problem. He’s the criminal. You don’t take your case to the criminal; you take your criminal to court. When the government of South Africa began to trample upon the human rights of the people of South Africa, they were taken to the U.N.” Not long after this historic speech the Civil Rights Act of 1964 passed , banning discrimination based on race, gender and ethnicity. Malcolm X was killed February 21, 1965.

The Street Sense Writers’ Group is led by two writing professionals and meets every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. The group’s goal is to develop ideas and collaborate on the next great issue of Street Sense.

Morality and Practicality, Why I Am So Special!

Part II

By Veda Simpson, Vendor

Another Success Story

By Victoria Beaumont, Vendor

This birthday was quite an exception. My heart was so filled up that it nearly burst. Tears of joy streamed from my eyes. By the time I was finished crying, there was a lake you could have swum in.

When you treat people the way you want to be treated it comes back to you.

Since I have turned my life around and let God take control of my life, no day is dim and cloudy. I no longer feel down, like I’m digging my own grave.

This morning I was surprised with many gifts from some of my new, genuine real-true friends. And my spiritual friend and advisor Brian stops every morning to shares a scripture and prayer. You know God is worthy to be praised. Then my new family friends stop every morning and give me a special “Good Morning” that touches a special part of my heart. One of the gifts they gave me was a special handmade birthday card that said, “Veda, I will always give you a present, Love Fernando.” His sister handed me a bag of gifts she could hardly carry. My Caribou friends give me a cake. My spiritual sister gave me an anointed candle and of course, my cats gave me lots of Love!

It rained on my birthday but that was only to wash all the sadness from the earth that is on the verge of destruction.

Please continue to pray for me and mine.

Please continue to keep us on your mind.

Please continue to take the time to pray for us. I’m so glad you pray. I’m so glad you prayed for us!!

Carl began selling Street Sense when nobody else would hire him. He built his skills to where he could sell 200 papers per week. He also would sell flowers at 18th & I streets NW. He also returned to school to learn how to repair computers.

Now he works for Mr. Ego Brown who has shoeshine parlors throughout the city

taught artist with a natural intuition toward aesthetics. My technique is mostly a freestyle which allows me to express myself through my art without boundaries or hardened preconceptions.

I begin a piece first by selecting photos and images that display a distinctly urban mood that feels seedy, subversive, and taboo in some cases. Patterns never seem to surface in my work. Each project is started with a random sort of knack, but habits have formed in the way I select materials.

My favorite tools are scissors and glue because they are the most essential, colorful and effective for deconstructing something whole and creating something beautiful with an entirely new identity which I can present as a piece of original artwork.

When I work with scissors and glue, I am reminded that everything can be taken

apart and rearranged. I am reminded of the constant changes in the world's forms.

My favorite materials are bright construction paper, magazines, trash, and print media. These are my favorite materials because they give birth to my artistic expression in the form of three-dimensional collage constructions and artist books with clarity and availability.

My poverty makes material availability a huge factor in my efforts to produce art. This poverty also drives the part of my brain that comes up with creative solutions, and so it is a component of my methods. My artwork ranges across themes and subjects, from fashion and playful instructions in crafts and life, to the serious arenas of politics, sex, mental illness, poverty and society. I select these themes because they are reflections of

My first question: Why shouldn’t two people who love each other have the right to be together? I can’t think of a good reason.

Okay, maybe I can. How practical would that union be? Example 1: When a man and a woman meet in a bar, the man buys the drinks. Who buys the drinks in a samesex date? Example 2: The woman gets the ring; the bride’s family pays for the wedding. If the couple is same-sex, who does what? Example 3: For the bachelor party, the guys go to Camelot. The women’s party is at Chippendales. But which member of the same-sex couple goes to the strip club and which goes to the bridal store?

Who is the bride? Who is the groom?

I am questioning the practically of same-sex marriages, not the morality.

My best customers are of the alternative lifestyle. They also know how much I love them. We frequently joke about this issue.

And I always say “Hey, you have the right to be miserable or to pull the plug.”

But on a serious note: when my father was in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in a drug-induced coma and my mom walked into the room, the smell of her perfume and the sound of her voice revitalized my father. However, although I am a heterosexual, if an accident put me in the ICU, my live-in boyfriend legally could not visit me. That simply does not make sense.

I’m not questioning the morality of same-sex marriage. If two people love each other, who cares whether you call it civil union or marriage? I’m with The Beatles, who said, “Let it be,” and Gwen Stefani, who says, “It’s my life; let me live it.”

By Jacqueline Turner, Vendor 371

and the surrounding area, like Virginia and Maryland. Carl is located at 555 13th St. NW, lower level.

He would like for you to bring your shoe that you think won’t shine and get a shine of a lifetime. His hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. to accommodate you. He hopes to see you soon. You can ask for him by name: Carl Turner, or just walk in, and you won’t be disappointed.

May Days

By Robert Warren Vendor Oh May days and rallies for world peace, Oh May days and the bloom of life we see, Oh May days and the feel it was all worth the wait, Through the winter’s cold and those who show hate.

Oh these May days and a little comfort for those who make Their homes out on the street.

Just to know the days of May might bring them peace as they sleep.

Oh May days so many cool breezes coming off the trees, The look of the sun shining off beautifully bloomed leaves.

Oh May days with the stars just a little brighter at night And the thought of peace which resonates through May nights.

Oh May days the Lord’s paradise to come, Lying in the shade, you’ll never have to see the sun Oh just think of May days and life filled with fun I love the Lord’s May days, I know I’m not the only one.

Who looks to the May days’ flowers and raindrops falling from the May day’s sun Looking all about as little people run Oh theses days of May, every day to come.

Oh May days is all about life and new May days to come.

Artist Statement

By Dele Akerejah Vendor, “Parlez Vous” Art is my survival, my medicine and my reason for being. I say this as a fact, because I am an artist who was first a person suffering from mental illness. I started my studio, Dopamine Clinic, to create art that shares my existentialist philosophy with the world. I believe anything can be transformed into anything, whether a life or a few pieces of paper and wood. What I enjoy best about creating my art and the art itself, is the process, of bringing out the designer in my soul. When my work is going well, I am filled with a sense of self-actualization. I feel like I am falling in line with my purpose as a human being, which is to create. I am a self-

my experience and worldview. I finally know a piece is done when I feel in my heart, that adding anything further can only serve to injure the piece and reduce clarity.

When people see my work, I would like them to feel excited and intrigued by the colors, images, materials and curious about how they are assembled.

I want my viewers to freely interpret what they see in my pieces. My current work includes L’Escroc, a beautiful, vibrant seven volume graphic novel that grew out of my life experience. It is done with photomontage in artists’ books. I am exploring how writing and imagery are used to appreciate and contextualize each other.

STREET SENSE May 22 - June 4, 2013

ISOTOPIA

11 3

FICTION

PART EIGH T

By Ibn Hipps Vendor The story so far: Josh found a baby and brought it home to Melissa. They both know the myth of a mystical child with the power of Light and Life. The weird way Josh found the baby makes them think of this myth. The whole family cares for the baby. Josh hears a voice that tells them the curse of Isotopia will soon be lifted.

---As Josh and Melissa look on, smiling proud of the mission God sent their way, Melissa talks to Josh about her dreams and how the evil she was born with is trying to use her past sins to shake her faith. But her faith is strong, and the special prayers and chants keep her protected. They’re both up all through the night coping with the sleepless dreams. Josh and his wife

both awake throughout the night, praying for forgiveness from God. They worry about the kid sometimes.

Everyday, when Maliki is sleeping, after his new mom has fed and nourished him, Josh reminds Melissa how much she is loved.

Since the baby has been found, the violent weather keeps the streets of Isotopia a ghost town.There is a savior for the street people of Isotopia, those whom are poor, homeless and suffer the most. The special child is now four years old.

“Maliki is growing up to be a very strong and smart child,” says Melissa.

The rapid changes in Isotopia, war on drugs, prostitution and religion... You name it - it went on.

Melissa says one thing about it is that she keeps her family far away from all

that drama and evil that contaminates the city of Isotopia. That is, until one of Josh’s uncle from the Secret Circle of Love contacted Josh.

“That day the phone rang, I knew things were going to get very crazy,” says Melissa.

The Secret Circle of Love called Josh because something very weird had been happening throughout the city of Isotopia.

“We the believers of the one God know that you’re keeping a secret,” said Josh’s uncle.

“Wow!” replied Josh.

“It was told that the human-like child has been somewhere in our neck of the woods,” said Josh’s uncle.

“You mean to tell me that the child is here ?!” replied Josh, faking. “I didn’t know nothing about it.”

“If this is true Josh, you’re getting soft,” said his uncle.

“You know if I heard anything, I would have let you know,” replies Josh.

“If you know anything, you have to let us know. I would love to think you WOULD let us know, right Josh?” his uncle said.

“We will be keeping an eye on you son.

Meet me tomorrow, 7 o’clock on the dot, at our remote area.”

Josh usually tells his uncle, the master sergeant of the Secret Circle of Love, everything that goes on in Isotopia - but not this. After the call, Josh neglected to tell Melissa about the meeting. (Isotopia) –Secrets aren’t welcome in this family, so the human-like child sends Melissa visions of what is happening at the meeting. (to be continued)

BEFORE THE RAIN PART 22: WHO-OR WHERE-- IS "HOUSTON STREET" ?

By Chris Shaw “The Cowboy Poet” Lyndsey Patterson had eaten of the purple native-oil cake, and the results for her were at best soporific, and at worst disastrous! Came that BAFUBA, Boctor Harkelius' immense emanuensis (or helper), had found her prone in the ritual circle clearing. Wordlessly he toted her across his massive shoulders to the sacrifice chicken house. "SCREE-EEK," a horrendous noise pierced the dim, musty space. Lyndsey could barely make out the whitish form emitting the sharp sounds. "What a darn faancy hen," she thought, "No-wait, it's a Cockatiel...Sure, why they..can SPEAK!" "SCREE-AK," went the diabolic fowl.

Frighteningly humanoid, it continued unprompted.

"G-Guh,guhh--GACKK, Gghh-Hhouston, ggHOUSTON-- gghh-hss-ssSTREET!!"

Lyndsey made out through the strangled squawks, that Loomis must be in Houston, for God's sakes.

"Ohh noo, How will I ever-The Gargantuan dark servant Bafuba, seeming to pity Lyndsey in her helpless state, reappeared, and hissed sharply, "Queek! Dis way, Missy! You are not safe here--" His thin, sinewy arm tugged Lyndsey back out the rear potion of the henhouse,

affording her no time for pondering what or when to do anything, save for wiping away traces of her blood from scratchings on her cheek as she'd grazed the ripped rattan wall at its base, during the hasty exodus from Harkelius' messy 'plantation' compound Her blouse torn a bit under one arm, Lyndsey tied her flower-print wrap over for modesty, and slunk away with some pain. Bafuba didn't bother to glance back as she did, glomming one last shot of the bizarre jungle 'church'--Good riddance to that rubbish. Chugging in the shadows of loopy mangrove roots arcing high to the wavering moonlight, was a low-slung fishing punt with what barely qualified for a motor. As she wriggled onboard across the rust-caked gunwale, Lyndsey retched at the constant "Poit-Poit!", of plashing oily spoor. Radiating out from the rough-hewn hull, she glimpsed the seductive ripples of radiating secretions of petroleum.

"Get down," grunted Bafuba, hoarsely but not menacing. "Dey take you further up de swamp, an' a Convoy will cross you as far as de Ship Channel, understand?"

Lyndsey was zonked by all the herbs and stress, and going under, but the words "Ship Channel" rang a bell. As she passed out completely atop a dirty coil of hawser line towards the port bow, Lyndsey muttered, "Ship. Channel... as in HOUSTON Ship Channel. Oh Sweet Loomie..you will return to me somehow..."

Loomie, meanwhile was an incresingly unwilling member of a small, stumbling parade of three exiting Girod cemetery back in New orleans, and though most woozy, he was enough in command to know it was time to SPLIT. Was that "contract" signed with his BLOOD? Were Victor and Ed so set on rebuilding his lost music career. With the grinnin' Skeletor dude in red-lined cape and battered top hat? Named LEGBA?? Hail no-- we're talkin' strictly Voo-Doo. "I'm outta here," proclaimed Loomis Johnathan Akula Reader, late of Buras and lord knows where else.

He scampered free, Free of the wouldbe possessors of his soul and their faint cries of "Dude, Dat contract was BINDING," followed by a plaintive, "N-No!! Legba, I kin explain- We'll bring'im back- Jus' wait an' see..."

Loomis had dropped out from his pursuers' sightlines, having fortuitously tripped over a kelp-swathed lamppost at the far corner of Canal and Carondelet, right at the mouth of Bourbon in the French Quarter. He sprawled there a few, and then, as his head cleared (This time he had avoided a big conk to the noggin),he heard an incredible husky purring voice. He looked up, right into the open read compartment of a monstrous white with golden chrome trim Mercedes

SUV. "I've been expecting your arrival, sweets, " with the most velvet female voice warpped in satin Capri pants, a pale mink wrap toppeby a retro but chic bouffant hairdo and a most feline pair of eyes and lovely nose and lips.

"This IS your destiny, Loomis. Hop in with me, it is quite okay. And, don't mindChang," (Loomis caught the silent stare of an Asian chauffeur through the glass security panel to the front of the car .)

"He's always inscrutable. But meanwhile, I'm waiting..." (to be continued)

I am.

I can.

Lessons on life from a disabled veteran, who says life is precious and not to be abused.

By Samuel Fullwood Vendor

COLLAGE ILLUSTRATION BY SYBIL TAYLOR

Remember the Fallen Street Sense vendors offer Memorial Day lessons and reminiscences.

By Sybil Taylor Vendor A day of remembering the ones we lost during the war and who fought for our country. We pay our dear respects to our loved ones by visiting their graves, placing wreaths and flowers and our love on them. The memory lasts forever in our hearts.

How much we miss them. They’ve gone on home to our father in heaven, resting in peace.

Memory of the ones we lost: our siblings, children, babies, parents, grandparents...

I give special dedication to my family: my great grans and ancestors buried at Woodlawn Cemetery many years ago. Over at Benning Road NE, Woodlawn is one of the first and oldest historic African American cemeteries in WAshington D.C., along with Harmony over in Landover and Lincoln near Suitland Rd, MD. My grandfather served his country during World War II, my father also

served our country during peacetime in the U.S. Army. I am honored by their excellence. I am also saddened tha the grandparents and great grandparents on both sides of my family are gone. Both of my parents remember the loss of their loved ones: many of my aunts, uncles and cousins have all passed on.

It brings tears to my eyes, but also a sense of joy, happiness, and peace.

They are gone, but they are gone forever to a better resting place way above the rest. God has you in his love and care, and for them it was time to fly on with their wings to heaven.

They labored, fought the war, and battled terminal illness. Some survived the war, some did not. All across the world remember everyone during the Boston bombing, World Trade Center, those killed at the movie theater shooting... we must remember in our hearts the ones we treasure and love. One day we will get to see them again.

By Evelyn Nnam Vendor Memorial Day is officially celebrated on the last monday during the month of May. Memorial Day is dedicated to service men and women who gave their lives for freedom and the country. It is also time to remember loved ones who have passed away. The roots of Memorial Day go back to 1865 and the end of the Civil War. Memorial Day was traditionally held on the 30th of May. In 1971, Congress changed it to the last Monday in order to afford a three day holiday weekend. Regardless of the date, take time to attend a parade or visit a cemetery to honor and remember service people. Take time to remember lost loved ones whatever way you feel appropriate.

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day. Many people celebrate the special day by placing flowers on veteran’s graves and having moments of silence for those who risked their lives fighting for this country. You can honor Memorial Day by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and placing your right hand on your chest. This shows a sign of respect to all the veterans.

Memorial Day is a very special day and needs to be taken seriously. So attend, celebrate, and enjoy!

My name is Samuel Fullwood. I am 56 years old, and a disabled veteran. I’ve enjoyed and participated in historic events and a youth. But as an adult I struggled through life, by mine own choosing.

To learn by experience rather than the knowledge taught to me. Taking the path of listening to myself, and not the teachings and values taught to me about life.

Five years back, I reached deep down, gritted my teeth and let the true me surface. 56 years old now and considered by many a senior, it has taken me this long to truly understand, see and believe that life is precious and not to be abused.

Just look inside yourself.

I am:

A veteran A proud black American A true believer in God My father and mother’s son/ a brother A father/ grand-father A faithful companion Wiser/now older/fair Patient/loveable/loved/honest/friendly A man/an individual/a human being

I can:

Suceed/learn/overcome/be great Think/understand/believe/resist Be happy/ feel pain/smile/forgive/ enjoy life Share/Be loved/love/ remember (hard times) Change and I have have/remember the values taught to me Pray/worship/control my path/teach

Can you say: I am/I can

Service Spotlight: People for Fairness Coalition

By Reginald Black Vendor, “Da Street Reportin’ Artist” If you look hard enough, you will find Washington is full of stories. Stories that touch our lives and mold our consciences.

There are many big names that come and go, but the hardest working are relatively unknown. One such story is the Story of People for Fairness Coalition.

The People for Fairness coalition began with the closing of Franklin Shelter School. Founder John McDermott fought to keep the shelter open. The coalition works to help homeless engaged in advocacy outreach and peer mentoring, in an effort to help individuals make their way out of homelessness.

People for Fairness has been working with groups such as the Fair Budget Coalition and the Housing For All Campaign.

Academy of Hope: 269-6623 601 Edgewood St, NE aohdc.org

COMMUNITY SERVICES

People for Fairness does its best to attend all the council hearings or meetings on issues that affect the homeless community. The Coalition has also met with members of the city government, including directors of the Human Service Department. People for Fairness has been at the forefront on issues that are important to the homeless community and it holds rallies in effort to get the homeless more involved.

On Thursday May 7, people for fairness celebrated its fifth anniversary with a huge celebration where they gave awards to organizations and people who have helped the Coalition with its mission to end homelessness in Washington, DC. People for Fairness now looks to launch a campaign for a right to housing in Washington. Through its efforts, the People for Fairness Coalition becomes one of those great stories that does not always get a lot of play, but is doing great work.

Community of Hope: 232-7356 communityofhopedc.org

15

STREET SENSE May 22 - June 4, 2013

Housing/Shelter

Clothing

Outreach

Transportation

Education

Legal Assistance

Food

Showers

Medical/Healthcare

Laundry

Employment Assistance DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS HOTLINE 1-888-7WE HELP (1-888-793-4357)

SHELTER HOTLINE: 1–800–535–7252

Martha’s Table: 328-6608 2114 14th St, NW marthastable.org

Thrive DC: 737-9311 1525 Newton St, NW thrivedc.org

Covenant House Washington: 610-9600 2001 Mississippi Avenue, SE covenanthousedc.org

Miriam’s Kitchen: 452-8926 2401 Virginia Ave, NW miriamskitchen.org

Unity Health Care: 745-4300 3020 14th St, NW unityhealthcare.org

Calvary Women’s Services: 678-2341 1217 Good Hope Road, SE calvaryservices.org

D.C. Coalition for the Homeless: 347-8870 1234 Massachusetts Ave, NW dccfh.org

My Sister’s Place: 529-5991 (24-hour hotline) mysistersplacedc.org

The Welcome Table: 347-2635 1317 G St, NW epiphanydc.org/thewelcometable

Catholic Charities: 772-4300 catholiccharitiesdc.org/gethelp

Father McKenna Center: 842-1112 19 Eye St, NW fathermckennacenter.org

N Street Village: 939-2060 1333 N Street, NW nstreetvillage.org

Whitman-Walker Health 1701 14th St, NW | 745-7000 2301 MLK Jr. Ave, SE | 797-3567 whitman-walker.org

Bread for the City: 265-2400 (NW) | 561-8587 (SE) 1525 7th St, NW | 1640 Good Hope Rd, SE breadforthecity.org

Central Union Mission 745-7118 1350 R Street, NW missiondc.org

Charlie’s Place: 232-3066 1830 Connecticut Ave, NW charliesplacedc.org

Christ House: 328-1100 1717 Columbia Rd, NW christhouse.org

Church of the Pilgrims: 387-6612 2201 P St, NW churchofthepilgrims.org/outreach food (1 - 1:30 on Sundays only)

Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place: 364-1419 4713 Wisconsin Ave, NW cchfp.org

Community Family Life Services: 347-0511 305 E St, NW cflsdc.org

Food and Friends: 269-2277 219 Riggs Rd, NE foodandfriends.org (home delivery for those suffering from HIV, cancer, etc)

Foundry Methodist Church: 332-4010 1500 16th St, NW foundryumc.org/ministry-opportunities ID (FRIDAY 9-12 ONLY)

Georgetown Ministry Center: 338-8301 1041 Wisconsin Ave, NW georgetownministrycenter.org

Gospel Rescue Ministries: 842-1731 810 5th St, NW grm.org

Jobs Have Priority: 544-9128 425 Snd St, NW jobshavepriority.org

John Young Center: 639-8569 119 D Street, NW

New York Ave Shelter: 832-2359 1355-57 New York Ave, NE

Open Door Shelter: 639-8093 425 2nd St, NW newhopeministriesdc.org/id3.html

Rachel’s Women’s Center: 682-1005 1222 11th St, NW rachaels.org

Samaritan Inns: 667-8831 2523 14th St, NW samaritaninns.org

Sasha Bruce Youthwork: 675-9340 741 8th St, SE sashabruce.org

Subscribe to Street Sense 1 Year: $40 2 Years: $80 3 Years: $120 I want half of my purchase to benefit a vendor directly Vendor Name Vendor Badge # Name

So Others Might Eat (SOME) 797-8806 71 O St, NW some.org

Address Phone

VENDOR PROFILE: REGINALD BLACK

By Molly Kraybill Photojournalism Intern

Recommended Reading

cluded President Kennedy was killed by a “lone gunman” on that sunny morning of November 22, 1963 in Dallas.

By Gary J. Minter, Vendor 389 Gregory was not alone in doubting the Warren Commission. And Hit List is not the first book to raise questions Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a book signabout the assassination. ing by Richard Belzer at the National Press Club. You may I have been seriously interested in the subject for years, know Belzer better as Detective John Munch of TV’s popusince reading Conspiracy, written by British journalist Anlar crime show “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.” thony Summers and used as a source by Belzer in Hit List.

Belzer is also a writer. His new book, “Hit List: An Another book on the subject that fuelled my curiosity was In-Depth Investigation into the Mysterious Deaths of WitHigh Treason by Robert Groden. Back in the late 1980s, nesses to the JFK Assassination” co-authored with David when I landed a daily radio talk show at WFIR am 96 in Wayne, describes the many witnesses with some knowlRoanoke, Virginia, I dedicated my first broadcast to that edge of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy book. We got lots of calls and I began regular interviews who have died under shadowy circumstances.In person, of authors, witnesses, and public officials--including the Belzer is a soft-spoken, polite guy who wore a grey suit late Jim Garrison, District Attorney of New Orleans, the and tennis shoes and brought his little white dog Baby Dallas deputy sheriff in the white hat and suit who was along to the signing, which drew a packed house. handcuffed to Lee Harvey Oswald when Oswald was shot.

The press club event was co-hosted by Washington resiI became so obsessed with the JFK assassination that my dent Dick Gregory, a famed comedian and early skeptic of second wife and I visited the Book Depository in Dallas President Lyndon Johnson’s Warren Commission, which conon our honeymoon to see the infamous “6th floor” window from which Lee Harvey May 22 - June 4, 2013 • Volume 10 • Issue 14 Oswald allegedly shot JFK; the building is now a museum dedicated to JFK’s memory.

Street Sense Nonprofit Org (Maybe my devotion to solv1317 G Street, NW US Postage Paid ing the murder mysteries Washington, DC 20005 Washington, DC of JFK is why our marriage Permit #568 didn’t last too long?!?)

Belzer and Wayne also collaborated on another book, Dead Wrong, which argues that Marilyn Monroe was murdered and that the person who shot Martin Luther King Jr. was acting on government orders. Hit List and Dead Wrong are must reads for those with an interest history, politics, murder mysInterested in a subscription? Go to page 15 for more information. teries, or celebrity gossip.

Mail To:

Remember, buy only from badged

vendors and do not give to those panhandling with one paper.

If there is one thing that Reggie wants you to know about him, it’s this: he is just like you.

“I’m just a regular guy. I like video games, watching movies, and taking walks on the National Mall.”

Reggie’s experience with Street Sense started in 2008 when he encountered an older man selling the paper at Eastern Market who told him that he too could advocate for himself by becoming a vendor. A couple days later he received training. Ever since, Reggie has worn many hats for Street Sense. He has written poetry and prose for the paper, served as a reporter and page-designer, helped with fundraising efforts and supported his fellow vendor’s writing through his work with the Writer’s Group.

But above all roles, Reggie’s first calls himself an advocate for the homeless. As someone currently experiencing homelessness himself, he knows first-hand what it is like to be homeless in Washington, a city where an estimated fifth of residents live in poverty.

“There is so much money and policy going around that no one worries about the faces. They walk right by.”

Beyond selling the paper, Reggie says his work with Street Sense has given him the opportunity to explore his wider interests and talents. He enjoys the challenge of reporting on various news events and working with a computer design program to lay out the finished stories as newspaper pages.

“I like that I can be an amateur journalist while improving aspects of my life,” says Reggie. “Yeah, I may be homeless, but I have so much to offer.”

Reggie is a native Washingtonian. He calls his own situation “a case that you want to put into a box but you can’t find one that fits”. His mother passed away when he was seven, and his father in 2011. He doesn’t know where the rest of his family is but wishes to be in contact with them.

In spite of the difficulties he faces, Reggie says his experiences help him advocate for others who lack the supportive presence of a family.

“There are many cases like mine that too often get swept under the rug,” Reggie says.

Homelessness, Reggie believes, is not one person’s problem; it is a problem that belongs to the community as a whole. He believes that the best way to end homelessness is with a comprehensive strategy that assigns everyone a role. The community needs to be open and informed about issues surrounding poverty, he believes.

“You can’t beat homelessness with a closed mind or a closed heart,” says Reggie.

He has big dreams for his future.

Someday he would like to start an organization similar to Street Sense that focuses predominantly on the arts. It would give homeless artists an avenue to produce their own art and the resources to distribute it freely.

His other dream? To go into politics after he finishes his education. He hopes to be able to directly work with policies to fight homelessness.

He says “I hope to be a voice and agent of change.”