NEWS
THE POETRY ISSUE THE POETRY ISSUE Since the very first issue of The Contributor in 2007, we’ve featured poetry by people expereincing homelessness. Most of the time, the poets also sold the paper. We went back through a decade of poetry and chose 10 of our favorite poems to illustrate the importance of poetry to our paper. Illustrations by local artist, Paul Collins.
NEWS BRIEFS Nashville institutes mask mandate Masks or face coverings must be worn in indoor and outdoor public spaces in Nashville — with some exceptions — as COVID-19 cases increased to record levels at the end of June. Metro Health started enforcing the mandate on July 3. Those not wearing a mask could face civil and criminal penalties up to a Class C Misdemeanor. People and places exempt from the order are: • Any child age 12 and younger • Anyone who cannot medically tolerate wearing a face covering • At outdoor public spaces where 6-foot social distancing is feasible • During outdoor work or recreation, such as swimming, walking, hiking, bicycling or running, where 6-foot social distancing is feasible • Within a motor vehicle if it is not being used for transportation services • Within all educational institutions • While eating or drinking • While in a place of worship • While in a building or indoor space owned, managed or leased by the State of Tennessee or federal government Williamson County Homeless Alliance gets 501c3 status The Williamson County Homeless Alliance is now an official nonprofit. The group, led by Pastor Kevin Riggs, is working toward a perma-
nent homeless shelter in Williamson County and has led an emergency shelter program. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the alliance has raised funds to house people experiencing homelessness in a local hotel in order to allow them to properly socially distance. More than 52 individuals experiencing homelessness have spent more than a month in a local hotel — the group raised $67,000 to aid in sheltering people. COB releases #8cantwait policy advisory on force reduction practices Nashville’s Community Oversight Board voted to issue a policy advisory report on use of force policy recommendations for the Metro Nashville Police Department. The recommendations are based on the #8cantwait policy recommendations, which outlines eighth things cities can do to reduce police violence. The policies look specifically at banning choke holds and strangle holds, requiring de-escalation tactics and banning shooting at moving vehicles. The board will submit the recommendations to MNPD leadership. “#8cantwait is indispensable to repairing trust and promoting policing that is rooted in community engagement and respect,” says Board Chair Ashlee Davis. “This is just the beginning and the COB will continue to listen to the community and make itself available to the partnerships necessary to bring these policies to fruition.”
MUSIC CITY SOUNDS BY KEN J. Homeless Poet, Vendor The train whistle blows Police sirens and ambulances wail The jackhammers and pounders The truck and the cars Horns sound out Helicopters whirl, jets fly by The boots that stop The crowds cheer on Singers cry out swaller and holler The puck that drops The lights go out Guitars that scream Drummers beat on The birds that sing Tug boat sounds The river runs on The crack of the bat Nashville sounds.
MARCH 2015
PLAIN PLEASE BY ANITA S. Formerly homeless vendor
MEDICAL SECRETARY WANTED
Plain potato chips Not even with dip I’ll take mine plain Otherwise the choices Would drive me insane… I won’t just bake the cake Eat the horrible cake I’ll go back for seconds and thirds After all, these are my mistakes
Individual needed to fill the position of Medical Secretary at Compassion Care Clinic in Clarksville, TN. Please send resumes to: compassioncareclinic01@gmail.com
JULY 2017
PAGE 6 | July 8 - 22, 2020 | The Contributor | NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
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