The Art Start Family Portrait Project 2015 Book by art-start

ART START’S THE FAMILY PORTRAIT PROJECT

CONTENTS Foreword Acknowledgments

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Art Start’s The Family Portrait Project The Cintron Family • Mauricio Quintero The Abney Family • Rae Maxwell The Felder Family • William Ross The Hargrove Family • David Johnson The Heyward Family • David Johnson The Johnson Family • Andrew Eccles The McKnight Family • Ken Pao The McQueen Family • Andrew Eccles The Morgridge Family • Zachary Maxwell Stertz The Neptune Family • Ken Pao The Smith Family • Heidi Gutman Ayanna Thomas Family • William Ross The Tripp Family • Natalie Brasington The Valerio Family • Zachary Maxwell Stertz The Williams Family • Roy Anthony Morrison The Woolridge Family • Rae Maxwell

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Afterword Appendix: The Family Portrait Project Participants B-Roll About Art Start

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Art Start’s The Family Portrait Project

FOR E WORD

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NO CRYSTAL STAIRCASE I was not tired physically… No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in. Rosa Parks

INTRODUCTION Our country faces an epidemic of homelessness and inadequate affordable housing. 1.5 million children will experience a period of homelessness during their childhood. And yet, many people regard homelessness as a background noise, an abstract concept, something that could never happen to them, an inevitable part of the city landscape. Some may ascribe all homelessness to some kind of moral failing, and see it as primarily a problem of adults, addiction and or mental illness, something that is regarded almost as a contagion. These attitudes are rooted in misinformation and connected to a social-emotional distance and a lack of compassion, which is somehow part of our cultural make up. As a country invested in the founding mythologies of self-sufficiency, the sacredness of individual independence and autonomy, we continue to struggle with the concept and facilitation of a collective responsibility for the most vulnerable of our society. Of course, the distance is shorter than we might think, and it is a willful blindness to imagine one is exempt from this fate entirely, particularly in a country where 40% of people live pay check to pay check. One hitch, one tragedy or some unfortunate combination of circumstances can all too quickly force a family from their home: an illness, a loss of income, eviction and other unpredictable but rather too common problems. And yet, still there is a critical divide between many Americans and the homeless people they encounter on a daily basis. I would point out as well, that it is not only a question of ignoring of homeless people on the street, rather there is also an entirely invisible population of viii

displaced people who often appear un-afflicted but in fact may not know where they shall sleep next, or where their kindergartner will get their next meal. With these disheartening facts in mind, I invite you to learn more about the amazing families who have weathered so much, and who have stories to tell and share. See Me Because is a wonderful multi-media campaign that acts as a platform for selfdefinition and authorship in the context of the arts and social media and gives all of us a chance to work as a community towards self-efficacy and support. SEE ME BECAUSE BEYOND STATISTICS: MEANINGFUL NARRATIVES & REAL LIVES This group of intimate portraits, videos and oral histories is a powerful rejoinder to our society’s distancing and stigmatizing of people affected by poverty and homelessness. The participants’ responses challenge the perception that they are somehow different from other Americans. In fact this multimedia project is a result of a community that joins together to work with the families who have graciously offered to share their stories, and who have been a part of the production process every step of the way. For every person who has the honor to listen to these oral histories, watch videos and see pictures, this collaborative project personalizes the significant problem of homelessness and puts real stories to these very real faces. It is an honor to witness the families’ joy and pride in their portraits and the considerable bond that resides within these hearts. ix

In a country where self sufficiency and individuation is prized and mythologized as a force of change, not being able to fully provide for one’s self or one’s family is not only profoundly challenging, it carries with it a deep culturally inscribed sense of shame. To hold the most vulnerable of our populations to such heroic standards is unreasonable and deeply unkind. Distorted views of underserved men, women and children devalue all people. Nevertheless, despite the effect that these attitudes do adversely affect homeless families, they do not wish to be seen as victims or statistics. Beuhlah Hargrove puts it best: “…I’m not a statistic. I try and I fight my hardest not to be. …It is very important that we stay focused on the fact that we are all human beings and that, no matter where we are in the world, that we have to always remember to fight against everything (that is) against love.” And so these stories are about a consciousness of the emotion and spiritual lessons of family, of parenting, sibling relationships and children. This wisdom may be natural to some, but has come to others through hardship. Nevertheless, a hallmark of many of the participants’ consciousness is the beacon of hope, of dedication to their families, and remarkable resilience. Christina McKnight, a mother to three boys, says she tries to communicate positivity to her children: “That no matter what outcome or situation you are in always have positive in it. Be positive, act positive, because nobody gets anything out of negative results, as far as family, friends, school, work, their living situation, work situation, personal.” Still others have voyaged to the United States through warfare, genocide, and x

have experienced abandonment, isolation and bore witness to murder. Some have been forced to ensure the survival of their children by leaving them behind with relatives. For these people, seeing one’s self in a commonplace way in a photograph, simply holding a child in the outdoors is a recouping of ordinariness and self esteem. How can these histories social, personal and emotional truths be communicated? The families speak out loud and in doing so throw back the veil that society has forced upon the poor, underserved and homeless. And it is with the voice of art and creative social media that this all begins. ART AS A FORCE OF EMPOWERMENT AND CHANGE Art can be used as a tool for the deconstruction of stereotypes and the empowerment of those who seem at the margins of our society. Artists like Renee Cox and Andre Serrano have shown that challenging perceptions about identity and privilege through photography that questions the validity of the traditions of authorship and subject hood. Serrano turned his lens to the homeless as early as 1991, and in 2014 organized a series of powerful portraits. Our purpose is similar but asks for our audience to also see the way in which the participants are a part of this movement; this is not an ethnographic study. Using new creative platforms to leverage the voice of these families, this project seeks to engender authorship, self-acceptance and expression, to build trust, creativity and ability for children, teens and young adults who find themselves without a consistent home. xi

Over the last twenty years, involvement in the arts proven to be a liberating force for homeless families, singing, dancing, painting and more has meant voices have soared, have been heard, and created beautiful things. It is not only the professional artists; the dedicated volunteers who have made this enrichment program a profoundly affecting tool for social intervention. It is the unfettered beauty of a weary parent released from worry, even just for a moment, to relish in the luxuriousness of a kiss from her little girl, like we see in the joyful picture of the Heyward family who want to be seen for the métier of their love: “This is who we are. We love each other. I’m strong, she’s strong. She’s my rock. I’m her rock. We’re solid. We’re together.” The portrait of a little girl her face cradled in her mother’s hands captures the laughing sweetness of childhood, and the tender embrace of the Smith family mother and son in the street is display of uncontained happiness. One after another show us ordinary forms of happiness, but also courage in the face of misfortune, the centrality of family, and the warmth and hope of an open soul. We see overwhelmingly that home is where a family is together. Behold for example, the cradle of love the Cintron family makes while gazing at their sleeping infant. Simple universal exquisiteness reigns in the portrait of Miss Abney with her tiny child who says: “I learn everyday…I am proud of him, how smart he is.” One thinks of the line from Joanna Baillie’s poem XXXII: “There is a sight all hearts beguiling—A youthful mother to her infant smiling.” This picture has a number of notable aspects, first it is gratifying to see the evocation of joy on the face xii

of a woman who has many worries, but the ordinariness of the moment as well should give pause to all those who might think they are exempt from poverty or homelessness. Miss Abney is a proud mother, with love in her center, and this is what her son will remember. As should we. The Johnson family is also a blissful pair, their eyes closed in half embrace, we are reminded of the importance of mothering in our society, and how it sustains families even in the most precarious situation. This is a portrait of unparalleled loveliness and grace. The Wooldridge family’s story is a long one with many complications, none of their own creation, an abusive relationship, the death of a mother and grandmother, a sense of self-blame, and hardest most of all the mother’s cerebral palsy. Despite these difficulties, Shamika is a tour de force; she tries to hold up her family, to encourage their path to healing, to self-sufficiency. Her picture is heartwarming, the family lies on the grass, connected through their warm laughing faces. When asked what she wants her grandchildren to know about her in twenty years time, this mother says: I’m a giver, and I’m caring. And I love. I love. Even though I’m strict, I still have a big heart to love you. And even if I take that last penny to scrape up anything to give to the next person. I’ll go without for the next person to have, so. That’s what I want my children-- children’s children’s children’s children to know.”

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HOPE Don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when there are footsteps on the moon. Anonymous

Within the workshops, in the stories, in the photos we are offered a particularly special view: that of the hidden soul of a child, too long obscured by hardship. I think of the choreographed loveliness of little Ayanna (The Thomas Family). The open faces of children somehow unaware of societal prejudices against homeless people are rare moments of time, expressions of innocence and the sustaining power of hope, as the old proverb goes, hope is the dream of a soul awake. Innocence and hope can generate and transform hardship into strength; little Kanyne is a sixth grader who loves to take photos, basketball, reading, drawing and math. During the portrait session, this budding professional also took photos and gave his mother Beuhlah instructions “smile and make a pose.” When asked how she keeps her spirit so strong, Beuhlah tells us that her son is her guiding light: “They say you learn a lot from children. That is so true. He’s like my corrector. He’s always reminding me that there’s something else. A child is God’s way of saying that you have another chance. Whatever couldn’t be done with you can now be done with someone else.” Likewise, in their portrait, the Felder family’s joyful feelings are written across xiv

their faces, and these images are described with a purity that resonates “Cherished moments with my son…today made me feel so beautiful. They brought me so much joy, happiness and warmth in my heart & soul!” The thrill of a gift of a portrait day is broadcast across the playful photography of Christina McKnight’s family: “we were all jumping for joy.” Debra, the matriarch of the Neptune family is delighted by the series of photos of herself and her girls says it’s so important to have these moments of change and growth to remember this time in her children’s life. She takes particular pleasure in the compelling photo of her girls who are all turned to her: “Everyone looks at me. Because I am Mommy.” This bond is also seen in the Tripp family portrait, the negative white space forming a halo around this picture of generations. The Morgridge picture is also a particularly compelling image: the rectangular composition frames this luminous pair, the photographer has placed the smiling little girl in front of her mother, who looks on proudly. These portraits regain a sense of representation, reclamation of self worth, dignity and discourse. This is a voice that tells not only uncomfortable truths of suffering, but also the very ordinary miracle of familial love, of mothering, of determination and hope in the face of adversity.

M OTHER TO SON

THE RIPOSTE: A CELEBRATION Refusing to be imprisoned by judgment, misconception or defined by circumstance, these families have allowed their images, their thoughts and their stories to become a part of a definitive moment and a catalyst for change. Their voices whether proud, sad, subdued or joyous allow a critical dialogue to emerge, one of an awareness and compassion. This collaborative project is one of resistance and education: the participants, producers, artists and supporters proclaim the worth of all lives and defy hierarchies of citizenship. Most of all it is a remarkable series of family stories. After all as the twentieth century novelist Dorothy West put it, “There is no life that does not contribute to history.” It is with grateful thanks to all those who support the efforts of Art Start and similar initiatives that we conclude. This book is a tribute to all the brave families, in recognition of their wisdom, valor and generosity in sharing their stories. I turn to the words of Langston Hughes, an American poet whose dedication to access to the arts for all, to the expression of diverse voices and experience is deeply inspiring and meaningful, particularly in this context. His fine poem Mother to Son on the topic of perseverance seems particularly poignant. And so it seems that even though there may be no crystal staircase, there seems to be a celestial firmament woven of the hope, courage and love found in these families’ hearts.

Well, son, I’ll tell you: Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair. It’s had tacks in it, And splinters, And boards torn up, And places with no carpet on the floor— Bare. But all the time I’se been a-climbin’ on, And reachin’ landin’s, And turnin’ corners, And sometimes goin’ in the dark Where there ain’t been no light. So, boy, don’t you turn back. Don’t you set down on the steps. ‘Cause you finds it’s kinder hard. Don’t you fall now— For I’se still goin’, honey, I’se still climbin’, And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.

Langston Hughes 1922

Rosa JH Berland

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ACK NOW LE DGEMENTS

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This book was made possible by the generous support of the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children.

Art Start also thanks Rosemont Press for their ongoing printing support.

PROJECT PRODUCERS Natalie Brasington Denise Cermanski Danny Coeyman Johanna De Los Santos Hannah Immerman Nella Mupier PHOTOGRAPHERS Natalie Brasington Andrew Eccles Heidi Gutman David Johnson Roy Anthony Morrison Rae Maxwell Ken Pao Mauricio Quintero William Ross Zachary Maxwell Stertz PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Melinda Prisco BEHIND THE SCENES PHOTOGRAPHY Katie Landis

ORAL HISTORY TRANSCRIPTIONS

SOUND OPERATORS

Interdisciplinary Center for Innovative Theory and Empirics (INCITE)

Andrey Radovski Marcelo C. de Oliveira

PHOTO ASSISTANTS Sara Long HAIR & MAKE-UP Paige Campbell Alex LaMarsh Emma Strachman Adriana Andaluz DIGITAL TECHNICIANS Dan Atteo Chris Rice PHOTO EQUIPMENT & STAFF Lynn Guarino, Industrial Color Michael Abrego & Bailey Powell, Fast Ashleys Studios, Brooklyn, NY ORAL HISTORY TRAINING & CONSULTING Interdisciplinary Center for Innovative Theory and Empirics (INCITE) Mary Marshall Clark, Columbia University Sarah Dziedzic, Columbia University Terrell Frazier, Columbia University

INTERVIEWERS Denise Cermanski Danny Coeyman Terrell Frazier Hannah Immerman Nella Mupier Maryama Noguera-Devers Judith Sackoff Julia Warren VIDEO DIRECTOR

VIDEO CREW Dennis Donovan Chris Raddatz PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Rob Meglio Wendy Correa PRINT DESIGN Matt Meiners, Book Design Johanna De Los Santos, Production

Natalie Brasington EXHIBITION PRINTING VIDEO CINEMATOGRAPHER & SECOND UNIT DIRECTOR

Bright Horizons Foundation for Children Rosemont Press

Bowie Alexander EXHIBITION OPENING VIDEO CINEMATOGRAPHER Dennis Donovan Chris Raddatz

Bright Horizons Foundation for Children Howard Hughes Corporation JS+A

VIDEO EDITORS Bowie Alexander Natalie Brasington Danny Coeyman

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THE FAMILY PORTRA I T PR OJ EC T

BECAUSE FAMILY IS ALL THAT MATTERS, EVERYTHING MATTERS. THE CINTRON FAMILY Portrait by Mauricio Quintero

THE ABNEY FAMILY When he ran to me I picked him up and immediately he was just laughing and ‘Yaaay!’ and clapping and kissing and everything. I know a lot of people can relate because I am a single parent. I mean, his father is there but I raise him and take care of him on a daily basis by myself. So it’s like everyday I am learning something new about a kid. I grew up taking care of children but having your own child is something totally different. We live in a world where society thinks and has this image of people that they are perfect. I don’t have to live by what society says. As long as I feel as if I am doing what I need to do for me and I do what I need to do for Nolan, that’s all that matters. I don’t have to care what society thinks or of society’s opinion. You can have everything in one minute and then a snap of a finger and you will just lose everything and you won’t have anything. So don’t ever take anything for granted. Portrait by Rae Maxwell 4

THE FELDER FAMILY I work really, really hard as a home health aid. Just to help someone else is really great, and I do work very, very hard. I’m exhausted. Being a single mom, I have to work hard to make sure we have what we need and I’m enjoying it. I mean, nothing takes away from being a mom, a dad, Santa Claus, Grandma, Grandpa – I’m everybody--the Easter Bunny. It’s nice. We’re close. I’m a wonderful mom – Strict! – strict mom, strict mom. It’s nice to work hard and be there to provide – to take care of me and him. [The portrait] showed a lot of love there, a lot of closeness, a lot of us, and just us. That’s fine. Anything is possible, and a hard working woman can get it done. Portrait by William Ross 7

THE HARGROVE FAMILY If you want to piss the world off, love. If you want to make them look at you really mad, and you want to be a real rebel, love. Those are the rebels, the lovers. Because they don’t let anything get in the way of them being beautiful. And there’s 1,000 things in the world that’s going to tell you shouldn’t be. But you love anyway. So if you want to be a real rebel, or rock star, like your grandmother, you love. You don’t let that moment that you’re in define you, ever. Gather all the beautiful parts of you and make a love snowman. And throw love at everyone. And sprinkle that shit on everything because that’s what matters. This whole world is against that. Be a lover. That’s the biggest thing I want them to know - to always love, no matter what. If I just decide to lay down right now, my son won’t ever fight. He’ll give up on the world. And I don’t want him to be that person. So I’m up every day, man, fighting. I do it for him. I know, in my heart, that when I leave here, that he’ll know that his mom was somebody that just didn’t give up. And she had a reason for being here. And I want to inspire him to be the same for other people. Don’t give up, man. Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up. You’ve got to keep fighting. I mean, look at my story. I’m an orphan. I’m coming from not having my parents there, not having a place to stay, riding the trains. I know your story. Trust me, there’s more to that. There’s more to that story. There’s a lot more elements to it. Don’t give up, though. Don’t ever give up. Portrait by David Johnson 8

THE HEYWARD FAMILY We love each other. This is our bond and this is us. This is who we are. We love each other. I’m strong. She’s strong. She’s my rock. I’m her rock. We’re solid. We’re together. We’re getting through this together. Because it’s not easy being homeless. It takes your self-esteem. Sometimes you get teased in school. By the grace of God, I’m just blessed and thankful that she’s alright and I’m in my right state of mind. I’m not on any drugs, thank God. It made me stronger. So when she sees me strong, she knows I can do it. ‘If I see my mother do it,’ she said. ‘I can do it.’--just being in this shelter, almost getting there, almost finishing it. I’m almost done. And just every day, just doing what I have to do to survive to take care of my daughter. That’s it. I want to help single mothers that’s been through what I’ve been through-nowhere to go- single mothers that are struggling, no family, no friends. I’m good with talking with people, like when they’re ready to give up on life. I’m good with that. I know how to cope well with others. So, that’s something I would like to go to college for-- to be a social worker. I still have dreams. It’s never too late. Never too late. Serenity looks up to me. Sometimes we have bad days. She’s seen me cry. She says, ‘No, mommy, don’t cry. We’re going to be all right.’ She knows she’s a very smart little girl. She’s smart in so many ways. She’s been here before. She has an old soul, I’m telling you. She’s not grown -disrespectful. She’s a pleasant little girl. Yes, she is. Portrait by David Johnson 10

THE JOHNSON FAMILY Motherhood-- I really can’t go a day without my baby [Asia]. I can’t describe it. Kids are amazing. My little star, she dances. Whatever she’s into, I support her 100%. Asia, that’s my innovator. Anything with playing-snacks, kids-she loves it. She’s a great artist. I don’t know her niche, because mine is poetry. I don’t know hers yet, so I can’t really explain it. But she paints her mood, because if she paints a dark picture, she’s in a dark mood. She paints a bright picture with a sun, she’s in a happy mood. She loves to talk. I’m learning how to break out of my shell. She teaches me that. And that’s crazy, because I’m the parent. I want her to learn that just because I’m older than you doesn’t mean I can’t learn from you. So sometimes, I give her the role of being the mommy, and I’m the child. You’ll be surprised what kids think about us. I’m like, ‘I don’t sound like that.’ ‘Yes, you do, Mom.’ ‘Well, obviously, you are listening to me. That means you’re paying attention.’ Sometimes, you need to listen to what kids got to say. It’s important. You’ve got to have your voice. I loved getting our portrait taken. I loved everything -the makeup, the pictures. We smiled the whole day. It was nice. This place is even nice. You don’t feel like you’re in a shelter. They have activities. She has somewhere to go play without bothering me. When I first got here I was like, oh my god. This can’t be real. I’ve been there four months. And it doesn’t feel like it. It’s not in a bad way. It just doesn’t feel like it. It feels like I just got here. I know it’s not permanent. But it’s nice. It’s what you make it. We just do what we’ve got to do, hope for the best. And I love to envision myself going one step ahead. And she’d just be like my little confidant if I need extra advice. I try to get input from her because it affects her too. Wherever I go, it affects her. Portrait by Andrew Eccles 12

THE MCKNIGHT FAMILY I tell my kids, no matter what outcome or situation you are in always have the positive in it. Be positive, act positive, because nobody gets anything out of negative results. Being stubborn, you’re going to get nowhere. Not being a good listener, you definitely can’t get anywhere. It’s good to talk and to know stuff. But if you listen, that’s another thing you can learn. I tell them, you’re always going to learn more being the good listener, because you’re not going to get anywhere just talking, talking, talking, and being negative, and negative, negative. Don’t be like that. Always have a positive attitude -relationship, advice- even if you think it’s bad. I tell them, don’t put anybody down, because then that person could stay down. Nobody’s going to get anywhere staying down or putting anybody down, because even though we walk outside people see our appearance walking past. But as soon as we turn in here [the shelter], it’s like, ‘Ugh, you’re homeless. You don’t have anywhere to live. You’re bums.’ Don’t worry about what other people are saying around you, behind your back. Don’t worry about them. This is temporary. This is not forever. And as long as I do what I have to do to show them, they’re going to grow up to know, if we don’t do what we’ve got to do, we’re not going to get anywhere. And that’s the only thing I try to stress to my kids is I always do what I have to do so we could get anywhere, no matter the situation. Stay positive, and you’ll be there. Portrait by Ken Pao 14

THE MCQUEEN FAMILY Portrait by Andrew Eccles 16

THE MORGRIDGE FAMILY We are beautiful. We are beautiful people. It’s so much joy. Yes, it’s happiness. I’m happy to have in her such a beautiful daughter. This picture probably tells me that everything is beauty-- the connection between me and her. The happiness is just-- it’s the most happiness I could think of right now. It’s just happiness. And I try to stay happy no matter how sometimes things are down. My daughter, she uplifts me. Sometimes when I’m down, she’ll try to play with me and - ‘Mommy, don’t do this. Don’t take it that hard. Everything’s going to be all right,’- all of that. The faith and the patience that I have, that’s the only thing holding me right now. Trust me to be honest. So, that’s my main goal - keep that faith, stay out of trouble, and do the right thing. That is what’s holding me right now. Because I know it will be ok one day. Everything comes to a head, you know? People go through worse than this I’m going through. So it’s not the end of the world, you know? When the world don’t end, you have life - you have everything - and I have life. Portrait by Zachary Mitchell Stertz 18

THE NEPTUNE FAMILY I’m a mom, number one. Even though I’m a single mom I do try my best to take care of my kids, but there are situations that arise that you are not able to all the time. Even though they see me ‘Oh she’s homeless, but she doesn’t look like it.’ Because I know that look. ‘Oh she doesn’t look like she’s homeless so why is she there?’ Looking like it, is not it. It’s not the look. You can come from the top of the mountain but at the time, your foot slips and you slide all the way to the bottom. So now you have to climb your way up and I’m not just climbing my way up by myself, I’m climbing with four kids on my back. I have to climb. I have to gather a new job, make sure they have a new place, make sure I have food, make sure I have everything and climb that hill until I get to the mountain top. And there, I will be just ok. As an individual you have to be strong. Even if you are not, you have to have a strong support to help you deal with things because as an individual you will break because sometimes something will happen, someone might say something, and at that particular time everything may just hit you and you just crack. Madison [my daughter] is finding her way. She is headstrong. She doesn’t like you to tell her anything. She thinks she knows everything. She is only three. She’s trying to learn how to read and she thinks that she can read every book and any book with no ones help, which I like. That shows she’s independent. She’ll be good. It’s just that sometimes you have to pull her in and tell her, ‘You’re only three, you can’t do this,’ and then she looks at you and tells you, ‘Yes I can.’ I don’t stop her when she says, ‘yes I can,’ I don’t stop her. Yes you can maybe later on, but yes you can. I’m going to make it whether you are with me or not. See me because I’m on my knees right now and tomorrow I’ll be standing on my feet. Portrait by Ken Pao 20

THE SMITH FAMILY Portrait by Heidi Gutman 22

AYANNA THOMAS What I want people to know when they look at the pictures is that it doesn’t matter what situation you are in you can still have fun and be happy no matter what. When I see these portraits I feel happy and excited. I am nice and funny and I am a good person and I am happy. A good person is somebody that is willing to help somebody even though they don’t have to. They are not judgemental. They are open to other people’s opinions and how other people feel. What I like most about myself is that I am very creative, open, non-judgemental and happy. Portrait by William Ross 24

THE TRIPP FAMILY Portrait by Natalie Brasington 26

THE VALERIO FAMILY Viné a este país [de Honduras] con propósito para darle un mejor destino a mis hijos – una mejor vida para mis hijos y para mi familia. No fue fácil pero primeramente, Gracias a Dios, lo logré. Le doy gracias también a este país porque estoy viendo el futuro. Llegue sin familia, sin nada y llegue a un shelter y me dió la familia que necesitaba - un hogar, y me siento agradecida bastante con ellos. Dejé dos hijos. Me trajé una. El economía allí en el país no está bueno. Vivímos en una aldea, que se llama las aldeas garífunas, que mayormente no son reconocibles, ley y el estado. Vivímos discriminación por los gobiernos entonces así es que empezamos a huir de los países para buscar una mejoría para los hijos y para la familia de uno. Salí de mi país en el 5 de abril de 2013. Habíamos 80 ninos y habían casi 60 mujeres – muy largo el camino. Llegamos 25 para acá. No quisiera que ninguna de mi familia volviera a pasa por esto. Lo más triste que me pasó en el camino – uno de los compañeros lo perdimos, mi hija se quedó sin zapatos, habían otros niños que estaban enfermos. Gracias a Dios llegamos a un lugar donde habían personas buenas que también daban ayuda y le dije que si tenía un zapato para regalarle a mi hija para poder continuar. Cuando vinieron, llegaron con un zapato que se llamaba marca “Lucha.” Luego nos dijeron vamos 28

a caminar y le decía a mi hija camina, corre detrás de las personas porque yo ya no tengo resistencia y mi hija corría, corría, corría y corría hasta llegar al punto que teníamos que llegar. Estuvímos allí también un día porque no sabíamos donde estábamos. Así fue que yo llegue a los Estados Unidos. En las fotos veo un gran cambio porque me sentía el auto-estima baja pero al venir ese día que dijeron que va tomar foto pensaba que era una foto normal y me miré y como ‘WOW, es un cambio grande!” Quedé como en shock. ‘Esa soy yo!?” que estaba diciendo a mi misma. Y a veces la auto – estima – cuando lo tenemos baja nos hace sentir como una persona vieja, que no tenemos capacidad de levantarnos. Esa foto me trajó otra cosa. Mírame ahora! Mírame antes y ahora! Y gracias también a eso, me he cuidado bastante ahora como más remodelada y yo digo no, hay que dejar todo atrás y volver a empezar. Más como cuando algo dijo, veo las fotos hasta la persona me dice ”Eso no eres tu! Tu no eres, tu eres bonita!” Y quedan asombrados! Y eso me levanta más el espíritu de seguir pa’lante. Y yo ni tengo palabras para cuando me maquillé! Yo nunca me había maquillado. Porque decía “oh, me voy a ver si me hace maquillo.” Yo soy bien color. Pero cuando me maquillaron, nunca me – viendo – wow, oh, solo es de buscar lo que va a uno se vuelve bien a uno. Me siento feliz.

I came this this country to provide a better foundation for my children - a better life for my family. It wasn’t easy, but first of all thank God I achieved it. I’m also grateful to this country because now I have a better future. I arrived here without any family, without anything, and I arrived at a shelter that has given me the family that I needed- a home, and I feel incredibly grateful for them. I had to leave two children behind. I brought one with me. The economy is not good back in Honduras. We lived in a Garifuna village that are, for the most part, not acknowledged under the law. We suffer discrimination by the government and this is why we are all starting to flee, looking for something better for our children. I left my country on April 5, 2013. There were 80 children and almost 60 women, all together. It was a long journey. 25 of us made it here. I wouldn’t want anyone in my family to ever go through it again. The saddest parts of my journey were when we lost one of our friends, my daughter lost her shoes, and there were other children who got sick. We arrived to a place where there were good people who helped us. I asked if they could give my daughter shoes. When they came back with some shoes for her, I noticed the name brand was “Fight”. We began to walk, and I could no longer hold my daughter. I told her to run.

She ran and ran and ran until we got to a place where we stayed a day because we didn’t know where we were. This is how we got to the United States. Thinking about the portraits, I saw a big change because I have had low self-esteem. When I came that day and they said they were going to take my picture, I thought it was just going to be a normal photo. When I saw myself, I was like “Wow! What a big change!” I was in shock, “Is that me?”, I kept saying to myself. And sometimes when one has a low self-esteem, we feel as if we were old, like we don’t have the capacity to get up and move. This portrait brought me different feelings like, ‘Look at me now! Look at me before, and now!’ Thanks to this, I feel renewed and have started taking better care of myself. I tell myself that I have to leave everything behind and start over. The people that have seen the photos say, ‘That is not you! You are so pretty!,’ and they are shocked. This is what lifts my spirit the most to keep on moving forward. Oh, and I don’t even have words for when they did my make-up. I had never worn make-up before. I said to myself, ‘Let me see if they will do my make-up, since I have so much color already.’ They did it and when I saw myself with make-up on, I said, ‘Wow!’ And I realized that it is just a matter of finding what fits you best. I felt happy.

THE VALERIO FAMILY Portrait by Zachary Maxwell Stertz 31

THE WILLIAMS FAMILY It was a long time she was with my sister in foster care, and she always told me, ‘Don’t worry, Mommy. I know you’re going to get me back.’ She always had faith in me. And now that I have her back, she’s like, “Yay! I knew you would get me back. I never doubted you.’ She always keeps her faith in me. Her faith in me keeps me having faith in myself. It’s very hard not having my other children with me. I don’t know how to explain the feeling that it gives me just to hear their voice, and, you know, feel that warm hug and their sweet kisses that they give. It’s a blessing, because even though I’m not around them as much as I want to be around them, they don’t hold that against me. And they still love me, and they still want to see me. When I go to see them, they still embrace me, and that’s a wonderful feeling. I can’t wait to be able to take more photos with all of us. I wish I was able to have them in these photos with us. They grow up so fast. I remember when they was just little babies, trying to talk. I can’t say trying to walk, because all three of them went straight to walking. They walked more than they crawled. But I do, I miss them. I miss us, as one. I miss them a lot. Portrait by Roy Anthony Morrison 32

THE WOOLRIDGE FAMILY The thing that makes us strong is the values that my mother instilled in me, as a child growing up. Even though we have the Bible, the Qur’an, everything. You study. Don’t take nobody’s-- because they telling you this-- don’t take they word for face value. You need to study, yourself, and study to know what’s going on. What makes us strong is that. When my children be like, [GROANS]. I’ll be like, that negativity is around! It’s going to make us fall. Positive energy is what makes us who we are. So my daughter, she comes home [from Art Start]-- I see the difference of the art that she does. And she says, Mommy, I want to go to Art Start, because it’s too boring up here. And she gets to interact in the artwork. Because she has a disability. When she was born, her motor skills was delayed. So when I see the artwork, I’m like, ‘you didn’t do that.’ She’s like, ‘Yes, Mommy, I did it myself.’ And now, I know she’s proud, and it makes me proud to see that she’s able to work with her hands on art and everything, and able to express herself. I just love the art that she does. And it shows that she’s really improving on becoming her individual self. She’s not depending on one - me to be like, ‘OK, tie your shoes.’ So when she messes with the clay - anything like that - it helps her hand. She can tie her shoe. Her hand will write with the pencil, and is more neat. In fifth grade, she was writing like she was in first grade, kindergarten. So it really improved her everything-- her motor skills, everything that she has. Portrait by Rae Maxwell 34

AFTERWORD

you see her because she doesn’t even look homeless, eyes persistently clear, nothing like nickels rattling in rotting coffee cups,

invisibility does not sneak up on you it stands in line at the bank before you, hoping to get home for dinner see her because you’ve read statistics, homelessness rising

she doesn’t even look homeless, home, you think, is another word for love nothing, like nickels rattling in rotting coffee cups in the picture, you see her smile,

it stands in line at the bank before you, hoping to get home for dinner words like lazy and not enough slipped into conversation you’ve read statistics, homelessness, rising see her because

home, you think is another word for love, for survival, gather the most beautiful parts of you, in the picture, you see her smile, radiating a purposeful joy

words like lazy and not enough slipped into conversation do not define her see her because tomorrow she will be standing and there will be no camera

for survival, gather the most beautiful parts of you, look at her again, radiating, a purposeful joy, if you choose to see,

do not define her eyes persistently clear you see her because see her because

look at her, again, invisibility does not sneak up on you, if you choose to see, see her because,

-- Nina Spierer

APPENDIX: THE FAMILY PORTRA I T PR OJ EC T PARTICIPANTS

The Abney Family Photographed by Rae Maxwell Interviewed by Nella Mupier

The Heyward Family Photographed by David Johnson Interviewed by Hannah Immerman

The Cintron Family Photographed by Mauricio Quintero

The Johnson Family Photographed by Andrew Eccles Interviewed by Mariama Noguera-Devers

The Felder Family Photographed by William Ross Interviewed by Danny Coeyman

The McKnight Family Photographed by Ken Pao Interviewed by Julia Warren

The Hargrove Family Photographed by David Johnson Interviewed by Denise Cermanski & Sarah Dziedzic

The McQueen Family Photographed by Andrew Eccles

The Morgridge Family Photographed by Zachary Maxwell Stertz Interviewed by Nella Mupier

The Tripp Family Photographed by Natalie Brasington

The Valerio Family The Neptune Family Photographed by Ken Pao Interviewed by Nella Mupier

Photographed by Zachary Maxwell Stertz Interviewed by Danny Coeyman

The Williams Family The Smith Family Photographed by Heidi Gutman

Ayann Thomas Photographed by William Ross Interviewed by Danny Coeyman

Photographed by Roy Anthony Morrison Interviewed by Judith Sackoff

The Woolridge Family Photographed by Rae Maxwell Interviewed by Terrell Frazier

B–ROLL

ABOUT ART START

In the spring of 1991 a handful of artists came together to make art with homeless kids in New York City. Over the next twenty-three years, Art Start has become an award-winning nationally recognized model for using the creative process to save lives and transform communities. Through daily creative arts workshops, Art Start connects with youth who are living in shelters, transient on the streets, involved in the juvenile justice system, navigating teen pregnancy or surviving with parents in crisis. Though they face many obstacles, Art Start youth have dreams that far surpass their circumstances. Art Start provides these kids with opportunities for success by giving them tools, structure, support and most importantly, a chance to be heard. In 1997 Art Start was presented with the President’s Service Award, the nations highest honor for community service. Word about Art Start’s success has also received national media attention. Art Start has been featured on: The Oprah Winfrey Show, Bravo’s documentary Stories of Arts for Change, a mini-documentary by 2-time Academy Award-winning director Barbara Kopple and the 2003 CBS special, “Fulfilling the Dream.” In 2009 the Sundance Channel debuted The Hip Hop Project, a feature length-documentary about Art Start’s award-winning music program for teens in crisis. Additional features about Art Start have been published in the Daily News, the New York Times, MSNBC’s The Griot, Vogue, Fox 5’s Good Day Street Talk and on radio stations 107.3 Lite FM and National Public Radio.

A note about the type: Avenir, designed by Adrian Frutiger in 1988, was used throughout this book.