OUR STORY
EDITORIAL
In 2017, we began hosting a number of different workshops aimed at helping our vendors develop skills beyond writing for our newspaper. On any given day, our vendors are illustrating, painting, recording podcasts, taking photos, rehearsing plays, organizing advocacy groups, and coming together as a community.
Street Sense Media is an independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan news outlet. Decisions on news coverage begin and end within our editorial department. Neither our board of directors, our CEO, our funders and advertisers, nor our partner newsrooms hold sway over our coverage. We maintain a firewall between news decisions, opinion curation, sources of all revenue, and any advocacy engaged in by non-journalism staff members or contractors.
THE TEAM
VENDORS
Abel Putu, Abraham Aly, Aida Peery, Akindele Akerejah, Amia Walker, Andre Baltimore, Andre Brinson, Andrew Anderson, Angie Whitehurst, Anthony Carney, Archie Thomas, Beverly Sutton, Brianna Butler, Cameé Lee, Carlos Carolina, Charles Armstrong, Charles Woods, Chon Gotti, Chris Cole, Clinton Kilpatrick, Conrad Cheek,
Corey Sanders, Darlesha Joyner, David Snyder, Debora Brantley, Degnon “Gigi” Dovonou, Dominique Anthony, Don Gardner, Earl Parker, Eric Thompson-Bey, Erica Downing, Evelyn Nnam, Faith Winkler, Floyd Carter, Frederic John, Frederick Walker, Gerald Anderson, George Gray, Gracias Garcias, Greta Christian, Henrieese Roberts, Henry Johnson, Invisible Prophet, Ibn Hipps,
Ivory Wilson, Jacqueline “Jackie” Turner, Jacques Collier, James Davis, James Hughes, Jeanette Richardson, Jeff Taylor, Jeffery McNeil, Jeffrey Carter, Jemel Fleming, Jenkins Dalton, Jennifer McLaughlin, Jermale McKnight, Jet Flegette, Jewel Lewis, John Littlejohn, Josie Brown, Juliene Kengnie, Kenneth Middleton, Kym Parker, L.Q. Peterson, Laticia Brock, Lawrence
Autry, Levester Green, Marc Grier, Marcus McCall, Martin Walker, Maurice Carter, Maurice Spears, Melody Byrd, Micheal Pennycook, Michael Warner, Michele Modica, Morgan Jones, Nathanial Piscitelli, Nikila Smith, Patricia Donaldson, Patty Smith, Peaceful Tobias, Phillip Black, Queenie Featherstone, Rachelle Ellison, Randall Smith, Rashawn Bowser, Reginald Black, Reginald
Denny, Ricardo Meriedy, Rita Sauls, Robert Vaughn, Robert Warren, Rochelle Walker, Ron Dudley, S. Smith, Sasha Williams, Saul Presa, Shawn Fenwick, Sheila White, Shuhratjon Ahmadjonov, Sureyakanti Behera, Susan Wilshusen, Sybil Taylor, Tasha Savoy, Tony Bond, Tonya Williams, Vennie Hill, Vincent Watts, Wanda Alexander, Warren Stevens, Wayne Hall, Wendell Williams, William
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ashley McMaster, Blake Androff, Clare Krupin, Corrine Yu, Jonquilyn Hill, Matt Perra, Michael Vaughan Cherubin, Michael Phillips, NanaSentuo Bonsu, Shari Wilson, Stanley Keeve
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Carome
The Cover
COVER ART BY ABEL PUTU, DESIGN BY ANNEMARIE CUCCIA AND DONTE KIRBY
Mack
Brian
Street Sense recognized by the International Network for Street Papers
ANNEMARIE
Editor-in-Chief
CUCCIA
Iwas thrilled to join street paper colleagues from around the world at the International Network for Street Papers’s (INSP) summit this September. If you’re not familiar with INSP, Street Sense is part of a global network dedicated to reporting on homelessness and poverty and empowering people experiencing homelessness through employment and art, and INSP brings that network together — sort of like the Associated Press for street papers.
I was even MORE thrilled that two of Street Sense’s contributions were finalists in this year’s INSP awards. While we didn’t win, it was an honor to be recognized by our colleagues in the categories of best vendor contribution and best cover.
Our entry for best vendor contribution was James Davis’s article “From the beginning, a short anthology of Street Sense Media.” Published as part of our 20th-anniversary edition in 2022, the article recounts the story of Street Sense from James’s perspective, spanning decades, office locations, and paper prices. INSP said the piece was “a huge endeavor” and “a wonderful way to celebrate the milestone.” Congratulations to James for this honor, and for your many, many years of writing!
The entry for best cover, pictured to the right, is by former production editor Athiyah Azeem. The cover features a story about an impending shelter bed shortage in D.C. at the start of 2023, and Athiyah used their incredible design skills to convey the essence of the issue to everyone who saw the cover, whether they read the story or not.
At the summit, I also learned that Street Sense’s theater group is having a global impact — former editor-in-chief Will Schick’s story about “A House is not a Home,” a play devised, written, and performed by vendors, was the fifth-most republished article from INSP’s news service, meaning thousands of readers around the world have heard about what we’re doing here in D.C.
Thanks so much to INSP for the support to attend this conference and the recognition of our work. If you want to learn more about the global street paper movement, go to insp.ngo.
BIRTHDAYS
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS
Darick Brown
DIRECTOR OF VENDOR EMPLOYMENT
Thomas Ratliff
VENDOR PROGRAM ASSOCIATES
Carlos Carolina Sept. 23
ARTIST/VENDOR
Darlesha Joyner Sept. 27
ARTIST/VENDOR
VENDOR PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS
Andrew Anderson
Sept. 28
ARTIST/VENDOR
Jemel Fleming Sept. 29
ARTIST/VENDOR
Melody Byrd Sept. 29
ARTIST/VENDOR
Peaceful Tobias Oct. 4
ARTIST/VENDOR
Anthony Carney Oct. 6
ARTIST/VENDOR
Donté Turner Oct. 8
ARTIST/VENDOR
EVENTS AT SSM
ANNOUNCEMENTS
□ The September vendor meeting will be Friday, Oct. 4, at 2 p.m. Come for pizza, drinks and a newspaper discussion!
□ The audience survey is active! Earn ten newspapers for every customer you refer (max. 50 newspapers per week). See the QR code on the back of this issue.
□ The office will be closed Monday, Oct. 14, for Indigenous Peoples Day.
□ 2-for-1 on the second Friday is back! Newspapers will be on sale to vendors for $.25 a piece for the last three business days of each issue.
□ Find a list of vendor announcements and other useful information just for you at streetsensemedia. org/vendor-info.
VENDOR CODE OF CONDUCT
Read this democratically elected code of conduct, by vendors, for vendors!
1. I will support Street Sense Media’s mission statement and in so doing will work to support the Street Sense Media community and uphold its values of honesty, respect, support, and opportunity.
2. I will treat all others, including customers, staff, volunteers, and fellow vendors, respectfully at all times. I will refrain from threatening others, pressuring customers into making donations, or engaging in behavior that condones racism, sexism, classism, or other prejudices.
3. I understand that I am not an employee of Street Sense Media but an independent contractor.
4. While distributing the Street Sense newspaper, I will not ask for more than $3 per issue or solicit donations by any other means.
5. I will only purchase the newspaper from Street Sense Media staff and volunteers and will not distribute newspapers to other vendors.
Aida Peery, Chon Gotti, Nikila Smith
Ann Herzog, Beverly Brown, Madeleine McCollough, Roberta Haber
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Annemarie Cuccia
DEPUTY EDITOR Donte Kirby
EDITORIAL INTERNS Fiona Riley, Tierra Cunningham
DESIGN INTERNS Kevin Alexander, Jihoo Yang
SOCIAL MEDIA INTERN Madi Koesler
ARTISTS-INRESIDENCE
Bonnie Naradzay (Poetry), David Serota (Illustration), Leslie Jacobson (Theater), Roy Barber (Theater), Willie Schatz (Writing)
EDITORIAL VOLUNTEERS
Abigail Chang, Aiesha Clark, Alison Henry, Andrew Chow, Ann Duan, Annabella Hoge, Anne Eigeman, August Dichter, Benjamin Litoff, Brianna Clark, Candace Montague, Cari Shane, Chelsea Cirruzzo, Dan Goff,
Elise Zaidi, Franziska Wild, Grier Hall, Jack Walker, J.M. Ascienzo, Josh Axelrod, Kate Molloy, Kathryn Owens, Lizzy Rager, Loren Kimmel, Matt Gannon, Micah Levey, Nina Raj, Rachel Dungan, Ryan Bacic, Susannah Birle, Taylor Nichols, Zach Montellaro
6. I will not distribute copies of “Street Sense” on metro trains and buses or on private property.
7. I will abide by the Street Sense Media Vendor Territory Policy at all times and will resolve any related disputes with other vendors in a professional manner.
8. I will not sell additional goods or products while distributing “Street Sense.”
9. I will not distribute “Street Sense” under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
10. I understand that my badge and vest are property of Street Sense Media and will not deface them. I will present my badge when purchasing “Street Sense” and will always display my badge when distributing “Street Sense.”
The International Network of Street Papers recognized Street Sense at its annual conference. Photo by Annemarie Cuccia
Civics Lessons: Our nation's pledge
DANIEL KINGERY
What does it mean to be a united States American?
When referring to the nation, we are a union of States. The “united” is lower-case and shall be presented as such throughout.
The nation's government name, a proper noun, is, "The United States of America" as proven in our first constitution, The Articles Of Confederation.
An American is simply anyone who lives on the American continent.
North America includes Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Central America includes Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. South America includes Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Yes! All of them are Americans!
Unfortunately, that is not what we are taught.
But not all of them are united States Americans.
A united States American is much more than a person who merely resides on the American continent. The best way to define a united States American is with the nation's pledge.
How would you start the united States of America's pledge?
Perhaps with: "I pledge allegiance to the flag…"?
That pledge in its entirety is:
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
But to whom or to what is someone pledging their allegiance when they recite this?
Common responses include: the flag, the United States, the republic, country, or God. Unfortunately, these responses too, are what we get taught.
We forgive. We forget. The political injustices keep repeating and getting worse with each generation.
If the above pledge is not our nation's true pledge, what is it?
The nation, which is the relationship among the citizens when controlling government, is, by definition, a democracy. Defined in 1790, democracy is: "One of the three forms of government; that in which the sovereign power is lodged in the body of the people."
The government of the United States of America started with the Declaration of Independence, in which the governed people are the sovereign authority over the government. This functions as a contractually limited democracy. That democracy then elects officers into the republic form of government who are supposed to act and work in accord with the Constitution's authority over them.
The sovereign authority is ultimately responsible for controlling and stopping unjust government activity.
Our nation's actual pledge was ratified with the Declaration. It appears in the very last lines:
"And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor."
Many people claim this pledge is only binding among those who signed it. This too, is unfortunately what we are taught.
We know this pledge is among the people, as the paragraph starts with:
"We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled... do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People..."
The signers, as indicated, are acting on their respective constituent's behalf; therefore binding their constituents then, as well as all future united States Americans to the terms of this contract.
Fare evasion
MCLAUGHLIN
Fare evasion on the D.C. Metro has been a significant issue leading to increased enforcement and ticketing by Metro Transit Police. Ensuring that individuals with disabilities are not unjustly ticketed under the fare evasion policies is crucial for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. I hope the D.C. Metro has protocols to accommodate the program.
Metro Transit Police should be trained to recognize these accommodations and avoid ticketing individuals who are unable to comply with fare requirements due to disabilities.
Even the citizens of every new state admitted to the union are bound by the terms of the Declaration.
A good knowledge of the Declaration and its purpose is necessary to make sense of this pledge.
The Declaration deals with how to equally secure everyone's rights. We get this from the start of the Declaration's second paragraph, which states:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed..."
As a united States American, if I see that your rights are unjustly attacked, it is not just my right — but my duty — to help you defend your right, whether I like you or not; and especially if I do not like you. This does not mean I must supply the right; simply help protect the right from unjust attacks.
This not only applies to the relationship between the homeless and housed communities. It also includes all other social classes that may exist.
If all united States Americans live this pledge, as best they can, everyone's rights are equally protected. Our government remains very small in size but just powerful enough and just big enough to successfully do its constitutionally granted duties.
Respect for each other and our differences protects each other and those differences against unjust attacks. This is what it means to be a united States American.
As citizens, we do not owe the government any allegiance. It is the government officers who owe their allegiance to the people, by way of their oath to uphold, support, and defend the Constitution.
Yes! Congress knew the treason they committed by forcing free people, and especially impressionable young children, to recite that pledge of allegiance to the republican form of government. At the adoption of this pledge, our entire educational system became indoctrination camps, if you will; creating generations of citizens who no longer know how to properly control government.
We all possess the same rights, homeless or housed, rich or poor. Each individual selects different rights and values each right differently. This selection process by one does not nullify or void the rights selected by others.
Everyone has a right to the best housing, the best food, the best medical care, the best education, the best anything we desire
Our physical, mental, educational, or even financial limitations may hinder us in fulfilling a given right to the level we desire.
None of us possess an honest right or power to force others to contribute to the fulfillment of a given right to the level we wish to attain; not by taxation or theft.
We the governed people are intended to work together, protecting each other's rights from unjust interference, while also properly controlling the government's power.
We get better comprehension of our social contracts by encouraging others to comment, debate, or challenge any content for accuracy. Share any of these articles. Get others talking about it.
Daniel Kingery owns and runs CleanHonestGov.Com; a website that teaches others, in a matter of hours, what it took him 25 years to discover about our government. If anyone wishes to comment, debate, or challenge any content within for accuracy please email Daniel Kingery at danielmkingery@gmail.com.
JENNIFER
Jennifer McLaughlin is an artist/vendor with Street Sense Media.
Metro is taking steps to prevent fare evasion. Photo by Michelle Levine
On voting
ANGIE WHITEHURST
Itell everyone: “Do vote; you must vote; a no vote or abstaining from the vote is a shoo-in for the politico no one would probably ever want to see in office, lest one become a victim to their oversight and rule.”
The election year in D.C. is very complex. Supporters of Initiative 83 collected tens of thousands of names to put forth a referendum to make the voting process more equitable. Our current system was designed almost four decades ago and has outlived its transparency, fairness, and good faith in the principle “of the people, for the people, by the people.” We are a one-sided, one-party electorate ruled by the D.C. Democratic Party. Its members feel, it seems, that it is okay for the majority of registered voters not to have a “say-so by vote” in who is elected.
The second concern comes from principles of perceived ethnic stratification in the “used-to-be Chocolate City” and the unspoken folkloric mandate that all people of color, in particular Black people, must be Democrats. If you dare to be anything else, no bennies for you, and you can figure out what that means.
The third issue is that term limits were originally in the Home Rule Charter submitted to Congress. That requirement was withdrawn and has not been corrected. Outrageous that the will and mandate of and by the people are rendered null and void. Permanent power grabs are not democracies. One-sided dictatorships are definitely a little stuffy and suffocating.
To close I will say: please don’t give up. Keep voting, hoping for better to come and until we get it right.
Our individual votes are powerful. We must choose to use the ballot box more often and more effectively. Go to it and just vote!
Angie Whitehurst is an artist/vendor with Street Sense Media.
The election is on Nov. 5. Photo courtesy of Tony Webster/Wikimedia Commons
Three Silent Days
CHRIS COLE Artist/Vendor
I. HAVE. NO. WORDS!!!!!!!
None that I want to say. I'm usually a bubbly, loud, person... But today was a Silent Day.
Never have I been so genuinely hurt... Although often targeted and misused.
That devil did that to kill my spirit, Not to change my views.
Today was a Silent Day.
After... After I sat back and blinked several times, as I was told the news.
I knew I'd never be able to lie in your arms again... And wear my favorite and only pair of sparkly Jimmie Choo's.
I couldn't Crack my way through the silence... So I was able to hear the first tear roll down my cheek.
Yes, I'm sure I heard it. It made a little squeak!
Next, I felt an earthquake of seismic proportions, As the second tear hit the floor. Why is it the people who always hurt us the most Are the ones whom we adore?
Today was a Silent Day. There were no fancy melodies or epic chords. I didn't even do my daily devotion, Meditate and sing Good Morning praises to my Lord.
Usually, you can hear my music boomin' Wayyyyyyyy before you get to the door...
But, Today was a Silent Day.
Just the thought of hearing a love song Made me erase every note from the score.
My house was quiet as a library... Not a peep to be heard. My house stayed dark and cold during the day, Like Alaska... Isn't that absurd???
For three long days... I played no music, Saw no color, Spoke to no one, Couldn't keep nothin' down.
But see...
The three days after that Definitely Weren't Silent Days cuz' My pain overflowed as SOUND!
My shrill shrieks, Screaming his name, Endless sobs, no cussin', Just an ocean of my tears, Neighbors listening at the door, My house underwater, This is more than a leak!
My emotional... heartbroken...wail Definitely cracked that barrier...of silence Over the head with my cries and made sound. For three days there wasn't nothin’ like silence To be found!
Now, as I sit here living a PTSD shiver, Oh Musiq, you and your lovesongs... “Love” is such a trigger!
Trying to remember, Our passion for music. Our life together had so much music in it. We had our own sounds... We'd sing our favorite love songs together... Oh... we knew we were soulmates And told everyone! We were meant to change this world, With the love and help of... One another... We never flew undercover, Nor under the radar...
You will always be my best friend... And favorite lover.
I'll always miss you, sexy, But sh!t ....you're dead.
Well, dead to me. I'll never again talk to you, Care, call, or text again...
You were never my friend. Now you can suck on my pen.
Sir, you’re definitely dead to Me. You betrayed me. Sleeping with all of my enemies?? Not friends??
I’m grateful for this tragedy. Glad it turned out this way. Oh Silent, happy Day.
The afterlife
VENNIE HILL Artist/Vendor
Content warning: death, suicide
It's been nine months since my husband passed. I still don't know what to do with myself. But I'm waking up.
One time I just felt all the things I didn't want to face. I wanted to die. I wanted to drink myself to death, you know. Sometimes I’ve thought about getting hit by a car like he did. Sometimes I’ve even thought about killing myself.
Today, I'm in a new place with a whole different atmosphere. I don't get pressured, you know. I don't get bothered, I’m left alone and I feel good sometimes.
But the pain is still there.
I don't know when it's going to go away but I'm fighting it. And I believe God put me here for a reason. I feel more functional. I feel more get-up-and-go. More energy to do little things for myself. I don't give up and I keep fighting every day; that's how I live.
I'm living with my older cousin Rita. You know, when I first got here about a month ago all I did was sleep. She didn't bother me or anything. She'd come around and say, “What you going to do, sleep your life away?” Then she’d leave, you know. She never said, “Girl, you need to get up and do this and do that! Find your man,” and all that bull crap people try to tell you when you're in mourning. I don't have to worry about that, you know. I don't have to worry about nothing to eat or a roof over my head or washing my tail or brushing my teeth. I am at home and I'm feeling better each and every day.
It's getting better and I'm getting up now. Talking back to my therapist. I'm ready to go to meetings at Street Sense and I'm getting back into selling my papers. I’m getting up every day and driving to where I have to go. I didn't want to drive anymore. I was scared to drive. I didn't want to move on, you know. My husband died in the car accident and I wouldn’t get behind a wheel. But I do get behind the wheel because she never let me sit down. If I say go drive to the store she's like, “No, do it yourself. You go get it yourself.”
So now I'm learning to drive again, you know. It ain't easy because I'm still scared but I'm getting there. It's getting better and I just can't wait to start these meetings. I can't wait to get back in medical, you know. Checking on myself and stuff like that. All that was dead. I didn't want to deal with any doctors right now. Well, I didn't but now, I do. I can make time to check on my physical health and I'm telling you I am one to get a physical every six months and get my teeth cleaned too.
I take care of myself.
Who wrong
REGGIE BLACK Artist/Vendor
The injurious, unfair conduct that inflicts harm sent into oblivion without due provocation. The just cause for the least of thee in violation of society's invasion of the hierarchy is wrong. Gotta live this way. It’s unethical, but to the system it’s okay. What principles, practices, or conduct will you accept? Am I contrary to justice for being just us? What goodness, equity, or law does my existence break? Is my state, my social position, doing wrong? Mistaken guilty by the state, according to the preceded standard. Not proper by them, according to the convention. Not satisfactory for my health or temperament, not proper, but by whose intent, needs, or expectations? Am I supposed to turn inward or be finished or convicted without what I consider proper or accurate?
I’m sure I am not in the wrong direction. I’m just unfortunate, or unsuccessful, or painted in a false light that is out of order. I’m made out to do wrong, made out to be in conflict with the norms. You can’t malign what you discredit. Keep it valid because you are you, this side of the tracks believes that.
Along the pathway
LEVESTER GREEN Artist/Vendor
When I first became homeless, I would tend to play my mental health card a lot in emergency room visits in order to find shelter from the outside and cold. You know, putting the system to work for me in order to be in order, under orders. Best believe and know it was for my health! My mental health and well-being! From there, I received housing under Green Door, now defunct. That's where I shared a room in its facility around Sheriff Road, but closer to Mount Pleasant via a shortcut. I wasn't really all that into sharing a room but I guess it prepared me for my future shock of having to move in with Jason from our church Jehovah Christian Ministries. It was after my suburban truck had been totaled. It brought me back from Montgomery County, where I had to retreat in the first place after being cast to the wind. It was a temporary fix. It came to a head as the fella, who had an interest in one of my nieces, took me in as a favor of sorts. So from there, after being housed in a subleased basement unit with no ventilation, I became literally homeless in January 2012. It began my big outside journey! Including signing up for Street Sense and bringing along my buddy, my pal, Bryan Bello, in order for him to start up the world-famed Filmmakers Co-op that led to our E Street Cinema and PBS News Hour debut! I finally got housed four years later through Pathways to Housing, where I got the footwork, base,
The hurt Black man and woman
NIKILA
SMITH
Artist/Vendor
Content warning: sexual assualt
My chocolate is losing its taste from manipulation, hatred, and abusive behavior. It’s divided in half, stolen from families before time, repeating the cycle through a bloodline tainted by a clear race that was infected by hatred. He was forced to watch the rape of his queen, breaking down a king. It's sad to say the hurt Black man hurts the Black women, seen as the old taught thing. Listening to your hurt, which some are intimidated by, activates my smile from the beauty that sits before me. I'm craving new knowledge to cope with the loss of this taste. Holding in your feelings is changing your tone; wearing disappointment is a different pain. History shows Black men being pimped out to create clear, fat pockets, disrespected to a degree so you snap at your queen, always forgetting about the little kings and queens looking. My prince is always reaching for acceptance from my king. As he grows, he repeats the things that create a hurt Black man.
Women, can you feel what I feel? The pain of having lady parts. They’re mines, get your own. If I'm your property, where is your lease? G gave the Black women freedom of speech, so how do you speak for me? The clothes we wear are a problem, so who's forcing you to look? Stop judging, find who you can see opening your eyes to. Black women were forced to learn to be strong and live without the Black man. These eyes smell the treachery of slavery. Others’ eyes are blurry and they don't want to correct their vision. Black women have a soft tone. We are heard better with aggression, like my chocolate man. Body shamed, now with methods in the lab have our beauty stolen, how funny. It was okay to have unlimited babies when we were forced, raped, sold, and abused, but every race I see has a lot of kids. All women are being used like objects. Now, why is it always the Black women?
and foundation to bring forth the compilations of my accumulated poetry through the years in not one, but two volumes!
I was able to compose the poetry in bits and pieces on the go whilst homeless in a brief assessment and survey of my surroundings and events, communicating with the masses the best way I could. I was basically making memories beyond just my pictures and videos. Those were only temporary although they were live. I haven't located them yet; I just retrieved my archive from Google recently. It's good to be back in control of my creations although I’m pitted against yet more ever standing wrongs! Even ones I'm suffering now! My current book is somehow stilled due to editing issues!
Nonetheless, I persist in my presentation through publications like Street Sense Media, my expressions through Second Story Cards, and my own books of poetry as well as my very own autobiography! It's been great therapy being able to grow and cultivate new, different, and free ways to be in life as everyone coexists and keeps things in their proper perspectives. I really do enjoy creative expression. I'm very glad I've been able to accommodate the public with my documentary, books, and signature greeting cards from Second Story Cards. They bring out the authentic side of me!
Illustration by Nikila Smith
Illustration by Levester Green
FREDERIC JOHN Artist/Vendor
BRIANNA BUTLER Artist/Vendor
JACKIE TURNER Artist/Vendor
NIKILA SMITH Artist/Vendor
Come to Street Sense’s Art Show on Sept. 26 at Metrobar to shop 70+ pieces of art by vendors.
Tickets at
AKINDELE AKEREJAH Artist/Vendor
MARC GRIER Artist/Vendor
SYBIL TAYLOR Artist/Vendor
Autumn, is that you?
EVELYN NNAM Artist/Vendor
It’s getting cooler now guys, isn’t it? Those hot summer days are slowly getting cooler and brisk. Some days have summer weather left, where we can get that last ounce of summer, but it will officially become autumn before you know it. Wasn’t summer an exciting season to experience? So much went on and I must tell you I enjoyed myself. Enjoying cool refreshing fruit, going to the farmer's market, and buying vegetables and fruit to enjoy and snack on. I mostly enjoyed the weather! Walking and getting some exercise in, walking in parks to soak in the sun, and just enjoying nature!
I’m really looking forward to autumn. Autumn is my daughter’s favorite season of the year. She loves the colors of the trees and the different activities. I love spending time with my daughter and seeing her enjoying her autumn. Autumn is a time of change, ah yes to change! It is scary sometimes to experience change when we move through life, but change comes at times we least expect it. After a while, we adjust, and it becomes us. This is the same with the weather getting cooler, colors changing on the leaves, more rainy days, and adjusting our clothes to keep ourselves warm on cooler days and nights. I know autumn will be a fascinating time full of memories, surprises, moments, and just wonderful experiences. So I’m ready for what autumn has in store for us all.
It's also that time where the year is rounding up and we’ll soon be closing the chapter of 2024. I honestly did not think 2024 would go so fast. But we still have many great times left in 2024 so let's enjoy every moment of it! I hope this autumn is great for everyone! Thank you for listening!
Fall
ANDRE BALTIMORE Artist/Vendor
The fall is here in the past tense of summer after leaving The expression “it’s fall” leaving me a fall morning of loneliness without cleaning up with my wife and my daughter and leaves to rake on my own. It’s the rake season of exempt to my wife and my daughter to not participate in helping me as I bow to my leaf cleanup itself of the new season: it’s fall again!
Trees in the Garden of Eden
ROCHELLE WALKER Artist/Vendor
There were many trees in the midst of the Garden of Eden!
1. Give me a T for the trees.
2. Give me an R for the rush of the stem of a root.
3. Give me an E and tell everyone about the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.
4. Give me an E and you got a tree in the middle of the place called Eden.
5. Give me an S and tell me about the special meaning of the tree.
That’s what a tree means to me. And let’s remember a tree has permanent wood, a.k.a bark. Trees are God’s greatest gift to Earth; they give us oxygen, food, shelter, and carbon capture. Trees produce almost all our fruits, like apples, pears, and peaches.
One day a special tree appeared in the middle of the Garden of Eden. It was named the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. That sparks the question of whether God really warned Adam and Eve not to eat from that tree and if fruit from that tree represents and affects our lives with sin. Further, can a tree help us with being obedient or disobedient about life on Earth and having a relationship with God?
That was God’s only command in Eden. But that doesn’t answer whether God really said “Don’t eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil because when you do all humankind will die physically, spiritually, and emotionally.” I think we’re still looking for the answer.
I love the fall
ANTHONY CARNEY
Artist/Vendor
We’re three days into the new season, so let’s fall back together! In both the summer and the fall, September is the month for love. Do you remember the September when we fell in love? I sure do! Second summer is right around the corner. On a certain day next month, kids will treat or trick (I just pulled one!) in their amazing costumes. A few weeks later we will turn our clocks back. And on another certain October day — the 6th, the most important — I’ll celebrate my birthday. I’ll gratefully accept cash gifts from you, my customers.
I will pray and vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
WARREN STEVENS
Artist/Vendor
Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Governor Tim Walz are teaming up in the Nov. 5 election to win the presidential nomination in 2025. We as a country need more Democrats in the House to take a stand, to lower crime and gun violence, and have safe neighborhoods so people can live safely and in peace. Make the schools safe for children so they can further their education and activities, where the future takes them. When I was young, me and my family used to have a cookout with friends and family. We also traveled out of town to Atlantic City, and me and my kin took a bus to King’s Dominion. We’d go on rides and shop in the stores on the bay, and take pictures of the beautiful places in Atlantic City.
I also went on a beach trip to Virginia Beach with my girlfriend and her family and friends. We had a fabulous time swimming in the beach water, eating crabs and seafood at fine restaurants, shopping, and sightseeing. We drove back to Maryland safely.
Stay safe.
The story of Christina
KYM PARKER
Artist/Vendor
God blessed me.
Christina was born into God's will; she was the youngest of six.
She was born Egyptian, Japanese, and Native American.
She was born proud, beautiful, and strong.
She taught us to love and respect each other.
She always gave us what we wanted and needed.
Christina was a gift to the universe and me.
She was a genius.
She went to college at only 12 years old.
She finished her master's degree in child psychology.
She could paint, play the piano, and was an excellent cook.
She told me she loved me every day; I called her the Angel of God.
She understood me and everyone.
Christina always gave herself and gave even more than she had.
When she had me, I was her twin.
I love my mommy. I thank God for giving birth to Christina.
Street Sense
JENKINS DALTON
Artist/Vendor
Under myself
Sell me, or my Street Sense
Pay me or my papers
We are vendors
Of papers that sell
We sell and say Street Sense news is the best
Life
HENRIESSE ROBERTS Artist/Vendor
Life is not a rose garden
Sprouting up tantalizing scents
Could be ‘cause of a lack of sense
We sift through problems, choices
With mixed-up thoughts
Perhaps if we mulled more
About our events and choices
We could smell flowers
See bugs
Hear birds chirping
Live in the now
Make life choices
Better
Paradise
Artist/Vendor
Paradise city!
Paradise well!
Paradise hot meal!
Paradise hell!
Eyes are falling like pouring rain
Looking for paradise; finding pain
Close your eyes
What do you see?
Try again without You or me.
Brave
JACKIE TURNER
Artist/Vendor
Hero and brave one and the same. What makes a person want to effect change? What makes people want to improve their situations, the cowboys ride into the sunset, the crusaders charge into wars they didn’t start, or is it as simple as a baby crying to stand up for what you want to be?
Better. That’s what hero and brave are about.
Intensity
RONNELL WILSON
Vendor/Artist
Propensity has a tendency that runs deeply inside of me all along while searching for prosperity my ambition is second nature to you.
With my platform founded naturally dedicated is something I dare to be while life presents its struggles naturally now stuck climbing a mountain is where you're bound to be.
Despite wanting to give up mentally I pray for God's mercy over me
But with patience, prayer, and forgiveness you're bound to see the sun shine again with blessings falling all over me.
Poetry Corner
GRACIAS GARCIAS
Blessings in my life
DOMINIQUE ANTHONY Artist/Vendor
I have been thrown too many thunderstorms in my life. For example, being a young mom at 21 years old to a child with special needs. I didn't understand what was going on but I accepted it to deal with things. With my younger son, Micah, I learned how to forgive people who hurt me or did me wrong. I learned how to not be so angry with people and learned how to love myself.
When I was younger and not sleeping with so many men, I was in love with some people I thought would never hurt or abuse me. I became tired of always protecting my heart. I learned from my past mistakes and learned that not everyone is going to love me or be my friend.
The new blessing in my life is having my own apartment. Now, I have a job at HIPS and I am a student at the Academy of Hope. I’m learning how to read and do math better so I can move up to Level 4 and learn how to do all kinds of math.
I’ve also been a volunteer since 2005 at HIPS. I work on several projects for HIPS like the 7th and T Streets NW project. I work with good people who are stars in this field and community.
I have been a domestic abuse survivor for four years now and I’m learning how to love myself and treat myself to more self-care. I am also a mental health survivor as well. I have been living with mental health issues since I was 16 years old and I learned how to take all of my medicines. I’m learning how to do all of my doctor's appointments and I’m learning how to teach myself and practice self-love and care.
Dreaming
DANIEL BALL
Artist/Vendor
Do you know the Summer Olympics begin in Paris on July 26?
I want to live in Paris someday. I would love to compete against Thomas and Darick in the track and field running events. Sybil and I love swimming when it’s hot outside. Jesus and Sybil are the best things to ever happen to me. Thank you for this writer's group today.
Lady like me
JEANETTE RICHARDSON
Artist/Vendor
Once upon a time, there was this elderly lady who had an electric chair she used to move around her city and go into grocery stores. One day, she went to her prayer house and someone was very happy to see her. They came to assist her with the door. But when they pushed the door open it hit the control box on her chair and it broke down. She was sad about it because she could not get around to get things she needed or visit the prayer house like she wanted to.
Rockfish local fishing report
MICHAEL
PENNYCOOK
Artist/Vendor
Well, fall is coming soon and all the fish are going to start eating a lot to fatten up for the winter. As you know, I only fish at night unless it is overcast the whole day. Recently, the fish have been a hit or miss.
I fish at the Kennedy Center, and outgoing tide seems to be the bet. I only throw lures. In the summer months, I use small profile lures, 3-4 inch lures, soft plastic, and rattle traps. You need to “match the hatch.” The river has bluegill, minnow, white perch, and smelt. So buy lures that look like natural bait in the river.
I also fish in the Tidal Basin. I have been catching large-mouth bass and rockfish. Again, outgoing tide seems to be the best. But there is a bridge we call “The Green Doors,” and on the incoming tide the rockfish bite sometimes. There are a lot of snakeheads and largemouth bass in the Tidal Basin. There is a technique that I do called “walk trolling,” which means you throw your lure 20-30 yards out and start walking. You will be surprised to see that the fish are very close to the wall. Last week, the alligators started to show up. They are 2-4 feet long and they put up a great fight. Until next time, keep your lines wet.
My S is for super
LADY SASHA
Artist/Vendor
I went to the back-to-school event by Ward 6 Mutual Aid. I’m so thankful we made it out there. We’re having a time with a loved one, and I was so tired I put my phone on the charger and then laid down to nap, but before I got comfortable I realized “Wow the event is today, let’s see what they got going on.” But the point is we made it. The girls got their backpacks with school supplies and headphones. We didn’t get laptops this year but I heard other events did. It was hot but I was also thankful for the shade under the tent. Onyx and I got face paint decorations on our arms but I wanted to share mine. Y'all know the “S” is for...
Selling
JOSIE BROWN
Artist/Vendor
I have been an independent Avon representative for about a decade. Some of the products I sell are bath oil, therapeutic candles, cologne, oils, and perfumes. People should buy from me because Avon products benefit your health and your skin. More sales will help me reach my goal to become a premier sales representative, reporting more sales will raise my Avon profile, and I earn a 30% commission from everything I sell. If you’re interested in purchasing my products, my online account is josiebrown7463. Please consider doing business with me. Thank you for reading.
My catch. Photo by Michael Pennycook
The “S.” Photo by Lady Sasha
ANDRE BRINSON
Artist/Vendor
SHAWN FENWICK Artist/Vendor
RANDALL SMITH Artist/Vendor
RITA SAULS Artist/Vendor
PEACEFUL TOBIAS Artist/Vendor
FUN & GAMES
Downpours
Across
1. Wire service inits. (abbr./initialism)
4. Kindergarten instruction
8 .60’s-70’s singing oddity Tiny Tim did it “...through the tulips...”
14. “Delta of Venus” writer Anais
15. “Stop right there!”
16. “Hip hip” follower
17. ____ Airmen (group of African American pilots who fought with disinction in W.W. II)
19. Big name in nutritional shakes and drinks for adults
20. Muhammad’s religion
21. What someone kicking a 70-yard field goal would be (2 wds.) (1,5)
23. In ___ of (replacing)
24. Without a ____ (leaving no evidence whatever)
25. “That’s hysterical!” (2 wds.) (2,2)
29. To ____ her own
31. Dissenting votes
32. Change for a five
33. Tin ear anagram for an eye part
35. Something someone found “Not Guilty” may not actually be
37. Grand ___ Opry
38. Lighter, pen and razor brand
40. Fa follower
41. A dozen letters?
42. Extraordinary events often promised by televangelists
45. Like a cloudburst compared to condensation
47. Bread machines? (abbr./acron./initialism)
48. “Much ___ About Nothing”
49. Golden ___ (senior citizen)
50. Loch ___ monster
51. Mary Poppins, e.g.
53. Bar order, with “the”
56. Like some Pride Parade participants, perhaps (2 wds.) (2,4) (DARING anagram)
58. Homeric epic
59. Allowed to eyeball (2 wds,) (3,3)
62. A major talent for Sammy Davis, Jr. and Gene Kelly (2 wds.) (3,5)
64. James Cameron film franchise featuring the Na’vi
65. Capitol Hill worker
66. Preserve, or fire
67. Steals, slangily
68. Couch or davenport
69. Christmas trio heard in a particular dept. store area
Down
1. Up to, timewise
2. First of 12 popes (4,1)
3. Washington State governor’s office from 2013 through 2024 (2 wds.) (6,5) (TIRELESS MEN anagram)
4. Polite throat-clearing interruption
5. Word after “tea” or “punching”
6. Exonerate
7. “The Voice” coach Gwen
8. Ít simply cannot be done!” (3 wds.) (6,2,3)
9. Charged particles
LAST EDITION’S PUZZLE SOLUTION
10. Latin phrase meaning “after the fact” (4,3) (COT SHOP anagram)
11. “In Cold Blood” author Capote, to friends
12. Crew member’s tool hidden in “We’re waiting for the cox to arrive!”
13. Threader’s target
18. Hawaii’s “Garden Isle”
22. Graphic symbols (COINS anagram)
24. Most residents of Bangkok and Samut Prakan
26. What a fabric cutter’s “...one for good measure” might mean? (3 wds.) (2,5,4) (NICE ANTHRAX anagram)
27. Three-time Olympic gold medalist skater Sonja
28. Buzzing about in the morning
30. “American Greed” and “Mad Money” network (abbr./initialism)
33. Like some candles, noses and numerals
34. Crème de la crème
36. Legendary couturier Cassini of fashion
39. Wood with moth repellent properties
43. Basketball stat
44. Hyundai models that share a name with some musical compositions
46. Edison contemporary or Elon’s electric vehicle
52. Author Marsh of mystery
54. Chinese gambling mecca
55. Idyllic places (DENSE anagram)
57. Kempt
58. Think tank nugget
59. Only place most of us ever see or use a Bunsen burner
60. Former president Morales of Bolivia
61. Chinese “way”
63. Sharable computer file, for short (abbr./initialism)
This crossword puzzle is the original work of Patrick “Mac”McIntyre. It is provided to us courtesy of Real Change News, a street paper based in Seattle, Washington. Learn more about Real Change News and the International Network of Street Papers at realchangenews.org and insp.ngo.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Housing/Shelter Vivienda/alojamiento Case Management Coordinación de Servicios
Academy of Hope Public Charter School
202-269-6623 // 2315 18th Pl. NE
202-373-0246 // 421 Alabama Ave. SE aohdc.org
Bread for the City 1525 7th St., NW // 202-265-2400 1700 Marion Barry Ave., SE // 202-561-8587 breadforthecity.org
Calvary Women’s Services // 202-678-2341 1217 Marion Barry Ave., SE calvaryservices.org
Catholic Charities // 202-772-4300 catholiccharitiesdc.org/gethelp
Central Union Mission // 202-745-7118 65 Massachusetts Ave., NW missiondc.org
Charlie’s Place // 202-929-0100 1830 Connecticut Ave., NW charliesplacedc.org
Christ House // 202-328-1100 1717 Columbia Rd., NW christhouse.org
Church of the Pilgrims // 202-387-6612 2201 P St., NW (1-1:30 on Sundays only) churchofthepilgrims.org/outreach
Community Family Life Services 202-347-0511 // 305 E St., NW cflsdc.org
Community of Hope // 202-232-7356 4 Atlantic St., NW communityofhopedc.org
Covenant House Washington 202-610-9600 // 2001 Mississippi Ave., SE covenanthousedc.org
D.C. Coalition for the Homeless 202-347-8870 // 1234 Massachusetts Ave., NW dccfh.org
Father McKenna Center // 202-842-1112 19 North Capitol St., NW fathermckennacenter.org
Food and Friends // 202-269-2277
(home delivery for those suffering from HIV, cancer, etc) 219 Riggs Rd., NE foodandfriends.org
Foundry Methodist Church // 202-332-4010 1500 16th St., NW foundryumc.org/idministry
Identification services
Friendship Place // 202-364-1419 4713 Wisconsin Ave., NW friendshipplace.org
Georgetown Ministry Center // 202-338-8301 1041 Wisconsin Ave., NW georgetownministrycenter.org
Jobs Have Priority // 202-544-9096 1526 Pennslyvania Ave., SE jobshavepriority.org
Loaves & Fishes // 202-232-0900 1525 Newton St., NW loavesandfishesdc.org
Martha’s Table // 202-328-6608 marthastable.org 2375 Elvans Rd, SE
2204 Martin Luther King Ave. SE
Miriam’s Kitchen // 202-452-8926 2401 Virginia Ave., NW miriamskitchen.org
My Sister’s Place // 202-529-5991 (24-hr hotline) mysistersplacedc.org
N Street Village // 202-939-2076 1333 N St., NW nstreetvillage.org
New York Avenue Shelter // 202-832-2359 1355-57 New York Ave., NE
Patricia Handy Place for Women 202-733-5378 // 810 5th St., NW
Samaritan Inns // 202-667-8831 2523 14th St., NW samaritaninns.org
Samaritan Ministry 202-722-2280 // 1516 Hamilton St., NW 202-889-7702 // 1345 U St., SE samaritanministry.org
Sasha Bruce Youthwork // 202-675-9340 741 8th St., SE sashabruce.org
So Others Might Eat (SOME) // 202-797-8806 71 O St., NW some.org
St. Luke’s Mission Center // 202-363-4900 3655 Calvert St., NW stlukesmissioncenter.org
Thrive DC // 202-737-9311 1525 Newton St., NW thrivedc.org
Unity Health Care unityhealthcare.org - Healthcare for the Homeless Health Center: 202-508-0500 - Community Health Centers: 202-469-4699
1500 Galen Street SE, 1251-B Saratoga Ave NE, 1660 Columbia Road NW, 4414 Benning Road NE, 3924 Minnesota Avenue NE, 765 Kenilworth Terrace NE, 850 Delaware Ave., SW, 3240 Stanton Road SE, 3020 14th Street NW, 425 2nd Street NW, 4713 Wisconsin Avenue NW, 2100 New York Avenue NE, 1333 N Street NW, 1355 New York Avenue NE, 1151 Bladensburg Rd., NE, 4515 Edson Pl., NE
Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless 1200 U St., NW // 202-328-5500 legalclinic.org
The Welcome Table // 202-347-2635 1317 G St., NW. epiphanydc.org/thewelcometable
Whitman-Walker Health 1525 14th St., NW // 202-745-7000 1201 Sycamore Dr., SE whitman-walker.org
Woodley House // 202-830-3508 2711 Connecticut Ave., NW
For further information and listings, visit our online service guide at StreetSenseMedia.org/service-guide
Cashier/Front End Services
Walmart // Washington, D.C.
Full-time, Part-time
Smile, greet, and thank customers with a positive attitude; stand for long periods of time while checking out customers quickly and accurately; be available to assist associates across the store as needed.
REQUIRED: N/A
APPLY: tinyurl.com/WalmartCashierDC
Janitor/Cleaner
Community Bridge // Washington D.C.
Full-time
The janitor/cleaner is responsible for cleaning support facility offices. Work responsibilities include cleaning administrative office space, panels, and public restrooms. The janitor cleans exterior areas of support facilities, including sidewalks and other specified area. Janitors are also responsible for system-wide cleaning of bio-hazardous waste in support facilities restrooms and designated areas.
REQUIRED: Must be 18 years old
APPLY: tinyurl.com/commuitybridgeJanitor Barback
Halfsmoke // 651 Florida Ave. NW
Full-time
Provide timely, accurate and friendly service while assisting bartenders and bar guests.
REQUIRED: Weekend and evening availability; be able to work in a standing position for long periods of time (up to 5 hours); be able to reach, bend, stoop and frequently lift up to 50 pounds; must have the stamina to work 40 hours per week; dressed and ready to work 10 minutes before shift begins.
APPLY: tinyurl.com/BarbackDC
Hiring? Send your job postings to editor@StreetSenseMedia.org
STREET SENSE MEDIA AUDIENCE SURVEY
Street Sense Media loves our readers! Our award-winning newspaper is the core of what we do. Our low-barrier vendor employment program is built upon it. Our journalists cover local issues affecting real people and feature our vendors’ voices, defying market trends in media. So thank you for taking this survey, because we’re on pins and needles to know what you think about our newspaper!
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