Streetvibes July 2005 Edition

JULY 2005

STREETVIBES GCCH Education Packet on homelessness available to local schools setting. It was open to changes the teachers can make themselves,” said Mitch Perdrix of Aiken University High School.

by Andy Erickson The guide has been used in many different settings and in many Education Coordinator different ways. Greg Carpinello of Xavier University’s Peace and Justice What are the causes of homelessness? Who is most at risk of Programs even used the guide to prepare students for an Urban Plunge becoming homeless? How do the rights of homeless citizens differ from the Retreat this past April. housed population? How do we begin to solve homelessness?

“Your guide was great!” said Carpinello, who was particularly excited Students in area schools have been exploring these questions in depth about the guide’s “Seeking Shelter” role-play activity. “It really helped the through the use of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless’ recently students get into different roles focused on homelessness and helped them developed Teacher’s Guide and Education Packet. These materials were start to see from a new perspective.” developed in order to help educators teach about the issue of homelessness in Like Carpinello, Mitch Perdrix found the guide’s role-playing activities an easy and effective way that students would enjoy. to be particularly useful. “The students enjoy pretending and they also found The success of the program has been exciting for [role-playing] as a way to interact without getting in trouble – they could be both GCCH and educators alike. creative in their characters,” said Perdrix.

“I think what makes this teaching unit on Most importantly, teachers have noted an increase in compassion homelessness special is that it is put together, in part, toward the homeless among their students after teaching from the Education by the experts in homelessness, namely the homeless Packet. “I’ve heard several students say that they no longer just think of ‘dirty themselves,” said Pat Klus of Seton High School. lazy people asking for money’ when they think of homeless people,” stated “This teaching tool is not just up-to-date statistics; it Perdrix. has a real face. The homeless and their experience Suzette Glaab, who taught the materials to the entire junior class of Andy Erickson combined with the efforts of those in the fields of Bishop Brossart High School said, “I absolutely believe that my students have social services and academics a better understanding of the make this a really unique homeless situation. I specifically educational collaboration.” appreciated that the material The Teacher’s Guide brought national issues and contains 150 pages, over 25 problems into the local area of handouts, and numerous activities the students, making it more real designed to help students for them.” understand the complex realities Lauren Schroeder of of homelessness. When taught Mother of Mercy High School along with the supplemental also noted the impact on her materials that make up the students. “I think inroads were Education Packet, students are made in helping the students see able to learn about homelessness that homelessness is not just in a comprehensive way, and someone else’s problem, but a through a variety of media. problem that the whole In addition to the community must work toward Teacher’s Guide, the Education solving. I believe that their Packet contains Voices perspective on those who are Unheard, a 35-minute poor, marginalized, or powerless documentary on homelessness in has become one of greater Cincinnati; Through Our Eyes, a compassion and understanding.” book written by Mother of All of the teachers we spoke Mercy students about homeless with said they would recommend people they met at the Coalition; the guide to other educators. “I Homeless in Cincinnati, a 2001 will definitely use these materials study of Cincinnati’s homeless; next year and for years to come.

Streetvibes, a monthly My colleagues have asked to newspaper produced by the borrow these materials from me Coalition; and a visit from the based on my high Some of the materials included in the homelessness education packet Coalition’s Speaker’s Bureau. recommendations,” said Pat “The video, speaker, internet assignments, readings, and in-class Klus. processing all contributed to a more broad-based knowledge of the homeless GCCH is currently looking for additional schools to use the Education issue in Cincinnati and the nation,” said Lauren Schroeder of Mother of Mercy Packet in their classrooms. All materials in the packet are currently available High School. for purchase. Interested educators should contact Andy Erickson, Education One of the packet’s best qualities is its flexibility. “I thought the Coordinator at GCCH. He can be reached at andrewberickson@yahoo.com lessons were constructed in a manner that could be used by any teacher in any or at 513-421-7803 x14.

Teachers find materials “very useful”

The Mayerson Foundation Serves to foster student Leadership This summer, the Manuel D. and Rhoda Mayerson Foundation supported two-one week Summer Service Leadership Programs that brought students and teachers together for a better understanding of their diverse communities, as well as, the impact of agencies serving the needs of others.

Students and teachers from Aiken University, Moeller and Withrow International High Schools participated during the week of June 12-17 and students and teachers from Hughes Center, Mt. Healthy and Wyoming High Schools participated during the week of June 19-24, 2005.

Some of the agencies served by the students included: Drop-Inn Center, Our Daily Bread, Peaslee Neighborhood Center, Peace Camp, Espy and LeBlond Boys and Girls Clubs, Kids Café, St. Francis Soup Kitchen, Wilson Downtown Center and Memorial, Inc. Dr. Steve Sunderland, Director of the Peace Village, led the final reflection activity during the first week, having students create posters that expressed how they were changed by this experience.

Mayerson - continued page 3

Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless

Streetvibes Streetvibes, the TriState’s alternative news source, is a newspaper written by, for, and about the homeless and contains relevant discussions of social justice, and poverty issues. It is published once a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless.

Becoming a Streetvibes Vendor is a great way for homeless and other low-income people to get back on (or stay on) their feet. Streetvibes Vendors are given an orientation and sign a code of conduct before being given a Streetvibes Vendor badge. Vendors are private contractors who DO NOT work for, or represent, the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homleess. All profits go directly to the vendor.

The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a group of shelters, agencies and individuals committed to ending homelessness in Cincinnati through coordinating services, educating the public and grassroots organizing.

GCCH Staff Georgine Getty - Executive Director Allison Leeuw - Administrative Coordinator Andy Erickson - Education Coordinator Rachel Lawson - Civil Rights VISTA Kate McManus - Civil Rights VISTA Mary Gaffney - Reception Melvin Williams - Reception Susan Smith - Volunteer Streetvibes Jimmy Heath, Editor Photographer Jimmy Heath Cover Artwork by Amanda Mertz

Streetvibes accepts letters, poems, stories, essays, original graphics, and photos. We will give preference to those who are homeless or vendors.

Subscriptions to Streetvibes, delivered to your home each month, can be purchased for $25 per year.

Address mail to: Streetvibes Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 421-7803 e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com web: http://cincihomeless.org

Page 2

Coalition welcomes new Staff member

I have worked for the City of Cincinnati (12 years). My wife and I ran a business in the West End for about ten years, located at the corner of York and Linn streets. I was educated in West End Catholic

by Melvin Williams schools. I went to Elder High School My name is Melvin Williams and Woodward in the 60’s. and I now work for the Greater I went to Elder when there Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. were only 12 black kids out of the I grew up in the West End school population of two-thousand.I neighborhood of Cincinnati, not far have been married to my childhood from this office were I now work. sweetheart for 34 years. I have four

lovely children, three of them girls.

One of my kids has been in the Army for 12 years. another was in the Marines and another is in her fourth year of college at Mount St. Joseph.

I have one son who died in 1980, and another son is living in Alabama.

Please come and visit me at he front desk in the afternoons at the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless.

African Americans left out of Development Deals

by Damon Lynch, III The Banks fiasco that occurred last month is a perfect example of the exclusionary economic practices that continues to leave African Americans out of the loop of major development. On Sunday, June 12, the Cincinnati Enquirer showed the perfect picture of what development and economic plans look like in Cincinnati: 5 five white men sitting along The Banks announcing their secretive deal that was put together by the Hamilton County Commissioners and the developers. The Banks is one of the largest, if not the largest, development project that this city has ever seen, yet, the picture speaks volumes.

Now City Council is crying afoul because they were left out of the process of the long overdue development project. The irony of this is that now the City is getting a taste of its own medicine. Black developers and business owners have been left out of development and other economic projects in this city for decades. The City now knows exactly how the Cincinnati Black business community feels about being left out of the decision-making and being offered the scraps of lucrative deals. Just as Mayor Luken reminded County officials that the City owns half of the development rights before proceeding, the City and County should be reminded that Blacks have contributed to the tax dollars that are being used to develop The Banks, Fountain Square, and Over the Rhine. Without significant African American participation, including development and ownership, these projects should not proceed. Councilwoman Laketa Cole called the deal “unprofessional”.

It is also “unprofessional” when Blacks and other minority contractors are not at the table making decisions about how tax dollars are going to be disseminated for public projects.

This is the City of Cincinnati’s golden opportunity to bolster Black business and economics of the poor and working-class, not with mindless minority goals, but with real impactful economic opportunities. In order to ensure that Blacks will have more

development, ownership, and jobs from The Banks, City Council should withhold turning over its air rights and TIF revenues until a number of Black developers and business owners are given the opportunity to participate.

There is no justifiable reason why a significant number of Blacks and working-class residents should be left out of a $632 million dollar deal.

The Banks would indeed help to revitalize downtown and should be carried out, but it must be done in a way that is fair and just. This is not only about business, but each of these multi-dollar projects should be used as a vehicle to improve the quality of life of the masses, not the select few.

City Council continues to provide “band-aid” solutions to deep wounds that are in need of aggressive remedies. More police visibility will not stop crime from occurring, but gainful employment will. Providing opportunities to everyone will address many of the ills of this city.

In 1974 Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson set an unheard precedence when he halted the $425 million Hartfield Airport development project for two years until politicians and developers agreed to provide 25% of the project to Blacks and other minorities. Recently, Toledo, OH took a bold step in turning over their school district’s development to a Black prime contractor, which is a rare occurrence. This is the type of leadership that we need in Cincinnati.

Advocating for small contracts is simply not enough. As a Cincinnati City Councilmember, I will fight to ensure that Blacks and other minorities, as well as poor and working-class citizens will receive a fair share of contracts, jobs, and ownership of major public works projects. The current taste of Cincinnati development is beyond sour, it’s rotten. A new flavor is in order.

Streetvibes exists as a forum for the expression of the views and opinions of our readers and supporters. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Streetvibes staff or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless

Streetvibes

Homeless News Digest

Compiled by Jimmy Heath In Holly Hill, FL Police identified a homeless man found beaten to death in the Volusia County woods.

Two teens are accused of beating a homeless man because they were bored. More teens either took part in the beating death or knew of what happened inside the woods and there will be more arrests, according to investigators.

Detectives said Christopher Scamahorn and 18-year-old Jeffrey Spurgeon admitted to killing 53year-old Michael Roberts, a homeless man. Roberts is well known to police, because he was often looking for a place to sleep.

He had found one in the woods and lived there for several months without causing any problems.

The boys, detectives said, went into the woods and attacked Roberts, beating him with their fists, feet, sticks and a log.

They returned at least twice to continue the beatings and, detectives said, others took part, watched or at least knew of the beating death and, they too, will be held accountable.

The autopsy report shows Roberts died of blunt force trauma to the head, neck, and chest. At 5’6" and 108 pounds, he was likely no match for the boys and had defensive wounds on his hands and arms.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom wants the city to increase homeless spending by $6 million, despite a $59 million budget deficit.

The plan is part of the mayor’s proposed $5.3 billion budget which he unveiled last month.

The mayor’s plan calls for cuts to HIV services.

It will also lead to more layoffs.

The mayor says he was able to avoid widespread cuts thanks to an expected $34 million increase in property taxes.

However, Newsom expects next year’s deficit to rise $120 million.

The board will vote on the budget in July.

In Minneapolis a formerly homeless man who lived undetected in Apple Valley High School for three weeks last winter won another reprieve last month in his fight to avoid deportation to Mexico.

“I look at all the changes in my life and realize it’s all possible,” past graduate Barbara Lynch said.

After growing up in a South Boston housing project, celebrity chef Lynch broke down talking about her past life, which is far from her swanky restaurant scene.

“Here is my message for you: Value yourself,” she said. “I was a bookie in high school, and my first driving lesson was in a stolen cab,” she said.

Every year, hundreds pass through what could be called Pine Street’s life-skills boot camp. It’s an exercise in building self-esteem, and a saving account for the graduates.

Waikiki and Ala Moana but rarely spread out to Hawaii Kai, McCully and other areas said to be targeted in this series of sweeps.

In Souderton, PA the county is on its way to meeting the goal of a one-stop center for the homeless.

Serrano is accused of The center, located in the immigration violations for letting a newly renovated Building 53 on the visitor’s visa expire. On grounds of the Norristown State Wednesday his attorney argued that Hospital, serves as a one-stop in the name of justice and fairness, facility to serve the needs of the his client should be given more time county’s homeless. to track down his father.

The old approach of three Serrano’s father may be the hots and a cot actually facilitated key to whether or not the Mexican homelessness,” says Montgomery national can remain in the U.S. The County Human Services Director last time Serrano saw his father was Joseph Roynan. last year, in Connecticut.

Spurred partly by “Homelessness is a result of Serrano’s attorney Herbert residents’ complaints, the city a variety of factors and we want to Igbanugo says it is his will start a two-month series of find those factors in each case and understanding that Serrano’s father sweeps for homeless at parks resolve them,” he said. is either a permanent resident or an from McCully to East Honolulu.

In a census taken Jan. 26, actual citizen. It that is true and he Honolulu Department of the county had 607 homeless files the proper paperwork, it Parks and Recreation Director people. Three hundred of those would mean his son wouldn’t face Lester Chang declined to release were children. deportation to Mexico. details on when and where the There are some homeless When Serrano was sweeps would be, saying there is no on the streets or living out of cars discovered earlier this year hiding set schedule for the homeless or in shelters, but there is also a out at Apple Valley High School, evictions. homeless population that moves where he slept nights for nearly a The city did notify service from the residence of one family month, Minneapolis developer providers who help the homeless member or friend to the next, he Basim Sabri came to the 21-yearand said the sweeps would be held explained. olds aid.

July 8 and 21, but did not give “Homelessness is not just Sabri has let Serrano live in details on locations. the result of a lack of money or of one of his Lake Street apartments “It’s a moving situation,” alienation,” said Roynan, stating and has filed court papers saying he Chang said yesterday. “Every park that much of the “hardcore” will pay Serrano’s college tuition. is different. Every situation is homelessness is caused by Serrano says he has been different.” unidentified and under-treated accepted at Dunwoody College of The sweeps come just four mental illness.

Technology where he wants to months after large homeless The new center will serve major in engineering. evictions in Waianae and Ewa the county’s entire homeless Serrano’s attorney says for Beach parks displaced more than population but will also target the now, he’d like to have his client’s 100 people and had several service chronically homeless, which include visitor status restored and then have providers calling on the Legislature those with disabilities such as drug him granted student status. But to put a moratorium on sweeps. and alcohol abuse, mental illness none of that will be decided until Lawmakers took up the and those with HIV/AIDS. the next hearing, scheduled for issue but said a moratorium would Treatment programs for those August 24. have been too broad. suffering from these problems will Police and the city regularly be offered at the center.

The Pine Street Inn, sweep tourist-frequented parks in Boston’s largest shelter for the Mayerson cont. from page 1 homeless, honored one-time happen.”

Quotes from students - “ guests who have worked hard to “I found out that my time Smile . . .Hugs . . . Conversations . turn their lives around. helping people was really taken to . .makes people feel equal, “I’ve been battling an heart and enjoyed.” sometimes a smile is all it takes.” addiction of drugs and alcohol for “Let people know you care “If everyone lent a helping seven years, and my mom passed about them.” hand the world wouldn’t be such a when I was 18 and my father also “One thing I learned this terrible place.” passed,” Jermol Mojica said. week is that I have the power to “Happiness isn’t measured Broken-hearted, he lived change people’s lives.” by our pockets (money) or what we between his sister’s place and the “In the beginning of this streets, but finally, at the Pine Street have . . .” week I looked at people through “Make people smile . .

Inn he turned a corner. color. Now my help knows no color .feels good on the inside.”

“It’s been a tough road to but finds the joy in all people” “No matter how hard you come this far,” he said. “When you “I learned any help, no fight them, stereotypes are present leave here, the fact that you came in every point of society. I learned matter how small the amount, is to Pine Street to save your behind that as a community we need to needed and appreciated. Even if it is something you should keep up front. There’s no shame is saying, eliminate these stereotypes. No seems pointless, it makes a ‘I went through Pine Street,’” matter your color, religion, or hair difference in someone’s life, like a graduate Alan Spencer said. length, you should not judge raindrop hitting still water. Even Graduation day messages someone until you meet them. the smallest drop creates a ripple.” come from those in the shadows Everyone is a person!”

“NO looking. See people and in the spotlight, and from those “There are so many people for who they are, not how they who’ve had a taste of the tough working to improve OTR that may look . . .” times and the good times. never make it to the papers ahead “Children show so much . . . Education and Determination” of some shootings that may

Streetvibes

Page 3

Streetvibes Letters

Fountain Square Face-Lift Unnecessary Dear Editor, The idea for reconfiguring Fountain Square did not originate from average Cincinnatians. This unnecessary face-lift is a waste of tax dollars.

Fountain Square has served its function just fine, the way it is, for many years.

If funds are needed anywhere in Cincinnati, they are needed in the neighborhoods.

The rebuilding of our neighborhoods should take precedence over the rebuilding of Fountain Square.

Sincerely, Brian Garry Clifton

Baltimore’s Homeless Population On The Rise Show your support! Get your STREETVIBES T-Shirt Today!

(Back shown here.

Shirt not actual size)

Only $15 We will send your Streetvibes T-shirt to your door All proceeds benefit the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and the Streetvibes newspaper. Call 513.421.7803 x 16, or come in to our office at 117 E 12th Street in Over-the-Rhine Page 4

Streetvibes

A new census has found an increase in Baltimore’s homeless population.

A survey taken on January 30th this year, counted 2,943 homeless people in the city.

That’s a ten-percent increase from a previous census taken in April of 2003.

The census sought an estimate on the number of homeless people in the city on any given day.

It was sponsored by the Abell Foundation and conducted by Baltimore Homeless Services, inc. and Center for Poverty Solutions.

It also sought personal data and information about where individuals and families are located.

The survey found that: 78 percent of homeless people are male, compared to 22 percent who are female.

82 percent are black and 14 percent are white.

40 percent did not finish high school.

The average age of homeless people is 40.

The average annual income for homeless people is $486.

The census estimates indicate 7,023 individuals will be homeless in the city each year.

The census numbers indicate that more than seven-thousand people will be homeless in the city each year.

”Back to the Streets” Humanizes the Homeless

by Lauren Byrne A review in these pages of work by George Wynn is likely to be open to suggestions of bias. Wynn, a native of San Francisco, was a contributor to Spare Change News during the several years he lived in the Boston area. But read just a few pages and it’s obvious that Wynn’s work doesn’t have to rely on biased opinions.

“Back to the Streets,” his collection of poems, essays and short stories, is genuinely engaging, provocative and inspiring. He humanizes the homeless, and his observations on the craft of writing about street life is as good a primer for writers of any stripe as a shelf-full of how-to books.

“Be fresh. Be original. Craft is less necessary than commitment, for craft is often gimmicky, inauthentic,” he urges writers in “The Street Writer’s Manifesto.” Wynn has heeded his own advice. His first writing teacher, he tells us, was a former newspaperman, down on his luck and living in San Francisco’s Tenderloin area. It was from him that the young Wynn learned that writing, like mashed potatoes, needs a little flavoring. Wynn’s ability to breathe life into a disparate cast of characters in his fictional pieces is the gravy he brings to his work.

Not homeless himself except for very brief stints, George Wynn never settles for a safe third-person

A good cause is a terrible thing to waste

perspective on homelessness.

Montreal, he observes in even clearer Conjuring up what it feels like to be shades how the well-off despise the homeless in “It Could Happen to poor.

You” and elsewhere, he brings his In “Poverty and Language,” reader uncomfortably close to the he describes what the homeless need mixture of fear, indignity, confusion to do for themselves: give expression and bitterness that convincingly sums to their unique perspectives through up what it must be like to be suddenly being involved with the arts; use homeless. “hard hitting” language “in order to In his “Street Writer’s counteract the conservative agenda of Manifesto,” Wynn exhorts street the White House.” writers not to be My only pessimistic, and he quibble is that “Back to the himself emphasizes an Wynn’s short stories Streets” aspect of

by George Wynn. are just too short. homelessness It’s as if he feared he Freedom Voices. frequently overlooked. couldn’t hold his Paperback, Too often society’s readers’ attention.

80 pages. urge to house the “Lonnie’s Way” homeless is based on about a one-time $12.95. the desire to be rid of boxing trainer and what offends our sense of how things his failed fighter is as good as should be – that people ought to hold anything by F.X. Toole, the author of down stressful jobs and pay the stories on which the recent hit exorbitant rents. In “Noble Hobos” movie “Million Dollar Baby” hit and elsewhere Wynn’s shows us movie was based. people who are not lacking in dignity Through language and tone, but who have chosen not to conform. Wynn sets up the story so They prefer to lose themselves in convincingly that you’re ready to literature and to experience the spend serious time with these fleeting kindnesses that reveal characters only to have the humanity at its best. experience cut short way too early.

Retaining an attitude of Wynn’s innate curiosity and his optimism can’t be easy for Wynn. wandering life have provided him with Returning to San Francisco after the kind of warehouse of knowledge several years, in a poem “Urban that the best writers have. The Planning” he describes the ever consoling news is that Wynn has a harsher conditions the city imposes novel in the works. It’ll be worth the on its homeless. On a trip to wait.

recognized injustice, be it at home or far away, and they would stand for no more.

But change takes more than that. It needs you to listen.

Last month, hundreds of What makes a demonstration people marched in the Walk for Truth, Justice and Community successful? demanding better treatment for rural Indeed, there is the commitment, sacrifice and endurance Oregonians – to bring them home of the demonstrators themselves, but from war, to provide them access to affordable health care, to help them successful efforts do more than trigger reaction to the action, and they educate their children, to preserve their environment. There’s something spark policy changes. It’s fear that in this for everyone. The seven-day levels reactions, but it’s justice that event will bring people from their tips the scales.

In the 1930s, fear dispatched hometowns across Oregon, into Salem and on to Portland to talk the military to rid Washington, D.C., about their concerns and call for because 20,000-plus World War I policymakers to act. veterans congregated there to So when this tree lands in demand their promised bonus pay for Portland, will you be there to hear it? service. Men were killed in this Will you honor the commitment and routing, and Washington authorities were relieved of their departure. But sacrifice they have made by offering your voice to the dialogue? justice ultimately vanquished their We ask because in Portland, cause and sacrifice with the GI Bill.

In the 1960s, fear fire-hosed, we’re spoiled. In this city, a good cause for protest seldom goes pummeled and murdered Americans unrallied. We speak our minds freely who demanded civil rights for black and wave our banners proudly. Yet it Americans. But it was justice that seems we’re sometimes too jaded to prevailed and still continues the listen to the rest, let alone further the movement toward equality. dialogue toward solution, however Fear took the lives of four Kent State students as they protested much we might agree with the cause.

And the next time housing the bombing of Cambodia. But advocates demand justice for people heard the shots and

impoverished and disabled families, listen to the stories they have to tell, and then tell someone else. Because while we all know we have nothing to

Streetvibes

Homeless

Linda Corey

by Linda Corey Homeless means not having a home. One time or other, we had a home. We made some wrong decisions and that’s how I became homeless. I thank God I’m not homeless anymore. I have learned to think and be open minded before I make a decision, and I get sound advice. I was at one time a resident at a shelter here in Cincinnati. I learned real fast what being homeless was like here.

Thank God I got treatment for my addiction! I have met some very nice people. I’m still friends with them today. I enjoy seeing them.

They say ‘boy, you have come a long way.’

I pray that no one has to loose their home. The feeling of loosing your home is guilt; you cry; there is fear and shame. Top Wall Street businessmen have lost everything and become homeless.

Some people look at you and judge you, call you rude names; tramps thieves, beggars, bum, panhandler, etc.

God bless you readers and vendors of Streetvibes. fear but fear itself, it’s the silence that’s going to kill us.

Reprinted from Streetroots

Page 5

Downing Street Memo; Activists “Wing Nuts,” “Paranoid” After over a month of scant media attention, mainstream U.S. outlets have begun to report more seriously about the “Downing Street Memo,” the minutes of a July 2002 meeting of British government officials that indicate the White House had already made up its mind to invade Iraq at that early date, and that “the intelligence and facts were being fixed around the policy” of invading rather than seeking a peaceful solution.

A June 7 White House press conference with George W. Bush and Tony Blair offered the first public response from Bush to the memo, and with that came an upswing in U.S. media attention. But some in the media took it as a chance to lash out at the activists who have been bringing attention to the story all along. On June 8, Washington Post reporter Dana Milbank referred to Downing Street Memo activists— some of whom were offering a cash reward for the first journalist to ask Bush about the memo—as “wing nuts.” He also offered an illogical explanation for the memo’s low media profile: “In part, the memo never gained traction here because, unlike in Britain, it wasn’t election season, and the war is not as unpopular here.

In part, it’s also because the notion

that Bush was intent on military action in Iraq had been widely reported here before, in accounts from Paul O’Neill and Bob Woodward, among others.

The memo was also more newsworthy across the Atlantic because it reinforced the notion there that Blair has been acting as Bush’s ‘poodle.’”

Milbank had reported the same day (6/8/05) that his paper’s latest poll showed that only 41 percent of Americans approved of the Iraq war—which makes one wonder when exactly the war would cross Milbank’s threshold and become unpopular enough to make the memo newsworthy. Secondly, Milbank argued the memo isn’t news because other similar stories were once reported—a peculiar explanation, to be sure. Finally, Milbank’s third rationale—that the memo was news in the U.K. because it confirmed existing suspicions—would seem to directly contradict the second principle of not reporting familiar stories.

Los Angeles Times editorial page editor Michael Kinsley opted for sarcasm over serious discussion, deriding activists in a June 12 column for sending him emails “demanding

that I cease my personal cover-up of something called the Downing Street Memo.” Kinsley kidded that the fuss was a good sign for the Left: “Developing a paranoid theory and promoting it to the very edge of national respectability takes ideological self-confidence.”

What does Kinsley mean by paranoid? Criticizing the Times for not giving the story much attention would be accurate: Prior to the BushBlair press conference, a Nexis search shows one story about the Downing Street minutes appeared in the paper nearly two weeks after the story broke (5/12/05), and that columnist Robert Scheer mentioned it a few days later (5/17/05).

In fact, Kinsley’s mocking seemed to serve no purpose, since his fallback position is a familiar media defense: We all knew the Bush administration wanted war, so this simply isn’t news. As Kinsley put it, “Of course, you don’t need a secret memo to know this.” As for “intelligence and facts...being fixed around the policy,” Kinsley eventually acknowledged that “we know now that this was true.”

So, to follow Kinsley’s logic: People who demand more Downing Street coverage have developed a

“paranoid theory” that accurately portrays White House decisionmaking on Iraq. His only quarrel with what he calls a “vast conspiracy” pushing the mainstream media to take the memo more seriously is that the activists think such information is important, and should be brought to the attention of the public, whereas Kinsley—and apparently many others in the mainstream media—doesn’t “buy the fuss.”

problems they may have, irregardless of there race or creed.

I want to say again; thank you for buying Streetvibes, as the money you give to the vendor helps them to from Ms. Mary Gaffney survive.

I didn’t In July have any idea of we will be you recognizing me celebrating from my articles Independence until I got on the Day – the 4th Metro bus where of July. But several people there is approached. I have different ways also met people on Miss Mary Gaffney that many the street. People people are not always make a Ms. Carr free. comment about my including my As I sat at homeless friends in my articles. None of these people were angry, but some home recently listening to the television, my mind began to recall of them were looking for answers. the youth of yesterday and how so These (the homeless) are my friends many things have changed since I was regardless of who they are and what

raised in Cincinnati. Yes, the churches are involved in youth organizations. But we still need more for our citizens and our neighborhoods.

I am very proud of four young people at my home church of St. John African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. I have known these youth since their early childhood – and they are still at St. John. There is Adrian Carr in particular, a graduate of Walnut Hills High School.

She has a BS degree from Howard University in Washington, DC. She has a Master of Education degree from the University of Cincinnati and

is there as a doctoral candidate from UC. She is a Chemistry teacher in the Cincinnati Public Schools. She trained under Dr. Karen Wolf, University Children’s Choir and I an adjunct faculty member at Cincinnati State.

There are also three young men that I would like to point out; Ministers Henry Word and Brother Adrian Word. They with both raised in the church, and now work in the Youth Ministry in the Christian Education Department. And there is Mathew Jackson who we are very proud of. Gods be the Glory to all of you for helping your fellowman. To you Adrian Carr let the important work you are doing speak for your character.

My homeless friends, as I always say, hold on and don’t give up because there is a brighter day ahead.

Dear Streetvibes readers,

FAIR, (www.fair.org) the national media watch group, has been offering well-documented criticism of media bias and censorship since 1986. They work to invigorate the First Amendment by advocating for greater diversity in the press and by scrutinizing media practices that marginalize public interest, minority and dissenting viewpoints. As an anti-censorship organization, FAIR exposes neglected news stories and defends working journalists when they are muzzled. As a progressive group, FAIR believes that structural reform is ultimately needed to break up the dominant media conglomerates, establish independent public broadcasting and promote strong non-profit sources of information.

FRAC Report: Childhood Hunger Doesn’t Take a Summer Vacation (Food Research and Action Center, June 2005) About 2.9 million children from low-income families received lunches at parks, schools, religious congregations, and other community sites through either the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) or the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) on an average day in July 2004.

Unfortunately, that meant only 19 children were fed in the federal

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summer nutrition programs for every 100 who receive a free or reducedprice school lunch during the regular school year.

If all states did as well as the best performing states, they could get summer lunches to 3.2 million more low-income children and tap $163.7 million in added federal resources.

The so-called Simplified Summer Food Program (“Lugar pilot” program) has operated in 13 states since 2001. The FRAC report

ranks states and points out how many children are not being fed in underperforming states. It describes how much federal money each of these states is forgoing by underperforming in feeding children during the summer. “Hunger Doesn’t Take A Vacation” also reports on a recent Congressional initiative in 13 states which, if applied nationwide, could have fed an additional 1 million children last summer.

Releasing the report as summer

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programs are just getting under way across the country, FRAC pointed to proven strategies which government and community leaders can adopt to get summer lunches to more needy children in this and future summers.

“There are still steps that community programs, city and state agencies, schools, advocates and others can take to boost participation in summer meals this year-and lay the groundwork for future summers as well,” said FRAC President Jim Weill.

Two-Tiered

Community advocates who federal funding from the National were recruited by the UW to take Institutes of Health.

by Cydney Gillis Wylie says the UW expects Miracle drugs are wonderful, part in the forum say the potential to abuse such information is enormous. the forum to draw 200 people but if you can get them.

If the data is not protected, insists researchers won’t be lecturing In the world of genetic companies as much as designer drugs that’s just around the listening to “Some people are excited. They corner, people of color and the poor could use it to refuse health issues raised may not be able to — potentially say, yes, we need special drugs. insurance or by creating a genetic underclass for even jobs to participants This will be a breakthrough. whom the doors of upward mobility certain such as Maile would be permanently closed.

Genetic adaptations have to do people — Taualii, It’s a scenario that a new, when, in fact, program with limited food access, stress, interdisciplinary research group at the the manager for University of Washington is working and what it means to live life as a environment Seattle’s to fight. Last month, the UW’s Black person in America — that and lifestyle Urban Indian Center for Genomics and Healthcare can play as Health Equality co-hosted “DNA, Health, will raise your blood pressure. much of a Institute. and Social Justice,” a first-of-its-kind Do we continue to subject role in A forum in which researchers are asking disease as native the public — specifically, people of people to these conditions, then genes do.

Hawaiian, color — to share their hopes and make them pay for a drug to fix “It’s Taualii says fears about genetics research and not as if she wants to it?” testing. genetics dispel myths The Center for Genomics and —Makani Themba-Nixon, director — for Healthcare Equality is a new program explain everything,” instance, that of The Praxis Project, which the UW created last fall with a $4.7 Burke says.

Indians are million grant from the National works for equitable access to For genetically Human Genome Research Institute, example, she prone to health care for people of color. the forum’s sponsor. The program is cites the alcoholism one of four the institute has funded susceptibility — and see to across the nation to examine the some people have to developing it that researchers at drug companies, ethical, legal, and social issues of chronic lung disease from beryllium, a in particular, don’t overlook small genomics, which is the study of chemical used in electronics populations such as hers. human DNA. manufacturing.

“A lot of research is being The UW’s program is the “Should we use genetic done on populations in the majority,” only one, however, to focus specifically on healthcare parity, says testing to make decisions about what Taualii says. “Because they’re so people get those jobs?” Burke asks. small, populations like mine are of no Dr. Wylie Burke, head of the UW’s “It’s a big issue” — particularly, she value to the industry. And that’s Medical History and Ethics adds, when only 15 percent of those unacceptable.”

Department. The idea behind the who might test positive would ever One new drug called BiDil, program and the forum, Burke says, get sick. which is about to hit the market, does is to directly engage the public on It’s one of many questions the target high blood pressure in African what path genomics research should forum will address in nine different Americans. It will be one of the first take. panel sessions, with topics ranging drugs to target a racial group. It’s an Doctors can already screen from “Racial Profiling and DNA idea that raises red flags for forum for a number of genetic disorders, Evidence” to “Genetics for panelist Makani Themba-Nixon, including a particular gene linked to Environmental Justice.” executive director of The Praxis breast cancer. In the future, genetic The event includes a keynote Project, a Washington, D.C.-based tests may be used routinely to screen talk by Dr. Francis Collins, director group that works with health centers for tendencies toward alcoholism, of the Maryland-based National nationwide to address equity for depression, cancer, diabetes, heart Human Genome Research Institute, people of color. disease, and immune dysfunction, to which receives $450 million a year in name a few.

For one thing, as the Human Genome Project revealed, race is largely a social construct — there are more variations within so-called racial groups than in the human population as a whole. Targeting a drug at a particular group only reinforces those notions, Themba-Nixon and others say.

“Some people are excited.

They say, yes, we need special drugs.

This will be a breakthrough,” Themba-Nixon says. But no wonder drug is going to fix the poverty that led to the condition in the first place, she says.

“Genetic adaptations have to do with limited food access, stress, and what it means to live life as a Black person in America — that will raise your blood pressure,” ThembaNixon says.

“Do we continue to subject people to these conditions, then make them pay for a drug to fix it?” she asks.

That’s assuming the poor will be able to afford the new wonder drugs — something Phil Bereano, a UW engineering professor and founder of the Council for Responsible Genetics, seriously doubts.

Researchers paint a rosy picture of a future improved by genetically targeted drugs and modified foods when “The reality is a vicious, class-based reality,” he says.

“Academic and corporate researchers get much more money to play around with, and there’s precious few tangible medical benefits,” Bereano says. “The ones there are, the poor don’t get.”

“Poor people can’t get untailored medicines today,” he says.

“We’re putting our resources into tailoring [drugs] and letting other people die by the roadside.”

Reprinted from Real Change News, Seattle, USA, May 2005. ©Street News Service: www.street-papers.org

Asking For God’s Forgiveness

The remarkable thing is that we really come out faithful and true to your

by Jimmy Gipson pray and worship to your life-giving love our neighbor as ourselves: we do unto others as we do unto ourselves. divine will. And then I will be Generous in Love – God ways. whiter than snow, living for God. give grace! Great is you mercy – Unbutton my lips, God - I’ll We hate others when we hate Give me a song to dance wipe out my bad memory. Clean let loose with your highest praise – ourselves. We are tolerant toward others when we tolerate ourselves. and pray to heal my once broken away all my guilt. Wash out all my Hallelujah! Going through the We forgive others when we forgive bone and worship you, Lord. sins in your Goodness. I know motions does not please you – a Don’t look too close for my wrong; flawless performance is nothing to ourselves. We are prone to sacrifice how bad I’ve been; my sins are others when we are ready to sacrifice keeping me down. You’re the One give me a clean bill of health. God, You. I shattered my pride, then I ourselves. - Eric Hoffer make a fresh start in me, show me I have violated, and you’ve known can learn to worship you God. Grace and mercy from the chaos in it all – seen the extent of my evil.

The homeless heartForgiveness is freeing up and putting You have all the facts before my life. Don’t throw me out to the shattered lives need your love and to better use the energy once you; whatever you decide about me trash, or fail to breath Holiness into not for a moment can they escape consumed by holding grudges, me. Bring me back from evil exile. God. Notice all. Make homeless a harboring resentments, and nursing is fair. I’ve been out of step with you for a long time and in the wrong Put a fresh wind in my behavior to place you can delight in. Repair unhealed wounds. It is rediscovering sail. since I was born. homelessness’ broken-down walls, the strengths we always had and Give me a job teaching What you are after is with acts of worship both small and relocating our limitless capacity to obedience and truth from the inside rebels your good and holy ways so large, including those that build understand and accept other people the homeless can find their way out. Enter me, then; conceive a homes. Then they can heave to and ourselves. - Sidney and Suzanne home. Commute my death new, holy, true life. Clean me in your alter for praise and healing!

Simon sentence, God. And I’ll sing and you goodness and holiness and I’ll

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Got The Vibe?

“We Do Not Speculate Here”

This beautiful, original artwork depicts the vibrant role that Streetvibes plays in downtown Cincinnati and neighboring communities. Created by local artist and activist Mary Ann Lederer in collage form, this colorful 18" X 10" reproduction can be yours to own for only $10. Commemorating Streetvibes 100th issue, proceeds from this limited time offer will go to support the Streetvibes Program and Vendors.

To order, call the Homeless Coalition at 421-7803

Berta’s Art Corner

es

Streetvibes

tvib

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ee

Robin prepares for days walk, “Stop the Bombs International Peace Walk” - Oak Ridge TN to NY, NY - March 14 -May 1, 2005

PATRICK J. BROSNAN (Former New York City homicide detective): It smells very bad.

240 hours. Where is she? It’s a small island.

O’REILLY: It’s either she’s held captive someplace, because there is that sex trade in the Caribbean.

So there is a possibility that they didn’t do that. But if you don’t have a body, if they threw the body in the ocean, and there are a lot of sharks, you know.

(6/8/05) This sort of speculation is nothing new to O’Reilly. When the story of “runaway bride” Jennifer Wilbanks became a cable news sensation, O’Reilly announced (4/ 29/05): “It’s got to be a crime. A woman like that with a long history of responsibility. She had a steady job.... She just wouldn’t bolt and not tell anybody.” As it turned out, of course, that’s just what Wilbanks did.

And O’Reilly has “speculated” about far more important matters as well. Shortly after the September 11 attacks (9/14/01), he declared: “Saddam Hussein... I believe is involved with this World Trade Center and Pentagon bombing. I believe that you’re going to find out that money from Iraq flowed in and helped this happen.” No evidence to back up this speculation has since emerged.

And before the invasion of Iraq, O’Reilly repeatedly speculated about how long military operations would take. “I will bet you the best dinner in the gaslight district of San Diego that military action will not last more than a week,” he challenged one guest (1/29/03).

On another show, O’Reilly asserted, “Our military machine will crush Iraq in a matter of days and there’s no question that it will.” When his guest countered that the war was “going to go on for months,” O’Reilly retorted: “There’s no way. There’s absolutely no way.

They may bomb for a matter of weeks, try to soften them up as they did in Afghanistan. But once the United States and Britain unleash, it’s maybe hours.

They’re going to fold like that.”

Str

Cable news networks devoted significant time to covering Natalee Holloway, an Alabama teenager who disappeared in Aruba. But the most popular cable host has urged the media to exercise some caution.

On June 9, Fox News Channel’s Bill O’Reilly explained, “As you may know, we do not speculate here on ‘The Factor.’

We have no idea what happened to Natalee or why she left the bar with some Aruban men. I’ve heard some irresponsible media speculate about that, and it makes me angry.”

For those who have been following O’Reilly’s coverage of the case, this must have been puzzling. If not “speculation,” what would O’Reilly call the following statements he has made about the Holloway case?

“Looks like she’s dead because the five people, two arrested, three interviewed, are all shady characters.” (6/6/05) “I think this was a straight abduction scene. OK? Was she probably - she went to a Boyz II Men concert before she went to the bar, where she danced and partied. All right? Then she indeed and everybody saw her leave with a couple of guys. Now after that is when I— obviously, she got into trouble.” (6/6/05) “But to me, I mean, a woman like this, 18 years old, we know her background, doesn’t have sex with three guys she doesn’t know. I mean, that doesn’t happen.” (6/6/05) O’REILLY: And that, unfortunately, leaves me to believe that this poor woman, the chances of her being alive right now are not strong.

CANDICE DeLONG (Retired FBI agent): Correct. Even if they weren’t drug dealers, I am with you in your assessment of what her situation may be now because if these are the five people that are most likely to have been with her, and they’re in custody or being looked at, where is she?

O’REILLY: She’s at the bottom of the ocean.

DeLONG: That’s what’s got me worried.

O’REILLY: She’s at the bottom of the ocean.

DeLONG: It’s not looking good.(6/6/05) “I think one of these sleazy thugs will flip. And we’ll probably have this solved at the end of the week — by the end of the week.” (6/6/05) O’REILLY: You have a long history investigating murder. A girl gone this long?

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never declared war. Bush had no authorization, not even a fig leaf. He was simply attacking another nation WMD capability was less than that of least six months before war was because he’d decided to do so. This Libya, North Korea or Iran.” As the declared.” preemptive war preempted our own Earlier last month, Jeremy document states, “the intelligence and Scahill wrote a powerful piece on the Congress, as well as international law. facts were being fixed around the Most Americans don’t know website of The Nation, describing a policy.” these prewar attacks ever happened. huge air assault in September 2002.

The document is damning, There was little coverage at the time, “Approximately 100 US and British particularly coupled with the and there’s been little since. The planes flew from Kuwait into Iraqi testimony of former Bush ghostbombings that destroyed Iraq’s air airspace,” Scahill writes. writer Mickey Herskowitz that Bush defenses were under the radar for “At least seven types of was talking about invading Iraq as both the American media and aircraft were part of this massive early as 1999.

American citizens.

But it’s even more disturbing operation, including US F-15 Strike If coverage of the Downing Eagles and Royal Air Force Tornado as we start learning that this ground-attack planes. They dropped St memo continues to increase, I administration began actively fighting suspect the administration will try to precision-guided munitions on the Iraq war well in advance of the Saddam Hussein’s major western air- dismiss it as mere diplomatic talk, just March 2003 official attack—before inside baseball. But they weren’t just defense facility, clearing the path for both the October 2002 US Special Forces helicopters that lay in manipulating intelligence so they could Congressional authorization and the attack no matter how Saddam November United Nations resolution wait in Jordan.

Hussein responded. They weren’t Earlier attacks had been requiring that Saddam Hussein open only bribing would-be allies into carried out against Iraqi command the country up to inspectors. participation. They were fighting a and control centers, radar detection I follow Iraq pretty closely, war they’d planned long before. They systems, Revolutionary Guard units, but was taken aback when Charlie just didn’t bother to tell the American Clements, now head of the Unitarian communication centers and mobile air-defense systems. The Pentagon’s public.

Universalist Service Committee, Paul Loeb is the author of goal was clear: Destroy Iraq’s ability described driving in Iraq months The Impossible Will Take a Little before the war “and a building would to resist.”

Why aren’t we talking about While: A Citizen’s Guide to Hope in a just explode, hit by a missile from 30,000 feet –‘What is that building?’” this? As Scahill points out, this was a Time of Fear (Basic Books), named month before the Congressional vote, the #3 political book of 2004 by the Clements would ask. “’Oh, that’s a History Channel and American Book and two before the UN resolution. telephone exchange.’”

Supposedly part of enforcing Association. See http:// Later, at a conference at www.theimpossible.org/ You can “no fly zones,” the bombings were Nevada’s Nellis Air Force Base, Clements heard a U.S. General boast actually systematic assaults on Iraq’s read more about the Downing St capacity to defend itself. The US had memo at http:// “that he began taking out assets that www.afterdowningstreet.org could help in resisting an invasion at

More Damning than Downing Street

by Paul Rogat Loeb It’s bad enough that the Bush administration had so little international support for the Iraqi war that their “coalition of the willing” meant the U.S., Britain, and the equivalent of a child’s imaginary friends.

It’s even worse that, as the British Downing Street memo confirms, they had so little evidence of real threats that they knew from the start that they were going to have manufacture excuses to go to war.

What’s more damning still is that they effectively began this war even before the congressional vote.

With Congressman John Conyers holding hearings, the media are finally starting to cover the Downing Street memo. This transcript of a July 23, 2002 British Prime Minister’s meeting, whose legitimacy the British government confirms, details their response to the Bush administration’s intention to go to war against Iraq, no matter how Saddam Hussein responded, and even while claiming they were still seeking peaceful solutions.

“It seemed clear that Bush had made up his mind to take military action, even if the timing was not yet decided,” states the document. “But the case was thin. Saddam was not threatening his neighbors, and his

Hate Crimes & Violence Against Homeless People Increasing stabbed a disabled homeless man to death and then licked the blood from his fingers on a Denver sidewalk.

More recently, on May 28th 2005, in Holly Hill, Florida, 53-yearold Michael Roberts was beaten and punched to death with sticks and logs by a group of teenagers who admitted to beating the man just for fun, to have something to do. The autopsy report indicates that Roberts died of blunt-force trauma to the head and body, his ribs were broken, his skull was fractured, and his legs were badly injured. Defensive wounds were found on his hands. The boys returned several times to make sure the job was done.

Homelessness is an issue that affects every community in America.

Homeless people lack the protection of a locked door available to homeowners, leaving them in an unprotected position where they are subjected to hate crimes and violence. Sadly, the prevalence of hate crimes and violence against homeless people has risen, as well as negative stereotypes reinforced by the media and intolerant people.

Through this report, NCH hopes to educate lawmakers, advocates, and the public about the problem of hate crimes and violence against homeless people, as well as

call for a U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) study addressing this issue.

This year’s report, Hate, Violence and Death on Main Street USA: A Report on Hate Crimes and Violence Against People Experiencing Homelessness in 2004, includes data from news reports, advocates, victims’ accounts, and homeless shelters on the number of homeless victimizations that have occurred in the past six years (for the full 2004 report and previous reports, please visit http://nationalhomeless.org/ civilrights/hatecrimes.html#8).

Facts and Trends: The number of homeless deaths has risen by 67% since 2002.

The number of non-lethal attacks against homeless people has risen by 281% since 2002.

These crimes occurred in 140 cities in the past six years.

These crimes occurred in 39 states, plus Puerto Rico.

The age range of the accused/ convicted ranged from 11 to 65 years of age.

The age range of the victims ranged from 4 Months old to 74 Years of age.

Gender of victims: 296 Male and 44 Female.

Hate Crimes and Violence Against People Experiencing Homelessness 80

80 61

Number of Victims

Washington D.C. – For the past six years (1999-2004), the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) has tracked and reported on a disturbing increase in crimes targeting homeless people. These violent attacks on homeless people, one of our most vulnerable populations, result in injury and in many cases death.

The well-documented affordable housing crisis is not the only crisis to affect the millions of people who are homeless every year.

There is also an increasing pattern of civil rights abuses and violence directed at the homeless population.

Homelessness is no longer simply an issue of the right to affordable housing but a matter of life and death. As the danger of living without a home increases, the lack of federal housing resources as well as the absence of the political will to end homelessness becomes increasingly more shameful.

In October of 2004, three Milwaukee teens murdered a homeless man at his forest campsite.

The teens hit 49-year-old Rex Baum, with rocks, a flashlight, and a pipe, before smearing feces on his face and covering his body with leaves and plastic.

In August of 2004, Curtis Gordon Adams, 33, beat and

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The Peace Village

by Steve Sunderland

of co-founding a whole area of study and practice: grief counseling.

Thanks to many people, I was a part of the founding group for one national organization, Parents of Murded Children, and one city wide service for children, Fernside: Cincinnati Center for Grieving Children. I was also able to create courses that permitted study in these areas, most notably, “Grief and Dying,” and “Social Work and Spirituality.” My work has been presented on national television and I have been the recipient of wonderful awards from support groups, the Veterans

As of July 1, 2005, I will be leaving the school of social work and joining the College of Education as professor of educational foundations and peace studies. I wish to share with you my deep feelings about this change and my reasons for taking this step.

I came to the University of Cincinnati in 1979 to be the third dean of the College of Community Services.

One of our programs was social work. The new director of the program, Dr. Sheldon Seigel, the provost, Dr. John McCall, and I worked together as a team to win the first accreditation of the MSW program. Three years later, following the close of the College of Community Services, and making Dr. Steve Sunderland sure that future university support would not harm Administration and the Cincinnati accreditation, I joined the school of Public Schools. social work as professor and Since the 2001 Cincinnati I have greatly enjoyed the last riots and the terrorist attack on the 21 years of co-teaching.

U.S., I have rethought my whole The school is a voice for the approach to social work education. I social concerns of graduate and asked myself: “What could I do to undergraduate students who want to educate for peace through social professionally care about poor work?” Over the past four years, I people, minorities, and those in have created a new course, “Social greatest need in cur community. I Work and Peace,” and two service was very happy to join my own organizations, “Posters 4 Peace,” and resources with the other faculty and “Peace Village.” Through these students to meet these important activities, thousands of people have goals. I have worked over the past participated in the educational two decades with two very able process of learning how social work directors, a great group of faculty, knowledge can be translated into and an outstanding student body. peace work in counseling During my tenure I had the privilege

relationships, community development, and conflict resolution.

I have been privileged to build a growing and beautiful relationship with the Freestone/ Food Bank and to connect 15 high schools and UC to a city wide effort to understand the connection between peace and hunger. Understanding has led to action and this past year saw a record amount of food donations from these educational institutions.

The connection to hunger issues laid a foundation for response when the tsunami hit in Southeast Asia and Africa. Again, the Peace Village community of schools and college programs responded with creative programs, generous funds, and a widespread desire to learn more about the countries most affected.

Over the past few months, thanks in part to a U.S. State Department grant, and colleagues in South Asian Studies at Ohio University, I have had the chance to directly visit Indonesia and continue the planning process for Peace Village: Indonesia.

I hope that we can create a model similar to what was Accomplished in Northern India when three Peace Village students, one a graduate of UC, one an UC graduate student, were critical in establishing Peace Village: India in three high schools in Ghaziabad.

The work in reducing local hunger and joining in the international relief effort has strengthened my intellectual and emotional understanding and commitment to peace education and service. I believe that small acts of compassion add up to impressive results for those involved in partnerships, whether they be students, faculty or staff. The voices and faces of the hungry and homeless are necessary for a serious peace education and I am very happy that the College of Education agrees with me and wishes to encourage a deeper involvement. I have come to

learn that a great educational program is made better by including those who are in greatest need. Providing such an education is in the highest service of peace. I have learned from my students, whom I call co-teachers, that each one of them who chooses to, can make a difference in peace in their own lives as well as in their work to bring peace to their clients, families, and communities. The College of Education is offering me a generous platform for personal and program development of the ideas that I believe are most central for professional education. I have been impressed with their desire to create a process of collaborative partnership, and to use candor and respect as critical values in personal and professional relationships.

Finally, I leave the school of social work after 24 years will a full heart of gratitude. My co-teachers have known me very well and taught me to never take them or their intelligence for granted. I am grateful for their encouragement and I hope to keep the spirit of freedom, justice and democracy as a critical continuing part of my future teaching. They keep me strongly believing that a great university is only as strong as its many voices of compassion, intelligence and honesty. Thank you.

man, working for a graphic design firm, living in a nice apartment on New York’s Upper West Side and wearing Armani suits to the office.

The sudden AIDS-related death of his brother Wayne was the catalyst for the crack cocaine addiction that would soon catapult him to rock bottom.

“I feel strangely relieved,” he writes in Grand Central Winter of the moment he lost his home. “Elated, even.” A bookshop audience in the well-heeled Melbourne suburb of Hawthorn will later sit attentively as he relates his relief in letting go of the “stuff” he felt was defining him.

“I was frantically pursuing this track in life that I had no personal investment in, but I didn’t know what else to do,” he reflects now. “When everything was gone, I thought, ‘I don’t have to do that!’”

At first, survival took the form of can collecting, a job that Stringer was as fiercely proud of as he had once been of his sales prowess. When the supermarkets and the City of New York combined to make that less profitable (in order to keep homeless people out of shops), he stumbled across Street News, a newspaper that originally inspired The Big Issue.

Stringer discovered he could be listened to and respected by selling Street News and writing his advice column about street life for the paper; he realized he didn’t need “the props”, that he could define himself through the value of his ideas. It was his column that eventually caught the attention of publisher Dan Simon,

Dr. Steve Sunderland, professor of Social Work at the University of Cincinnati, is the Director of The Peace Village, a group of individuals from the national and international community committed to examining all issues of Peace in the world. Dr. Sunderland also heads up Posters-for-Peace which engages people in expressing their visions of Peace, in their own words through the creation of posters.

Made in Manhattan From marketing man to drugaddicted derelict to best-selling author, Lee Stringer has lost – and found – himself on the streets of New York.

Acclaimed writer Lee Stringer once likened his appeal to a talking dog: “Here I was, a black, homeless man. ‘Look, he speaks in complete sentences!’”

That was in 2000, two years after the publication of Grand Central Winter, his account of 12 years spent homeless in New York. He had been recognized on streets all over America, earned literary fame and fortune, and journeyed from homelessness and crack addiction to acting on the board of Project Renewal, the treatment programme that had helped him to dry out.

Sitting before me today, slightly weary yet affably charming, Stringer has outgrown his status as a

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curiosity and matured into a writer comfortable in his own skin. The deep lines carved into his face are the only outward suggestion of an extraordinary life. But to some people, the talking dog still reigns supreme. Despite its fine writing and foreword by the iconic Kurt Vonnegut, Stringer’s second book Sleepaway School (a memoir of his childhood at reform school) has received less attention than his debut.

Still, Lee Stringer has come far enough and is sure enough of his own worth to unselfconsciously joke about the topic of his own slow sales and slight media recognition of late, telling anecdotes about his collision with the Bill Clinton juggernaut on last year’s book tour. “He just sucked up all the ink on anything literary,” he laughs.

Before life on the streets, Stringer was a successful marketing

Streetvibes

Made... cont. on page 13

“freedom.” Instead, the Panther Praxis 101 foremost, platform was built off experience.

by Rosette Royale Attitude, the poster on the wall declared, is a little thing that makes a BIG difference. And before that poster sat Bobby Seale, cofounder and chairman of the Black Panther Party for Self Defense, projecting attitude throughout a small classroom at the Garfield Community Center, home to last month’s Seattle Black Panther Party reunion.

For over an hour, Brother Seale — as he was respectfully called— provided teachings on the topic of “Black Panther Party Theory & Ideology: The Revolutionary Theory and Ideas that led to Practice!” He was on hand to share what went down in the early days of the Panther movement. Which meant a clarification.

Socialist ideology, he proclaimed, was not the impetus behind the Panther’s 10-Point Plan, a platform asking for, among other things, “an immediate end to all wars of aggression,” “free health care for all Black and oppressed people,” “decent housing,” and, first and

“It grew out my and Huey’s knowledge of the history and struggle of Black and African people,” Brother Seale said, referring to Huey P. Newtown, Panther Party cofounder and Panther Minister of Defense.

The knowledge of Black and African peoples became something Brother Seale sought out in 1962, when he was a 26-year old engineering student. During that year, he first heard the term AfroAmerican. “’What in the world is that?’” he remembered asking himself.

He read, he recalled, books suggested to him by those he admired, learning a history never taught to him at Berkeley High School. His own self-initiated brand of home schooling had “more to do with my contribution to the ideology of the Black Panther Party” than Marxist theory, Brother Seale professed.

One point he learned from Newton, he recalled, was to “capture the imagination of the people,” a

recollection that led, naturally enough, to hearing from some of the 60-plus people huddled in the room.

A woman — noting the Panthers were the most advanced revolutionary group she’d encountered— voiced concern over where the professed revolution was now, with the LAPD training officers overseas, with the threat of microchips being nestled within licenses. The practices of the Panthers, she said, don’t work.

Breakfast programs helped to educate people who are in opposition to oppression, Brother Seale countered. As for a revolution, he said, it may have to come to that.

“It will have to come to that,” the woman replied.

Brother Seale, in an effort to continue connecting with young people, said that he started R.E.A.C.H in 1992, a youth empowerment program. He hasn’t time to work on R.E.A.C.H, as raising money for the program has superseded that goal. And so he borrowed a fundraising plan from a famous revolutionary from the 60s: Jane Fonda.

Vendor risks death in runaway crane to save lives

by Johan Schronen and Cindy Mathys, Cape Town, South Africa It took a couple of heroes to avert a tragedy: the driver of a runaway crane truck who decided to stay behind the wheel to save lives and a streetpaper vendor who ran from car to car shouting at drivers to get out of the way.

But the hurtling 30-ton mobile crane, without brakes crashed into several cars before the driver could bring it to a halt just meters before the a busy intersection.

Amazingly, only one motorist was injured. It happened last month after Howard January of Eerste River

drove his Kumkani Crane from a building site in Sea Point. In High Level Road his brake pedal bottomed out as he came over the hill. Kumkani owner Ryan Wall said most drivers would have bailed out through the window and let the truck go, but “Howard hung on to the steering wheel”.

“He told me afterwards that there were just too many people in the way and that his life was just one, so he had to do what he could.” Wall said January worked for a salary but his courage had made him a “true hero”.

“Howard was able to get the truck into its lowest gear so that the engine could help slow him down, but it was still bulldozing down the hill until he stopped much further down,” Wall said.

January aimed the crane to miss cars in the right-hand lane. But at the Chiappini Street intersection there were stationary cars he could not avoid.

The crane smashed into the cars then hurtled on to the normally busy Buitengracht Street intersection.

Wall said the suppliers of the crane were coming from Japan to investigate the malfunction.

Mall incident sheds light on the true colors of apathy

by Quin Richardson I often wondered why people are so involved in themselves that they don’t see what is going on around them. But then my thoughts changed. I started thinking that people weren’t so involved in themselves but maybe they just don’t care.

I was at a local shopping center in Northeast Portland having a great time. I was out to buy some shoes. As I approached the escalators, I stepped on to the first step, but my foot was too close to the edge, and I wound up falling from the top of the step all the way to the bottom.

I sat there in utter amazement.

I could not believe that not one person in that mall stopped to help or ask me if I was OK. Even worse, the people that were standing behind me literally stepped over me and kept going.

As I sat there in disbelief, and tears filled in my eyes, I felt a hand on my shoulder. A man in grungy clothing and a smell that wasn’t much to be

desired bent down and asked me, “Honey, are you OK?” I said “no.”

He proceeded to help me to my feet.

As I looked down, I noticed that my leg had gotten cut and blood was seeping through my pants. I limped alongside this man, holding on to his waist for support as he helped me to the medical office. After receiving 12 stitches in my leg, I came out of the doctor’s office and began looking for the man that had helped me, but he was nowhere to be found. I was so disappointed because I wanted to show him my gratitude.

The next day I went back to the mall to buy those shoes, this time making sure that I stayed away from the escalators. Just as I had stepped off the elevator I heard a ruckus. As I looked up I saw mall security roughhandling a man. As I looked, I noticed that this was the same man that had come to my rescue. At first I hesitated, and then I asked myself, should I get involved?

I walked up to the security guard and said, “Excuse me, but what is the problem, this is my friend.” He proceeded to tell me that “this man is a bum.” I said “excuse me, a bum?

What gives you the right to call this man out of his name, and what rules has he broken?”

“Well he has no money.”

“How do you know?”

I then went on to tell him that he was violating this man’s rights and I reminded him that yesterday I had fallen on the escalators and no one helped me including him as he walked by. I reminded him that it was this man who stepped in to help me. I reminded him that I had not pressed any charges on the mall because of my fall, because I do believe accidents can happen. But if this is how this mall treats its visitors, then maybe I should get my attorney and file a suit.

The guard then let go of the man’s arm and said, “No, no that won’t be necessary.” The man went on and

Streetvibes

“If Jane Fonda can put out an exercise tape, I can put out a cookbook,” he said. And thus Barbeque’n with Bobby Seale was born. Speaking as if past criticism he’d received for writing such a book still rubbed a nerve, Brother Seale added, “By the way, revolutionaries eat, too.”

Then a man in the back spoke up. After expounding on fascist police states, the King Alfred Plan (a fictional depiction of an international conspiracy to eradicate people of African descent taken as gospel by some), AIDS conspiracy theories, and U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, he distilled his emotions into one simple question: “What is an alternative to show that democracy is a fake term that doesn’t mean nothing?”

Unifying people, Brother Seale answered.

To what degree can people be unified? “The people must always know the objective,” he replied to the crowd. “You got to get people close-knit and tight.”

Reprinted from Real Change News Nancy Nikelo, who was selling the Big Issue magazine on the corner of Strand and Buitengracht streets, said she was standing on the island when she heard a loud noise.

“I knew there was big kak (trouble) coming down the hill when I heard the big crunches and crashes up there so I darted around the cars, tapping on the drivers’ widows and pointing back up the hill to warn them that danger was coming,” she said.

“Most of the drivers listened to me and pulled out of the way but a man in a bakkie thought I was just adamant, trying to sell a magazine.

He would not listen so the lorry took him. said, “Thank you” to me and walked in to the exit. I ran after him and told him that he didn’t have to go, but he felt that it would be better if he did. I turned and walked away.

It was hard for me to fathom that this had happened just because this man was homeless and he did not fit up to the standards of our society. I was at that point very ashamed of our society. I found that I could not bring myself to buy anything from that mall, so I left.

As I was walking I saw the man sitting on the sidewalk and I stopped and thanked him again for his help that he had gotten me. I gave him the $40 that I was going to use for shoes and walked away.

It was the events that had unfolded in those two days that changed my whole outlook on the mall and the some of our fellow Portlanders.

I believe that it is not that people are too busy to help. I believe that they are just too wrapped up in themselves to really care.

Page 11

Streetvibes Vendor Code of Conduct About the Greater Cincinnati All Vendors Sign and Agree to a Code of Conduct Coalition for the Homeless and Report Any Violations to GCCH - 421-7803 Streetvibes....

1. Streetvibes will be distributed Vendors must not tell customers earned. This program has helped for a $1 voluntary donation. If a customer donates more than $1 for a paper, vendors are allowed to keep that donation. However, vendors must never ask for more than $1 when selling Streetvibes.

2. Each paper purchased from the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) costs 30 cents. Papers will not be given out on credit. Old papers can not be traded in for new papers.

3. Streetvibes may only be purchased from GCCH. Never buy papers from, or sell papers to other vendors.

4. Vendors must not panhandle or sell other items at the same time they are selling Streetvibes.

5. Vendors must treat all other vendors, customers, and GCCH personnel with respect.

6. Vendors must not sell Streetvibes while under the influence.

7. Vendors must not give a “hard sell” or intimidate anyone into purchasing Streetvibes. This includes following customers or continuing to solicit sales after customers have said no. Vendors must also never sell Streetvibes door-to-door.

8. Vendors must not deceive customers while selling Streetvibes. Vendors must be honest in stating that all profits go to the individual vendor.

that the money they receive will go to GCCH or any other organization or charity. Also, vendors must not say that they are collecting for “the homeless” in general.

9. Vendors must not sell papers without their badge. Vendors must present their badge when purchasing papers from GCCH. Lost badges cost $2.00 to replace.

Broken or worn badges will be replaced for free, but only if the old badge is returned to GCCH. 10. Streetvibes vendor meetings are held on the first weekday of the month at 1pm. The month’s paper will be released at this meeting. If a vendor cannot attend the meeting, he or she should let us know in advance. If a vendor does not call in advance and does not show up, that vendor will not be allowed to purchase papers on the day of the meeting or the following day. Five free papers will be given to those who do attend.

11. Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct may result in termination from the Streetvibes vendor program. GCCH reserves the right to terminate any vendor at any time as deemed appropriate. Badges and Streetvibes papers are property of GCCH, and must be surrendered upon demand.

The mission of the North American Street Newspaper Association (NASNA) is to support a street newspaper movement that creates and upholds journalistic and ethical standards while promoting self-help and empowerment among people living in poverty. NASNA papers support homeless and very low-income people in more than 35 cities across the United States and Canada.

Streetvibes Vendor: 70 Cents (70 cent profit goes directly to the vendor)

Homeless Coalition

30 Cents Printing and Production: 30 cents (this cost does not cover expenses)

Page 12

The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) was formed in May of 1984 for one purpose: the eradication of homelessness in Cincinnati. What started out as a coalition of 15 volunteers meeting weekly in an unheated church basement has since grown into a Coalition of over 45 agencies and hundreds of volunteers dedicated to improving services for homeless individuals, educating the public about homelessness and empowering homeless individuals to advocate for their civil rights and housing needs.

Streetvibes is a tool of GCCH used to help us achieve our goal of ending homelessness.

On the one hand it is a selfsufficiency program geared towards the homeless and marginally housed individuals who are our vendors. Streetvibes vendors buy the paper for 30 cents per copy and sell it for a suggested one-dollar donation, keeping the profit that they have

hundreds of people find and maintain housing. The vendors also sign a code of conduct stating that they will behave responsibly and professionally and they proudly display their official Streetvibes badge while selling the paper. Our vendors put a face on “the homeless” of Cincinnati and form lasting friendships with their customers.

On the other hand, Streetvibes is an award-winning alternative newspaper and part of the international street newspaper movement. Focusing on homelessness and social justice issues, Streetvibes reports the often-invisible story of poverty in our community. Streetvibes is also proud to include creative writing, poetry, articles, photography and interviews written by homeless and formerly homeless individuals. Streetvibes enjoys a loyal reader base that respects the honest portrayal of the joys, sorrows, and challenges facing the people of Cincinnati.

Streetvibes is a member of the:

The International Network of Street Papers (INSP) unites street papers sold by homeless and people living in poverty from all over the world. INSP is an umbrella organisation, which provides a consultancy service for its partner papers and advises on the setting up of new street papers and support initiatives for marginalised people.

Where Your Dollar Goes...

The Streetvibes program maintains a minimal overhead cost so that our vendors can keep as much of the proceeds as possible.

Please call our office at 421-7803 for more information about the program. Many thanks for your support.

Streetvibes

When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand.

The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares. - Henri Nouwen

Bin Appetite

by Peter Ascot Desperate measures or a taste for waste? We lift the lid on food-foraging dumpster divers.

When you see someone dipping into a bin for food, it’s tempting to look the other way, to avoid facing their plight and our wastefulness. Some people scavenge for survival – they forage through piles of rubbish because other alternatives are thin on the ground.

But there’s another type of scrounger, for whom it’s a political choice.

Welcome to the world of the dumpster diver.

According to Paul Martin, a veteran dumpster diver who works in the renewable energy industry, “longterm dumpster divers do it for principles, not money.” Every large supermarket has bins onsite for their waste, which can include Styrofoam and cardboard packaging, plastics, broken glass and floor sweepings – and a surprising amount of good food. Some of it is out of date but still perfectly edible, while other items may be discarded due to dented tins or damaged packaging. It’s just a matter of getting it before the landfill truck does, which contributes to the thrill of the chase.

“The practice of dumpster diving has reawakened the huntergatherer in me,” says Martin.

“There’s definitely an instinctual and tribal feel to what we’re doing. It’s a lucky dip and it’s great for cooking because you have to think what to do with these foods, so it helps you get creative in the kitchen.”

But actually plunging in?

“The average supermarket will throw out about 10 cubic meters of rubbish a day,” he says. “Dumpster diving mostly consists of reaching into the dumpsters from the top. But different

sections of the supermarket – dry fridge,” agrees Martin. “I put on a goods, the freezer section, fruit and three-course dumpster meal every veggies, etc – throw rubbish out as couple of weeks, typically feeding up the day goes on, creating layers to 12 mates. We have a tradition – through the bin to choose from. halfway through the meal we tell Whichever section has thrown out people who don’t know already that produce last is on top. If that’s not it’s from the dumpster. They all come what you want, you’ve got to dive in! back!”

Perishable goods are the most And why not? Even fancy common to find – dairy, fruit, veggies restaurants can give you salmonella; and meats.”

Martin has only ever had food On his first-ever dumpster poisoning from milk he bought in a dive, Martin uncovered a high-quality shop. “Some people think the food is smorgasbord of cheese, yoghurt and bad for you simply because it came deli meat, and was hooked. “I have from the bin, but it’s all packaged, so enough money to feed myself without it is easy to transport and clean. And hassle,” he says,”but dumpster diving the meat is also great for pets.” is fun, and we contribute to reducing Of course, it’s better to landfill at the same time.” But it isn’t minimize the risks. “Winter is better fun for everyone. Out of for dumpster diving as the food keeps consideration for those with empty better than in the blazing hot bellies and pockets, most dumpster summer,” notes Martin, who thinks divers are conscious of only taking it’s the logistical hurdles, rather than what they can use and leaving plenty the quality of the goods, that’s behind. unpredictable. “The biggest And, of course, a penny hindrances are cages and locks to saved is a penny the multinationals stop people throwing household didn’t get their paws on. “I dunno rubbish into the bins,” he says. “But whether to we leave the area mention this,” neat and even “The practice of murmurs Martin’s pick up the staff’s dumpster diving has housemate, DJ mess, just to keep reawakened the hunterShifty, “but [with the shop from not gatherer in me.

There’s the money I’ve liking us.” saved] I’ve paid Martin definitely an instinctual off $1000 of my estimates that and tribal feel to what Centrelink debt about 20 per cent we’re doing.” and put $1500 of bins are towards a locked, and the biodiesel car. And I’ve tasted foods areas are patrolled by shopping and different flavors that I have never centre security guards or supermarket been able to afford in my life – beef staff. “If they are locked, just take a worth $35 dollars per kilo for shifter and pliers,” he advises. “Either breakfast. I think half the reason it’s remove the bolt that holds the kept so quiet is because us dumpy padlock to the bin or remove the bar kids are onto a serious score.” that holds the lid to the bin and open “When we have a majority of it backwards. The guards don’t dumpster divers in our share house, mind; they just want to know that we always have an abundance of you’re not damaging anything, and food, as opposed to an empty they don’t see any value in the goods anyway.”

Besides, he claims, the ownership of the discarded goods is a grey area. “Legally, once you throw something in the bin, it’s the bin company’s property. If the supermarket is charged by weight, you’re doing them a favor. So there’s nothing covert about what we do.

Usually we go in the afternoon, because the bins aren’t full until then.”

With so much good, free food to go around, this dumpster crew is happy for anyone else to get onto their ‘serious score’. So their message is simple: have a go by all means, but don’t spoil it for anyone else. “Whatever you do, leave it the way you found it!” implores Martin.

“If you make a mess or damage anything, it will wreck the good name we have created, and the bin will be made inaccessible to all. Think about your actions!” And, of course, don’t be greedy – leave enough for those who genuinely need it.

Reprinted from The Big Issue Australia

“Don “Don’’t Leave Home W ithout IIt...” t...”

Streetvibes

Made... cont. from page 10 who had dutifully bought Street News on the subway, tucking it under his arm to be disposed of later.

It still happened to be under his arm when he found himself stuck in a tunnel for 20 minutes with nothing else to do, so he pulled it out and started to read.

He later told Publisher’s Weekly that Stringer’s writing immediately struck him as “electric” and “bristling with ideas”. So he called him to his office for a meeting, tentatively suggested he write a book, and the rest – as they say – is history.

“My brain went this way: book, advance, money, drugs.” he says now. “Yeah! Let’s do a book!”

We both laugh before he adds, “It was the right decision made for the wrong reasons.”

Ironically, Stringer was halfway through his first draft when he realized he couldn’t continue taking drugs and writing.

He talks about the 12-step program he successfully completed, and his belief that at the heart of any substance-abuse problem lies a desire for more out of life – a desire that is spiritual (“not religious”, he emphasizes) in nature.

The writing that provoked change, and the treatment programme that allowed him to turn the corner, had one common attraction: both involved stripping off the layers and revealing yourself, something Stringer calls “the most important thing you can do as an individual”.

He admits: “The process of writing a book can be very selfaggrandizing and masturbatory. I don’t like the idea of dishonesty, of dressing yourself up.” Post-treatment, he discarded his 140-page manuscript in disgust, disliking the “self-righteous son of a bitch” he found there, and started over.

“The biggest change in my life is having that hole [brought about by self-awareness] filled,” he says. “But the writing part feeds into that. It’s certainly a privilege and a pleasure to make your way in the world through something that is connected with who you are. Especially when most jobs ask you to sell off pieces of yourself.”

After leaving Australia, Stringer will return to his home in suburban New York, the same town he grew up in.

He will go back to serving on the board of his local library (in addition to the boards of Project Renewal and a youth-shelter programme) and planning his upcoming novel, tentatively titled The Jesus Tapes.

“Growth is not something you get,” he tells me. “It’s something that you come to each day.”

Page 13

It’s Alright Thinking

by Robert Manassa So you’re wondering what your next move will be?

It’s too far fetched now, for you to see.

You may think you’re doing the right thing you find out later you haven’t done anything It’s Alright You’ll find out somewhere down the line That sooner or later that thing will be fine you try and try with all of your heart The things you are trying to do don’t all fall apart It’s Alright when all is said and done, you gave things a spin Remember; never-ever give up on things if you don’t win Have faith as much as a mustard seed please take things you try to do slow, never speed It’s Alright

by Jimmie Pryor Jr. Sitting here with all types of thoughts; like kids on a playground in my mind, the picture so huge the space so confined. Wanting to hold on to some of the good memories that are bad for me. Knowing all those things are history. My life tears always seem to trickle, simply because me life has been going in circles. Sometimes up and sometimes down but always going around. Being at one time in the fastlane, speeding into danger, without even thinking just moving in anger. My cellphone rings and I ignore it, Not wanting to talk to anyone only wanting to dig a deeper pit. Crying within my soul about all the stories that’s never been told. Inside steadily sinking, Lord, I wish I could slow down and really do some thinking.

The Indonesia Burden of Oppression: The Song of the Plantations “My Motherland is Crying”

Pure

by Jessica Brock A dove is a pretty bird from its beak to its tail feathers You’ll only see it in Sunny Weather Like the bird, a child’s spirit is born, pure and white innocent to the eye Like a dove, a symbol of love

The Motherland is crying.

The tears are coming down.

Gold and diamonds are only a memory For us, mountains, rice field, the ocean that belong to us.

The Motherland is crying And praying.

This song of protest of the Indonesian students stands ready as a weapon. When sung, the students rally, await instruction, and revolt. So, I learned on our bus trip through Java from one of the former student leaders, “M,” a bright and quiet young man, looking out of the window at the countryside of poverty, rice fields, and begging elders that raced by us as our bus pushed forward on dusty and crowded roads. “We are ready,” he said with steely confidence, “to come back if we are needed.

We await the call of the song.” I listened, not really knowing what he was saying or understanding the historical role of students in bringing down the dictators of Indonesia.

CHILD OF THE UNIVERSE I firmly believe that mother universe will provide all that I am in need of to sustain this life of mine. Each of us can harness the talents and energies to accomplish everything we set for ourselves as a goal.

We are each in the space and place we belong in.

Where we are and where we are headed is already pre-destined.

It has been determined by the seeds we have sewn in this life and by those of the past.

Its success depends on how well we attend to the crop we have planted within us. when in doubt we must speak truthfully.......in all matters love every one with a open hand......even when it is painful to do so ......look into tomorrow and do what is for the good of all.......including you.

Great care should be taken of what you manifest. Do not speak or act anything negative into existence...Knowingly refrain from these activities.

Page 14

(From Dr. Steve Sunderland)

Tall Tales

by Jessica Brock Mother said, pretty is as pretty does but you can’t be pretty being a thug growing up on the rough rider streets you got to be mean, not neat, not sweet To throw on a dress and say please is to no avail To put on jeans and a hoody is a tall tale Staying strong is a priority on the streets Not, sugar ands spice and everything nice

Writers!

Submit your Poetry to STREETVIBES email your writing to Streetvibes@juno.com

Streetvibes

Shutter Speed

by Berta Lambert

As I Play

by Jessica Brock A day of fun, in the sun with all my friends to play we pray we’ll be okay but only God can say Laughter and smiles are on our faces a bullet shot past, now we’re at a grave but please don’t worry, I’m okay, the kingdom of heaven is where I play

Pride Parade, Clifton Untitled

by Tess Henderson No food. No home. No life.

“It’s his own fault he’s poor.”

Those who do not know Speak that which they Don’t understand.

To live, to maintain Exist from day to day, Is the greatest challenge.

Hungry eyes, hungry bellies, Hungry hearts: All yearning for things So simple we take them for granted.

Eating in shelters, Sleeping in cars.

Broken dreams and Shattered hearts.

Hardest of times and endless strife.

No food. No home. No life.

“Morning Prayer”

by E. Lynn Clayton The glory of the morning is redeeming.

The newness of the day brings hope of a fresh start.

Keep my mind this day oh Lord.

Allow me to live in the moment, for each moment with you is a step closer to my destiny.

On this road called ‘Purpose’ there are no backward steps, Only brief pauses in a journey already for-seen.

For-seen by the Maker and Creator of all.

Discerned by the discerner before the fall.

Stand up, continue, for new mercies He gives everyday.

Forgiveness, I ask for in the sincerest way.

This poem was written by a student who participated in the Mayerson Foundation Summer Service Leadership Project. Students from area high schools stayed at Hebrew Union College and served in a wide range of social service agencies in Over-the-Rhine.

Sometime to myself is all I need I’m glad I’m all alone A closed in space a one room place I feel that I can call home Light blue walls Dark blue covers I have a room and it has no shutters Openness is how I fell But contained is what’s real From day one it was a new experience, meeting different people, Getting to know one another From no TV’s to small beds and wake-up calls it was It made me open my eyes and see how greatly blessed I was.

Although this was just a college dorm and we are only here for a week, it was A great experience and I got a sneak peek.

Now I feel I have a voice. I can make a difference. Now I can tell all my friends what they really have been missing.

Constance Student, Mt. Healthy High School

Streetvibes

Page 15

357-4602

Formed in 1984, The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a membership organization. Our member groups serve the homeless through emergency shelter, transitional living facilities, permanent housing, medical services, social services, soup kitchens, and mental health/addiction services.

The Coalition also consists of individual citizens who want to take an active role in ensuring that Cincinnati is an inclusive community, meeting the needs of all of its citizens. Join the fight to end homelessness; contact the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless at (513) 421-7803, 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

SHELTER: Both Anthony House (Youth)

SHELTER: Men City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Garden St. House 241-0490 Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 St. Francis/St.Joseph House 381-4941 Mt. Airy Center 661-4620 Volunteers of Amer. 381-1954

SHELTERS: Women and Children YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 (Toll Free) 1-888-872-9259 Bethany House 557-2873 Salvation Army 762-5660 Welcome Hse. 859-431-8717 Women’s Crisis Center 859-491-3335

If you need help or would like to help please call one of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless members listed below.

OTHER SERVICES: AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati 421-2437 Appalachian Identity Center 621-5991 Beech Acres 231-6630 Center for Independent Living Options 241-2600 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 Cincinnati Health Network 961-0600 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Emanuel Center 241-2563

TREATMENT: Both N.A. Hopeline 820-2947 A.A. Hotline 351-0422 C.C.A.T. 381-6672 Talbert House 684-7956 Transitions, Inc 859-491-4435 VA Domiciliary 859-559-5011 DIC Live-In Program 721-0643

TREATMENT: Men Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 Prospect House 921-1613 Starting Over 961-2256

TREATMENT: Women First Step Home 961-4663 Full Circle Program 721-0643

HOUSING: CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 Miami Purchase 241-0504 OTR Housing Net. 369-0004 ReSTOC 381-1171 Tender Mercies 721-8666 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Dana Transitional Bridge Services, Inc 751-9797

Caracole (AIDS) 761-1480 Friars Club 381-5432 Drop Inn Center 721-0643 Haven House 863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teens) 961-4080 St. John’s Housing 651-6446

Need Help or Want to Help?

MIDDLETOWN/HAMILTON (Butler County) St. Raphaels (Food Bank/Soup Kitchen) 863-3184 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 New Life Baptist Mission (Soup Kitchen) 896-9800 Hope House (Homeless Families/Singles) 423-4673

Freestore/ Foodbank 241-1064 Fransiscan Haircuts 651-6468 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 Hamilton Co. Mental Health Board 946-8600 Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 Hamilton Co. TB Control 632-7186 Health Rsrc. Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van 352-2902 House of Refuge Mission 221-5491 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Madisonville Ed. & Assis.

Center 271-5501 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 McMicken Dental Clinic 352-6363 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 Project Connect Homeless Kids 357-5720 St. Vincent De Paul 562-8841 The Emergency Food Center 471-4357 Travelers Aid 721-7660 United Way 721-7900 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 Women Helping Women 872-9259

July 2005

Cover Story Page 1

Education Program Brings Homeless Awareness into Cincinnati Classrooms

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