6 10 291 https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/d61b9b48f434fa8293abba38f71bf244.pdf 6c2844345c38ea0a45772a327e2686a8 PDF Text Text £ET THE TRI- TATE'S HOMELESS 6RAPE\!IN£ BW FROM B.t\D6£D \1£NDORS ONLY JU £ 2001 $1 DONATION \ "·'-It'·•--~ .... · STREETVIBES ._..... ,~- The fri 1:r0re'$ Homeless Gr.lpevine rHl:TR -ST \ TE S 1101\l llU~ 6;'tAP£'1fl~t llllll.'IA 11•Jll MARCH 2001 tll-l•• • K•~ IM' flt<™ O~tlluUJ V LHUO~S llHl.Y - STREETVIBES I HOMl1 • WAIHh, J' ,.., I, .,.,, 1RwL 1 'ON r tlK I ·I I ' • a, .4T STREETVIBES .., ·~. :1. 1·1 1 '1 1 ''"""',"'''ti l,,,,,,t,\,.'lf11• �r r~ I\ : J ~~~~\. ·JUNE 2001 Street View By Riccardo Taylor T he changing season brings about some sen se of renewal in nature and in the hopes of the street person. As the trees blossom so does some of the hopes of the street person. The changing of seasons allows the street person to have more access to resources and services in the respect that it is easier to move around or to otherwise visit Riccardo M. Taylor tho se plac e s which ca n provide them with some of the help that they need. Of course there is more to the dilemma of the street person 's plight then just the provision of resources that come from community ba sed organizations. These needs which vary from person to person can only be satisfi e d by the particular individual's problems. So in sayi1!g there is that possibility that the newness of the season can be the stepping stone of resolve for some. of the problems the street person h~s if they as individuals partake in tlie steps needed for such change. Still, with all the support or other types of help that the street person receives there is that over shadowing reality that the situation cannot be resolved withjusta whim. There has to be that willingness to change as well as incentive for such change. The mindset of the street person has to be adjusted to accommodate change. They have to experience some sense of renewal of hopes. This I feel is the responsibility of the rest of the society. In so saying I would suggest that the community at large has to participate in the resolve of homelessness and other social iJls that are at the heart of the street person's world. Of course I don't believe that society as a whole has to be responsible for the keep of the street person, yet there has to be input from othe r sections of the society if the social problems which effect so m an y of us can be eradicated. It goes without saying that eac h individual has to take responsibility for himself. However the re are those who need more support for whatever reason. ·This is where the rest of the society has to become avail able, as far as incentive is concerned. Where there See View , continued page 18 Streetvibes Celebrates Fifth Annivers~ry! shape the vision By Dan Marschner Welcome to the Fifth .Anniversary issue of Streetvibes! An immeasurable amount of blood, sweat and tears have pushed this paper to become the voice of homeless and impoverished people in Greater Cincinnati . Thi s partiCu1ar issue has several features to commemorate the history of the Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine: • A timeline of major stories covered by Streetvibes in the past five years as well as developments in the production and distribution of the paper. • Feature articles by several promine nt figures in Streetvibes history, including Pat Clifford , Bonnie Neumeier, and Johnny Wm. Byrd, Jr., exploring the paper's past, present and futur<?. • A photo essay by Jimmy Heath about the experience of a typical Streetvibes vendor (see centerfold). • Powerful articles reprinted from past issues. Working on this particular issue has been a wonderful experience. I must thank the staff members at Cincinnati's Citybeat who helped for this issue: Greg Flannery, Jymi Bolden., Doug Trapp , Robert Young , and J im Mcintosh. Rodney Sutton, Jimmy Heath , H. L ee Bowen and Alicia Beck were also instrumental in the life of this edition. These people gave t remendo u s s upport and encouragement to the process. If you have nver seen the paper before, I hope that this edition sparks your interest in the future. For regular supporters, enjoy . the chance to remember where . the paper has been and dream where Streetvibes: the Trili-£tlre!s,Hom eless Grapevine : the future will take celebrates five years a' pubficarion this 1nontlt~ photo by fitrmw fl'eatli· ·Streetvibes. as Executive Summary of Homeless Study ~eleas~d portion of the study was entirely dependent on the cooperation and This is the third major study of ·participation of homeless men and homelessness in Cincinnati since .women. There a re four major 1986. A consistent, increasingly refined data gathering and analysis ·components to the study design: 1) methodology has been supported by Key informant interviews with the growing sophistication of the service providers; 2) Other research service providers. Additionally, the : studies and data sources; 3) A point "Continuum of Care" work provides in time count intended to parallel : and evaluate the Census effort; and increasing detail on the subject. The purpose of the study is 4) Two separate survey instruments provide an in depth view of the ·of homeless persons. One general homeless, the factors which impact ·survey incorporated questions for their lives, the burdens.they carry studies conducted in 1986 and 1993 and the challenges which service . and the other survey targeted health providers and the community face if matters w hi ch incorporated there is to be a change. standardized questjons previously The study was made possible by administered to general populations the resource in vestments of the in local and national studies. Each Heal th Foundation of Greater su rvey was administered to Cincin~ati a nd the Greater approx imately 200 respondents, Cincinnati Foundation. The Greater which incorporated almost o ne Cincinnati Coalition for the thousand persons. Homeless served as the primary The principal contribution of the client for the work and the staff as study to the knowledge base rests ill well as the member agencies of the two major survey questionnaires coalition made ·essential that were admi.nistered by service contributions to. the management provider staff to homeless persons. and data gathenng o~ the work. The data has been archived and is Applied Information Resources available to other researchers. It can (AIR,Inc.), a non-profit.community · -be found through this web site : information and publi c policy www.ihphsr.uc.edu/hfgc/main.cfm. organization, prepared the study. The material can be found under the Howe¥er, the primary data gathering "Browse Archive Holdings" link. By Ed Burdell ~RIATER CINCINNATI The 2000 stud y revealed a number of changes in the homeless population. Between the 1986 study al ost th 1993 d th stu y, ere was m and e a 100% increase in the estimated number of persons homeless during the course of a year. However between 1993 and 2000, there has been a distinct leveling off, and although an increase in that number is estimated to be slightly more than 20% of the 1993 number, much of this can be attributed to variations in the factors used in the calculations of the number. What is important are the changes in the characteristics of those who are homeless and the compo sitio n of the ho meless population. See Study, continued page 19 Inside Streetvibes Vendor News Local News Recovery News Prisoners News Feature Section Editorial Page Art & Poetry l\lental Health Page 2 Page 3 Page 7 Page 8 Page 10 Page 12 Page 14 Page 16 COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS �STREETVIBES JU~E· 2001 STREETVIBES The Tr i-State ' s Homeless Grapevine Streetvibes, the Tii-Sfate's Homeless Grapevihe, is ra newspa­ per written by, for, au,d about home1essness, social justice, and povetcy-related issues. It is pJ;Jtilished once a month by the _ Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Becoming a Streetvibes Vendor is a great way for home­ less and other low-income people to get bac'k 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. The Greatet Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a group of shelters, agencies and individuals committed to eniling homelessness in Cincinnati through coordinating services,. educating the public and grassroots organizing. GCCHSmf( Alicia Beck Executive Director Susan Knight Administrative Coordinator Dan Marschner Editor Mary Gaffney Receptionist Mary Taylor Receptionist Sonny Williams Prison News Editor Writers -... Alicia Beck Riccardo Taylor Dan Marschner Mr. Lee Ed Burdell Anthony Watkins Pat Clifford Bonnie Neumeier Aaron Pitchford Jimmy Heath David Mitchell Annie Garrett Michael Stoops Dana Terrell Abiyah Curtis L. Fox Thomas N. Payne Douglas Jay Lian Ronald Leroy English Abdul Karriem Muhammad Johnny Wm. Byrd, Jr. Streetvibes accepts letters, poems, stories, essays, original graphics, photos.... We will print every­ thing we,have roo.rµ for; giving preference to those w~o are homeJess or vendors. SubscriptiOns to Stteetvibes can be purchased for $15 per, year. clo Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 (513) 421-7803 fax (513) 421 -78J 3; e-mail: streeJvibes@juno.com web page: http:l/cinci.com/gcch VEN DOR NEWS Page 2 Streetvibes: A Good Idea With Humble .Roots ­ of By Pat'Cliffotd . ' issue ~hich Brian and a Grapevine ~ffo~s. The r~st issue Streetvibes ·. ' vendor brought Clown personally. was published iri February of 1997 For the Fifth Anniversary The Ci~cinnati 'page grew and and dedicated to buddy. Donald Streetvibes issue I was asked to devel~ped_ over the next year. It came up with the name write a little on the beginnings of included stories about the "Streetvibes," and we received the paper. proliferation of temporary . labor startup assistance from Marianto The paper was initially jobs, cuts from the City directed at Pettus; a dedicated vendor at that the Drop Inn Center. in 1996 and time. Donald and I were the only founded as a positive respon.~e to anti-panhandling legislation being poefry from a variety of people. Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the propqsed by Cincinnati City In the summer of 1996, we grew Homeless staff and learned desktop to.. the point where we had enough publishing on-the-job. Counc;il in 1995. We wanted to content to fill four pages, which were find a way that people who were · The production and distribution homeless could still make a living placed as an insert in the Cleveland Streetvibes has come a long way on the streets, but notbave to resort paper. The masthead read: "The since then, Back then, we were to begging. Selling a printing 500 copies a home less newspaper The paper was initially founded as a month, and selling with a 1 of definiteJy offered more than panhandling. Vendors could also have the dignity of being a small entrepreneur. And, to top it· off, they could express their feelings and issues.by writing for the paper as well. It was a positive response to anti-panhandling l l b egis ation eing proposed by Cincinnati City Council in 1995. We wanted to find a way that people who were homeless could still make a living on the streets, b ha ut not ve to resort to begging. Selling a homeless newspaper definitely offered good idea on many levels. The idea of having a more homeles s paper came from the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless in Cleveland. At that time, they had published their Homeless Grapevine for a few years already. lfit weren ' t forthe vision and_flexibjlity of Brian Davis, the director of NEOCH, we would not have gotte n off the ground. At first he· allowed us to write articles to be placed in the Cleveland Homeless Grapevine. The first time this happened was the August issue of 1995. The first stories were about the passing of HB167,which eventually ledtothe 3-year cu toffs from welfare last year (and ongoing). I think we startedwith500copiesofthatfirst handful vendors. Now we have many vendors and di s tribute 8,000 per month. Also, in 1997 we had to lay out the paper by cutting out stories and gluing them to a master . sheet, which had to be transported by car to the printer (usually a couple hours past the deadline). than panhandling. Now the paper is laid out electronically and eHomeless Grapevine Cincinnati."· In mailed to the printer. Cincinnati, our vendors would take The reason Streetvibes is a the insert and wrap it around the continued success is because it is a front of the paper. The top story of good and needed idea. It is a winthe first issue was a first hand win situation all around. The account of the displacement of vendors w in by making s ome dozens of people from the El Rancho income and having a chance to Rankin that year. express themselves. The customer After D o nald Whitehead, wins by having access to a voice that Lemuel Israel and I attended the first is seldom heard in a convenient way. meeting of the North American Thanks to everyone ~ho has h elped Street Newspaper Association in with the effort over the years! Chicago in September of 1996, we Pat Clifford is currently the were inspired to start planning for General Coordinator ofthe Drop Inn printi ng our own paper. The CenterSheltet: HewasCoordinator shooting death of buddy gray, long- ofthe GCCH when Streetvibes was time homeless advocate and founded. visionary, shook our planning Streetvibes Vendor Code Each vendor has to sign the following code to be able to sell the paper. 1. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $1 voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for donations more than $1. I also understand that I will be able to keep 80 cents of each dollar collected. Future issues of Streetvibes will be purchased from the Homeless Coalition for 20 cents. 2. I agree that I will never distribute Streetvibes while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 3. I agree that I will not ask for donations after 12 midnight. 4. I agree to treat others w ith resp~ct. I will not use abusive language or force someone to give a donation. I will not give a "hard sell" or make someone feel threatened. 5. I agree that I will not supply copies ·o f Streetvibes to persons who are not registered Streetv.ibes Timeline August/September 1995 Cincinnati vendors begin to distribute Cleveland Homeless Grapevine; the paper eventually incorporates a four page section about Cincinnati news. 6. 7. 8. 9. distributors. I agree not .to deceive the public by saying that I am collecting for a not-for-profit charity or that I am collecting for the "homeless" in general. I will be honest in stating that all the profits from the sale of Streetvibes will go to the individual vendor. I agree that I will not contest territories with ocher distributors. I understand that Streetvibes strives to be a self­ supporting paper created by people who are homeless or formerly homeless. To help in this . effort, I will try to spread the word and write stories .if possible. I understand that failure to comply with any of the above statements will result in me no longer being able to distribute Streetvibes. November 1996 buddy gi:ay, Over tn~ Rhine community activist, is shot and killed. �Page 3 STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 ~~m~mbering buddy gray Editors Note: This article was the cover story for the first Streetvibes, published in February 1997. buddy gray made the commitment when he was very young to dedicate his life to energies to the cause of freedom, justice and peace for all humanity. He never wavered on that commitment. To buddy every person had a face, a name. He was a man with great passion and soul. A man who was motivated by his conclusive love and just anger so that we could all live free, with basic human rights. buddy used all that he was in the service of his vision. He gave endless hours of determination because he believed we mu~ t b~ about building a healthi er neighborhood and vyorld community for a ll of us. buddy 's life as a revolutionary, a. public servant, a poet, a carpenter, a friend , an organizer, an advocate, a prophet, a brother, a keen strategist, a preserver of life, a justice-seeker, a consistent challenger, a planter of trees and flowers, a lover of people, and an enthusiastic for the simpl e joys of life challenged many to take an active part in something so much greater - to be part of the historic movement for FREEDOM. He knew that this serious task was not without its difficulty and pain, but he helped many feel the joy of being part of the freedom train. buddy's strong, life-giving spirit impacted many people and places, . but his soul lived especially deep in the people and soil of the Over the Rhine neighborhood . He walked side by side with us, his neighbors, with little or no resources, using all we had in us to claim the right to stay in this land. IT IS OUR HOME that deserves and needs to be respected by the power forces grabbing our land for their profit interests. He had a deep care and compassion for people that are homeless and with little or no income. He believed in people's abilitx to overcome addictions and homelessness. He was an advocate of the people to whom he gave hope. buddy worked hard ar developing an~ . sharing leadership for he believed in the power 9f the people. What he thought was just and ri ght, he took action with others to carry out. He knew seeds h&d to be planted wc11, planted deep, for our hope lies in the coming together of all of us creating a new world with compassion for all earth's creatures. Some of the ways in which he carried out his commitment: * Refused to participate in the Vietnam War and actively organized against it. * Consistently did individual service work: tutoring children, organizing recreation trips for children to area parks; individual advocacy agarnst welfare bureaucracy and absentee landlords; assisted with many moving jobs when folks suffered evictions; offered help in fixing space heaters, apartment repairs; advocated for people getting public assistance; advocated in court for people gettin g treatment rather than prison. * Active in tenant organizing work; advocate for individua l tenants ' rights; organized tenant strikes; active ii in creating Tenant/ Landlord legislation ~ both in the state of Ohio and the City of Cincinnati·. * One of the three original tenants that found ed ReSTOC (Race Street Tenant Orga nizafron Cooperative), formed as a non-profit, racially­ integrated, low income housi ng cooperative in order to fix up old buildings long negl ected by absentee landlords so that housing for low income people could be preserved and maintained. * Helped found the Over-the­ Rhine hou sin g network , coali tion of non-profit l ow income housing development corporations in Over-the-Rhine, united to save hou sing under community control. * Helped develop and pass the Housing Rete ntion Ordinance in Over-the-Rhine, model legislation that requires public hearings before an apartment building can be demolished . * Worked as one of 13 members to develop the Over-the-Rhine comprehensive plan which fought to establish a minimum base of 5,520 low-income housing units in Over-the-Rhine. * Trustee since 1978 of Over­ the-Rhine community council; chair of its housing task force. *Board member of the National Coalition for Hous ing and Homelessness in Ohio; one of the founders in Columbus, Ohio, in March 1984. * Board member of the National Coalition for the Homeless; one of the original founders at the founding convention in Chicago in. 1983. * One of the founders of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, May 1984. Active in the pobtical action for the rights of.homeless people. On January 20, l 977, buddy received the Martin Luther King Jr. lifetime achievement award in Cincinnati. Budd y had many accomplishments to his credit, just as Martin Luther King did. But neither man is remembered most for the things they accompUshed, but rather their vis ion, hope and DREAM they shared with others. Both dreamed of a world where all women a nd men could li ve and respect each other as equals. Our greatest tribute to buddy gray and Mattin Luther King is to continue the vision they worked so hai·d to carry out. One Man's View: An Islamic Perspective on Homelessness by Abdul Karriem Muhammad I, Abdul Karriem Muhammad, a muslim, who, having experienced what is considered " homelessness," afte r ha vi ng been involved in organi zations to "solve" the problem, realizes that homelessness is not the problem, but is a symptom of a deep rooted problem that America, and others s uffer from. That problem is "D isbelief in the Truth of Allah." The National a nd loc al governments, and organ izations, public and private, mislead the general public into believing they're working to solve the problem which they're instru mental in perpetuating for the ir own selfish purposes. ·Government officials are interested in fund raising, job creation, maintenance, pos1t1oning, politicking, campaigning and getting elected, and maintenance of the they became "Mas ters of their organizations, among other Destiny 's" underhanded activities, ai·e some of To elaborate, I , Abdul K. the purposes. And I might add the Muhammad, 53, lunai· years old, was general public accepts and finances born in 1949, in Jackson Mississippi, what they know is not happening. and first experienced homelessness Allah (swt) States in the Holy in 1983 in Chicago Illinoi s, where I Qur' an in various Ayat that He is the became aware of the fact that there Creator, Owner, and Sustainer of are organizations designed to solve Heaven, Earth, and all that is in hom e less ness. One s uch between, therefore if there was any organization, the Salvation Army, belief in this Trnth of the Creator, reported to the Mayor's Task force Allah (swt) there could be no issue for the Homeless , which is a such as " h omelessness" ever coalition of serv ice providing manif~sted. Why do I say this? organizations in Chicago during the Consider 1422 years ago, when Harold Washington Admi11ist.ration. AJlah (swt) revealed the Holy The Salvation Army reported that Qur 'an to his prophet Muhammad among other violations, that there (saaw), the people were nomad s had been a study done 20 years prior (homeless), in what is now Saudi to 1986, to find the real cause of Arabia, but s impl y because they homelessness. What they found was realized , believed in and that the real problem - is that implemented what Allah(swt) homeless people exhibit a "Sense of revealed to an unlettered prophet, Powerlessness", but to this date no organized body or any other body has, or even can address this crucial element of this so-called problem ­ homelessness. So that being said, what are the organizations doing in the name of solutions? I have also witnessed se ll outs, political footballs, usage of the organizations for personal gain, out-right theft etc. People who were prev iou sly unemployable ro se to heights unimaginable. These and other covert age nd as' where the "homeless" are just the Investment Capital, and colla tera l used to sustain the organizations involved in these mailipuJations of the taxpayers, at taxpayer's expense, are just a few examples of the point I'm try ing to get across. r first met Mr. Donald Whitehead , who at that time was serving as the Director of the Greater Cincinnati Coa lition of the See Perspective, page l 6 Streetvibes TimeJine February 1997 First edition of Streetvibes May 1997 Social service providers oppose the Broadway Commons published; Pat Clifford, director 0f the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the proposal for the new Cincinnati Reds stadium, fearing its impact'. on Over Homeless, re membered the legacy of buddy gray on the first cover. The the Rhine residents. initial orintin£?: is 300 cooies. �STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 Page 4 Work Force Blues: By Riccardo Taylor get on the list to go out and make anywhere from thirty to forty dollars for the day. Many times this can be the difference from one being able to feed himself, as opposed to having to beg in the street. The homeless person can at least sustain himself in his si tu ation through working through th e temporary servi ce. However, it would be very difficult for the homeless to change their circumstance just working through work or work during thei r time off from their regular job. It can be a great help in allowing a person to get ahead, or caught up on some owed bill. All in all the temp assignment can be the crutch for stepping that needed or extra step in ones financial world. On the other hand the temporary e mpl oy me nt business can be a n exploitative entity if viewed from the working s hort hours when the employer has a slow-down or other reason for not needing workers. This can keep a worker off balance or in the dark as to how to plan for the future. The idea that one can be fired or DNRed (do not returned) from an assignment is also an obstacle in which hampers the possible growth for the temp worker. The pay scale for the temp worker is another thing which can be a problem for the The homeless person can benefit in the sense of financial outlook of the temp worker. immediate needs, but doesn't have much hope for The pay usualJy is at minimum wage or less. The temp agency often has the future th~y expect to change their situation. so many different fees or cost which con s ide of th e argument of the the worker has to pay for such as the temp service. The homeless te mporary employment issue. One equipment renting or ride cost that person can benefit in the sense of essential thing from the workers after these cost are extracted from immediate needs, but doesn' t have point of view that the temporary job the pay the worker is getting less much hope for the future if they does not offer is benefits, benefits tben the minimum wage. These expect to change their situation. The which every worker needs or should things and others are perhaps the temporary j ob ass ignment can have if they are to be able to prosper biggest reason for not depending on benefit some personal needs or in their Ii ves outside of the work th e temp assignme nt for ones esteem for the homeless person as it arena. The temporary employer does livelihood. These can be the reasons allows one to feel a sense of self not offer suc h th ings as health for not choosing the temporary work worth , being able to earn a few insurance, sick time, vacation, or a<;signment and instead searching for dollars through a legitimate means. other benefits which help to even out a permanent job if one expects to be Also the temp assignment can be the work schedules or protect the able to get ahead in the work world. extra dollar needed for the employee employee in times of need or So it can be said although the who bas the full time job. It can be misfortune. The temporary temporary work idea can be the the change that one may need to buy assignment is not, as is indicated in difference in the work force it has a special gift or the dollar to buy that its very name, permanent or long its pros and cons and the difference extra staple good. The full time termed. Often the temp worker can lies in where the worker wants to be emoloved can benefit from weekend in the future. Streetvibes Timeline July 1997 U.S. Congress finalizes Welfare September 1997 AU local homeless shelters fill in the city; Streetvibes Reform, imposing time limits up to five years for continued welfare benefits becomes part of the North American Street Newspaper Association and and granting states greater freedom to impose their own standards for representatjves attend the second annual conference. Today in the work world, jobs are relatively hard to come by in the sense of out right hiring. The job market has changed from the hiring of employees by a company, to temp to hire, through temporary agencies. The new wave of employment practices has become the way of the future. Temporary agencies offer a variety ofjobs, ski lled and unskilled, everything from clerical to labor. They cover practically every aspect and phase of the employment industry. The agencies spring up everywhere, like new grass, with a list of names straight from the book of list. Of course like anything e lse the temporary employment business has its good side and its bad side. In speaki ng about the pros and cons of the temporary employment services one has to keep an open mind, giving the benefit of any doubts to the temp agencies. From the pro side the list of positives range form the momentary assistance for the homeless person, to the prospect of additional cash from weekend moonlighting. Often the temporary assignment is the only hope or at least the best bet for a day 's pay for the homeless person or the person in transit. You can just go down and welfare recioients. if �STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 Page 5 Your mind so sharp, taking every Mac: Thanks for Your Friendship opportunity in .circles you by Bonnie Neumeier Editors Note: This article first appeared in the January 1998 edition of Streetvibes. Dear Mac: On the celebration of your 901h birthday we knew that each day you were here with us it was a gift we treasured. Over the years we slowly watched your body, legs, eyes and heart giving you troubles. But you would not let those troubles trouble you. Your determined will reached out even to befriend the pain so that it would not control your life. It was not going to stop you. The energy you mustered up to put your ailing body at places your spirit wanted to be amazed us. We won't forget the day you shocked us at buddy's funeral. We were not expecting you as you were so sick and flat on your back on the night before, letting us know your regrets that you could not make it. When you wheeled into the park in your chair, covered with a blanket, with face pail and thin, your presence was a healing, soothing salve with moved us deeply. I remember the night just after Easter in ' 93 we carried you up the dark staircase, to keep watch through the chilly night, getting a few winks of sleep, to be awakened by the so und of the bulldo zer, already spraying forceful water hoses up to the second floor where we were holding our to make our Last attempt to save the housing owned by Phillipus Church from being turned into a parking lot. Mac, you so much understood our fight to save low income housing. You believed what happened in Over the Rhine was a thermometer of what could happen in other low income communities. You held up our effort as a lightening rod, wanting it to spark the hearts a nd mind s of c itywide peop le, preservationists and politicians to do on December 21 , 1997 in Washington Park for the annual remembering of those persons dying homeless on the street, we were not thinking that you, Mac, so soon would be joining your sisters and brothers whose names we called out that day. Thank you for being with us·around the fire barren. I shall not forget that hug. And I know that when you went from this world to the spirit world on December 30, 1997, our Over the Rhine effort embraced you with welcoming arms with a hug from buddy. We trust you are resting in peace but be assured your spirit is in our hearts. And we know our lives and our neighborhood of Over the Rhine benefited a hundredfold from having you sojourn with us. We shall not the right thing for the poor and encountered to put the challenge out oppressed. In the midst of sound there that we need to work for a principled actions we would risk kinder, gentler nation where all together, there were always those people could live free and with moments of sweet support. On that dignity. You humbly accepted the day when we were carried off to jail, St. Francis Xavier medal on the sexes were held in separate December 7, 1997 at Xavier holding cells, four men and one University and spoke so eloquently woman. I won't forget how I called and challengingly on so many of the out to you. buddy, Wilbur, Berta and issues that were dear to your heart you responded in kind with singing and life. We from Over the Rhine voices. That sweet support' lifted were so happy to cel'ebrate with you that day. We felt proud of you, but me. Mac, you gave our effort such somehow you made us feel proud of consistent support over the years. ourselves, too. For when you speak Your friendship felt very special. We you call up the long history of knew you held us in a special place struggle and freedom which in your heart. You were ~ith us at connects us to a spiritual source that City Hall time and time again. Your deepens our conviction that someday voice for the homeless and ill- justice will roll down like the rivers. See Mac , page 16 When many of us last saw you, housed was relentless. You fasted so that we might :.:...~~~~~~~-=-~~~~~~~~;..._~~~~~~~~~~~~---, win negotiation s with the City in rega rd s to replacement housing when we l ost the Milner. You helped us evict the Governor 's furniture from his office in Columbus so that we mig ht make a point about the mean spirited cut off of general assistance. You always stood with us when Drop Inn Center and ReSTOC were under politi c al attacks. The list is -!" Six local activists are arrested protesting at the Cincinnati Police Memorial, a propolice rally featuring F.O.P. President Keith Fang man - Friday, May 18, 2001 photo by Berta Lambert lon g. You were L..~~~~~..,...............................................~ always there for us. Your presence was powerful. You Organizing Workshop possessed a gentle strength. We listened to your stories and learned from your long life. We marveled Thursday, June 28, 9:30 am - 1:30 pm. at your memory and how you could Peaslee Neighborhood Center pull up so many quotable quotes. 215 E. Fourteenth Street Advertise to Socially Conscious Readers! Call 421-7803 for more information about how advertising in Streetvibes will work for your business Custom Sizes Available! Let our Ad Manager Design Your Advertisement - Free! Acquire Proven OrganizinQ Skills That Will Help You Achieve Your Organization's Goals! Free to Coalition Members, $1 O for non-members RSVP with Susan at (513) 421-7803 Sponsored by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless Streetvibes Timeline October 1997 Opposition to the plan to move the foreshadows Prisoners is News Section. location of the Cincinnati School for the Performing Arts befogs with an article by Berta Lambert, longtime community activist and Streetvibes December 1997 ReSTOC breaks ground on buddy's place; Reverend Maurice Mccrackin dies. vend r. e t st". of ohnn William B rd Jr. from death r �STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 Page 6 the first time since the second grade. roll into the parking lot in their new I realized that unless I relocated I BMWs. While many of our peers was going to be too tired to function face), or similar comments. Lovely. the next day in class. I imagine that gawked at the willpower of the Shantytowners, we all admitted that For the first time, I realized what finding a new box was as tough as it we led a luxurious homeless life. hunger can do to your personality. is to find a homeless shelter at the With a hiding place for belongings, It made me selfi sh. Part of our l ast minute. The housing was guardians, quiet time for homework, experience was begging for lunch. alread y overcrowded, let a lone a break from the street at a top-notch One afternoon when I was vacant. So I finished off the night school, and a soft pi11ow and warm particularly starving, a friend asked on the grass beneath a tarp that was spring weather, each of us was a Bill me for a piece of gum. It was my draped over a tree. Gates of a ho meless person. Yet the last one, and reluctantly I gave it to So in the end all of the little little things were unforgettable. Susan Knight from the Greater Cincinnati Coalition from the home less educated us on why America has a lack of affordable housing, and Angela Cariviere of CoOhio shared her personal story; I left with a feeling that the line between a comfortable living and : just getting by is frighteningly thin. Eve n in a cap italist ·society, the events that determine my economic status are not so much a sign of my intelligen-ce, the co nte nt of. my character, or my determination, but rather a res ult of luck. Out of complete luck I was born into a fa mily that neve r needed for anything, and because of that I have Ursuline junior Anne Garrett describes her experiences with her high been given the best education that school 's Shantytown, a week long event to educate people about money can buy. Out of luck, my homelessness. photo by Todd Forman parent's companies have not folded her, but I was resentful that she things taught me that being homeless or had to lay people off. The most would ask me - a homeless, hangry is practically a full time job. I frightening thing of all, however, is that once you fall to the other side person, for a piece of gum. The thought I knew what hard work was, of the line, the ease of digging your nerve of her! That gum had eight but I never knew ~at survival in ' full .calories of e~ergy in it,'anct'liere itself was s uch a ta sk for the way out is ~ ..did I say ease? There's I am running on empty! I was one thousands of people e~ch day. Our no such thing. It is truly a cycle. In of the lucky people because my goal was not to directly serve others the film Bless the Child, a woman shoes did not get stolen. Other girls but to raise awareness of the issue who has just become homeless for had to walk around all day in their in hopes of inspiring people to .give the first time in her Jife laments: .bare feet. I never even would have to take action. In s uburban "Since I don "t have an address, I can't get a job: Since I don 't have a thought to hide my things if we communities, people often have so hadri' t been given warning. When I much to g ive but homelessness job, 1.can't get an address." The sad truth - the truth that woke up at three a.m. the first ni ght, seems as far away as Never-Never millions of Americans find it too my face smashed against the smelly land. While it is true that poverty easy to deny! - is this: a homeless cardboard bo(<. and the covers stolen exists only ten minutes away from Se·e Shanty, continued pa!re l 7 by my boxmate, I felt homesick for us, it is easy to forget when students ~ . . Surviving Shantytown By An.ne Garrett , Ursuline Academy 0 2 .., My mom thought I was crazy when I asked her. But it was my ambition, and I wouldn't take no for an answer. I asked her if I could live in a cardboard box for three days. My persistence paid ·off, and I became homeless at age seventeen. I bid goodbye to my four televisions, four telephones, a stocked pantry, two showers, air conditioning, and twin bed. I said hello to my half of a dingy refrigerator box that reeked of vomit. It owed its stabil,ity to a few strips of duct tape; a strong wind could have sent it flying. My shanty was one of many that lined the front lawn of Ursuline Academy high. school in Blue Ash. This effort to simulate homelessness at UA began three years ago an?..'Ya~ .il).~ir~d by the Xavier University Shantytowners. Thi s May, forty-three hi g h school teenagers at Urs uline Academy grabbed a garbage bag full of minimal belongings, a pillow, and a sleeping bag, and committed to braving the wilderness of pove1ty. I was in for a surprise. Several months 1 ago, I thought had understood the basics of homelessness. After all, I'd met with it face to f~ce at the DropInn Center, on the s treets of downtown, and the Chabad House, a homeless sl)c;Jted n Roselawn. But it's the little things in life th~t make all the difference. For instance, one 1 of those little things tJ:iat had never anticipated was ,h.O\.\;' bad my alJergies - and lack of medic ine would make me feel and look. Each d~y at school, I heard,. Do you have pink eye? or You look like you're dyj.na' 0 or oa...a... look how 00 ross that · · uJJ · ' crirl is (this wasn ' t usually, to my Protecting the Ri'ghts of the Homeless by Alicia Beck Street news , like Cincinnati's own Streetvibes, has always been part of the tradition of change in our cou nt ry. From revolutionary pamphlets to public proclamations, from the Catholic Worker to the Broadside Magazine, the written word continues to influence public perceptions and opiniops. . Over its fiv e-year hi story, Streetvibes has been providing the voice for change in our community, exposing the injustices that the homeless and poor of Cincinnati experience. In January 2000, Cincinnati was chosen by the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) to be one of the regional sites for the National Civil Ricrhts Orgamzmg ProJeCl. Because ofits strong connections with NCH and its past history of protecting the rights of the homeless, the Greater Cincinnati Coa 1ition for the Homeless (GCCH) serves as the organi zing entity here in. Ohio as ~ell as Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. GCCH works in conjunction with the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless, gathering information about ~he daily acts of discrimination against homeless people. By definition, people who are homeless live in public. A lack of housing forces them to do in public what everyone prefers to do in private. Reported discrimination is found in many forms: homeless are Streetvibes Timeline January ·1998 Donald Wliitehead becomes director of the GCCH; he raises Streetvibes circulation to 2,000 copies per month. asked to leave es ta bl 1shments, arrested for using 'public areas to sleep or rest; and in many areas are forbidden to panhandle. There are no laws protecting the homeless from police sweeps or harassment, and homel ess indi vidual s are experie nc in g hate crimes a t an alarming rate. During the last t wo years, Streetvibes, a project of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, has continued to provide a constant reminder of the reasons we have taken up this important organizing project. Streetvibes has not been afraid to uncover the wrongful acts of those in our community and throughout the Unned States. Monthly 1t has provided us with updates about the many crimes committed against the home less, crimes that wo uld otherwise have been unreported. It has.continued to expose localissues, such as an attack on a Northern Kentucky .homeless encampme nt, which left the residents severely injured. · Watch for more information in Streetvibes in the future about this important topic. Streetvibes will soon be publishing ipfonnation from the 2000 National Civil Rights Organizing Report. And of course, it will continue to provide a voice for those who continue to suffer the daily injustices of our society. AprU 1998 Over the ~e community activists rally against changin Vine Street intQ two-way; major campaign results uniting OTR resident as well as city service providers; council ultimately rules in favor c;i '-' business community to make Vine Street two-way. �STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 The Twelve Steps and Their Relationship To Christian Faith Could You Just Listen? by Mr. Lee It is a well known fact that the twelve step program developed by Alcoholics Anonymous has become the model for many other popular lay-managed programs of treatment targeted at people with addictions, compulsions, or dependencies. Including nicotine abuse, narcotics and cocaine abuse, compulsive eating and gambling. Alcoholics Anonymous estimates their are now more than-87,000 A.A. groups in 136 countries world-wide, representing 1.8 million members. Including memberships in other twelve step programs, millions of individuals around the world attend twelve-step meetings each week. Alcoholics Anonymous began on June 10,1935, co-founded by William Griffith Wilson (Bill W.) and Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith(Dr. Bob). Wilson conceived the idea of Alcoholics Anonymous while he was hospitalized for excessive drinking in December, 1934. During his hospital stay Wilson had a spiritual experience that removed his desire to drink. In the following months, he tried to persuade other alcoholics to stop drinking just as he had. Wilson found his first "convert" in Smith, who was willing to follow Wilson's method to find freedom from alcoholism. Four years later, Wilson and Smith published the book, Alcoholics Anonymous, which contains the Twelve Steps and a sp iritually based program of recovery from alcoholism. The Oxford Group · Various sources influenced the formation of AA's program, as developed and recorded by Wilson. Of these, the British-born Oxford Group movement and it's American leader, Episcopal clergyman Samuel Moor Shoemaker, Jr., contributed most significantly to the Christian basis of Alcoholics Anonymou s. Both Wilson and Smith attended Oxford Group meetings and based much of the A.A. program on this framework. In the 1920's and l930's, the Oxford Group movement became a revolutionary to anti-religiou s reaction following World War I. Aiming to rekindle living faith in a church gone stale with institutionalism, the Oxford Group declared itself an "organism" rather than an organization. Group members met in homes and hotels, mingling religion with meals. Despite its freedom from institutional ties, the movement was distinctly ecclesiastical and looked to the church as its authority. Dr. Frank N.D. Buchman, a Lutheran pastor, is most often cited as leader of the Oxford movement. Yet, if one were to ask an Oxford Group follower, "Who is your leader?" the reply might well be, "the Holy Spirit" So confidently did the group believe inn the guidance of the Spirit that it had no organized board of officers, but relied instead on "God control" through men and women who had fully "surrendered" to God's will. The Oxford Groups teach.~ngs rested on the following six basic assumption.s: Human beings are sinners. Human beings can be changed. Confession is a prerequisite to change. the changed soul has direct access to God. The age of miracles has returned. those who have been changed are to change others. Ernest Kurtz, in his history of A.A. entitled Not-God, A History of Alcoholics Anonymous listed the following characteristics of the Oxford Group that were adapted to meet the specific needs of the A.A. program: informal home-like settings for meetings, intended to highlight the pleasures of spiritual fellowship; an expectation that members would remain in their own churches, turning to A.A. not for theological interpretations, but for support in living a moral life; a focus o'n gradually realizing a "changed life" by passing through "stages," a concept that presented sobriety as something positive rather than merely the absence of alcohol or drunkenness; the policy that AA's workers, . especially the founders, sh<?uld never be paid; an emphasis on helping others in order to change one's own life. In addition, Wilson incorporate into A.A. 's philosophy the Oxford Group's five procedures, which were: Giving to God. Listening to God's directions. Checking guidance. Restitution. Sharing, both confession and witness. The Evolution of the Twelve Steps While trying to attract more followers to sobriety from 1935­ 1937, smith and Wilson attended Oxford Group meetings in New York led by Samuel Moor Shoemaker, Jr. "It was from Sam Shoemaker that we absorbed most of the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, steps that express the heart of A.A. way of life," Wilson later recalled. "The early A.A. got its ideas ofself­ examination, acknowledgment of character defects, restitution for harm done, and working with others straight from the Oxford Group and directly from Sam Shoemaker, their former leader in America, and from nowhere else." In his 1937 book, Alcoholics Anonymous, Wilson set forth six steps of aspiritual recovery program, based on what he and other A.A. members agreed they had learned from Sam Shoemaker and the Oxford Group. The six steps were: 1. We admitted that we were licked, that we were powerless over alcohol. 2. We made an inventory of our defects or sins. 3. We confessed or shared our shortcomings with another person in confidence. 4. We made restitution to all those we had harmed by our drinking. See 12 Steps, continued page 17 When I ask you to listen to me and you start giving me advice, you have not done what I asked. When I ask you to listen to me and you begin to tell me why I shouldn 't feel that way, you are trampling on my feelings. When I ask you to listen to me and you feel you have to do something to solve my problems, you have failed me, strange as that may seem. Listen! All I asked was that you listen, not talk to or do ­ just listen to me. Advice is cheap; 35 cents will get you both Dear Abby and Billy Graham in the same paper. I can do for myself; I'm not helpless­ maybe discouraged and faltering, but not helpless. When you do something for me that I can and need to do for myself, you contribute to my fear and inadequacy. But when you accept as a simple fact that 1 do· feel what I feel, no matter how irrational, then I can quit trying to convince you and can get about this business of understanding what's behind this irrational feeling. When that's clear, the answers are obvious and I don't need advice. Irrational feeli~gs make more sense when we understand what's behind them. Perhaps that's why prayer works, sometimes, for some people-because God is mute, an He doesn't give advice or try to fix things. "They" just listen and let you work it out for yourself. So please listen and just hear me. And if you want to talk, wait a minute for your tum ­ and I'll listen to you. Author Anonymous buddy's place Permanent Housing for formerly homeless individuals at 1300 Vine Street. For more information, call Connie Martina ~r Agnes Maclc at (513) 784-0800 Streetvibes Timeline May 1998 National Coalition for the Homeless June 1998 City of Cincinnati's panhandling ordinance ruled an launches the National Civil Rights Organizing Project to document human unconstitutional limitation of free speech; Jimmy Heath becomes rights abuses of homeless people. Streetvibes editor in addition to bis other duties with the GCCH. · �ST R EE T V IB ES J UNE 2001 I Was About to Be Put to Death By Johnny Wm. Byrd, Jr. Editor 's Note: This testimony first appeared in the October 1997 edition of Streetvibes. Johnny Wm. Byrd, Jr. still awaits his execution by the state of Ohio on death row. On Sunday March 13, 1994 at 12:53 P.M. exactly thirty-five hours and twenty six minutes before my scheduled state sanctioned murder the "death Row escort" arrived at my cell. "It's time Byrd Dog," one said. "Strip," said another. A number of men stood in front of my cell, nervousJy watching as I shed my clothing, perhaps for the for the last strip search of my life. After going through the usual routine of Lift ' um and spread ' um I got dressed, backed up to the cell door and was handcuffed. While this was going on, an eerie silence had settled over the entire block. There was none of the usual boisterous laughter, loud radio or TV p laying . There was nothing but complete silence. As I backed out of my cell and started the on the long walk , the b lock erupted into a cacophonous uproar. "Stay Strong!" "Good Luck" the voices yelled out. As I bid them fareweli, I vowed, "I'll represent us all well , and no matter what happens, stay strong," meaning that I would not grovel and whine as some involve d in thi s process would like to see. As I walked down the long main corridor and passed each cellblock, there were loud voices raised in solidarity and encouragement. The shouts from the eel lblock caused my escorts and the numerous guards that lined the corridor to become alarmed with fea r and terror of the last riot fresh in their memories. Jn an effort to make me speed up my leisurely pace as I met each and every eye along Lhe away, they started walking faster. I maintained my stride, and soon they slowed down, resigned to my pace I had set Upon arriv ing at the J-1 supermax, I was once again stripped and searc he d and my regular deathrow cloth ing was exchanged for death house clothing. PENPAL WANTED Kaman Wa Ngengi Hill #568787 P.O. Box 16 Lovelady, TX 75851 " Odd," I thought to myself. with drugs to make me "What differenee does one's clothes less re sis tant and have on the fact of one's impending responsive. This refusal death?" was not based on some The atmosphere of the death unreasonable paranoia house was smothering, suffocating but thro ugh years of as if there was no oxygen. Everyone incarceration. I know moved as if in slow motion. Their first hand j ust how devious prison every move seemed to be thoroughly officials can be, and I wasn' t about learned robot-like professionalism. to take chances. Now for the first time in over thirty The whirlwind of ac tivity years, they, the elite death squad, had continued around me, and as night been called upon to commit murder approached, there was no thought of in the name of the state of Ohio. In sleep in my mind. Throughout the some of their eyes I saw fear concern night, I was on the phone talking to and revulsion. In others, I saw people that I hadn't heard from in sadistic glee. Looking at each one years. Everyone expressed their of them in the eye with a steady support, love, concern and pledged unblinking eye, I sized them up their assistance. individually. Monday morning, March 14, issue a ruling at approximately 3 p.m., nine hours before my scheduled execution! He made this ruling with full knowledge that it was legally wrong, but in keeping with his own personal feeling about the length of time my appeal was taking. He stated on one occasion, ''There comes a time when all of this must come to an end"; now he had appointed the supreme litigator and unsurpassed the power of the U.S. Supreme Court, as well as-that of his own district court. Had it not been /Jeing on death row, in and of itself, is a form of for the tireless efforts of my attorney fought gallantly, he may have death. The environment sucks the life out. The who very well succeeded. Through their passing of single day at times can be but the blink efforts an emergency panel of the Circuit Court convened and ofan eye or as long as a heart breaking life. Sixth issued a stay of execution at 6:30 Then theres drudgery, the soul wrenching p.m. to be outdone, Ohio monotony of staring at the same steel, concrete goveNot rnor Geor.ge V. Voinovich and people, ad nauseam. pe rso nally contacted his friend, Attorney General Lee Fisher, and Soon after entering the death cell was indeed a blue Monday for us all. went directly to the U.S. Supreme proper, my attorney arrived to.inform We learned of the apparent Court and asked them to dissolve the me as to the current status of my unprecedented and mean spirited stay of execution so that my murder situation. We discussed this at great tactics being employed by the judge could take place as scheduled. This length, and I felt confident that assigned to my case, the "honorable" move was purely political. Both everything possible was in fact being Carl Rubin. It see ms th at even men have political aspirations, and done to halt the in sidious plot to though he had my writ of habeas with elections coming this year, they murder me th at bad been set in corpus and motion for a stay of knew how profitable jumping on the motion by Ohio. execution before him since March "kill them quick" bandwagon would After enjoying the time I spent . 7, he decided to wa it until th e be. After the U.S. Supreme in it's with my lawyer, I immediate ly eleventh hour before making any contacted my woman and then other ruling, knowing fu ll well that the entirety had been convened, they fami ly members on the phone, which situation was critical and that time declined to lift the stay of execution had been provided. I attempted at was of the essence. at approximately l l :30 p.m. best I could assuage their worries An example of the insidious plot Monday. Everyone breathed a deep and fears. With each one, I tried to he'd hatched in his muddled mind sigh of relief, including I might add, explain the situation, based on my began when he instructed two of my the con-ections officer that had been knowledge and information attorneys to meet in his chambers at there the entire ordeal. Around 12:20 a.m. on Tuesday, provided by my lawyer; This was noon. At the conclusion of the very difficult. given the fact that they meeting, he informed my attorneys I was again escorted by guards. This were a ll aware of the appeals that he would deny my motion for a lime, however, I was goi ng back to process. They all knew this latest stay of execution and that he wou ld See Death , continued page ·18 attempt by che state of Ohio to murder me was simpl y a political move and not based on the law. I had to agree, but nonetheless, I still wanted to calm their fears give contains news about the justice system and the them strength and assure the m all writings of persons incarcerated that everyth ing was under control in our nation's jails and prisons. and that my lawyers were on top of every move the state was trying to Subscribers withinthe walls receive Streetvibes free. make. If you would like to support us in this effort, please At times, there were periods that sponsor someone on the inside. A year's subscription costs $15. seemed to stand still. Then suddenly, Send your comments and questions to streetvibes@juno.com everything would speed up. I was mail: STREETVIBES, 1506 Elm Street offered food , but I refused to eat, Cincinnati, Ohio 4521 O feari ng it may have been doctored Prisoners News August 1998 National shortage of affordable housing documented; locally, income housing advocates, Lincoln Court adopts Hope VT federal housing 48% of Cinci nnati's low income renters spend more than half of ·their income on housing. program; Streetvibes debuts Prisoners' News section. Streetvibes TimeJine July 1998 Despite concerns expressed by low­ �STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 Page 9 The Jus~ice f~r W.J.M. Campaign & the W.J.M. Freedom Ministry, Inc We the family and fr~ends of William Jonathan Mayo erlcourage to you to lend an ear and: perhaps even your hearts to this tragic yet true account of an attempt to destroy this young, aspiring man's life. William Jonathan Mayo is a native Cincinnatian. He attended Roger Bacon High School in Cincinnati, graduating in 1984. Very determined to make his life bet!;er, he decided to further his education a nd atte nd ed Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. After receiving an Academic, Military Scholarship, he transferred to the prestigious Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. He majored in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. He worked to put himself through college as a plain-clothed store detective and as a cover model for magazines in. Detroit and Chicago. William appeared as a cover model on the April/May issue of Applause Magazine; a local magazine in Cincinnati, Ohio for "Cincinnnati's Black Lifestyle". He also appeared inDetroit'sHotBlackMenCalendar as Mr. July 1990. While at Morehouse, William had several dreams. The most important to him was being part of the Mentoring Program. This was a program designed by college students to help less fortunate children and teens get into college and improve their lives. In 1990, while living in Chicago, William met two underprivileged teenage young men . It was William's belief at heart that he could help make a difference in their lives by becoming their mentor. In November 1991 , Wi 11 iam drove· the two young men from Chicago to Atlanta for the Morehouse College Homecoming Weekend. ItwasWilliam's hopethat the visit would demonstrate to the . young men what college life was like and to encourage them to s.e ek a better life than what they were living in Chicago. They arrived in Atlanta · on November 3, 1991, making several stops on campus and around the city. That evening, around 7: 15­ 7: 30, William made a stop that would forever change his life. William stopped to retrieve some clothing and personal items from an associate who had stored them for him until he could return from Chicago and pick them up. The two young men accompanying William remain~d in the car while William picked up his belongings. During the time William was at his associate's house these young men committed a despicable crime. They burglarized and robbed a home that was two doors away from the house where William was. They terrorized a bi-racial couple for what had to seem like hours to the m, but in actuality it was about I0-20 minutes. They stole small items from the couple and tied them up with a telephone cord. They were able to come back to the car just before William returned with his belongings. William drove away witboutanyknowledgethatacrime had taken place. Policemen with theirgunsdrawnpulledoverthecar upon entry into the interstate. William and t~e two young men werearrested,takenintocustodyand charged with burglary, armed robbery and aggravated assault. SPECIAL NOTE: It was at this point that the police told the victims they and ministers attesting to his good character. Tliere was not a death as a result of th~,crime nor any serious injuries. William had no previous police record or prior contact with authorities. The type of sentence William received is clearly outrageous. This type of sentence was not meant to punish but to destroy William's life! New counsel was hired and appeals were filed. In September 1993, in a hearing for an extraordinary motion for a new trail, thetwoyoungrnencameforwardof their own accord a nd admitted "William had nothing to do with the cri me,norwasheawareofwbatthey had done until their arrest. William Mayo is innocent!" Much to everyone's surprise in the courtroom, the same judge in Cobb If William had been granted a new trial based on the testimony of the two young men who had committed the crime, he would have been relieved of the charges, his conviction would have peen overturned, and today William would be afree man. had arrested three black men and found their property in the car; thus convincing the victims that all three men were involved, instead of only two. William was granted bond which enabled him to return home to Cincinnati to await his triaf date. William was never placed in a line­ up or identified prior to trial by the victims. Evenafterthevictimswere shown William's arrest photograph, just hours after the crime had occurred, they could not identify him. On April 3, 1992, after a week long trial, and being represented by a state appointed attorney, William Jonathan Mayo was found guilty on five cou nts: ONE BURGLARY CHARGE, TWO ARMED ROBBERY CHARGES and TWO AGGRAVATED , ASSULT CHARGES. Earlier in the trial the two )'Oung men pled guilty for a lesser sentence and testified as state witnesses against William Mayo. Both received a twenty year sentence · after implicating William Mayo as part of the crime. William J. Mayo was sentenced to two life sentences for armed robbery, two twenty year sentences for the aggravated assault charges, and twenty years probation for the burglary charge: all to run conc urre ntly with each other. William maintained his innocence and does so today. During William's trial letters were submitted from college administrators, employers County, Georgia who had previously sentenced William denied his motion for a new trial. If William had been granted a new trial based on the testimony of the two young men- who had committed the crime, he would have been relieved of the charges, his conv ic tion would have been overturned, and today William would be a free man. In D ecember 1995 , a State Habeas Corpus Evidentiary Hearing was conducted and several witnesses testified again. The two young men testified again under oath in court for a second time. They swore that they lied about William's involvement in thecrimethattheycommitted. They made a public apology to William a nd his family for the pain and suffering they had caused. In spite of all the evidence clearing William's name.the judge refused to release William or even grant him a new trial. William is now 35 years old and has been incarcerated in maximum security prisons in Georgia for over nine years. He as been in ten different prisons and is currently in Macon State Prison in Oglethorpe, Georgia. He as waited patiently for justice to prevail; however, the Georgia courts have tried to hide the facts in this case. It is revealed that four of William's prior attorneys rendered ineffective representation by their own admission. At leasttwo ofattorneys admitted openly in court that they put Mayos issues on the back burner (which is documented on transcript). William, his family, and friends have finally obtained counsel and private investigators who realize the injustices William has suffered and they are presently working very hard to ?verturn his conviction. An appeal was made to the Federal Court, U.S. Northern District of Alabama, in 1998. On July21, 1999theMagistrate Judge gave his report and recommendation to ~eny WiUiam's Habeas CJrpus action. On August 9, 1999, the appeal went before the Federal Judge for final review and disposition. The _Federal Judge denied th e FederalHabeasCorpus inMay2000, and would not grant aq application for Certificate of Appealability. William , though his attorneys, appealed to the 11th Circuit Court for a Certificate of Appealability, which refused to hear the case. We have submitted documentation thatoneofthestate's key witnesses (William's would be alibi witness) not only testified falsely, but also under a false name which the prosecutor knew or should have known at that time. In fact, these state witnesses had outstanding warrants i'n Cobb County, and perhaps elsewhere~ Georgia; under hi.s real name and the alias name under which he testified. Through the dili gent work of a private investigator we obtained proof (fingerprints in both alias and birth name of this state's key witness.) These warrants were issued in Cobb County, the same co unty where Mayo's trial was held. The warrant · was dead docketed. We have now received a written affidavit from one of the teenage young me n who co mmitted the -crime th at the g un used in the robbery belonged to him and to get it out of his possession. He put it under the driver's seat once the police stopped the car. During trial the Stat~ used the gun as evidence against Mayo even though the gun was not processed for fingerprints or linked to him in any way. We also discovered that another s tate's witness, the second accomplice who committed the crime, co-defendant Dale Santee Thomas, who is serving twenty years as a g uilty pl ea, is actu~lly incarcerated under a false name. His real nam~is Odell Santee Thornton. . A John Marsha ll Hig h School (Chicago) student record verifies this fact. He further states in .his affidavit that the Prosecutor and See Mayo , continued page 18 Streetvibes Timeline November 1998 The third annual Standdown December 1998 Advocates have a candlelight procession from the Dt:o occurs; organized by the GCCH and the Veterans Administration, the Inn Center to Washington Park to commemorate homeless people ·wh two day event provides opportunities for homeless people to get medical died in 1998. �STREETVIBES. JUNE 2001 Page 10 Alternative Media Jimmie Gipson is typical Empire of many of the Streetvibes There are nearly 50 street vendors. He's clean cut, well newspaper~ published in the spoke n, and challenges the US , written or sold by stereotype many people may ~~r:JWil homeless a nd form e rly have of a homeless person. He homeless people . Some of is a man who has been down the papers vary widely in on his luck and has struggled c ontent, philo soph y and to find his way. But Gipson format. And they come in all finds enjoyment in his work as sizes from simple two page a Streetvibes vendor. He plies newsletters reproduced on a the side walks of downtown photocopier all the way up to Cincinnati looking for a good mainstream, stylish full color pl ace to sell hi s stack of magazines with runs of over Streetvibes papers. A good 100,000 per month. The spot for selling has to meet Streetwise ne ws pape r in several criteria; it need s to Chicago is one of those high­ have a ste ady stream of l -_ _..;:,,,o:_...a end street papers. It has slick passersby (lunchtime hours are best) and the folk walking Jimmie Gipson begins his attempts to selJ Stree1vib~ newspa,per. Jile .s earcbes for just full color pri nting , major · adverti sers, · ce lebrity by need to be somewhat the ri_ght spot to find potential cus.tcmiers. interviews and a full -time sympathetic . "I like the professional staff. There are challen g e of getting . th e ov er 200 homeless· and atten tion of people who are formerly homeless vendo rs tryi ng to ig no re m e-, " say s hawkin g the Streetwise Gipson. " Once I get them to newspaper at any given time. listen to me, and I show them One thing all of these papers what I have, they will almost ha ve in co mmo n is th a t always buy a paper." Gipson homeless vendors not unlike has al so d evelo pe d Jimmie Gipso n Cincinnati's rel ationships, no t o nly with sell them and keep the profits. customers on the street, but They write the stories and are business ow ners. "I have a ---""­ invol ved in the e ditoria l couple of businesses that will process. There are many let me sell on their property," ways to measure success in Gipson says. "As long as I ask th e. street n ~ w s pap e r and I don 't create a nuisance, business. Streetvibes, and the people will let me sell the paper street paper movement, has at their bus iness." When become the alternative voice Gipson g oes out with hi s for people whose voice has Srreetvibes, he makes good gone unheard for so long. money. Sometimes $10 to $20 When the mainstream media dollars an hour. He says he has Creating a relationship with customers is key to good saless. Here. Tnnmie takes .a fail s, the street news paper sold over 600 of the papers in moment to chat with someone who may eventually buy the paper on a regu.tat basis. succeeds. Street newspapers just over a month. A lot of tell it like it is without the people just give him money, or c onfine s of adv e rti ser let him keep the change. But politics. That is one of the Gipson states that most people real successes of street papers don ' t c arry c ash a ny more; like Streetvibes. Homeless everyone is using credit cards people can especially speak for everythin g so there isn' t their mind where before, they' cash for buying papers from the would be i g nored b y the street comer vendor. Jimmie main stre am media . Gipson says that some of the Advocates for the poor also vendors have disputes o ver find a voice in the street paper territories and street corners, move me nt and use tbe but it doesn 't bother hi111 - there ne twork e xte nsive ly for are ple nty of good spots for getting the word out about sellin g Streetv ibes in local community and national Cincinnati. "Can I interest you issues. in a Streetvibes newspaper to help the home less ?" say s Legal Alternative . Gipson to a bu s ines sman walking by his post at 5th and For many cities, including Vine Street. Cincinnati, the street Jimmie g ets the tecl:m:igue ready: di~lay ithe ip~er prominently,, make:sm.e to & splay newspaper movement grew hi:s badge, ask politetily jf passer.b y woulcll like to read ;abnm homelessness. out of the need for creating . . Streetvibes Timeline February 1999 Laurel Homes joins Lincoln May 1999 GCCH forms Speaker's Bureau: homeless people share their Court as a Hope VI project; redesign plans indicate a less of 1300 units of stories with groups throughout the Greater Cincinnati area. low income housing. �STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 Page 11 an a lternati ve to panhandl in g. reach their personal goals," says staff bas worked with vendors to their needs," says Beck. "Our goal Although the First Amendment right Alicia Beck, Director of the Greater help thein meet their goals. "We. are is to develop vendor suppo1t groups to free speech protects people who . Cincinnati Coaliti o n for the in the process of hiring a full-time that will identify issues for th e are peacefully e ngaged rn Homeless. Traditionally,.the GCCH staff person to help the vendors with vend o rs, provide e du cational panhandling, th e City of ,_ ,,..._.,...,,....,,,,..,....,,_..,,....,. opportunities a nd h·e alth Cincinnati took measures to services. We will be able to strengthen a 1992 aggressive help vendors with referrals panhandling law. Jimmie for housing and other types Gipson says that he used to of assistance." The be a panhandler himself. Streetvibes newspaper is an "Some of those guys make empowerment program for good money," says Gipson, homeless fo lk who are pointing to a nearby looking for a way to get their panhandler. While homeless lives back. "I really enjoy advocates and the ACLU selling Streetvibes," says were disputing the anti­ Jimmie Gipson. "It makes pa nh a ndling- iss ue in the me feel good, like I'm doing something that matters." courts, the idea for a street newspaper for Cincinnati was developed as an alternative. The Challenge For several month s The most difficult Cincinnati 's Streetvibes aspect for Streetvibes was a one~page supplement to vendors is consiste ncy. the Homeless Grapevine, a Many of them Live on the Cleveland, Ohio street Dealing with rejc.ction is one of the most difficult aspects of Streervibes sales. Jimmie streets because they suffer newspape r. Using encoanrers many people like these who are not intereste<t in buying the paper. from c irc um stances that Cleveland's Grapevine prevent them from following newspap er as a model, a regular schedule. Lack of Streetvibes published its first hou sing affects many full issue in February of 1997. different areas of somone's In the spring of 1998 the life: no place to store their proposed anti -panhandling things, nowhere to take a was rul ed o rdinance shower, few safe places to unconstitutional by the US rest. Selling Streetvibes is a Dis trict Court, the reby gr ea t alternative for lega lizi ng peaceful homeless people because pa nhandling. These days, they make their own hours. Jimmie Gipson competes for The best vendors come as a share of the street with close to consistent sales as panhandlers, but he doesn't they can; they sell in the mind. Selling Streetvibes same general area to repeat gives Jimmy Gibson a sense c ustomers m onth after of worth and value. month . · Jimmi e Gipson hopes to use the money he The New Success earns from Streetvibes to B eca use of th e improve his situation: "Ilike panhandling legal dispute, this job. My dream is to making profits as a business Ah. ~weet success: Jimmie finds a customer who wantc; lo buy a Streetvibes. He gladly make enough money to get was . not the impetu s for supplies the paper to his customer and hopes that he looks for him in the future. a place of my own. In the publishing Streetvibes. The meantime, though, I'll just paper was also developed as keep meeting people a nd a prog ram to help people letting them know about life getbackontbeirfeet. In the o n the s treets." Jimmie publishing office of The continues, "I want to thank Greater Ci nc inn ati the people for encouraging and inspiring me by wanting Coalition for the Homeless, vendors gather to socialize, to help and fee ling that they drink coffee, and discuss the are doing their part. I keep j ss ues of the day. The tellingthemthattheirsupport vendors purc hase the ir is very necessary for papers and head out to the improvement of the homeless streets. There are countless problem. " success stories surro unding Editor's Note: the history of the Streetvibes Special thanks to vendor newspaper. Many vendors J immie Gipson, whose have sold the paper for years generous donation ofhis time ·and have come to rely on it made this article possible. To · for their livelihood. Others Learn more about vendors or use the program to find a way for more information, contact out of a temporary situation . . . . . . the Greater Cincinnati «nr k .th J1mmte rejoices after his sale - :another opportunity to educate people about homelessness C z· . fi h H · l d an move on. vve wor w1 h. . tf tb . . Thank S ib 1 · . oa mon or t e ome ess at the vendors to help them and help unse at esame tm1e. . you treetv es. (513) 421-7803. Streetvibes Time.lineSeptember 1999 Demolition Of Laurel Holmes November 1999 Stop' the Clook campajgn to fight Ohio's welfare cu begins; Tom Billman becomes:editor. Tomis tire first 0068 staffmember begins. Protestors demand that Ohio adopt the federal option of cutoff: to work exclusively on Streetvibes. after five years instead of Ohio's current three years. �Page 12 STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 NASNA Congratulations On behalf of both the North American Street Newspaper Association and th e National Coalition for the Homeless, I am writing to congratulate Streetvibes on its 51h Anniversary. As someone who has been involved for some time in both the homeless advocacy and street newspaper movements, I can state unequivocally that Streetvibes does an outstanding job in educating the overall community about homeless/ poverty issues. I never mi ss reading an ' issue of Streetvibes. . Streetvibes also provides an aveJl ue for the creati ve literary talents of h omeless/ formerly homeless people. It also provides meaningful employment opportunities to homeless people who sell the paper in the Tri-State area. Streetvibes is one of the top ten street newspapers in the U.S. and Canada. We wish you the best during the next five years. Sincerely, ~~ Michael Stoops Executive Committee Member • North American Street Newspaper Association National Coalition for the Homeless TAX COT FEVER "Don't stov now ...! can still move mv arms." Dreaming About the End of Homelessness by Dan Marschner the future, dreams of a perspective of the homeless and This issue has celebrated the bittersweet past of Streetvibes and the issues it considers. Major points in the past five years include highlights such as the opening of buddy 's place and the creation of the National Civil Rights Organizing Project, and lowlights such as the demolition of Laurel Homes and the loss of the One Way Vine campaign. In looking toward Wish List Streetpibes newspaper is published monthly on a shoe-string budget from the offices of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. We depend heavily on the goodwill of many volunteers and donors. Some of the more pertinent needs of the GCCH include: o Advertisers -Classified and unclassified o Supplies for vendor's lounge (paper towels, cream and sugar, snacks, etc.) o Office and Cleaning Supplies o Photography Help ­ film (400, 800, 1600), developing help, digital and/or film camera(s). o Computers/components for Streetvibes story-writing, editing, research. o Free standing metal or wooden shelving If you can heJp!, contact us at: Streetvibes, clo Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45210 ph: (513) 421-7803, fax (513) 421-7813 e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com Streetvibes better community that supports all people, regardless of their financial resources. Streetvibes hopes to incorporate some new aspects in the next few years. The mos t significant advancement will be the hiring of a Vendor Support person. This position will help Streetvibes become a better job training program. This. Streetvibes staff member will help vendors transition from selling the paper into other work. The Vendor Support person will also assist vendors with finding drug and alcohol treatment when necessary as well as aiding their financial management. A Writer's Group for Streetvibes vendors wiU materialize soon. These vendors will have the opportunity to hone their writing skills in the hopes of raising the quality of written submissions to the paper as well as training future reporters for Streetvibes. Streetvibes distribution will also increase in the next five years. Customers will seek out vendors because they are interes ted in hearing about the perspective of homeless people. Monthly sales will rise to a level high enough to sustain a biweekly publication. Streetyibes will become an authority in local news. Civic leaders will respect Streetvibes for its honesty and ability to tell the impoverished in Greater Cincinnati. Contributors to the paper will have readers who cannot wait to hear their opinion on the next topic in question. Streetvibes will continue to emphasize the many facets of homelessness. Prisoners' News, Recovery News, Mental Health News, and Welfare News will be sections full of information vital to the survival of homeless and impoverished people. Advertisers will recognize Streetvibes readers as an important audience to target. Advertising revenues will never corrupt the independence of the opinions of Streetvibes contributors. These revenues will become large enough to allow Streetvibes to be a self­ s u pporting publication with minimal reliance on grants. Streetvibes will be at the forefront' in the movement to guarantee affordable housing to all people in Greater Cincinnati. The paper will continue to be the conscience of Greater Cincinnati, demanding that the rights of homeless and impoverished people be respected. Ultimately, Streetvibes will become obsolete because its existence will no longer be necessary: the voice of homeless and impoverished people will be respected and incorporated into all aspects of the civic life of Greater Cincinnati. Streetvibes exists as a forum for the expression ofthe views and opinions ofour readers and supporters. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those ofthe Streetvibes staff or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Streetvibes Timeline January 2000 GCCH becom~s a regio~~ civil rights site for the National Civil Rights Organizing Project. ,, February 2000 Artists for the Drop Inn Center have a concert in supgort of the shelter's efforts to oppose retocation as part of the Kunzel SCPA plan. �EDITORIAL SECTION STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 P age 13 The Fix Was In System Fails All Citizens by David Mitchell By Dana E. Terrell On April 7 1h, in the early morning hours, young Timothy Thomas died as a result of a gunshot from Officer Stephen Roach. Unless you have been in a cave for the last couple of months, this is not news to you, but those events inspired me to look at the way things are done by our police department and what I found is upsettin g . I contacted the Cincinnati Police Department and spoke to one of the Public Outreach agents named Fran. What she told me along with the Youth Services agents, Nancy and Officer Greg Meadows, shows a repeated level of erroneous thoughts and practices instituted by the entire department. As of April 15'h, when the department last updated the statistics, there were 147 officers stationed at district 1 and 138 officers at district 4. There are no official statistics on how many officers actually live in the district where they ar~ stationed, however the unofficial g uesses b y the officers I spoke with put the figure at only 5% to 10%. At this point let me identify the areas each of these districts serve. District 1 Riverfront Cincinna6 Business District Queens gate Wes tend Ovel" The Rhine Mt. Adams Pend leton ~ District 4 Mt. Auburn Corryvme Avondale North '.Avondale Paddock Hills ~ Hartwell Carthiage Roselawn Bond Hill Walnut Hills These areas make up a vast majority of the black communities in the city, yet there is very little representation in these districts of officers that either currently live in or grew up in these communities. Had Stephen Roach grew up in or lived in the area he was supposed to serve and protect, he would have had a better chance to know that Mr. Thomas was not known for carrying weapons. Was this the only error made by the police? NOT HARDLY! Dispatch failed to broadcast all of the facts when it alerted the patrol units that Mr. Thomas was running. The dispatch fai led to announce that the warrants he was wanted on were mi sde meanor traffic violations. They also failed to g ive a complete description, including that the pants Mr. Thomas was wearing were loose fitting and that he had to hold them up while he ran. Did their actions contribute to the shooting? This reporter says ABSOLUTELY! Does the training of the police need to be reworked? Lets look at the statistics for one unit of our police force for the an s wer. Cincinnati's S.W.A.T. team ranks as IMin the nation for resolving all the encounters without firing a single shot. At the same time as the S.W.A.T. has such a perfect record, the regular police have 15 kills of bla~k males, a couple of which involve such overkill as firing 26 rounds .into the alleged offender. This reporter finds these statistics abhorrent. I am not one to say that anyone is a saint; but whe n do traffic violatio ns, whi ch Mr. Thomas could have taken care of in a more appropriate manner, warrant death at the hands of the police? l!ntil last year, the English cop, called a bobbie, didn't carry a gun at all, so why is it necessary for our police to carry 9 mm pistol s and 357 magnums? Is England a utopia? I TlllNKNOT! The police have only recently started a program in the districts called Explorers that are designed to let the youth of our communities learn what being a police officer is all about,. Yet I have not seen any information about this in the community I live in, Over The Rhine. How can the youth of our communities show an interest in something they are not aware even exists? Is it just me or are the people in charge c<;m~nµing to sqqw bias and prejudice with regards to . our neighborhood yquth? I may be wrong but if you reach out to the Jcids in their preteens, they are less likely to fall into the wrong crowds because they will know that ,there is a right crowd to be with. Lets start where the problem starts and not try to correct it after irs too late. That is my 2 cents worth . --.-. ­ -- ­ OF COURSE WE HAVE GOV'T FOR THE RICH. YOU DON'T EXPECT US TO WASTE GOV1T ON THE POOR, DO YOU? Streetvibes TimelioeMarch 2000 U.S. Census attempts to count omeless people in Greater Cincinnati; the census ends in failure as an xtremely small number are found. "The fix was in" - the words of an independent legal source. He realized as soon as a specia·l prosecutor was appointed to head up the grand jury case investigating the shooting of Timothy Thomas by policeman Steven Roach. The 11 members of the grand jury heard from 20 witnesses including Ms. Thomas; police on the scene; police who investigated the case; the coroner who performed the autopsy; civilians who witnessed part of the confrontation; and a firearms expert. However, the special prosecutor acted as a one man steering committee. The powers that be , understanding that the public may reject their decision in <iillowing Mike Allen to head up the grand jury because of his fatemal Order of Police membe rship, are the victors. We're stiU outraged. Mike Allen said himself that "they made the right decision." That is a bold face lie. There are very few states who even have Negligent Homicide on the books; Involuntary Manslaughter is the minimum in most states. This new prosecutor c hoose the least co mmon denominator that officer Roach could have possibly been charged with. Which mean s literall y an Innocent Homicide. The charge of obstruction of official po1ice business only means that officer Roach lied about the events that took place during the night of the s hooting . Me rl y n Shiverdecker, Mr. Roach 's attorney, said he's relieved his client will not face felony charges. Misdemeanors are still a serious all egation ; however, we're d isapointed there was an indictment for any criminal charge. This is our criminal Justice system for you. The corruption continues as the Justice department headed up by the attorney general of the United States of America, Mr. As hcroft, s poke of an investigation into police brutality. Yet, the same police officers who committed the shooting the day of the funeral who th ey were supposedly looking into are now back on duty - that proves their involv e d in a cover- up and a conspiracy. There were officers laughing at · t.he hos pital when Mary Ann Merideth was receiving stitches after being shot in Washington Park. They were bragging about confiscating cameras and videos which would · incriminate them. See Fix, continued page 17 April 2000 Bonnie Neumeier removed from the Greater Cincinnati Arts and Education Center Board after continued opposition to the Kunzel SCPA plan. �STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 · Page 14 BLACK TEARS: POETRY OF ANTHONY WATKINS " Hell o," Young Ladies, I' ve written something just for you , I hear you' re confused, And destroying your minds, Why wou.ld you do that? After God has been so kind. He has blessed you so much That others dream and wish for, Young Ladies, you' re knocking At the wrong door! But, I'm sure Satan Will make room for one more! And if you don ' t fall to Satan, You're still playing with fire! Smoking blunts or getting high Turning into a habitual liar; You think you're smart, Keeping secrets from your parents And doing things behind their backs, I know many, " use to be," beautiful young ladies Started out just like that, Most of them end up with, "Daddy's unwanted baby"! Or walking the streets, spaced out, looking crazy! And some of you may slip through the cracks, Get a good job, and a husband, but; That "monkey" is still on your back, After that it won't be long before you lose your job, Husband, home, and your precious stones! Then that's when you ' ll begin to wonder, "Where did I go wrong?" I hope I'm on time, because, for some, it's over due, Check out your life right now, and if this is; Don't Let It Continue to be You! THOMAS N. PAYNE Now AVAILABLE FROM THE AUTHOR These are the tears of ancestors that cry out for me from their African tomb stone word saying this is fo r my people black tears stripe from identity meaning dignity of their roots thi s is black tears that speak the truth taking from the motherland across over to this dieting land to swallowed up like quick sand were poor people with mind of gold are upon like fool but GOD shout out you rule this for proud stallion black knight the blood of ancestor cry in one love saying survival is vital be not to shine in the form selfmade ta1ce you to your grave human idol soon this beast wm be at peace meaning deceased black tears. I don't know it happened ... many events Witnesses, years .. But more important-it h a~ ... As long as business lunches still happen in Glass condos looking out over The homeless and-hungry on the Cold street l 0 stories below I don't desire to be happy unless happiness Is a universal right As long as City Fathers can work 8 Hours a week for 35,000 and do Little to learn of the peoples How DID IT HAPPEN I don't care to be at peace when teenagers Of the third world must learn to Shoot anti-aircraft guns at American Invading planes . I don't intend to be calm, pleasant and Likable if the stink of injustice must be made I don ' t want to be at acceptable as long as Rape, racism/sexism multinational Profit, CJ.A. destabilization of Governments, joblessness, Homelessness is acceptable I don't think about being respectful Hunger exists in the land of plenty Poverty exists in this nation of wealth Uneducation and ill health run Rampant in this place of advanced Technology, toxic waste ravages this Once beautiful country I don' t plan to be non disruptive · of the "order" around us I don 't yet choose to be a carpenter, if Nuclear bombs production still steals The housing construction budget As long as Churches and Synagogues and Temples to reverent, rituals for Rights and speak in pious platitudes Of peace and take no angry action That stops American Business as Usual to end Homelessness, Imperialism I fully intend to dream of happiness-and Peace when I sleepfood, clothing, Shelter, medical care, education, Equality, green space and peace for All And meanwhile awake to live as Unacceptability, Non-calmly, Unpleasantly, Dislikable, Impatiently, Loudly, Disrespectfully, And disruptively, And as contagiously, Collectively as I am able, As Jong as is necessary TRYING TO FIND PEACE Peace is a pleasure without lines of fear, ­ In search for words to speak with thought, Crying whispers of profound tears While I search for my domain, I stand beside a stream of stress, My cup has run out of water, My pride and dignity has left BUDDY GRAY MORAL MAN I stand as a shadow, Roaming the earth, But I still have motivation, I'm stronger than a tree, I think I've passed judgment, This is not how its supposed to be I am not yet free I am less than nothing from dust moral man so GOD deliver me from the eye of heart of evil man, sat it apart like you did the red sea, lead me in foot print foot step of your son light. Moral man why does death come like a quiet storm; where the warmness of true heart Why is it weakness defilement in solve your earthly should everything be devoured is hard to life our heads and voices to the King. When we see not a soul lean disgusted with lust not exist of the trust the choice of the mother is you have to cut out to keep life hope in you. Moral man, hat off to our father for dealmg, molding, shaping our tool. Streetvibes Timeline May 2000 Streetvibes begins extensive coverage of opposition to globalization, examining the effects of free trade on homeless and impoverished people. I have captured myself, swiftly confiding my mind, Moving about in circles, Trying to move backward By persuading the hands of time I'm lost into the future, I must return back to myself, Would I ever have the opportunity To greet peace in the eyes, Or is this a feeling that only I felt. ANTHONY WATKINS CURTIS L. Fox June 2000 Alicia Beck becomes executive director of the GCCfl; Berta's Art Comer debuts; Streetvibes commemorates the six th year anniversary of the Milner Hotel demolition and the subsequent loss of 115 units of low income housing. ' .. �Page 15 ST R EETVIB ES JUNE 2001 MARTYR Floetry Comes To Cincinnati: He had an inner strength in his reserve One that couldn ' t be worn, chiseled, or curved A quiet man, some would say Yet to some a heart of a child at play He wandered from continent, to island, and then, home (where) Naught anywhere his feet did seldom roam A man of great vision, of dreams, was he Lo! The innermost part of him was Free! A poet, an artist, a writer, to date And nothing nor no one, he thought, Would decide his fate Verdant he appeared to the untrained eye (To others) versimilitude of character Of days gone by An Urgistio in his own mind, others perused with thought But like a contagion, in their mind; it caught! To beholden him, just once in time Would forever imprint a presence in mind · Of a restless nature, but with reign was held Freedom the Charioteer, and quest compelled His eyes beheld a peculiar gaze An enigma, a labyrinth, blind density, haze? Still in their depths, one could sense Tons of wisdom, Although ends were not spend An Inarbitrator Of some long lost time (or perhaps) When nobili ty was pinnacle, and honor sublime Uneasiness seemed felt, in the company of peers As if a mask of intrigue was behind their veneer And at times like these~ as'd find reftige in silence (For) It was here,, and here along, he was granted no defiance TH E WANDERER CREATION OF LOVE God of our salvation Chri st of hope Our restoration Of dyfunctional feeli ngs Peace and love are friends of joy Gathering fee U,ngs A motivational spirit All in one form together as one Peace and friendshi p are rnarried,to understanding of o.ne another's joy Poetry Moves Out of the Coffeehouse and Into the Jeep by Abiyah well as include interviews, global event listings, People' s Top Ten, and album release date The rise in popularity of spoken word poetry, information. F lo bo ni cs will also be poetry that is performed in a public venue and accompanied by Li ve, Floetry open rnic sessions held twice a month beginning July 11 , at The incorporates various elements of theatre, bas ferti lized the soil of the next plateau in this Pyramid in Manhattan. genre: Floetry. Floetry is defined - - - - - - - - -....... I hav e had the bl ess ing of working with N8tive Sun closely simply as rec itin g poetry over to help furth er the Floetry cause, music, whether that music consists of stuclio-produced beats or Ji ve as well as recording with him. musicians. Floetry transcends all Since poetry and spoken word is genres. of music, and may include largely regional in its flavor, it was impe rative to establish a hip-hop , rock, alternati ve, electronica, jazz, and experimental. Midwest Floetry presence. As the In a political and social context, N8tive Son Cincinnati-area representative for Floetry merges diverse cultural and musical the F loetry movement, I have backgrounds into a landscape in which words established two avenues of exposure for poets can comfortably reside. Floetry gives artists the who fuse their· words with music. The first is a radio show entitled "Flow Tectonics", which opportunity to inhale the breath of life and will be broadcast on WAIF 88.3 FM on Friday exhale voices rarely heard. To the audience, it mornings from 8 :00 a.m. until 9:00 a. m. provides a sensory experience not permitted by beginning June 1 and continuing throughout the the one-dimensional aspect of the page. Floe.try remainder of the summer schedule. The second is a work in progress and will expand and is via showcases featuring established floetry blossom as new floetry artists emerge and as arti sts , as well as p oets the music to which they perform accustomed to the a cappella evolves. open mic setting. For these poets, At the forefront of the Floetry music for the showcases will be movement is N8tive Sun, a Detroit prov ided from a pool of native now living in New York City, producers and/or live musicians, who conceived and produced the depending on the artists' needs critically-acclaimed spoken word/ and wants. hip-hop compilation, Eargasms: Please join N8tive Sun and I CrucialPoetics, Vol. l. N8tive Sun on Saturday, June 3Q~ 400 1.. a~ we has worked with some of today 's Abiyah co-host "Floetry 101 ", a hottest poets, including Jessica Care Moore, Saul Williams, Sarah Jones, and Rha showcase fea turing the reg ion 's top poets kicking it to music, at Top Cat's, located at 2820 Goddess. It is hi s contention that " moving poetry out of the coffeehouses and into the Jeep" Vine Street in Corryville. Doors will open at 1 will further exp and the creati.ve ave nues 9:00, and the show will begin promptly at 10:00 p.m. Arti sts sched uled to appear inclu available to poets and spoken word artists. He Abiyah, Cammy Awa rd winne rs IsWh . !, ha s estab lish ed an Intern et rad io show, Dawn from the 144,000, Jibri , Sister Tar ;,; r of "Flobonics", which will debut this summer, and will feature floetry and spoken word artists, as See Floetry, continued page 17 I R O N ALD LEROY ENGLI S H K INDNESS As I roamed the street, T'was late one summer night I came upon a bag lady She was standing in an alley. I saw that she was digging; Into a garbage dumpster Then pulling out trash bags; And tearing them apart. She was picking o~t the aluminum scraps, And tossing them, Into her grocery cart. She said; She was homeless. I gave the lady five dollars, And said; " I hope this will help you." Art at feel level - covering space with a peronshold cover DOUGLAS JAY LIAN Streetvibes Timeline July 2000 Laurel Holmes demolition suspended due to its historic designation as one of the first public housing projects in the U.S.; Cincinnati City Council lifts the designation shortly thereafter. treetvibes rintin reaches 8 000 co ies monthl . August 2000 Streetvibes gets full.color on the front page; ReSTOC rehab project on Vine Street comes under fire from Cincinnati City Council; Hart Realty, largest property owner in Over the Rhine, opts out ofSection 8 housin ; Streetvibes debuts Ve ie Vibes. �STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 Page 16 Warm Lines: A Lifeline for Many 1 ·I I by Mr. Lee Most people do not make the immediate connection to a Hotline. Warm vs. hot. Get it? The Warmline is a form of soc ial support and a compliment to a Hotline. Social isolation is a major issue and everyday reality to many in these times. Particularly, among the mentally ill community, or "consumers" as they prefer to be called. The phone is proving itself a lifeline for people with mental illness who are either too afraid or alone to connect with family or friend. A survey in New Hampshire showed that warm lines reduced the use of crisis teams by 60%. People in recovery from mental illness run warm lines. As such they hold a special appeal for callers who suffer from the same disease. Many people with mental illness refuse to calJ a crisis line because they are afraid they will again be committed or will be faci ng the police. A survey of previously hospital ized consumers by the Well Being Project in 1987 found that 4 7 % of the m refu sed to even contact a clinic due to the trauma of hospitalization. Cincinnati is fortunate to have a Warm lin e that has been in operation since July 1994. Joan Cluxton is the Warm Line Director. The Warm Line operates 24 hours a day, with two Peer Supporters (PS) as they are called during peak calling hours. Currently, for 12 hours each day there are two Peer Supporters on the line. Peer supporters go through a 5­ 6 week training program that involves education on mental health issues, medications, mental health services, dual diagnosis as well as a multitude of other topi cs. Probably the most important element in the training is role playing, where the peer supporters simulate calls covering various situations or call scenarios. This is where the peer supporter learns how to handle cailers. Some callers who prese nt some fairly pronounced sy mptoms of their mental illness. A fair number of con sumers call just to hav e someone to talk to. People will ac tu all y I is ten with o ut be ing judgmental. Many have serious real di le mmas. or pe rce ived Occasionally, callers are actuall y suicidal. Peer Supporters are taught how to assess and handle crisis but callers are encouraged to call the l~cal Hotline, 281-CARE. What do people call about? Everything. From real crises to just small talk. Often, they call because they are lonely and can ' t sleep. Many want to jus t vent their frustrations. Few call expecting solutions to their problems, they just want someone to listen and sound as if they care. Sometimes what the peer supporter hears is not what most would consider rational. But being a consumer, they know that if it appears to be real to the caller, then they have to listen without a tone or attitude of disbelief and disdain . Far too frequently the consumer gets that response from families, fri ends, frustrated spouses and children. It's not easy to deal with a disease that so many don't understand and that none can see. In the mental health system it i s near ifl?,possibl e for case managers, therapi sts and psychiatrists to give intensive attention to a client, with a caseload that is frequently too large. CuITent funding limitations challenge all service providers and practitioners to stretch the budget dollar, and man y clien ts receive only maintenance level services. No one is happy about thi s situation but reality forces all to deal with it as best they can. Frequently, a caller is encouraged to call back during the next four hour shift. Some develop phone friendships, as the PS becomes familiar with their issues and can keep an ongoing dialoquemn going. The caller gets comfortable with the PS. Sometimes the PS shares something from bis/her own experience that helps the caller. Frequently the caller gets relief, feels better and shares that with the PS before the call ends. Sometimes they followup with callers, and it helps them put what they ' re going through in perspective. In Cincinnati, Mental Health Consumer Network, Inc operates the Warm Line. The Consumer Network is a non-profit, tax exempt organization. Fred Zimmerman is the Executive Directo r of the Consumer Network. Funding is provided by tax dollars from the Mental Health Levy and a grant from Health Foundation. Anyone wanti ng to make a donation can send it to 2601 Melrose Avenue. Suite L05 , Cincinnati, Oh.io 45206. --~~~~~~~~...,-~-:-~~-;:-~~~ Black On Black Crime Mac, from page 5 forget you. Many of us are graced with poems that you wrote on be tomorrow 's front page of the by Aaron Pitchfold occasions of our birthdays or Cincinnati Enquirer, the rifles and County Sheriff Department who special anniversaries. We enjoyed Editors Note: Aaron is a singing and partying with you. And usually are turnkeys in the new longtime vendor and contributor thanks, too, for all the phone calls county jail system or delivering for Streetvibes. inmates to the other new jail made and visits you made to check in I was walking out of offices of about our health or our families' 1ike a dormitory. the Greater ,___......... Li ves. Most of all, Mac, thanks for The officers patrol Cinci nn at i • four years of friendship, personally the first fl oo r Coalitj on fo r th e and communally. You were always outside with a high Homeless, one of there for us. fe nce with many agencies basketball courts, located in the Over With love, Depu ty Sheriffs Rhin e the Bonnie Neumeier were ·out there Neighborhood. I fo r the Over the Rhine People's with guns. The watched a few Movement next day they had people walk to the poo l room. I a press conference and went out the followed them and neighborhood and returned in forty I went to work and minutes to the I laug hed in GCCH office. In Aaron Pitchford between time and that time factor, I saw about 10 Little Ne~spaper the rest of the city. So all the Bloods protesters in undershirts and shorts at the pool hall went out town on a with a few banners about the size of a piece of loose leaf paper. There fishing trip. were a couple of bike police and a So my personal opinion of this ne~spapers couple of police cars at first then is fifty/fifty. So I thought of how I road blocks on corners between the fought when I went to Columbus to gaps of police cars, trash cans, a subcommittee meeting to fout the broken glass and fl ying garbage OWF and TANF and I won. The cans on the street. Then the riot community received their money ~~~. squad that showed up which would for the neighborhood. .-~~----~~--:"':.'II Perspective , from page 3 Homeless, during my brief stay at Mt. Airy Homeless Shelter early in 1998. He had just written a front page article for this paper, e ntitl ed "H ypocracy Run s Rampant at all levels of Government" that broadcasted his frustration. This frustrat;ion was somehow assuaged, for Mr. Whitehead, who came from the streets of Cincinn ati, is now President of the board of the Nat ion a l Coa li tio n of the Homeless in Washington, DC. Just one example of what I'm stating to you the reader of this humble effort to get the "Truth" out, as is my duty to Allah to do. Streetvibes: A. proud member of the North A.meric,an '5treet A.ssoc,iation \4presentin9 ?o street throu9hout the United '5tates and ~anada speal'eas'f .or9/nasna Streetvibes Timeline September 2000 Ohio welfare cutoffs begin; Kunzel plan for relocation of the School for Creative and Performing Arts approved by Cincinnati Public Schools Board. October 2000 Black United Front protests·foreshadow racial unrest after Timothy Thomas shooting in April 2001; Streetvibes adopts magazine format. �P age 17 ST R E E TVI B ES J UNE 2001 Mayo , from page 9 Detect ives offered him several favorab le p lea bargain deals in excha nge for testimo ny against Mayo. Detectives told him to "stkk to his story a11d the name he had given for hi s best benefit." This co­ defendanl had a criminal record under his real name. The state of Georgia concealed his true identity as part of a plea bargain and in an effort to use him as a state witness against Willi am Mayo. Any of the above know ledge or information would have made it very difficult to deem their testimony credible. It seems that in spite of the truth that has been revealed, the State of Georgia has bidden the truth from the citizens and the Federal Courts, and will continue to if you don't help us ! Wi lliam 's family, friends and supporte rs have organized the Ju s tic e for William Mayo Campai gn. Most of the supporters are in Cincinnati, with some also in Fix, from page 13 Not to mention how the F.B.I. is trying to silence the Ohio Valley Inde pe ndent Me dia Center for so meone usi ng hi s freedom of speech to talk about his feel ings about Officer Roach. Cointelpro­ like activities are still go in g on today just under a differe nt name. In every city and every country where people are protesting the powers that be they are always met by s te rn oppos iti o n by the ir o ppressors. The corporate based medi a a re using di sinformation tactics while the police are using military tactics and the intelligence Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, Oklahoma, New Orleans and Canada. We the W.J.M. Campaign need your prayers and s incere support. Wjlliam wants his tragedy to be heard all over the United States so that not one else has to suffer the injustice he has. We are seek in g s up po rte rs wherever they may be found. If you believe in justice you are the person we need. We need your true support! For more information, contact: Justice for W.J .M. Campaign I The W.J.M. Freedom Ministry, Inc. Clo Kimberly A. Todd, Chairperson - Atlanta Region 1100 J Riverwood Lane Roswell, GA 30075 678-795-1 088 katoccasions@aol.com You can also make donations to the Justice for W.J.M. campaign by m ail to any 5/3 Bank locati on , account number 371-17843. community are using cove rt operations . Mea nwh ile the politi c i ans a re rec 1trng manipulating speeches. Charlie Luken's rude statements about Rev. Damon Lynch UI in the media are hi s a tte m P.t to s to newall and discredit him in publ ic. The only reason he is doing it is because of this city's g reed and becaus e Damon is considering running for mayor. During the protests if it wasn' t fo r him and his presence along with other ministers there is no telling how many more innocent people would have suffered. ...... ~~~~~~~------~~--~~~~~--~~---------- Floetry, from page 15 WAJF's Z ion Daughters with Roots Vibrations reggae program, Heru Lasana, Simply Red from Ohio Un iversity's P.U.R.E. poetry group, Logic, Street vibes' own D av id Mi tchell , Julene Yancey, Anthony Adverse Jones, Maisha, Cynic76 of the hip-hop group Drown, Troy L ambert, and S ha ti qu e M alik Shabazz. Admission is $7 for those J 8 and older, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Tywon, the son of Timothy Thomas. Artists are encouraged to bring their CDs, tapes, and/or vinyl to the show to submit to Abiyah and N8tive Sun fo r the Fl ow Tectonics a nd Flobonics rad io shows , respectively. Graphic design for the showcase's promotional materials has bee n provided by Sleepi ng Giant Media in Brooklyn, NY. For more information, please e-mail Abiyah at flowtectonics@ yaboo.com 12 Steps, from page 7 5. We tried to help other a lcoholics, with no thought of reward in money or prestige. 6. We prayed to whatever God we thought there was fo r power to practice these precepts. In 1938, Wilson revised and expanded these six steps, making them _more e xp li ci t in order to e liminate any possible loopholes perceived by the rationali zing alcoholic. After review and fin e­ tuning by other A .A. members, Wilson's revisions resulted in the Twelve Steps as we know them today. In the process, a preface was added to emphasize that the steps were intended as suggestions only. Also, in what Wil son called "concessions to those of little or no faith ," God was described as a "power greater than o urselves" and "God as we understood him." As the early members of A.A. es tabli shed th e ir program's principl es, the y s low ly began moving away from the Oxford Group. In doing so, however, they we re no t impl y in g th a t th e teachings of Jesus Christ were not appropriate for helping alcoholics achi eve sob riet y. T hey were, instead, attempting to make t heir program "available" to the largest audience possible. In establishing the principles of A.A., Wilson borrowed material from man sources, including Christianity, and translate them into language easier for th e a lco holi c to a ccept. Consequently, A.A. members talk abou t spiritu ality, no t re lig io n; sobriety, not salvation; wrongdoi ng, not sin: admittin not confessi ncr Streetvibes TV is produced Live, the Second Tuesday of each month, 7 - 8 PM, at Media Bridges, 2114 Reading Road, Cincinnati Ohio. If you would like to participate in making an episode of Streetvibes TV, please call us at 421-7803. June Schedule Re-Broadcast Dates for May's Show on Channel 24: (Please check your schedule) The GCCH would like to thank this Starbucks location for their generous donation of coffee and pastries. Friday, June 8, at 5 PM Saturday, June 16, at 9 PM Friday, June 22, at 5 PM Tuesday, June 26 at 9 PM 3366 Erie Avenue East Hyde Park (513) 533-3402 Streetvibes Timeline November 2000 Mt. Airy Shelter series begins; three month series on ]ife in a shelter written by former resi.dent. strength and hope, not resurrection; carrying the message, not sharing the faith. However, the absence of direct Christian references within AA does not take away the program 's Christian basis. Charles knippel, Phd., a noted scholar on Christianity's influence on A.A., has this to say about the Twelve Steps and Christianity: "In maki ng use of the twelve-step programs and in encouraging others to use them, the Cluistian will view the Steps within the Christian context and give the Steps Christian meaning. In addTessing himself to non­ Christian members of twelve step groups, the Christian will seek, by way of caring and sharing relationships, to bring such twelve step practiti.o ners to a Christian understanding of the Steps that will provide rich spiritual benefits and a more abundant experience of recovery." Shanty, from page 6 person can work just as hard or harder than my parents and I bu t see no gain. As I stomped my home into a pancake and loaded it in to my car (I never thought I woul d say th at !) I vowed that I would never again turn my head away from the ho meless, but lend a hand ... and my heart. If you are interested in having a Shan ty town at yo ur school, c hurc h , uni versi ty o r o th e r institution and wo uld like ad vice pl e ase call Todd Forman , Community Service Director at Ursuline Academy (51 3) 791-579 1 extension 11 6. Broadcast schedules are subject to change ­ Consult your local TV directory. January 2001 Preliminary reports of Greater Cincinnati homeless stud released. �Page 18 STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 Death, from page 8 ..; I • death row. Again the corridors were filled with loud cheers and good wishes, but it was when I arrived back on the "row" that I received the most thunderous ovation. Everyone had been following the events closely as they unfolded over the TV and radio, so the men were all aware that I was coming back. In the aftermath of Judge ·Carl Rubin's machinations with my case, he was removed from further involvement. This validates my suspicions that he was so overly prejudiced towards me, my case and deathrow prisoners and that he was losing judicial temperament. To him, the bench from which he supposed to make decisions based on law had instead became a soapbox upon which he had climbed to orate his personal convictions! For those that are chomping at the bit for my death and complain about the length of time it is taking for my appeal , it doesn" t matter whether I'm innocent or not. All they want is to have their blood Just sated. Nothing else matters, damn justice. "Give us the ·body!" they cry. Many people have written and View , from page 1 hope that things can change. I believe that most would agree that given the opportunity the individual has to act on the opportunity in a way which enhances the outcome. With this established the individual (street person) has to utilize the available resources that can carry them to where they would like to be. This means putting forth the effort and using all the resources to their fullest extent. One of the major reasons why this is often not carried out is because many of the street people have reluctance due to their inability to commumcate or that lack of educational exposure, which allows them to commu ni cate without feeling inadequate. Inadequacies run high amongst the street people. asked what it is like on death row, being sent to tbe death house and coming within 30 minutes of being murdered by tbe state. They ask why I refused to eat my last meal and why I chose tbe electric chair instead of the lethal injection. I will try and answer these questions based on my own experience, as I'm sure it differs from others who hav e been as fortunate as myself and who have walked out again. Sadly, this has not been case for many throughout this country. Being on death row, in and of itself, is a form of death. The environment sucks the life out. The passing of single day at times can be but the blink of an eye or as long as a heart breaking life. Then there's drudgery, the sou l wrenching monotony of staring at the same steel, co ncrete and people, ad nauseam. Being ta,k~n to the death house is, in a way, a relief. Finally one is afforded the opportunity confront one's killers who cowardly hide behind the mask of shamelessness, to look into their eyes, to smell their raw fear and to feel one's own strength being pitted against the ultimate sanction - death. As for the so called "last meal" and my refusal to eat it and other meals, as I ·s aid earlier, years of conditioned paranoia, coupled with the exigencies of events going on around me, made eating the farthest thing on my mind. I chose the electric chair because I refuse to give any credence to the state's attempt to contrive a rationale for its murders by offering lethal injection as a more humane form of murder. If they were going to kill me, I was intent on upon making it as g]Jastly as possible for all that bore witness to it. What went through my mind during those 36 hours were thoughts of my woman, of people that I care about and love and what my death would do to them. I was hoping for the best and expecting the worse. I devoted those 36 hours to the ones I love and care about. I had to keep my wits about myself.because Lsaw it was on me to give the ones 1 love and care about strength. I had to maintain courage in the face of adversity, so that the·burden on them would not become overbearing. Their love and support had sustained me all that time. Now it was my turn to show and give them strength. There is a Plague in this country that is being controlled and manipulated by politicians, judges, prosecutors, police, professionals, victims and victims' rights groups. Until society faces what is really g'oing on in this country and starts wanting real answers for what is going on in our streets, a number of innocent people are going to be put to death or placed in prison for the rest of their lives. Locking them up and killing them is not the answer. Who do you think is going to be on death row, in prisons and in jails? Open your eyes before it is too late. The future of this society is at stake until you people take off your bli:ldfolds and look at the real problems and not sweep them under the rug with a quick fix that has never worked. Crime is nothing new. The reflection I see is a holocaust against the poor and less fortunate. To all the brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers who are on death row and in jails and prisons throughout this country and who are struggling· to get through the day to put food on the table, stay strong and don't give up. Stop turning on each other and stand together against the oppressors. Raise your voice! These inadequacies often promote violence or avoidance of social programs, which could benefit the street person. However given some incentive, p ~ rhaps through encouragement, or some sort of guarantee ofjob placement, or other future security need, it will become easier for the street person to accept the help available. It is so important in my opinion that the general population gets an understanding of what causes the street person to remain in their situation. Many times it is something which can easily be overcome with just a little support or encouragement from someone who cares or at ]east has an attitude that they would like to help. In a social world there has to be awareness and concern for those who fall a bit short of the norm. This awareness can and should be the staging point for which individuals come forward to help with the plight of the most unfortunate in the society. I am not sure that emphasis can actually portray the importance of this idea, yet it has a reality that cannot be denied. No civilization can survive without the input of its citizens. This is a two way street, both the fortunate and the unfortunate have to participate in this process of change if it is to be realized. We as a people have to come to this conclusion in order start the process of change, or if we expect things to be different in the future. Again, I do not suggest that it is solely the responsibility of the community at large, without even saying it is the property of those who hold the deed to the street life who have to put forth the most effort. Still, there has to be the outside force (members of the general community), the support systems that allow those who are caught up in the street life a chance at getting out. Hope has to be a~compani ed by action if things are to change. Social Security/SS! Denied? Call John M. Keegan DISC .JOCKEY SEl~VlCE Cli.f.ford Jones (513) ·230-6353 (513) 761-3464 ' Office t ~"o\.ne ~-lnail: jonesac.V • w-w V oicemail . q,c-~· We· c:P °llr>.,ticxchange· Attorney at Law Practice concentrated in Social Security/SSI Disability Law NO FEE UNLESS WE WIN ~ (513) 651-9222 ~ F REE INITIAL CONSULTATION Are you a dedicated individual with a desire to educate the public about homelessness? Volunteer at Streetvibes! We need writers, photograpers, editors, webpage upda t o r s , any h elp you c a n provide. Call 421-7803 for more informatio n. Streetvibes Timeline February 2001 Greater Cincinnati. Continuum March 2001 Covington city government battles against proposed Lif( of Care asks homeless people provide feedback on services; Dan Leaming Center, multipurpose complex for homeless people. Marschner becomes editor. �STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 Study, from page L Calendar of Events The percentage of me n in the population has declined, and the Streetvibes h~s a monthly percentages and c hildren hav e calendar ofevents to keep you increased. informed of hap_P,enings around In reviewing the ages of children the Greater Cincinnati area. in shelters, it appears that teenage Please contact us if you have boys are di sappearing from the an item to li~t. Any submission shelter population. There are a is welcome: local community number of e xplanations for this council meetings, social justice trend, among them is the likelihood forums, protests, community that boys are being push ed or festivals, art shows, etc. Please runaway from their homes and a call 421-7803,fax to,421-7813 certain number of them are ending or email streetvibes@juno.com up incarcerated. to list an event. The racial compositio.n of the homeless is becoming increasingly June African-American. Further, this trend shows its greatest impact in 2 March for Justice, 11 single parent females where the am on Fountain Square. population is approaching 75 % Marchers ·will proceed African-American. The age of homeless persons to Laurel Holmes in an continues to become younger. effort to create a united The primary reasons for front for justice. homelessness for women are housing problems compounded by 3 EartliS.ave Dining Out, domestic abuse and welfare 6:00 p.m. at a restaurant problems/loss of income. to be determined. Call For men, the principal reason is EarthSave at 929-2500 loss ofjob and income compounded or Mary Ann Lederer at by loss of housing and substance 591-3003 for more information. abu se. The loss of income is particularly critical since almost 7 Amnesty International 60% of the men are actively engaged Cincinnati Group 86 in work. meeting, 1:00 p.m. at Another striking change is the Joseph Beth Booksellers in dimini shed le vel of edu cational Rookwood Pavilion. For attainme nt for women compared more information, contact both to men and to previous studies. Amnesty International at This is the first study to have a 22 1-7659 major componen t d e a~i n g with health status and the related issues. 16 Ea:ithSave Vegeta1ian Pot It has provided new insights into the Luck Dinner, 6:00 p.m. at chall e nges faced by homeless St John's Unitarian persons. One part of the survey Church, 320 Resor. For contains questions drawn from the more infonnation, call SF-12, an intemationall y used set of E arthSave at 929-2500 or validated ques tions designed to call Mary Ann Lederer assess a person's health status. We 591-3003. were fortunate to be able to make comparisons to national numbers 19 Over the Rhine Parks and and those gathered in a separate Recreation Committee piece of work locally. . Further, for Meeting, 12:15 p.m. at the some of the items, we had a Contact Center. Call 381­ breakdown of persons who were 4242 for more information. below poverty. This latter group was drawn from across a 20-county 20 Greater Cincinnati Allianc region surrounding Cincinnati. The for Democracy meeting, following are a few of the many 7:30 pm, Old St. George interesting findings: Church, 42 Calhou·n Street. the As expec ted , For more information, call homeless population vie wed 542-0958 or 662-3712. their health as being not a~ good as either national or community 21 Greater Cincinnati This patte rn s tandards . Coalition for the Homeless continued throughout a series of General Body Meeting, questions dealin g with daily 1:30 p.m. at the Drop Inn activity, physical functioning and Center. GCCH staff will the deg ree to whi c h pain provide updates on recent impacted day-to-day activities. actions. Call 421-7803 for A similar relationship more information. existed in areas of mental health. Page 19 The response to some questions were particularly striking where homeless p e rs ons wh e n compa red to the community were four times as apt to describe the mse lves as "downhearted" and "blue" at least a good bit of the time. In examining the · pr~valence of a selected set of health conditions compared to community and national levels, it was determined that the homeless population was more than three times likely to evidence depression. When the subject is drug addiction, the homeless population is thirteen more times likely to identify this problem and two and a half times as likely concerning alcoholism. Homeles_s people demonstrate serious levels of asthma particularly among children in shelter settings. The Study Committee of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless has reviewed this report, and identified the following primary issues which need consideration and action by the community and, where appropriate, the service providers. The health data reveal s significant physical a nd me ntal health probl e ms fac in g th e homeless. In particular, depression and asthma require an immediate, coordinated response. The surveys reveal an increasing prevalence of substance abuse and addicti ve be hav ior a mon g the homeless. A part icular consequence of thi.s action is the devastating effect on·the children of homeless persons suffering from·addictions. The fact that almos t 60 % of homeless men are employed in one fo rm or anothe r rai ses seriou s questions concerning living wages. . The edu cational lev els of women, particulady single parents, have been declining to a point where significant remedial response i s required. Identifyin g persons who are doubled -up re main s a serious dilemma as well as a possible opportunity for intercepting people prior to their entering homelessness. The growing numbers and proportion of African-Americans who are homeless represents a tragic and serious challe nge to the community. The stage prior to homelessness is poverty. The concentration of wealth in particular neighborhoods, while dis allowing any sort of affordable (or subs idi zed) development partic ularly outside Cincinnati city limits where new development is occurring, insures the concentration of poverty.in older communities. This trend is the largest de terminant of the continuation of poverty. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and service providers intend to utilize this information to advocate for greater community response and to provide more targeted services. It is hoped that the increasing sophistication of service providers in the day-to-day data collection will eliminate the need for any future massive studies such as this. The entire study will soon be pos ted o n a numbe r of s ites including the Coalition ' s . In addition, the Coalition is preparing to take the full report to the printer. Finally the report is available via e­ m ail from AIR , Inc . at airinc@juno.com. Persons seeking addi tional in fo rma tion sh ould contact Susan Knight, GCCH (513­ 4 2 1-27 01 ), Shiloh Turner, The Health Foundation (513-241- 1400) and Edward Burdell AIR,Inc. (5 13­ 381 -4994). ~N~~ Yoti a~~ INvl.J.~D .J.o a 5.J.J.J ANNlv~~sa~y C~L~e~a.J.loN ro~ S-lf(~~lvtc~d F~;DaY, JtiN~ 15, 2001 3:00-5:00 ~.M. G~a.J.~~ CINclNNa.J.I CoaLl.J.loN ro~ .J,J.j~ ~OM~L~SS 1506 ELM s.J.~~~.J. 'PoN'.J. Miss .J.J-t~ 'P~awlNa ro~ .J.J.J~ WINN~~ or Oti~ S~Ll.J. .J.H~ Po.J. ~arrL~! Streetvibes Timeline April 2001 Civic unrest leads to the imposition May 2001 Mt. Afry Shelter fights for survival as Ohio budget cuts may of a cµrfew by Mayor Charlie Luke!l; homeless people are arrested if they do not enter a shelter during curfew hours. lead to loss of services for 700 homeless men a year. �a Need Help or W~nt to Help? rr rot ~bml! fMsoit yuu find yulli"self bonieh!ss, cbiitad a tffiiiltion MtltnBer Agency for Shelt@r; "ireiilni~nt, Hnusing o.r Services1 rt you lilM! finy questions, feel free to caii the Gl"eawr tlneihnitti Cbillilliln tor llitl Hotfttlll!Ss. Ho~iNG: CMHA Excel Development Miami Purchase 721-4580 632-7149 . 241-0504 OTA Housing Network 369-0004 TREAtMENtt Men Charlie's 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Over 784-1853 921-1613 751-3260 820-2947 861-9966 381-6660 684-7956 859-491-4435 859-559-5011 421-2437 St. Francis/St.Joseph House Mt. Airy Center Volunteers of Amer. \ "i\ 381-4941 661-4620 381-1954 § HELTER: Bgth Caracole (AIDS) 761-1480 Chabad House 821-5650 Friars Club 381-5432 Drop Inn Center(Singles ) 721-0643 Haven House (Hamilton) 863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality Ntwk 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teens) 961-4980 St. John's Temp Housing 651-6446 591-2246 961-0600 Community Actiori Agency ReSTOC Tender Mercies Tom Geiger House TREATMENT: Woli\gt\ O.D.A.A.T First Step Home ROHS HARDWARE HtllftJulf Atot11tj Mt Comtt 32-Function Multi-Tool Knife Set Folding ' Sports Armchair 381 -1171 639-7056 961-4555 221-6937 961-4663 569-1840 Contact Center 381 -4242 Emanuel Comm. Center 241-2563 Freestore/Foodbank 241-1064 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 G .C. Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 . Hamilton Co. Mental Health Board 621-7149 Ha.milton Co. TB Control 632-7186 Health Resource Center 357-4602 . Homeless Mobjle Health Van 352-2902 House of Refuge Mission 221-3619 'Legal Aid $ociety 241 -9400 Madisonville Ed. & 271-5501 Assistance Center Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 Oral Health Council 621-0248 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 Peaslee Neighborhood qenter 621-5514 Project Connect -· 357-5720 Homeless Kids St. Vincent De Paul 562-8841 The Emergency Food Center 471-4357 Travelers Aid 721 ~7660 United Way 721-7900 VA Homeless Program 859-572-6226 859-491-3335 Women's Crisis Center Women Helping Women 872-9259 thank you for your support. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2001 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2001 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Streetvibes Celebrates Fifth Anniversary! Executive Summary of homeless Study Released Pg 2: Streetvibes: A Good Idea with Humble Roots Pg 3: Remembering Buddy Gray Pg 4: The Center for Community Photography Opens in Over-the-Rhine Work Force Blues Pg 5: Mac: thanks for Your Friendship Pg 6: Surviving Shantytown Protecting the Rights of the Homeless Pg 7: The Twelve Steps and Their Relationship to Christian Faith Pg 8: Prisoners’ News Pg 9: The Justice for W.J.M. Campaign & the W.J.M. Freedom Ministry, Inc Pg 10: The Zen of Streetvibes Vending Pg 11: The Zen of Streetvibes Vending Continued Pg 12: Editorials Pg 13: System Fails All Citizens Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 16: Warm Lines: A Lifeline for Many Pg 17: Mayo Continued Fix Continued 12 Steps Continued Pg 18: Death Continued View Continued Pg 19: Study Continued Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 2001 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Alicia Beck Susan Knight Dan Marschner Mary A. Gaffney Mary Taylor Sonny Williams Ed Burdell Pat Clifford Aaron Pitchford David Mitchell Michael Stoops Abiyah Thomas N. Payne Douglas Jay Lian Ronald Leroy English Abdul Karriem Muhammad Johnny Wm. Byrd, Jr. Riccardo Taylor Mr. Lee Anthony Watkins Bonnie Neumeier Jimmy Heath Annie Garrett Dana Terrell Curtis L. Fox Aaron Pitchford Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Aaron Pitchford Abdul Karriem Muhammad Abiyah Alicia Beck Annie Garrett anniversary Anthony Watkins Arts & Poetry Bonnie Neumeier buddy gray Crime Curtis L. Fox Dan Marschner Dana Terrell David Mitchell Douglas Jay Lian Ed Burdell Editorials Homeless Study Islamic Jimmy Heath Johnny Wm. Byrd Jr. Mary A. Gaffney Mary Taylor Michael Stoops Mr. Lee National News Over-the-Rhine Pat Clifford prisoners news Riccardo Taylor Ronald Leroy English Sonny Williams Susan Knight Thomas N. Payne William J. Mayo https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/f14f41947c0cc9b6380afaced96efe37.pdf 310fb467ea1eaf62c37d9ae946efbbfb PDF Text Text T E TRI-STATE'S HO)M£ LESS tiRA.PE\flNE BU~ FROM BAD6£D '\fENDORS ONLY' JU TER ~INCINNATI r Y 2001 $1 DONATION �( . JULY 2001 STREET VIEW MT. AIRY By Riccardo M. Taylor SHELTER TO REMAIN OPEN by Alicia Beck Th e cons.tantly changin g perception of the street person' s world is in and of itself a fascinating aspect of the reality of the street world. The detailed changes that occur on a constant basis are both unique in their own right, as well as unpredictable their m occurrence. The idea that • one's whol.e world can change in just a day or even a matter of Riccardo M. Taylor hours is a rea lity that only experience can prepare one for. To give an idea of what I am talking about you will have to bare the narrative I am about to te11. I would appreciate if our readers will keep an open mind realizing tha~ most of those who are subjected to the street life are without the strength or know how to change things. The recent change of season has brought about a new facet of the year round transitions that the street person sees. Although each season has its own needs in the way of survival techniques, the day to day reality ofsurvival is as pertinent. For those who live the life of the street there is no sense of pattern, in that the same thing always works out the same way. For instance, one day may be all right to panhandle whereas the next day may require a different approach (to obtaining money's, or what ever else may be need for the day's survival). The street person has to learn all the games and schemes of the iife'. One has to be able to lie, steal, cheat, or otherwise deceive or outwit his mark, if he is to succeed in obtaining what it is he has set out to get. The most prevalent tool of the street perso ns' cache is deception. Even so, the deception is not always practiced with malice or with intent of hurting anyone, but it · is perceived as a necessary option for the gainful survival of the street person. Trapped in a reality which can only be understood by those live in the street life, all seems right. It is often by any means necessary that the street person believes they can survive. Talcing an up front and personal look at a day in the life of the street person, let us share a day in the street. (Now here we are talking about those who are in the street and 1ive the fast life). After taking care of the preliminaries ie. Bathing, feeding, See View, continued page 19 porary assistance to over 700 men a year. Angered by the County's appar­ ent disregard for the needs of single men struggling out of poverty, home­ less advocates rallied support for the shelter. Advocates efforts paid off in the end when HCDHS recom­ mended to the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners that the shelter remain in county control. In a memo dated June 14th to the Board of Co11nty Commissioners, the HCDHS acknowledged that "Hamilton County has a commi_t­ ment to other local partners in this program (Mt. Airy)". The memo, as drafted by D~vid Krings and Don Thomas, also pointed out that "Tem­ porary housing helps homeless men take advantage of rehabilitative sub­ slance abuse and· mental health counseling. Mt. Airy is a unique component of the local Continuwn of Care Plan, which attracts outside funding for the homeless." However, despite these acknowlSee Mt. Airy, continued page 18 Recent budget cuts at the Hamilton County Department of Human Services (HCDHS) placed the future of Mt. Airy ~helter Cen­ ter for men in jeopardy. However, after considering the importance of Mt. Airy in the continuum of ser­ vices for homeless individuals and with protesters kno.cking on their door, HCDHS has decided to keep Mt. Airy open. On June lst, as administrators at the Hamilton County Department of Human Services continued to dis­ . cuss the impending cuts in their bud­ get, protesters led by the Greater Cincinnati CoaUtion for the Home­ less rallied outside HCDHS offices to garner support for the only county run shelter for homeless men. A few weeks earlier, homeless advocates had been stunned to find out that the long standing shelter had been slated for closure by Don Thomas, Direc­ tor of HCDHS. Mt. Airy Shelter Center has been quietly providing a sanctuary of rehabilitation for . Cincinnati's homeless since the late 1930's. Being virtually the only ser­ vice the Hamilton County Dep~­ ment of Human Services provides Protesters outside the Hamilton County Department of Human Services for men, the shelter provides tern- demand that.Mt. Airy Shelter remain county-run. photo by Jimmy Heath 1--------------------------------------------------------------------------------­ No walls, H OME AWAY FROM HOME Faces scarred bis future Home Dark Blue Clouds quickly overcast a sunny day His last unemploym~nt check Came knocking on his door an eviction notice followed like a hitchhiker Home Away from Hoine Called his brother made arrangements Stood for awhile Nothing felt his ·the water felt borrowed Like lint infringement settled in It was kind of his brother but he had to go and fine another way Home in a Shelter Unknown, crowded strangers sharing the same conditions a place to sleep to come in before curfew. depicted, there's no way out. Property up for grabs thieves' blades scarred jean pockets stole minimal street wages Couldn' t sleep Unfamiliar sounds haunted his ears Street lights reflected restless shadows roaming on ceilings and walls, seeking rest. Circles under his eyes, from guarding the night, one late night he left. Home in a Welfare Hotel Private rooms. Lobby secured. People needed a pass to pass a reason to visit. No stoves, no hot meals, that's the hotel's deal. Elevators skipped stops. Lead-poisoned walls next to children's beds. No neighborhood no neighbors ­ only skyscrapers shield his status. Home on the Streets Too hot, too cold. Memories of yesterday started to efface, his dignity begins to evaporate Hope has been adopted Living quarters: the streets Sleeping arrangements: the trains Bathroom: out of order Kitchen: at the comer He lies down to rest on a dead-end street. VICTOR M. VELEZ REPRINTED FROM " A QUEST FOR ANSWERS" Inside Streetvibes GCCH News Local Ne\vs National News Recovery Ne\\-'S Prisoners News Feature Section Editorial Page Art & Poetry l\:lental Health Veggie Vibes Page2 Page3 _, Page6 Page7 Page 8 Pag.e 10 Page 12 Page 14 Page 16 Page 17 GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS �.' STREETVIBES JULY 2001 .. GCCH NEWS Page 2 would appreciate all the help he can get, so if anyone would like to sup­ T he Tri-State's port Streetvibes in any way, please by Dan Marschner tremely important, and Susan let him know at (513) 421-7803. Homeless Grapevine Knight's fiery activism fqrces this Jimmy, I know that you'll take this I hate farewe11s. I always forget pap~r. to consider who and what we paper to a whole new level of excel­ Streetvibes, the Tri-State's someone, and I never can express represent. Miss Mary Taylor and lence: Homeless Grapevine, is a newspa­ exactly what someone has meant to Miss Mary Gaffney are wonderful pei;: written by, for, and about To Mr. Lee, David Mitchell, me. However, on the occasion of my sources of support and encourage­ Booger Love, and all the other vi­ homelessness, social justice, and last issue as Streetvibes editor, I have ment, and without them the GCCH sionaries: keep dreaming about how poverty-related issues. It is the perfect opportunity. I can't ig­ would_crumble. These people in­ great a paper Streetvibes can be­ published once a month by the Greater Cin£{nnati Coalition for nore it. Here goes... come. You inspired me I am leavjng the Homeless. to search for ways to Streetvibes after an in­ Becoming a Streetvibes make Streetvibes better. credible year to live Vendor is a great way for home­ Your energy for the pa­ and work in Arica, less and other l9w-income people perh~lped maintain my Chile, for two years. I to get back o~ (or stay on) their enthusiasm. will be part of the Je­ feet. Streetvil:ies Vendors are To the vendors: keep suit\ToJunteers Interna­ given an orientation and sign a up the good work. My tional, a group of 80 code of conduct before being friendships with many volull:teers worldwide given a Streetvibes Vendor badge. of you are something who commit them­ The Greater Cincinnati rn always remember. selves to living in soli­ Coalition for the Homeless is a You are a very talented darity with impover­ group of shelters, agencies and group of people, and ished people. Al­ individuals committed to ending you never let things get though I know that my dull around the office. homelessness in Cincinnati experience with JVI is I hope that many of you through coordinating services, an amazing new cha1­ educating the public and ' - - - - - ­ use Streetvibes as a lenge, I leave with a Thanks to my mentor, Tom Billman 1 -and all the other people stepping stone to a betgrassroots organizing. heavy heru1. I wish that that made Streetvibes such a great experien~e. ter position in life. I didn't have to leave photo by Susan Knight Streetvibes' readers ap­ GCCHStaff an the people that made this year me to put my heart and soul preciate all your dedication, and I spired Alicia Beck Executive Director such a wonderful one. Rest assured into Streetvibes, and I can' t thank thank you for expanding my under­ Susan Knight Administrative that I will always hold your memory them enough. standing of homeless people. Coordinator dear. To Mr. Tom Billman, my men­ Finally, to my friends and fam­ Dan Marschner Editor First and foremost, to the read­ tor: thanks for teachiog me what this ily: thanks for believi ng in me. Mary Gaffney Receptionist ers. Without you, Streetvibes would paper believes. Tom was trye first Working at this paper is quite a Mary Taylor Receptionist th'an a pipe -dream. be little more GCCH staff member to'Concentrate rollercoaster ride, yet you encour­ Molly Lyons Americorps * Vista Your support of the. vendors has been exclusi vely on Streetvibes, and the aged me throughout the year. I was Sonny Williams Prison News Editor vital to the health of this paper. Also, newspaper significantly improved able to share my joy and frustration H. Lee Bowen Recovery EdHor Mental Health Editor your thoughts and suggestions about under his direction. Tom provided with you, and you let me rant about the paper have made Streetvibes into the flexibility to keep the paper all the insanity that surrounds home­ Writers a stronger and more relevant publi­ growing and expanding our reader­ Iessness in the United States. I Alicia Beck Riccardo Taylor cation. Thank you for supporting our ship base. Without Tom, Streetvibes would have collapsed in a matter of Dan Marschner Mr. Lee efforts to be the voice of homeless would never have become "one of hours without you. · David Mitchell Brian Garry and impoverished people in Greater the top ten street newspapers in the I will miss Streetvibes and every­ Dana Tetrell John Perotti Cincinnati. You chalJenged me to country" (Michael Stoops, North thing it represents tremendously. Pam Johnson Victor M. Velez improve Streetvibes, and the paper's American Street Newspaper Asso­ Streetvibes is just scratching the sur­ Sonny Williams Lemuel Israel continued success has resulted. ciation.) face of its potential. I hate to go, James Blackmon lyndigoh To the staff of the Greater Cin­ To Jimmy Heath, the former and but I am leaving convinced that the Edna Smith Ben Gilbert cinnati Coalition for the Homeless: future edjtor of Streitvibes: take paper is in good hands. I expect that Susan Hueskcn Steve Sunderland your patience with me has been cru­ good care of my baby. I am confi­ homelessness in Greater Cincinnati Anne Anderson cial to Streetvibes' success. Alicia dent that you will continue to im­ will be only a distant memory when Ronald Leroy English Beck's visionary leadership is ex- prove the paper. I know that Jimmy I return. Kim Ren~y Dumas Tuqman Bahir Taqwt1im STREETVIBES Time to Say Goodbye Streetvibes Vendor Code Each vendor has to sign the following code to be able to sell the paper. Photographers Berta Lambert Susan Knight Jimmy Heath Jerome Manigan Streetvibes accepts letters, poems; stories, essays, original graphics, photos .... We will give prefer­ ence to those who are homeless or vendors. Subscriptions to Streetvibes can be purchased for $15 per year. do Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 (513) 421-7803 fax (513) 421-7813; e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com ~eb page: hUR:ll~incf.comtgccb .. distributors. 1. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $1 voluntary 6. I agree not co deceive the public by saying that donation. I agree not to ask for donations I am collecting for a not-for-profit charity or more than $1 . I also understand that I will be that I all?- collecting for rhe "homeless" in able to keep 80 cents of each dollar collected. general. I will be honest in stating that all the Future issues of Streetvibes will be purchased profits from the sale of Streetvibes will go to the from the Homeless Coalition for 20 cents. individual vendor. 2. I agree that I will never distribute Streetvibes 7. I agree that I will not contest territories with while undet the ipfluence of drugs or alcohol. other distributors. 3. I agree that I will not ask for donations after 12 8. I understand that Streetvibes strives to be a self­ midnight. supporcing paper created by people who are 4. I agree to treat others with respect. I will not homeless or formerly homeless. To help in this use abusive language or force someone to give a effort, I will try to spread the word and write donation. I will not give a "hard sell" or make stories if possible. someone feel threatened. 9. I understand that failure to comply with any of 5. I agree that I will not supply copies of the above statements will result in me no Streetvibes to persons who are not registered longer being able to distribute Str~etvibes. �' . : : I LOCAL NEWS STREETVIBES JULY 2001 Page 3 Cincinnati's Conspiracy Speech Read at City Hall by David Mitchell The powers that be are lying and concealing the truth because of their own illegal and unethical acts that they do not want to be made pub­ lic. Using the media to fulfill their own political agenda, placing the spotlight anywhere they can as long as it is not pointing directly at them. Diversionary tactics, misinforming the public, distorting our under­ standing with complete, fabricated versions of what has taken place during the last few months, and for that matter, this entire nation's his­ tory. Now I am a man caught directly in the middle of politics, only be­ cause of using my First Amendment right of ~reedom of Speech to al­ low the public to have access to the truth, rather than to a clever decep­ tion. They're holding a veil over the people's eyes. And, of course, there are always those things that even they do not record in written form because it is evidence that could later be used to incriminate them. Fabricated police reports and ly­ ing testimonies - these were proven in Cheryl Grant's courtroom when one of the protesters was found in­ nocent ofhis charges.· She said that there was no evidence of any crime being comrp.i tted. And so has been the case in a great number of the innocent people who have been ha­ rassed, beaten, and incarcerated. It is amazing how far the city's officials go to conceal the truth. In­ timidation and military tactics are some of their best weapons. Here are some facts about the supervi­ sion of the Police Department: Chief Striker, in 1980, while acting as an undercover drug en­ forcement officer, murdered an un­ armed man simply because he had his hands in his pocket. He was later exonerated and eventually pro­ moted to Chief in the footsteps of his father. Keith Fangman, President of the Fraternal Order of Police, by David Mitchell threatened one individual (during my rights as an American citizen. the TABD protests), "Give me a My name is David Mitchell. I We were maced and denied proper reason to break your legs." The am a reporter for Streetvibes news­ medical treatment. Dehumanized person responded, "Is. exerdsing paper, and I have some facts to speak and demoralized, I was beaten by my right to freedom of assembly a about here today. My story is simi- corrections officers in the injustice reason to break my legs?" Officer Iar to the story ofmany young black center; shocked with tasers, and vili­ Perkins, who was standin_g next to men in this city. I recognize that pro­ fied in the media. We were given Fangman, st~ted, " You do not have tecting fias its risks, but that is no extremely high bonds, subjected to any rights." excuse for Police Brutality. The con­ cruel and unusual punishment. Our Lieutenant Colonel Jankie, dur­ tinued use of excessive force by this constitutional rights cannot be ig­ ing April's protests, threatened me city's police force cannot go unpun­ nored. They will be acknowledged. ished. . I will not and this city will not live many times, saying he was going The harassment, murders, bru­ in fear of any police officers, cor­ to throw me in jail. Not to mention talization and incarceration of inno­ rections officers, or any federal, state the Mt. Adams protests, the day of cent people must be recognized. We or local authorities who are servants the March for Justice when he said the people are outraged at this hy­ themselves of the laws of this land. he was going to have me whacked pocrisy. I will not stand by and be They are here to protect and serve ­ and arrested. silent. The threats made by police, it is the very oath they have taken. Why are our rights being. ig­ · one of whom Lt. Colonel Janke, who They must act as officers of the nored? There are no public offi­ said he would have me "whacked people and not as Gestapos. Give cials who are above the law. These and arrested", to quote bis exact me freedom or give me death in the men are abusing their power, which words, and their intimidation and words written on the back of this was given to them by the people; in military tactics must stop. I was ar­ country's currency; that's all I feel turn it is the people they suppos­ rested along with another protester · the majority of those of you in power edly protect and serve. But not ev­ Saturday afternoon for exercising in this city are concerned with. eryone is receiving an equal administration of the law. The 550 cor­ ings from business to residential to porations that pay taxes directly the homeless, I have made personal back to themselves have been pro­ bylyndigoh contact. I feel like I am searching tected while innocent men, women for a few lost sheep in the midst of and children of all ethnic back­ The voices I hear in Cincinnati herds of goats. These things were grounds have suffered at the hands and the things I've seen. Just a por­ possible to experience because my of the police, acting as a modern tion of one servant's journey. My time has completely been God's day Gestapo. mind goes back to March 30, 2001 time. I have learned that there is no In an unjust system, complete about seven days before the death of such thing as time, just timing, and with an Injustice Center, the rich are two small children and one teenager. God is the Timer. The real war in being protected because of their That's three souls and soon after life is that people are scared to love wealth and the poor are left vulner­ there were the riots, something that each other because they don't know has caused this city and the people each other. Therefore there is no able because of their poverty. in it to take a very close look at them­ understanding and without these we This smoke screen of a FBI in­ vestigation just buys them more selves. We have many groups ac­ won't know how to love each other. time to ignore the ever growing tively living in the city, such as the It is time to throw away religion and number of problems between the angry, terrified, ready_to kill, thieves, pick up God. If tomorrow is not community and the police. They God fearing and of course the chil­ promised to any man then we don 't are discrediting anyone who they dren. From March 30 to present I have time to judge for all shall be believe is a political threat to them, have been blessed to see much. I judged. So that means you really . keeping lists of political activists. have walked all the streets from 3rd control your own destiny by the street to the city of Avondale, from choices you make. 50150 baby! The police have taken Polaroids; Reading Road to Linn St. Every Just a thought for the Fruit of the one of me was taken after I had been street, alley way, abandoned. build­ Mind! maced in Mt. Adams. I received confirmation of the 11sts from Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune who personally told me, "They do have their lists, don' t Cli££ord Jones they?" 1--------------------------­ Soul Searching (513) 761 - 3464 Social Security/SS! Denied? t. • @"C.'oO\.~C C>-~ail: jonesacV Call John M. Keegan Attorney at Law Practice concentrated in Social Security/SSI Disability Law NO FEE UNLESS WE WIN ~ (513) 651-9222 Office Voicernail ""·c~ c,~11 <1ticxchange· cF Are you a dedicated indMdual with a desire to educate the public about homelessness? Volunteer ·at Streetvibesi We need writers, photograpers, editors, webpage updators, any help you can provide. 4l FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION (5 13) .230-635 3 ww- Call 421-7803 for more infonnation. �STREETVIBES JULY 2001 Page 4 The first man (a Republican) The black man's face held his back, Bespoke revenge, Six humans trapped For on the faces around the fire As the fo·e passed from sight; by happenstance For all he saw in his stick of wood He notice one was black. in black and bitter cold. Was a chance to spite the white. Each one possessed The next man (a Christian-muslim­ a stick of wood , The last man of this forlorn group jewish-fundamental­ nondennominatinalist) , Or so the story's told. Did naught except for gain, looking across the way, Givi ng on ly to those who gave Saw one not of his Their dying fire in need of logs, Was how he played the game. The fi rst man held his back, . church/temple/mosque/hall For on the faces around the fire And couldn 't bring himself to give Their logs held tight He noticed one was black. The fire his stick of birch. In death 's still hands Was proof of human sin. The next man, The third man sat in tattered They didn't die looking across the way, clothes (from 12th and Republic) from the cold without; Saw one not of his church, He gave his coat a hitch. They died from the cold within. And couldn 't bring himself to give Why should he put his log to use To warm the idle rich. The fire his stick of birch. ZOE RANKIN l THE COLD WITH IN For all he saw in his stick of wood Was a chance to spite the white (police). The last man (Mr. small businessman/politician) in this forlorn group Did naught except for gain , Giving only to those (his customers/supporters) who gave Was bow he played the gan1e. Their logs held tight In death's still hands Was proof of human sin. They didn ' t die from the cold without; They died from the cold within. LETTER ' S FROM ANNA . The third man sat in tattered clothes He gave his coat a hitch. Why should he put his log to use To warm the idle rich. The rich man just sat back And thought Of the wealth he had in store, And how to keep what he had earned From the lazy, shiftless poor. TH E COLD WITHIN ...C INCINNATI Six Cincinnatians trapped by happenstance in black and bitter cold. Each one possessed a stick of wood, Or so the story's told. Their dying fire in need of logs, The rich man (East Side Executive) just sat back And thought Of the wealth he had in store, anc;l how to keep what he had earned From the lazy, shiftless poor. The black man's (George Abdul Anybrother) face Bespoke revenge, As the fire passed from sight; Are you listening Cincinnati? Do you feel me? Does Anyone know what time it is? Do you feel the love in the City? Well, I don' t know about you, but I'm having a little difficulty in feeli ng it. CREAT IVE LIBERTIES TAKEN AND POSSIBLY ABUSED BY MR. LEE OHIO BICENTENNIAL RMRNOTE CARDS THE GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELI;SS, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE · O H IO NATURAL HERITAGE RIVER SYST EM D ESIGNEES, INDEPEND ENT RNERI WATERSHED PROTECTION ORGANI ZATIONS AND HISTORICAL SO CIETIES . T HROUGHOUT OHIO, AND '"·) .. RIVERS UNLIMIT ED PROUDLY PRESENTS A SPECIAL BICENTENNIAL PROJECT HIGHLIGHTING T HE SIGNIFICANCE OF RIVERS AND STREAMS IN OUR STATE'S HISTORY. _.., __ ...,. ___ _ BY ORDERING T HRO UGH THE COALITION FOR T H E HOMELESS , 50% OF YOUR CONTRIBUT ION WILL GO TO ASSIST OUR WORK! "'~~1if'... ... GO. ..._ _ _ FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CARDS OR WHERE TO PURCHASE THEM LOCALLY, CALL THE GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS AT (513) 421-7803 OR RIVERS UNLIMITED AT (513) 891-4592 . �STREETVIBES JULY 2001 Paxton Sings for the Environment and Cincinnati's Homeless On September 6, 2001 , Tom Paxton will perform at the 20th Cen­ tury Theater in Oakley. The concert is a jojnt fundraiser for the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Home­ less and Rivers Unlimited. Mr. Paxton's songs are known and loved around the world and have been re­ corded by hundreds of artists as di­ verse as Pete Seege r , W i I I i e Nelson an d Pl ac ido Domi n go. " Ramblin ' Boy,;' "The Las t Th ing on my Mind ," " Bottle of Wine ," "Goin' to the Zoo," a nd " Marvelous Boy" are just a few of his songs to have Cincinnati Coalition for the Home­ less will showcase art produced by homeless and formerly homeless in­ dividual s in Greater Cincinnati. Mr. Paxton's performance is part of a three-city concert tour planned for Ohio this September to benefit state and local environmental and social pro­ grams. Per­ formance dates are: Ci.nc i n nati , September 6; Co lumbu s, September 7; and C leve­ land, Sep­ te mber.· 8: The Cleve­ land concert wi ll be held at J(jva Audi­ torium at the Kent State Univer s i ty Center ( WKSU). The concert is cospo n­ by sored been ab. Earth Shares ·b d . Tom Paxton will perform at the 20th sor e rnto of Ohio, the th 0 1 t Century Theat~r on September 6, 2001 to Earth Day ~ t ~a ra- benefit the GCCH and Rivers Unlimited. d I l 0 fl . Coa lition, Nanci Griffith has said, " I think we Rivers Unlimited and WKSU -Pub­ are all born singing Tom Paxton lie Radio. songs." For young listeners, Tom has For information about tickets recorded several albums of his own call Rivers Unlimited at (513) 761­ songs and sold his sixteenth book to 4003 or the Greater Cincinnati Coa­ Morrow Junior Books: "The Story lition for the Homeless at (5 13) 421­ of the Sandman". 7803. As part of the event, the Greater The GCCH would like to thank this Starbucks location for their generous donation of coffee ru;id pastries. 3366 Erie Avenue East Hyde Park (513) 533-3402 Advertise to Socially Conscious Readers! Call 421-7803 for more information about how advertising in Streetvibes will work for your business Custom Sizes Available! LOCAL NEWS RIGHT TO FLY Walk with your head held up, don't look down, the paths th at you must travel are no longer for­ bidden, you have the right to fly­ make a sound, Open your.eyes see who your are, a work of art, fimuy structured with a strong mind and heart and the abilities to achieve, if something becomes a challenge, don't tum away-believe in your­ self and al that you can do, stand your ground, you hav~ the right to fly-make a sound, reach for new heights, don't a11ow obstacles to bind you down, spread your wings and fly-make a sound, if you have something on your mind, one step forward is an it takes s ay what you want to say-for the darkness of you sh al I prosper Some day, learn and earn, build yourself a future, plant some seeds and nurture th em well and a healthy garden will prevail, no one can bender what's meant to be, right to fly-right to be free, no matter where you ' re from or who you are-courage and hard work will bring you far, let the pride of you shine, because you already have the best weapon to fight with, your mind-no one can t~ke what's truly yours or hold you down, let your talents glow-for the power that you possess comes from within you, it's your right to fly-make a sound. None of us asked for or pur­ chased the handicaps that we bare, so therefore we shall not be held back. Page 5 Soul of my heart In dreams of my mind I pray to God Singing my song Pri ce of hope Loving thy self Glory Hallelujah Blessed in the name of Jesus Christ 0 Lord, King of Kings To come down from Heaven In thy name, 0 Lord I call upon you To save me Aod in the world of sin Of damnation Though I pray Repent Of peace in my Father's house Blessed are thy children Generations Of thy father and mother I stand before you Dare I sit On the throne of judgement RONALD LEROY ENGLISH Emotional hatred of sati sfaction from dealing with people's lies hatred made up of unpleased torment a man's personality of a woman's satisfaction of being alone Connected in heart, mind and soul From dealing with One another's life ln a world of people's life By helping them overcome their mishatred of belief in honor righteousness of trust their feelings of being involved of themselves to do the impossible and that is to go where some has gone before. KIM RENAY DUMAS RONALD LEROY ENGLISH STREETVIBES TELEVISION Streetvibes TV is produced Live, the Second Tuesday of each month, 7 - 8 PM, at Media Bridges, 2114 Reading Road, Cincinnati' Ohio. If you would like to participate in making an episode of Streetvibes TV, please call us at 421-7803. July $chedule Re-Broadcast Dates for May's Show on Channel 24: (Please check your schedule) Friday, July 13, at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 21, at 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 24, at 9 ·p.m . Friday, July 27, at 5 p.m. Broadcast schedules are subject to change ­ Consult your local TV directory. �STREETVIBES JULY 2001 Page 6 Scarcity of Resources Often Sends Woinen Back to Abuser by Angela Joyce reprinted from the Cleveland Homeless Grapevine A few weeks ago, I did a presentation on homelessness at a local high school. I always begin my presentations by asking students to tell me what type of person they think of whe n th ey think of homelessness; the response is always the same - male, African-American, older, mentally ill or addicted to drugs and alcohol. Women and children never enter the average person's mind when they think of the homeless; however, women and children are among th e fastest growing populations that are becoming homeless. According to the U.S. Conference of Mayors, si ngle women make up 14% of the homeless populatio~ and a 1998 U.S. Conference of Mayors survey of 30 American cities found that fam ili es compris~ 38% of th e homeless population. Women become homeless for the same variety of reasons that men do: drugs and alcohol, mental illness, low income jobs, failing health, lack of affordable housing, etc. There is never any one reason why people become homeless. However, one of the unique causes of homelessness fo r women is domestic violence. When a woman decides to leave an abusive relationship, she usually has nowhere to go. Lack of ·affordable housing and constantly full shelters often force women and their children to choose between living with an abuser or on the streets. Twenty-one percen t of -Cleveland's homeless population are fleei ng a domestic violence situatfon. I wanted to hear fir'st hand what it was like to be a homeless woman in Cleveland, so I spoke with three formerly homeless women about their experiences in trying to find shelter and housing. All three women who I spoke with became ho meless because they fled a domestic violence situation. Each of the three women, June, Marie, and Crystal, told me why she became homeless and what she went through to get housing. June's problem began with her husband's drinking and drug use. She f i n a 11 y decided that she could no longer live with hi s addictions and left. She was not prepared to leave, she had nowhere to go, but she' d had enough. June has a family, but she didn't want to be a burden on them, so she tried her luck on her own. June has horror stories of trying to find shelter: "Every place will tell you they ' re currently full and you need to try calling back in a couple of days." You have to be persistent and patient to get into a shelter. The shelters are always full, and even when you can get in you can only stay there for a limited till?e. June spent many nights sleeping in ho spital waiting rooms or bus stations. She commented: "As long as you don' t look homeless you can get away with it, but the moment yo ur appearance begins to slip, they'll kick you out." June finally got into the Displaced Homemakers program and later into a housing program. She is currently enrolled Poverty and Police Violence in Canada by Pam Johnson Toronto, Canada is the largest and richest city in Canada. It is also becoming the meanest city. The rate of homeless and poverty has been steadily increasing for the last J5 years. During what was called an economic boom in the 1990's the social safety net which includes a universal health care system has been steadily eroded. At the same time, corporations and banks posted record profits and the salaries of CEO's increased. Current estimates are that 6000 people are homeless in Toronto and that the number wilJ be 10,000 very soo n. Hous ing is the biggest problem facing the poor, the mentally ill, immigrants and anyone on a fi xed income. Since 1985 federal and local governments have gotten out of social housing. Welfare has been cut, programs for single mothers, day care and educational programs have been eroded. Hand in band with increased poverty and cuts to social services has been a rise in police brutality. Police increasingly harasses people thrown onto the streets. People are routinely swept from parks and other public spaces. Hostels and shelters are not able to deal with the demand- their funding is being cut. Police have kilJed a doze n unarmed people in the last 10 years, most were young men of color. Not a single cop has been indicted even when evidence indicates they did not need to draw their gun. The effect is that the poor are being criminalized and victimized because of their disenfranchisement by a system that rewards the rich. in college, continues with therapy, and is involved with numerous volunteer programs that help the homeless and victims of domestic violence. Marie also became homeless when she decided to leave h er abusive husband. She first spent two days on the telephone talkin~ with counselors and fi guring out her options. Fortunately, they were able to get her a bed at Angeline Christian Home within three days . . At that time, she was not o n 1 Y distraught from her h o m e situation but s he was also very ill and was in desperate need ofsurgery. She stayed a week and a half at the shelter and luckily the staff pulled some strings and was able to get her into transitional housing. "There would have been nowhere for me to go had they not pulled stri ngs for me. I hate to say it, but had I not got into tran sition al housing, I would have gone back to my husband." It was still a hard struggle after Marie was placed into transiti onal housing. She stayed there for fourteen months and she suffered from severe depression and was also recovering from surgery. "It was a hard struggle, b ut I gradually got better. Now I live in public housing, I'm attending bible college and I have a job." June and Marie were both lucky to find a spot in transitional housing, but the majority of women do not make it in. Crystal is ao example. Crystal also fled a domestic violence situation and had no place to go. She wasn' t able to find shelter, so she began working at the temporary labor agencies. Crystal was only qualified for the minimum wage jobs, so by the time taxes were taken out and fees accrued she would make about $30 per day. She would have to eat at a restaurant and get a cheap motel for the night. After this she had five dollars left each day, which was just enough to buy her bus fare for the next day so she could get up and do it all over again. "I would have to be at the temp agency at 5:00 a.m., otherwise you would risk not being sent out that day. It was this endless cycle and I was never even ten dollars ahead." Crystal eventually caught pneumonia and was hospitalized. She was released from the hospital after only two days. After being sick she tried living with friends and even other men, but it never worked out. She is currently living with her family and slowly getting back on her feet. It is not uncommon for women (especially women with children) to have difficulty finding shelter no matter what their reasons for bei ng homeless. The lack of shelter space for women and their children is a nationwide problem. The U.S. Conference on Mayors estimated that 32 percent of requests for shelter by homeless families were denied in 1998 due to lack of resources. In Cleveland there are 50 spaces for overflow/drop-in shelter, 288 spaces available for emergency shelter (the length ofstay is 30-90 days, an~ 252 units. of transitional shelter (length of stay four months to two years). This makes a total of 590 shelter spaces for over 2000 people per night. This reality is increasing being challenged in Toronto. One group, th e Ontario Coalition Against P<;>verty (OCAP), has been regul arly rallying to support the poor and pointing the finger at police brutality. They have been joined by young activists in the anti-globalization moveme nt and by trade unio n activists to keep police violence and poverty in the public eye through militant protests and unified campaigns. When a man was killed by 4 cops after a minor disturbance in a store, a coalition formed to push to bring the killer cops to justice. This coalition, which includes many different groups, has been very effective in bringing the injustice to people's attentio.n and keeping pressure on the police. When Torontonians heard that there was a rebellion on the streets of Cincinnati because police shot a black man, we understood. Many people were in sympathy with people on the streets who want to see real justice done- not the justice of a greedy system. In Toronto, people are increasingly taking to the streets to try to get what they cannot achieve through voting. Even though we are in different countries, out problems and issue are the same. Hundreds of Americans came to Canada in April, 2 weeks after the Cincinnati rebellion, to fight against free trade that's condemning people to poverty around the world. Hundreds of Canadians will be in Washington DC in September to challenge the World Bank/IMF. We need to build our solidarity across the border and continue to fight for a world for human need , not corporate greed. Submitted by Grady Cook. is �STREETVIBES JULY 2001 All I Want For Christmas is.. . tio n inn life~ To feel whole, loved and needed? To know what o ne's Wh at do people in *recovery purpose "in life, and to be fulfilled in want? No, not their two fro nt teeth. being you? To have enough joy and It was a cute sohg but people who love in your.life, that you sometimes are trying to recovery from life have some to share? To re'!Jlze, that_ threatening, chronic, deDilitating ill­ eveh in your w()rst state, som~one . nesses are seeking any number of "loves you, not in...spite of, but because personalized wants and.needs. Good · of? To "recognize th,at the whole of health; •a1j'~b ov.better job, a healthy creation would be incomple te-with­ relationship, a home; the list could out you? Whatever your infirmity go o n forever. I once read a book, or problem, joy and serenity are still the name of which escapes me, that achievable . suggested that most people in recov­ Maybe serenity is being reason­ ery really want serenity or peace. ably comfortable in your own skin. That thou ght immediately sent to I'm certain that it requires a little visit Webster. Serenity is defined as humility, a quality that I have fail ed the quality of state of being serene. miserably to maintai n most of my Serene is defined as 2. not disturbed _ life. or troubled; calm, peaceful , tranquil. I remember a line from the mini­ Sounds .... good doesn' t it? Unless series "Roots," spoken by Cicely you' re so me kind of exc ite ment Tyson where she remarked some­ freak, given the world that we live thing like, "they squat down behind in, who could not want peace? If two beiots, just like me ." Maybe you live long enough, you learn a humiljty is recognizing that we all few things. One, stress kills and two, got to "squ at down behind ·iwo money does not buy you happiness. boots," no matter our color, age, so­ (ls two enough to qualify as a few, cial status or education. I read that humility is not trying to be better well just in case here's another. Ev­ erybody beyond the age of 15 sec­ than or being less than, but just be­ o nds is recovering from something, ing equal to, a worker among work­ whether they realize it or not.) ers. When you boil it down, don 't we *Recovery is, in this sense, a re­ all want to be at peace with ourselves turn to health by the adoption of a and the world ? To be reasonably lifestyle based upon 12 step prin­ healthy and happy? To love and be ci ples. Abstinence from whatever loved? To be content with one's sta­ is causing dysfunction in the life of by Mr. Lee thP. The Life nPr~nn aiies. Wasting time, time which is a waste from the point of view of the By Riccardo M. Taylor smoker! Ah, the smoker! Do you want a glass or metal? Pop, crackle, Welcome to the glorious life of snap is on the scene. I want a blast.· abuse. AH, lets take a look at the Don't crumb me, I want a decent hit! great life of the abuser, what a plea­ Catch that wake up. Get your motor sure to live a life of misery. How running back and forth back and great it is to be one of the miserable. forth. Chasing the whole day. Can't Wine in hand waiting for the stupor sleep won' t eat. of intoxication. How great it feels Ah, what a pleasure. Broke, ev­ to have hangover, stomach reeling ery dolJar going to the dope boy! head throbbing spells of dizziness. Now this is the life! What a wonderful feeling ! To sm ell This is an addiction of a lifetime, like a distillery! Yeah, this is the life. following the cycle of nothingness. Day after day of stumbling, falls, Rushing to get nowhere. What can brufaes. blackouts; maintaining de­ be more pleasing? There is no rea­ nial. Sickness, heartache, yeah its soning, no sanity, no script, just a all a part of the life. wasting away of life . Yet this is the A j oint! How much pleasure life, the life of choice, or is there any to just sit around and giggle at noth­ choice? Can the only breakingpoint ing. Hallucinating. rejecting any be tragedy? Is there hope for the sense of reason or responsibility, lost lifers? T he only answer is "to be in a paranoid zone without bound- continued....". . ARE YOU AN ALCOHOLIC? To answer this question ask yourself the foll owing questions and answer them as honestly a~ you can. Yes No 1 Do you lose time from work due to drinking? 2 I~driaking making your home life unhappy? 3 Do you· dI"i~k because you are shy with other people? 4 Is drinking affecting your reputation? , 5 ·Ha.ve you ever felt remorse after drinking? 6 Have you gotten into financial difficulties as a result of drinking? 7 Do you turn to lower compariions and an inferior environment when drinking? 8 Does you drinking make you careless of your family 's welfare? 9 Has your ambition decreased since drinking? 10 Do you ~rave a drink at a defini te time daily? 1l Do you want a drink the next morning? 12 Does drinking cause you to have difficulty in sleeping? 13 Has your efficien cy decreased since drinking? 14 Is drinking jeopardizing your job or business? 15 Do you drink to escape from worries or troubles? 16 Do you drink alone? 17 Have you ever had a complete loss of memory as a result of drinking? 18 Has your physician ever treated you for drinking? 19 Do you drink to build up your self-confidence? 20 Have you ever been to a hospital or institution on accoun t of drink­ ing? If you have answered YES to any one of the q uestions, there is a definite warning that you may be an alcoholic. If you have answered YES to any two, the chances are that you are an alcoholic. If you have answered YES to three or more, you are definitely alcoholic. NOT OUT LOUD should be warned about before you meet, or did you hear that some­ times the people that you 've been taught to trust are the ones you should fear, you ' ve been taught to trust are the ones you sho uld fear, Not out loud a child is ab­ ducted-nowhere to be found , In the news and on the rad io broad­ casters announce, pictures posted state to state, town to town-soon forgotten , blank visions on a milk carton tossed on the ground. Not o ut loud. No! One will be­ lieve you when you say I told him no! But he did it anyway, violated in the bright of d ay, not out loud crimes are committed time after time, o ut of si ght, out of mind, when you stand accused of these senseless acts, guilty as charged Not this time, temporary insanity is the plea, "It wasn 't me" a mis­ educatio n of j ustice fo · all, to­ gether we stand-di vided we fall . Not out loud no one can know of the anger within you that causes you to lose_· control, no­ body knows of the wrongs you've . done, a man is dead-shot by you with a gun, hidden evidence, guilty on the run. Not out loud, no one knows the money you collect for your car, shoes and clothes comes from intravenously robbing desperate people of their souls, you thrive on the fact that they' re addicted to the venomous drugs you sell, the lig ht of luxury, as you walk blindly towards hell, Not out loud quie t and quick never mind who you ' ve just hit, careless behind the wheel , and al­ coholic is too numb to feel, Wake up! Were M add! D runk driving kills.1 Not out loud he's so dedicated and she'~ so he lpful and sweet, but are these the ones that you KIM R. DUMAS �STREETV IB E S JULY 2001 Letting the Fox Guard the Henhouse by John W. Perotti - Ohio's General Assembly, in an effort to use Ohio's $45.l Billion State B udget to advance their agenda, ordered the elimination of all staff from the state's Corrections Institution Inspection Committee (CIIC). The CUC is the pri son watchdog committee, consisting of a Bipartisan Panel of 12 eq ually divided, Republican and Democrat State Representatives and Senators, and a 6 person staff. The CIIC was created in 1977 by the persuasions of the late Senator C.J. McLin, a powerful Democrat from Dayton. His daughter, Senator Rhine McLin, is one of the 6 Bi-Partisa n Democratic Senators assigned to the committee. The committee was formed in the aftermath of a long seri es of guard on prisone r and prisoner on prisoner murders and assaults. Also marked for cutbacks are many administrators assigned to psychological treatment, educational programming and halfway houses that benefit prisoners and lead toward rehabilitation. This, after talk of guards being laid off which drew protests by their union representatives. What ' s ironic is the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections is getting a $60 million dollar budget increase, which is only 5% less than what they normally get. These cutbacks of rehabilitative programs, halfway houses, and staff for the CnC is a slap in the face to rehabilitative efforts and political efforts of the Democratic party. Having been in prison for over 21 years,lpersonallyhavewitnessed murders, assaults, human rights violations, and all the things I never dreamed of seeing inside a prison or in my own lifetime. The enc was formed in the wake of a series of incidents of pris oner corruption in Ohio, such as attempts at murder for hire by staff agains t c ertain prisoners, misappropriation of funds by prison officials, and even 'cattle rustling at Lebanon Prison by a Guard Captain. Thus, the DRC was held accountable by the CUC now, compared to their previous unfettered reign of corruption due to the investigations and reports issued by the Ohio General Assembly. As a result, the DRC has always complained of the activities of the CIIC and called them advocates of, or coddlers of prisoners, as well as a "thomintheirsides." Of course they would express this outlook!!! The CIIC's job was to expose corruption by DRC officials as well as make sure they follow the rules and regulations- by all their employees. So this would be a committee the DRC would . defi nite ly want dissolved, and through their political manipulations, probably did so! But as a convict, I have seen the efforts and intervention of the enc save lives and make conditions more tolerable for prisoners and p1ison officials alike . Even former Ohio Supreme Court Ju s tice Paul Pfeifer, who voted against the creation of the c ommittee, now serves as its chairman due to the good works of the committee. So now Ohio has no CJIC staff to research the operations of tbe DRC, akin to leav ing the fox to guard the henhouse, answering to no one. I'm no model prisoner, and the efforts of the CIIC literally saved my life on a couple of occasions, once when guards beat me severely, and once after a major heart attack a p1ison doctor refused to treat me for. So I, for one, will sorely miss this watchdog committee, as well as hundreds of illiterate and mentally ill disenfranchised prisoners victimized by the system. Too bad Republicans won't dismantle the Ohio Adult Parole Authority, who has been releasing repeat offenders and others who they know will return to prison, rather than deserving prisoners, as a result of the politics of prison that gives them job security. But that would be too much like Right. They wilJ probably enact legislation to have the APA oversee the DRC - the perfect bedfellows. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -- - - - - - - - - - - -- ----------1 Jus' Curious?! How many more times are we to be buried before our time? Framed up. & chained up & placed behind enemy lines. How many more Stokelys to be snatched, Malcolms to be murdered & Khalids to be killed? How many martyrs to go unremembered? & How many more monuments won ' t be built? How many more Mumias, H. Raps, Sundiatas & Peltiers? How many more poli6cal prisoners? How many more fuckin ' years? How many more frame ups on Fred? And Merle Africas coming up dead? How many more revolutionaries in the cemetaries? How many more blood stained beds? How many more February 2ls, August 7ths and December 4tbs? How many more fallen comrades? How many more of us have got to go? ! How long before the Cinque Magees, Angola 3 's are to be finally unleashed? How many more Geronimos, COINTELPRO's & Shaka Sankofas To be drugged & body bagged on deathrow? How many more SET-UPS & WET UPS & FBI files? How many more Assara Shakurs to be forced into exile? How many more Khalfani Khalduns to be beat by prison goons? , And bad Nefroes named Goode will you let drop bombs on MOVE? By the way, should the Minnesota 8 simply sit back and wait, For you to muster up the courage to say that they'"e been framed by the state? How many more Sekous, Mutulus & Ojure Nurus'? Lucasv illes & Statevilles & Attica 32's How much injustice can you stomach? How much more can you take? How many more Bashir Hameeds, N.Y. 3's? Robert Hayes & Eddie Conways? How many more Zolo Agonas and Sister Ramonas? Will you sit back & let us be attacked for Fighting While Black? How many more Hugo Pinells to be beat down in jail? How many more resistors will you relinquish? How many more Herman Bells? How many more Maroon Shoats & Move 9's will you allow to be confined? How many FALN's, Deathrow IO's? How long will justice be denied? ,..-------------------------' buddy's place Permanent Housing for formerly homeless individuals at 1300 Vine Street. For more information, call Connie Martina or Agnes Mack at (513) 784-0800 SOFT SPOKEN (AFTER SPEAKING TO joE) Other voices muffled his whisper My ears got closer to become acquainted, to catch wounded words that formed a collage of his life. Had to block out other wandering voices seeking an attentive ear. " ... in jail twice," he continued " once for convenience." His mother, a teacher died younger than expected. Hiding in hi s father's shadow, he heard " you're no good for nothing" like a useo teabag. He believed him. The streets adopted him, cultivated his youth. They became intimate like body and shadow, both merging at night. With no street" signs to give directions, no moral to end the fable. Society could not tolerate the sins of his youth incarcerated at 19. His father died but he was not allowed to say his final farewell. His cell echoed his father 's gospel "you're no good for nothing." VICTOR M. VELEZ This selection from "A Quest for Answers, " a book ofpoetry by Victor Velez. To purchase a copy, visit www.xlibris.com or write to AnjeLisse Arts, P. 0. Box 137 Cincinnati, Ohio 45246. �STREETVIBES JULY 2001 . A Modern Day Slave by Tuqman Bahir Taqwuim In the Name of Allah: I am incarcerated at the Ohio State Penitentiary and am in need of some assistance. I have an out-date to be released on 5/4/01 and I remain still in a prison cell denied transportation by the staff. Furthermore, my own sis­ ter came to get me and she was de­ nied the right to take me home. 0 .S.P. is running a whore house with the accountant clerk. This woman is 35 years old, Black and very influential. She owns a co mpa ny th a t ma nufac tures bombs. She's a rich girl pushing her weight around. The lady is also a professional prostitute/criminal" record. This woman and I established a relationship with the help of a male Lt. and written permission from the Warden. For over 2 1/2 years this lady, not knowing her position or status in life, explained my life and case for be­ ing in prison. I asked her for some help, and one day after I had done all that I could without success! The lady interceded and legally assisted and actually set me free, and l was granted an out-date of 5/4/01. The staff took it personal that a staff member, a female of her stat­ ure and wealth had actually set me free. She stated that she wanted to retire as a prostitute, get married and have another son! This staff told her that she was the personal whore of OSP and unti l she satisfied the de­ sires of this entire staff on all three shifts that I would not be released from this mal aise that threatens to blight all coming years. She has arranged that no one can provide transportation nor can ·I be released to anyone other than her­ self. So they throw sex parties for 6-7 hours at a time each shift and I can 't be released until tomorrow, which never comes ... l am very short on family and have been bereft of my liberty for over 26 years. I have become a slave and held as bait in some sort of per­ verted sex parties in OSP. Every staff member at OSP has ber phone number and she's called several times on one shift stating that she's coming to get me, then one she arrives she's back in their sex cham­ bers until the next shift. On the other side of the coin, the lady has taken control of tnis entire prison stati ng that 1 belong to her, no one can re~ease me and I will re­ main here until she decides to let me out! It's a two-way street on being afoul! The lady is the only one who can take me out of this prison, but instead of fulfilling these duties she'll come in demanding sex. Then she goes off into some so rt of unsatiable craving and she loses fo­ cus of any and all responsibilities that are outside the sphere of her sexual imperfections. She comes to work from 8:00 to 4:00 pm if you wish to believe what's on the schedule; or, if ana­ lytical reasoning is your compass, I will give a clear depiction of her schedule. · She's here at 11:30 on 3rd shift. The walls aren't solid and their sex chamber is within the immediate sound of my ears. She' ll have sex until 4:00 am which is the time I am up for prayer. If she's informed, which is frequently, that I can hear her asLhe sliding door is opened, then she' ll break and run driving away only to crawl back within a half hour or when she is telephoned to return. This then continues until 7:00 am upon the changing of the shift. She will go on for some time before breaking to go home, shower and return for her workin g schedule. At this time she may throw a sex party for several hours and no one takes the responsibility (or can't take it) to make her pick me up. She's rich and powerful. This will go on until 2:30 p.m. when second shift begins to come in and then they contin_ue to continue this distorted fun game to hold my life in a prison cell. This woman has slept with the entire staff so frequently that they' re trying to push her away to set me free but she can' t get enough sex. Due to these imperfections she holds me in a state of modem day slavery Prisoners News contains news about the justice system and the writings of persons incarcerated in our nation's jails and prisons. Subscribers withinthe walls receive Streetvibes free. If you would like to support us in this effort, please sponsor someone on the inside. A year's subscription costs $15. Send your comments and questions to streetvibes@juno.com mail : STREETVIBES, 1506 Elm Street PRISONERS' NEWS in a prison cell. The lady is beyond imagination as the staff depicts her actions. For hours on end I hear the sounds of C.O.'s cheering her on, cursing her out for running out - or trying to encourage her to set me free. This e ntire staff from the Warden's office down is involved in a coi:ispiracy to bold me in OSP by either denying me appropriate trans­ portation or indulging in these sex parties. This woman has used her influ- . ence and sex to humble this entire staff to break the laws and hold me in prison while they have sex par­ ties. My concern is when will it come to an end, when will I be set free? The lady is not mentally or emo­ tionally stable as this activity has gone non stop for over 30 days. The staff at OSP are not responsible enough to care about the laws, their careers or their fami lies. They have no loyalties except to their own per­ sonal desires as I hear them encour­ aging her "Keep him until we're fin­ ished'', "lie can wait" and I still re­ main in a prison cell. It is clear that no one wants to properly initiate steps to open the doors to my freedom as the entire staff face the loss of their sex par­ ties and I am the victim of gross mis­ conduct. Every day this staff calls the woman for the sole purpose of sex, after she fills her desires and they fill theirs they agree she' ll come back tomorrow to pick me up, and again she lies ... This woman is also having sex with the inmates at the camp of OSP. Thus all these matters prevent her from filling her obligations. She has stated that if I don' t let her have her way she will keep me in this prison, and due to her posi­ tion nothing will happen to he r. She' ll just quit and I won't be re­ leased. She was given a responsibility to release me under her care. She is neglecting that duty and using her power threatening to deny me my freedom if I expose her ac­ tions. She's a professional whore and I can't be relea8ed and get over their lust for sex! Page 9 N EGATIVE THOUGHTS ANO ATTITUDES Negative thoughts and attitudes That's all I hear and see That's all I'm faced with day by day What's wrong with positivity Fancy clothes and a styled hairdo That's still alI for outward show It's what's on the inside that really counts Oh! How little people know So come off your "egotrippin" Thinking you're everything Come get high off life See what joy it can bring Oh dear Lord Please help me I pray To live life free Free day to day Not caring what people think or say As I walk with you on life's sweet/sorrow waY. Sha-lorn Shal-om L EMUEL ISRAEL I try to be brave But cannot stand the fever Malaria. Death Drops Low and Fast A misdirected bomb of phantom wings Daisy-cutters Stabbing earth-pipes protruding Five hundred pounds of molten plastic Peter looks: he sees; hears it crump; beside him, is showered with dirt will live forever, in this second of impact I was only bitten by a mosquito he was unaware the bomb was a dud the nurses, he says, are angels Though he can 't see them turns face to to the wall SONNY WILLIAMS VI ETNAM VETERAN 1967-68 FRO M DA NANG EVAC. , H OSPITAL 1968 PENPAL WANTED John Perotti #A 167712 OSP 878 Coitsville­ Hubbard Road Youngstown, . Ohio 44505 Caroll Pless #252-991 SOCF P.O. Box 45699 Lucasville, Ohio 45699 • �Page 10 STREETVIBES JULY 2001 A Thing of Beauty thanking go_d for no violence and praying that the violence gods were asleep. We entered the West End and found stunned people looking out of their apartments, then speakers just God. Here, in Cincinnati, the raggedy army of the people, last seen at Valley Forge, in Atlanta, on the way to Washington, and embracing the liberators of Berlin, marched in themselves, "Hi Dr. Sunderland, I'm Amy. I was in your grief class." The march was a thing of beauty, "Great march, Amy," I said. definitely a sacred experience for Amy replied with the truth of the those who attended. The day started day: "Yes!"; old friends clasping out with heavy rain falling and by themselves in hugs of joy, and the time Stef (my wife) and I got to stopping, one black friend Fountain Square, 11 o 'clock, a sight saying to Stef and me: "This hug mist was falling on a crowd of about of a white person by a black I 000 people. An Over the Rhine person will not be on evening Drum and cheerleader group, kids t. v.", and we laughed at the truth from 6-16, were performing as the of that insight. We wondered rain fell more heavily. The crowd who was so co mmitted to thickened as the rain increased and making violence the only story we heard the many speakers saying of the day; marching for a few the same important message, over minutes in utter siJence, as Ms. and over again: "Thank you for Leisure laid a wreath at the site turning out. Keep the faith, keep on of her son's death. Who can say marching, don't be scared off; don' t enough about this woman, this be afraid to confront the police and eloquent peace advocate, still the mayor, and don't be afraid of the standing but bowed a bit, under police." The mos t impressive the great pressure of the city, her Angela Leisure, mother of Timothy Thomas, was one of the speakers at the photo by Jerome Manigan speaker was Ms. Leisure, mother of new "friends" who have taken March for Justice on June 2, 2001. the deceased Timothy Thomas. In a her grief as the battle cry for saying their "truths," and then, like the only formation that made sense, driving rain, she lit up the crowd justice. They have added yet another the form of happy justice: the blue an exhale, it was over. with her faith in justice, her prayers burden, clearly superhuman, to a jean, the black shirt, the flag waving, I realized today that I have been of the city, and her hope that no one person, who shows every reason to marching for justice since and the flag of multicolored hope. Sadly, the politicians had fled; 1959, as an undergraduate, and this was one of the best only citizens were there, initially, as marches because I had strangers, but, w~th the cleansing learned so much about how power of the rain, the dissipation of little and how much marches the fear of violence, and the great can mean. Is there ·a better numbers of black and white heroes, community experienc~? Is it the citizens.became a One, a Force, not a form of prayer that a step in the parade of Gratitude. We touches the deepest element had teachers, now long gone, and we ·of the heart, that connects were teachers, here and now, and we with some old, perhaps will be guides, tomorrow. The city ancient rite, of striding, became a city of citizens and the together, arm in arm, hand in possibHities of connection became alive with hope. 1 hand , against the brutes, The Center for Community whomever and whatever they at Peaslee are, and irrespective of their Photography real power. The marching Neighborhood Center will exhibit an "of the people," Sandburg eclectic mix of color and bl~ck and always reminded us, Lincoln white photography by Jerome The Bucket Boys led the procession from Fountain Square to Laurel Park. . photo by Jerome Manigan knew, and every de spot Manigan , Stre~tvibes reporter/ knows as well, is a march in photographer. The exhibit opens _with a reception oli July 9 at 6 p.m. else ever has to experience what she believe the old cliche that we all memory of the elders, for the For more info contact Manigan at children of today, for the race has gone through these post two know is false, but she claims: "God unborn, and for a fading hope in a jmancoh@aol.com. doesn't give you a heavier burden to months. Following the speeches, the sun carry that you can carry." God, emerged, and a line formed with Ms. can anyone say with justice and Leisure at the center, and off we clarity how much this woman's D~ll!rr;;;r" marched in brightening sun, down ccy for peace has meant to this Vine Street to Liberty. Then in full city, how much th~s woman, sunlight, we marched to Laurel Park more than any one person, has in the West End where the "Rev. "saved" this city for another Maurice McCracken Celebration" day. A day when a step of took place amidst drums, smiles, and justice will be seen and felt in ~ the good cheer of a march that was city in a way that only those ~who knew how close to a blood · safely endured. . Stef and I were in a good place, bath we were, can come to her feeling the building ~pirit of the side and say, with some sense march, being in front with Ms. of the miracle of talking to her Leisure, and, looking back, at the in peace, in the reality of peace, thousands of black and white, old the simple words ''Thank you." and young, families and singles, and And then, with full drums, whomever wanted to join the police sirens, police bandwagon, marching in respect, helicopters blades whirlings, l chanting the traditional, "No Justice, we proceeded, arm in arm, Organizers estimate that 3,000 people of all ages and races filled Fountain No Peace," with memories of MLK. shaking hands with strangers, Square to support the March for Justice. photo by Jerome M,anigan Students corning up and identifying feeling the joy of the moment, by Steve Sunderland �. .. ' ~ STREETVIBES JULY 2001 We Called Him Mac by Brian Garry si.de. He would ALWAYS listen. He never questioned my motives or me. He had the utmost confidence in me, Deform, he and buddy gray and in my ability to discern and self­ some others went -up to Columbus examine. He always thought the best and slapped an eviction notice on of me and even if! knew my motives Gov. Voinivich's office door. They weren't on the highest level, he started carrying out the furniture. believed that they were. His Love They did this to show the effects of for me challenged me more that any cutting people off welfare. Cutting words ever could. His love for me people off welfare in the challenged me to love more deeply, government's cold and cal1ous way more sincerely, more caringly. His Page 11 orange, blue, green and red hair and wore the most "interesting" clothing. I don't think that he or Vivian l(jnebrew or Alice Lefker or Pol1y Brokaw ever even noticed. They saw the person inside me. Viv.ian introduced me to every one at the church, took me to her house, fed me, joked with me, took me under her wing, loved me. I am forever grateful for these aforementioned Living Saints. I once sat him down after church to confess that I had gotten a girl pregnant that I didn't love. All he said to me was, "Now that you've told me I don'tknow what to say." That was the only time that I saw him speechless. He knew he could not judge me even though he had the highest expectations for me on this path of living for others. I'm not perfect - far from it. But in his eyes I am perfect, complete. Created by God, and God don't make no Junk. He was the most LOVING During the night of December 30 h, 1997 Rev. Maurice Findlay Mccrackin passed peacefully into the nearer Presence of God. That next morning he had plans to protest the Death Penalty at the Federal building. The night before, a sign was made especially for ­ him that read " Killing by the State is also murder". He was 92 years old. We called him Mac. People flocked around Mac, not because he tried to have them do so but because they were drawn to him from near and far. When his eyesight was failing, I would read his mail to him. He received hundreds of letters from over the country and all over tbe world from people who felt about him the exact same way that I did. man I've ever experienced. For Mac, Love was no effort at all. They all felt that he \Vas It was his life. As a matter of their best friend. Some of ~hem were dignitaries, Brian GaITy, one of the organizers of the 2001 Mac Day Celebration in Laurel Park. fact he said that there is no way · so me were political photobyDanMarschnertoLove,LovelStheWay. There activists, many of them were caused many people to be evicted. is no way to be kind, being kind prisoners. Anyway, while he was in the jail up love and always thinking the best of is the way. He was the .HUMBLEST. there he said that of all the places meconvictedmetoalwaysdobetter. Mac 's political views were When you met.him and called.him that he.bad bee_n locked up behind }I~ wasn' t into that tough love shit. perfect. That means I agree with Rev. Mccrackin, he would say "Call bars that those cops in Columbus That's why I always felt that I could them. As he said, he came home one me Mac." He would never take the hurt him the worst. I was incensed, go to him and talk to him about Sunday and told his brother "the Preacher gave a great sermon honored seat. He said that today", and his brother replied ifhe had it to do over again, "Oh, you agreed with him did he would not become a ya?" I'm telling you about the Reverend. He thought that Mac I knew. I follow to this it separated people from people . When some day his outlook on the world ­ preferred to call him the government, the evil Reverend, he would oblige system, the wrong system of rich and poor, civil without comment. He was disobedience. Mac was in the the most humble. I never saw him personally public eye. . He put his "body offended if someone was on the line" and was arrested for ·putting his beliefs into rude or nasty. I don't think practice. There are many he even noticed at all, much people with the same political less become angry with them. I'd see people who beliefs. The difference between him or her and Mac were paid to take care of him treating him roughly was that his personal LOVE for and I'd mention it to him each individual was so strong. _ _ and say that I wanted to He was incredibly caring, he 11 report ~ soc1·al J.ust1ce, · one of the many information . . booths at Mac Day 2001 made you ~eel that you were . it. He said he hadn't The Quakers ior the most important person in noticed and that he was glad · photo by Dan Marschner ·d ' · , . . that I di n t report it. He d be rn the seized by rage. I seethed and had the world. His political stances ho spital, and you know h<;>w visions of creeping up there doing ANITHING. I talked to him about were deeply important but his ideals hospitals don't always pay the best something to those cops that hurt ALL my problems, not just the would mean nothing without his attention. to people who don't have him. I said, "Mac, I want to kill problems you think a preaclier would deep underlying outgoing love for an ~dvocate? I'd go·to the nurses them". Without the batting of an feel appropriate. He nev.er once .everyone. station to check on some information eyelash, without a millisecond of judged me. Concarning judging, he ,_....__ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ for ~nt that h~ was supposed to get or ask thought, Mac said, "Kill what they quoted George Bernard Shaw: "We 'This for this or that, but he told me do." So I've been trying to do that have been judging and punishing "please don't do that, it has to be a ever since. ever since Jesus told us not to and I persona~ relationship~ -that between He was the KINDEST. Lo, he defy anyone to make out a me and the people at the hospital". and John Henry "Be l(jnd" Simmons convincing case for believing that He didn't want me getting in even started a group called BE the world has been better than it between him and his relationship to KIND: Boosting Everyon e's would haye been if there had never ~te: $15 business c.ard siz.e them. Knowledge, Integrity, Nobility and been a judge, a prison, or a gallows C.a\\ 41--l -1S0'3 to spea" wit.h Once he was arrested in Dignity. Hewasalwaysonyourside. inallthattime."Whenlfirststarted our Advertising Manager I Columbus. During the Welfare He never even looked at the other going to his church, I had pink, 1 '5paGe Advertise in 5freefvibef).. �' I I I I . " (' ; ,/ ; " ~ • • * STREETVIBES JULY 2001 Page 12 ~* NASNA Appeal by David Mtichell My name is David Mitchell and I am a reporter for Streetvibes Newspaper which is a monthly publication put out by The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. I became inter­ ested in writing at an early age. As I got older, I realized the power of not only the spoken word but the written word as well, and that ·it is my calling. To work with my hands this thing which is good to give to those who are in need. What better thing couild I give ,them than the truth. life has really been a I • . · ' f..:_' .• .t . • • , ~ struggle but what I believe is in ~~~~~~~~·~-:s~·,:~~~:~ ~.~l:~:~~ ~ the end it will all be worth it. I .A...~·--:.... ~~·...,_ '• truly ~an t t omakea d.ffi . ~.:,!;;. ·*·~·~~~~:~t.~ 1 erence m w~.:_~~--.L.~~::;_~~::.:;';!.::i.;;..:.:..:..:._:.----------------~.....-.~;..=. people's lives. I want them to be "Georgie-e-e .. . you wani that cool !Jew missile defense system, aware of whats really going on, you 're going to have to make some room on your toy shelf." instead of them being brain­ washed by the propaganda that Mx .... · . ,. ,_.. .. if To all who wish for justice and peace in Cincinnati most of which I have been very active in, but it is not enough. . - Hello. My name is James There are many ways to Blackmon. I am 21 years old, and approach the situation at hand, but have been a resident of Cincinnati eventually I believe we must unite, if not on all fronts, at least wii:h our my entire life. I have lived in several neighborhoods, including , similarities in mind. Ignorance is too high a price to pay for peace. Delhi, Westwood , Clifton, Price Hill, Mt.Washington, North Open up your minds and hearts to Fairmount, and others. I currently what everyone els~ is saying in Cincinnati, you'll find that most of reside in Over-The-Rhine, and have what you hear is tjghteously said. lived there for three years now. I To those who sit in our city don ' t have much of a formal council,·grow up and remember that education, and I don' t come from a prestigious family, so don't expect you are there servi ng all of the residents of Cincinnati;. not just Wish List those who have large amounts of political and social influence. The Streetvibes newspaper is published monthly on a shoe-string reasons vary from councilmember budget from the offices of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for to councilmember as to why you the Homeless. We depend heavily on the goodwill of many guys aren't doin g your jobs volunteer~ and.donors. Sorne of the more pertinent needs of correctly, but it has become quite the GCCH include: clear .to me that the council has become a royal court, complete o Advertisers -Classified and unclassified with a political jester of sorts. I o Supplies fot vendor's lounge (paper towels, cream and sugar, don't understand why you can't snacks, etc.) unplug your egos from your ears and remove the government o Office and Cleaning Supplies blindfold from your eyes and see o Photography Help - film (400, 800, 1600), developing that we are suffering and hear the . cries for change. You took the jobs help, digital and/or film camera(s). that you have believing that you o Computers/components for Streewibes story-writing, could help create a better city for ' editing, research. us, yet now you are looked upon as the epitome of what is wrong with o Free standing metal or wooden shelving the city. I believe you should see that something is eerily wrong with If you can help!, contact us at: Streetvibes, do Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, that picture. I read last week's edition (June 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45210 21, 2001) of CityBeat. It essentially ph: (513) 421-7803, fax (513) 421-7813 states that mayor Luken promises e-mail~ streetvibeS@juq.o.com See Justice , continued page 19 ' by James Blackmon me to have an amazing background. for the last ten years, I've been subjected to experie ncing and seeing a multitude ofprejudices and injustices against all people, not just any one race or class. For this reason, I believe that we as human beings must focus on more than one aspectofachievingpeaceandunity. I believe that a big part of this is awareness and education, neither of which is being applied in the amounts needed for change in this city. Don' t get me wrong, there have been small bursts of activity, most of the corporate based me­ dia are pu~hing. That's why the independent media means so much to me, because it's one of the last channels that they don't control. The reason that I have written this lett~r is to.request you( help. N.A.S.N.A., the North American Street Newspaper Association, is holding its annual meeting this year in San Fransisco. I have been invited to go. The only thing that is standing in my way is my cur­ rent financial situation. You see I'm a homeless man, but I like to consider myself a sojourner. Try­ ing to make it to the promised land one step at a time. I'm fo­ e used now more than ever on ac­ complishing goals that are impor­ tant to me, like establishing my­ self. I've really been working hard to do this even with these amazing obstacles that have arisen in my path. That's why going there is so important to me, because it's where I want to be and where I should be. I've been informed that my room and board will be taken care of when I get there; all I need is a plane ticket. I really feel that this could be a positive learning experierence for me, and I could benefit a great deal. Thank You for your time and for taking this into consider­ ation. Sincerely, David Mitchell Streetvibes exists as a forum for the expression of the views and opinions ofour readers and supporters. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those ofthe Streetvibes staff or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. �STREETVIBES JULY 2001 EDITORIAL SECTION People and Morality by Jole Alfassa . Reprinted from Massachusetts' Spare Change When was the last time you caught yourself thinking something weird? I mean, all of the sudden you find yourself thinking the op­ posite of the way you used to think about a particular subject. The suc­ cess of street papers has proven that a lot of people think differently than they used to about homeless mat­ ters. For instance, a lot of people would drop change into a cup or send off a few bucks to one organi­ zation to deal with the matter. Now hundreds of thousands buy street papers from coast to coast. Shel­ ters all -over are trying to get people jobs. This is in contrast with an at­ titude that previously ex.isted for decades. As it turns out, it's for the better. Another issue is kids and mur­ der at its most macabre. Children killing each other for personal rea­ sons and inflicting terror on the people of this country. A child of how to communicate knows little I rage, and this can lead to violence or crime. That's why we try to in­ still principles and offer alternatives to our young as they grow older. Oftentimes, however, there isn't quality communication going on. Then the child has no knowledge of how to vent frustration and an­ ger. When children become excom­ municated from the support system they need, things can be dangerous. They need to unload and they need someone to blame. Too often they blame their peers, leaders and teachers. We then end up with a bloody aftermath ·that has repeated itself several times in recent history. Then come the morals of how to deal with these misguided kids. We have to decide. whether to treat them as adults or kids. What would be your choice as to how to treat a teenager? The kid might have killed a few class­ mates and a couple of teachers. Do you give the kid a few years in a kiddy prison or life in an adult prison? After all, if the chi Id was a few years older he or she might have gotten the death penalty in states that have one. Would yo~ be able to push the button on a fifteen­ year-old kid? Morality is quite the animal of personal feelings and how we em­ ploy them and work them into .our lives. The old saying "One man's trash is another man's treasure," is played out through morals, for one's morals may disgust others or scare them. While some make the art of war a profession, others would say that those people enjoy killing. And so the struggle goes on to better our society and appeal to ourselves and the world. We do it en masse and as individuals. We help as well as heal each other with our morals. Let me ask you this: Where is the morality in letting our fellow Americans die on the streets, home­ less? I have experienced this di­ lemma from both sides of the coin and it still perplexes me. Some people believe that a person who is homeless is that way because he/ she wants to be. In some cases, they may be right in that type of think­ .m g. In. most cases, ' though , do people really enjoy homelessness? There are dozens ofreasons for end­ ing up homeless. I have yet to bump into a person that grew up aspiring to be a professional homeless per­ son. Our society has tried to roman­ ticize homeless people by such methods as "Clem Kidd1ebopper" on the old Red Skelton shows. For those of you too yol!.ng to know what I'm talking about, Clem was a "hobo". He was clumsy and funny and wore a top hat and possessed a stick with a scarf on it, which was supposed to hold all his worldly possessions. ~ere was the· mo­ rality in that? I believe it was pre­ sented this way to make us feel bet­ ter about homelessness. How do you feel when you see a person dig­ ging through garbage cans for food or panhandling? Where does your morality take your mind? Homelessness should not be an American tradition; it's a tragedy! Only our morals will be able to change this situation. If you don' t like what you see, then do some­ thing about it. See you on the streets. Page 13 Parents Say the Darndest Things By Dana Terrell purpose? Then on Friday June 3rd, 2001, during a peaceful march , On Thursday May 3P1, 2001, I was reading a front-page article of there were some flyers being handed out. One had on the front the Ci!Jcinnati Enquirer: "Teens cover ''We Demand Amnesty For Had Role in a Hate Crime, All Prisoners of the Cincinnati Prosecutor Says" by Marie McCain. "A 15-year old boy whose Rebellion". (Written by a group in Columbus and Chicago). That's mother says he was 'caught up' in pure crap; those people are the moment... He (the victim) was criminals no matter how you look in the wrong place at the wrong at it. It's true, the police have been time," Ms. Montgomery said of wrong for killing the very citizens Robert Stearns, the 34 year old they swore to protect and to serve, Louisville man who was attacked, but what about those who choose dragged from his truck and beaten. to kill police officers or to support Where is Mr. Stearns' justice? How such actions in the songs they sing. fair would it be to say that Timothy They are all just as gul.lty of murder Thomas was just in the wrong place as the cops who have killed our at the wrong time, or that Officer young men . The people that Roach was "just caught up in the participated in the rioting are also moment" when he pulled the trigger criminals for breaking in and and killed Mr. Thomas? Two stealing from stores and shops that wrongs don't make a right, no had nothing to do with the shooting matter how you look at it. on April 7th . Furthermore, it is a The boy's mother, Valerie direct attack on the civilization as Montgomery of Over-The-Rhine, a whole; the killing of the police pleaded for leniency and then officers who are there to protect us apologized for her sons actions all, both black and white, Hispanic saying, "I send my apologies to him and Asian, in short , our and to his family." "I can appreciate communities. The police who did Ms. Montgomery's love for her the shootings deserve to be held children; I am a father of seven accountable for their actions, and children aQd a granddad of a 7 year so should those who chose to loot old, but she is teUing violators of and steal and assault innocent the law that it's OK to break the law, people. it's OK to pull people from their There are both good and bad vehicles and beat them up. Buffalo in life, no matter the race or Chips!" sa id Mike Smith after occupation. Once again I say that reading the article. This is appalling!" the laws are there to protect ALL its citizens and we cannot s.it idly Our laws are there to protect by and let some suffer while others the citizens of this United States of benefit from these laws. We as a America, ALL citizens ... people MUST put an end to the civilization in general. What is the hatred and the bigotry and make all purpose of it all if we allow some those take re·sponsibility for their to benefit from the laws and others are penalized by it? What's the See Parents, continued page 19 "Your herd is due for another downsizing. Should we f<O by seniority or earlv retirement?" �·Page 14 STREETVIBES JULY 2001 MAC Mac is my father, like no other man can be. He's also my mother, he touches me so gently. He speaks to me kindest words, with the most H igh Love, And often reminds me, That there are higher laws above. He treats me higher than a prince, President or king W hen I take him my problems, The TRUTH he does bring. Now, we sat down to donuts and milk, One fine s ummer 's day, Next to a church that was all painted Grey. We sat under the tree, In a cool sutnmer's breeze. Funny, that tree's name was called, heaven And as I had finished, the last drop in my cup, What do you think Mac did? He jumped up With hurting leg and all, He jumped up and did ask :. ' Let me get you some more, How 'bout another glass?' The impression of this day will always last. In my heart, His hospitaJity is so very RARE, Like a fine gem or crystal The love, in his H eart, His Empathy and Care They wrote about Mac and others I guess, When in the scriptures Jesus confessed, That the Children of God, called PeaceMakers, are BlessED. He didn't mention ' til later that we'd all be arrested. I actually hate being tortured by cops But follow ing in Mac' s steps, I got a tiny taste of what he got, Like stun-guns, broken fingers , I should ' ve expected To be beaten and kicked, Thrown down and rejected, By the World, as the WORD brings If we were of the world, we'd be treated like Kings (and Queens)., He teaches that religion means "Let Freedom Ring". And that if we don' t stand for something, we' ll fall fur anylhing. One thing I've noticed , when Mac disagrees, Is he can change one's mind, Without making enemies. How H e does this is, completely astounding ­ When I try to do this, people just get confounding. Sometimes I feel I must speak quite strongly Even if later, I find I'm wrongly. Then, I promptly admit my Error Say I'm sorry and leave myself in God's Care. Better to say something, And appear to be brash Than it is to say nothing, And let the moment pass. Mac bas a friend named Vivian They both taught me to speak, M y heart freely, to everyone, Not to be like a sheep. For, aIJ the time, I must speak my feeling, Tho' it may offend For Jes us offended many, So the Bible it contends. Mac always said, before every action, I should ask myself, What would Jesus D o? before taking the task. And tho' my words mus t sometimes cut to the quick, l should try to speak them with love. For Jesus said, be cunn ing as a snake, And gui1e1ess, as a dove. Mac, you are my strength, my guidance to the goal, Whenever I am with you, I feel, so very whole. To make a better world, leave it better than when I came M ac has always shown me, That helpin g people, should be my aim. Speak my truth with love and strength , Tho' it may hurt a few. ·1 In the end, I will be happier, And I know, you will be, too. To be honest with myself, And the people all around It's an inside job, and serving God better, That is where I'm bound. There's no other Mac. There's no doubt about that! But, truly, I'm with him even tho' we're apart. For truly, I carry him, here in my heart. He's left some indelible impressions So deep in my soul Impressions that tell me giving, and sharing, that's life's true goal. With kindness, true meekness, H un)ility and things, He speaks truth to power, Be it to presidents or kings. Whenever I have a problem, it's him I go to Seeking solace and peace Like so many others do. Only a quarter to use his rest room, Is a very cheap price. Whenever I'm over there, with Him, Eating red beans and rice. When I'm with him, he acts Like there's no one else in the U niverse. I ' most never see him get curt, angry or terse. As if no one else has troubles or cares, He is my best friend, he is always there. UN11Y The more I try to be something else The less I begin to be If I would just learn how to be myself Then life I would truly see Although people want me to be; Juse what they want me to be The bottom line is they must seek For truly I have come to learn To learn that the righteous Live and the wicked bw·n Everlasting life for you; Everlasting life for me The key to finishing thi s race · Is simple unity In the Lord we are free... lyndigoh Write to: Dear Iyndigoh at Streetvibes 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45.210 with your thoughts, teelihgs/ '6riv6ttie8 and we 'll take a ride on the Streetvibe to bring i'i · to Light WALKING FOR PEACE IN CINCINNATI Ok! My people lets tie our shoes up Get ready to walk for peace We are walking for our justice Things are about to change around here That's why we all gokon our walking gear Walking for peace in Cincinnati Every color can join we believe in equal opportunity This is going to be a peaceful demonstration Issues that the black community are facing Cincinnati we are not just talking the talk We are here to walk the walk. ANNE ANDERSON SUBMITTED BY GRADY COOK And when, perhaps maybe, there's some­ thing I need to hear, Then the truth he so gently speaks into my ear. Some think Mac's a Prophet, a Saint, a Holy Man, He is all that and more to me, and if he can do it, then we all can. BRIAN GARRY "Sanctuary - A Safe Place for All Beings" Paintings·by M ary Ann Lederer of Cincinnati Opening Reception Sunday, July 8, 2001 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Exhibit and sale through August 3 Mullane's Cafe 723 Race Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 381-1331 591- 3003 Join me in celebrating my 601h Birthday �STREETVIBES JULY 2001 The startled sight of looted chaos tear gassed into my friend's eyes hopeful before, now broken windows to the soul hang hollow, darkened and full of tarnished silver sad sorrow buckshot metal pellet blasted and imprinted with violent onlooker surprise bloody mace tears dripping from newly aged faces sagging and tom with a city reeling in an outburst of paranoid fear and undiluted anger: jaded and callous glass break rebellion against oppressive heat of city's streets paved with tears of die suffer aimless wonder grieving loss our sirens and cries of faithless prayer a mayor's call to restraint this city bums beneath the light of full moon beneath stars' light born before the ancient ruins even built like our american ancient clock towers and church spires that hang hazily in broken shattered testament to beating hatred pouring and boiling in unfocused mob rage against perceived oppressors in beamers and volks with cell phones and blonde hair now bloodied now broken and calm spoken voices Page 15 instead stayed on his feet was kissed with the lead muzzle shot of scared officers misdeed I am torn in half disgusted and relieved I don't understand but I see beat white man like me who hears in middle class corridors the burden of "if only they would behave" everything would be okay in sickened shame disgust I eye white jacketed doctor educated in ignorance asshole for his eyes and suburban pesticides in his brain with contempt while my friend bleeds from behind his ear I don't know you don' t know why these kids are fighting in the street and I don't know why some poor kid who didn' t drop Venturing the streets for answers to satisfy, justify an urge, to rest with the understanding about oblivious questions walking the streets. Questions ride the trains, with no maps Living in makeshift homes . made from natural resources of city dump, live in once-upon-a-time glamorous hotels which care for people's well fare, sleep on steam of subway grates like a Sunday barbecue BEN GILBERT SUBMITTED BY GRADY COOK DOWN AND OUT Look a man pushing his Kroger cart Another carrying a cardboard box Clothes all tom and dirty They own no keys for apartment locks This man a clean white shirt Pants with razor sharp creases Holds his head high with pride This is where the differences cease For both walk the streets at night Having no place to call their own Circumstances have befallen them That left both without a home One chooses a path to follow To write his own destiny Using resources as stepping stones Showing the spirit can be free Streetvibes helps us upward This is truly without a doubt Just because we are homeless We need not be down and out Questions roamed the piers, harboring their souls to rest gathering belongings in abandoned buildings amid recyclable material in huts, with no picture of the Last Supper. Questions hitchhike toward hope, fill gymnasiums wall-to-wall mattresses replace gym mats · live out of portable pantries groceries in brown paper bags, shelved in shopping carts. Questions find refuge, under boardwalks and parking lots tinder highways and subway tunnels Walking through the winter tunnels and die of frostbite. VIC TOR M . VELEZ This selection from "A Quest for Answers," poetry by Victor M. Velez. To purchase a copy, visit www.xlibris.com or write to AnjeLisse Arts, PO. Box 137 Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 EDNA SMITH TH E BI BLE IN and good intentions are trampled by no good revelations and hated slang sentences and the world that refuses to bow down sit down for liberal guilty white man thi s rage testifying to the lieing cheating promises of yesterday and long ago we deserve this and more A QUEST F OR A NSWERS 50 WORDS God made Adam bit Noah arked Abraham split Joseph ruled Jacob fooled Bush talked Moses balked Pharaoh plagued People walked Sea divided · Tablets guided Promise landed Saul freaked David peeked Prophets warned Jesus born God walked Love talked Anger crucified Hope died Love rose Spirit flamed Word spread God remained. AUTHOR UNKNOWN SUBMITTED BY MR. LEE Graffiti art in Over the Rhine, the NE comer of Race and 15th Street �f 'I • I I STREETVI BES J ULY 2001 Depression: The Storm Within by Mr. Lee Signs and Symptoms of Depression Is it possible MENTAL HEALTH NEWS Page 16 Extreme Racism: Mental Illness? Nearly everyone suffering from depression has pervasive feelings of sadness. In addition, depressed people may feel helpless, hopeless, and irritable. You should seek professional help if you or someone you know has had four or more of the follow in g sy mp tom s continually for more than two weeks: Noticeable change of appetite. with either significa nt weight gain or weight loss not attributable to dieting. Noticeable change in sleeping pa tte rns . s uc h as .fi tfu l sleep, inability to sleep earl y morni ng awakening, or sleeping too much. Loss of interest and pleasure in activities formerly enjoyed. Loss of energy.fatigue. Peeli ngs of inappropriate guilt. Inability to concentra te or think, indecisiveness. Recurring thoughts ofdeath or suicide, wi shin g to die, or attempti ng suicide. M elancholia (define d as overwhelming feelings of sadness and grief), accompanied by waking at least two hours Earlier than normal in the morning,feeling more depressed in the morning, a nd movin g significantly more slowly. Disturbed thinking, a symptom deve loped by some severe l y depressed persons. For example, severely de pressed pe o pl e sometimes have beliefs not based in reality about physical disease, sinfulness, or poverty. Physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomachaches. Source: "Let's Talk Facts About M e ntal Illness : Depress ion." Was hing ton , DC: Ame ric an Psychiatric Press, Inc., 1989. · that someone's racism could rise or sink to the level that meets the definition of mental illness? Thi s was the q uestion posed by the reporter on ABC's Nig htli ne, Wednesday, May 30, 200 l. Are racists seriously ill or just plain ev il ? D uring the civ il rights era of the 1960s, a group of black psychiatrists was so disturbed by racially motivated killings and other acts of violence that they sought to have extreme racism cJas­ sified as a diagnosabl e mental ill­ ness. The Ameri c.a n Psychi atric Association turned them down. Dr. Al vin Poussaint, a H arvard profes­ sor ·and one of those psychia~rjsts, says it is time to reconsider that decision. "We' ve had a seh es of racially motivated killings now - Buford FwTow in Los Angeles, Benj amin Nathaniel Smith in the Midwest, th e dragg ing de a th in Te xas ," .Poussaint says. "All these men suf­ fered from severe delusions about minorities." Poussaint argues that because these delusions were rac­ ist delusions, the men didn' t get the psychiatric help they needed, even tho ugh delusional disorder is a clearly identifiable mental illness. Instead of being viewed as ill, the attackers were seen as e vil-and untreatable. Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention Poussaint says, " if we want to do any kind of prevention, psychia­ trists have to know an believe them­ selves that this is a serious mental disorder." To that end, he says, extreme racism should be listed as an offi­ cial type of delusional disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistic al M anual of Mental Disorders, the index that mental health profession­ als use in diagnosi'ng patients. Poussaint set forth bis argument inn a recent editorial inn The New York Recovery Initiative by Mr. Lee of the Mental Health Consumer Network, Inc., a non-profit organi­ · The neat thing about writing zation fund ed by the Hamilton this article (did ( say neat?) is that I County Community Mental Health am composing this article in the Re­ Board in Cincinnati. The RI is op­ covery I nitiative (RI) Resource erated and staffed entirely by con­ Center, o n one of their five com­ sumers. RI is a sister program to puters. Located in their basement the Wannline, a program that was offi ce at 2601 Me lrose Aven ue, highlighted in the June issue of # 100. T he office is open from Streetv ibes . Incide ntally , the l 0: 30-4:00pm, Monday-Friday. . Warrnline number is (513) 931­ T he office number is (513) 221­ WARM (9276). The writer failed 8660. The program is consumer to mention that in lastmonths Men­ staffed. P eople who have experi­ tal Health News . Anyone who enced and are Jiving, recovering and needs this service can contact the working with mental illness. Warrh.lin~ 24 hours a day 365 days The Recovery Initiative is pait a year! Times. Treatment would be. the same as other types of delusional disor­ ders-intensive talk therapy to help the patient understand that all Af­ rican Americans (or Jews or Hi s­ panics) aren ' t out to get them, and possiJ:>ly anti-psychotic medication. No one argues with the goal of preventi ng racism. Whether to ap­ proach it as a mental health prob­ lem, is the question. T he Opposing View Someone may be alarmingl y racist and m~9,ta ll y ill, but racism alone doesn't. make a.person men­ tall y ill, says Dr. Daniel Borenstein, psesident-elect of the American psychiatric Association and a pro-·' fessor at the University, of Califor­ nia-Los Angeles. "Racism' per se is, I think, an extreme of a very common thing in humans, and that is prejudice ," Borenstein says. If someone has a delusional dis­ order that makes it more likely that they'll act out those racist feelings in a violent way, he says, that dis­ order should be easy enough io di­ agnose as a separate problem. Pou ss aint s ay s that .mental health professionals should be on the lookout for patients whose rac­ ist thoughts include threats of vio­ lence or fantasies of vast conspira­ cies. "People argue that it's just hatred, but the hatred is part of a delusion," he says. "It's a circul~ argument." Poussaint says it also crucial to recognize delusional racism early on. If you do, and you can help the person overcome it, you may just prevent the next day-care shooting, deadly rampage or .... ? The Cincinnati View Dr. Poussaint also argues that racism - like other human behav­ iors - exists on a continuum, and that rac ism 's extreme .forms, in which a person has racist delusions ru The offers a resource center, peer support and community edu­ cation. The resource center offers basic compute r ins truction and other technological (you know I l ove those big words) services. Consumer e-mail, internet connec­ tion, fax services, electronic hous­ ing referrals (Sophia), computer­ ized job referral system (Career In­ formation System), keyboarding skills and word processing ai·e some of the offerings of the Recovery 1ni­ tiative. These services have been provided because consumers have requested them. They assist con­ sumers in developing the skills need to function in many vocational ar­ eas (you know, jobs). Other groups such as Vulcan that can lead to violence, should be considered a seriou s mental ill­ ness . .. if you live and or work in an atmosphere that promotes or is permeated with an atmosphere of racist view. Fuel by fear ignorance and negati ve contact, i.e. if you are constantly in adversa.rial relation­ ship with people of another race, what can be the long term maybe permanent affect of that contact? What is particularly disturbing about this topic is that it is obvious to many observers that m uch is wrong and there are probably many who meet the test of being highly prejudice or mentally ·m. , At the Rally for Peace held on Fountain Square Saturday, June 2nd, a J;lJG!O haqdyd gie a f\yer_that sa id: Wa nted: COP Sl'EP;!f~N ROACH. With a picture of a man, swastika on his cap, vampire teeth with blood(?) dripping from his mo uth . The captio n below the drawing: FOR RACIST MURDER DO NOT TRY TO APPREHEND ALONE, ORGANIZE MILLIONS FOR COMMUNIST REVOLUTION Are we talking about a scared cop, in a dangerous situation, prob­ ably infl uenced by racial prejudice .and legiti!TI.ate fear, acquire while working in a racist institution. An officer who spends most of his time chasing people of color for mostly ininor crimes OR the encourage­ ment of our most awful fears for po­ litical purposes? Stephen Roach was by most accounts a good po­ lice officer. A man who obviously made a deadly mistake. At the least we know that racism is alive and well in Cincinnati. The perfor­ mance and of the Cincinnati CAN committee and the current and fu­ ture events that gi ve cause to con­ sider rac ial factors need to · be closely monitored. Cincinnati, the whole world is watching. Forge (Art's Group) operate under the umbrella of the Recovery Ini­ tiative. *Sophia (Social Service Online Personal Helper and Information Assistant) is also available through the Recovery Initiative.,This service is a computerized listing of social service providers in the greater Cin­ cinnati .area with 590 providers listed. This service can be used to locate agencies that provide ser­ vices in the areas of advocacy. case management; counseling, crisis in­ tervention, food , meals, shelters, health ca.re, home care, housing, mental health, clothing, substance abuse, support groups, etc. See Initiative, continued page I 9 �Page 17 STREETVI BES J U LY.2001 How Now, Mad Cow By Susan Huesken You may be thinking that since there have been no known cases of Mad Cow disease confirmed in the United States that this problem is of no real concern to you . Think again! Many peopl e in European cou ntries thought the same thing when the Mad Cow epidemic struck in E ngland. They were very smug and thought that their beef was also "safe '', but now a total o f 14 countries has confirmed cases of Mad Cow Disease.. Mad Cow and Related Diseases Mad Cow Disease, also know as Bovine Spongiform Encephalapathy (BSE) , affects cattle and is one of several types of Tran smis sible Spongiform ~ncephalapathies (TSEs). These TSEs caus~ a disease that attack and destroy the central nervous system and cause holes, or vacuoles, in the brain. No one knows precisely how the TSE agent infects an orgarusm, but on ce it takes h old it is unstoppable. All of the TSEs are fatal and believed to be caused by "prions," normal protein molecules that become infectious when folded into abnormal shapes. The TSE disease affecting sheep is called "scrapie"; in deer and elk it is calJed " Chronic Wasting Di sease" (CWD ) . In humans it is called "Kuru - caused by cannibalism of the human brain and spinal area, "Creutzfeld-Jakob disease" (CJD) - when it arises in the population sporadicall y and variant (vCJD) - when a human is infected from a cow with BSE. In humans, the vCJD symptoms start with iU-te mpered behav ior (l ike my husband), hallucinations, eve~tual less of balance, motor control, and speech; it also causes incontinence and inability to eat, uncontrolled j erking movements, with eventual paralysi$, coma and ultimately death . Eatin g ti ssue from the brain, spinal cord and possi bly oth er organs of an infected animal has been identified as a definite source of infection of TSE; also children who were injected with Human Growth Hormone from the pituitary glands harvested from dead humans have also contracted it. Gardeners have contracted it by possible exposure to bone meal powder. It can also be passed from mother to fetus an.d can pass from a bull to cow through sperm. It has been contracted through contaminated surgical instruments. Other possibl e mode s of transmission of TSE are through blood. The incubation period for TSE is 4-7 years in cows, and it can be 10-30 years before .symptoms appear in humans. These prions are very, very difficult to destroy! The human immune system is unable to target them as foreign invaders since they chemically match the brain's own proteins. They are unaffected by radiation; you can freeze, boil, or soa k · them in formaldehyde, carbolic acid, or chloroform, and many prions will emerge no less deadly than they were. _ The English government has killed around 4.5 million cattle thus fa r, a nd in cin e rated th e m at te mpe ra tu res of 1100 degrees centigrade. The resulting ash is still considered infectious. BSE and Mad Cow Appears in Britain In 1986, a pathologist di scov ered tha t 9 cows on an English dairy farm died from a disease variation of scrapie. It was then realized that the practice of grinding up sheep and cows and then using this as feed fo r other sheep and cows was causing this disease. When the number of infected cows continued to rise, the British government, in 1988, mandated the destruction of the stiicken cows and halted the use of co w, sheep and other ruminant animals in its cattle feed. But beef by-products continued to be used in pig and chicken feed, which proved impossible to segregate fro m·cattle feed on farms and in factories. Meanwhile, the British people continued to eat as much beef as ever and the British government dismissed concerns from scientists abou t the food supply; but, there were soon clear signs th at BSE could spread beyond cattle. The disease started cropping up in zoo animals and domestic cats, which were receiving beef by-products in th eir feed. Then every thin g changed in 1995, when the firs t human victims appeared. In 1996 Britain 's H ealth Secretary went before Congress to announce that BSE had spawned a new human disease a variant of CJD called vCJD. The oldest victim was 39. Five were in there 20's; three were teenagers and they w e re from areas scatt.e red throughout Britain. The British newspaper, the Guardian, lamented in an editorial " The Roast Beef of Old England is a fetish, a household god, which has suddenly been revealed as a Trojan horse for our destruction." After dithering for a decade, gove rnments in the United Kingdom and E urope have 1.ately unknown reasons become too 1ame taken bold steps to control BSE. or too ill to stand on their feet, and On ly when England banned the they coll a pse; they a re ca ll ed " downed" cows . Dr. Ri c hard feedin g of all a nim als to fa rm animals did they slow down Mad Marsh, a veterinari an and TSE researcher beLieved that there is a Cow disease. All brain, spinal cord, form of BSE in the United States and organ material is also excluded ' from consumers, and no meat is that manifests itself as a "downed served on the bone any longer. cow" disease instead of as "mad Unfortunately, however, for 11 cow" disease. He based this years ·after the first cows died of conclusion on several outbreaks of BSE, British exporters continued to mink TSE, in which the minks were ship the remains of ESE-infected fed a diet of mainly "downed cow". cows all ov.er the world . Cattle Downer cows, by law, are not feed, potentially tainted, reached allowed in the food supply without m ore tha n 80 countries. And first being cleared by a veterinarian, millions of people, not only in but most e nter th e fo od c hain Europe but also throughout Russia through the rendering process. If and South~ as t Asia, have eaten ~ e ven a tiny percentage of these cattle that were raised on it. From cows are fallin g vi ctim to an 1988 to 1996, Asian nations alone undiscovered American version of bought nearly a million tons. BSE, this could have implications on a grand scale. So far the human variant of Scientists beli e ve that all Mad Cow disease bas claimed 94 lives worldwide. Newsweek reports mammal s that acquire TSE, that while it's possible that the includin g human s , can do so worst is behind us, sporadically, from no apparent it 's also cause. If animals acquire TSE at the human rate of 1 per mi11ion, concei vable that approximately 100 US cows could tens of thousand of Britons and poss ibly develop BSE millions of people spontaneously each year. If those worldwide - are cattle are mixed in the food supply, still sile ntly it could infect a large amount of inc uba ting th e people. But detecting these isolated disease. cases in cattle is extt·eniely hard Another risk for BSE to the U.S. Mad Cow Risk meat suppl y can occur when a F a ctors, In the pneumatic stun gun is used to make U.S. the cow unconscious, before her In 1997, the U.S. Food and throat is cut. This stun gun injects Drug Administ.ratjon passed a law air, under high pressure to the cow's prohib iting the feeding of cattle skull, its use can contaminate other parts back to beef and dairy cattle; parts of the carcass with brain and however, the FD A legislation can also crack the cow's skull, allowed the feeding of rendered causing the brain to leak out. And (the process by which animal-by­ the force of the gun is such that it products, such as meat, bone and can blow the pieces of brain into fat are melted down and separated) the bloodstream where it can be pigs, horses and chickens back to carried to the lun g and li ver. cattle. The rendered products of Vete rin ari an Ta m G arl a nd , a sheep and cows' carcasses are still research associate at Texas A & M, being used as fee d for hogs, has recovered chunks of brain as chickens and other farm animals. large as 6 inches across in the lungs This practice has been forbidden in of slaughtered cows. Canadian Europe since 1996, when it became researchers have spotted pieces of clear that pig and chicken feed was brain about 2 Y2inches wide, lodged finding its way into cows and sheep. in cow livers. Heart, liver, and other The scientific journal Nature "variety meats" are added to hot fo und that TSE from one species dogs, sausages, and canned or could be carried by another species bottled meat products such as chili without making the carrier sick, and and spaghetti. concluded that th ese res ults strongly favored a decision to stop High Risk Tissue feeding ruminant-derived protefo to The U.S. still allows the sale all species, in particular, domestic of high-risk tissue, which could animal s rai sed for meat carry disease. There is also no consumption. Many scientists regulation that mandates that the believe that as long as any rendered spinal cor~ be removed before animal prot,eins are fed to food carcasses are processed. Unless animals, there will be the possibility spinal cords are removed, that a new prion epidemic will "mechanically separated meat," endanger humans. which the government describes as There is another food safety "a paste and batte r like meat issue in the U.S. that is not being product produced by forcing bones addressed. It is estimated that every with attached edible meat, under year, l 00,000 dairy cows , for See Cow, continued page 18 �STREETVIBES JULY 2001 Cow, from page 17 high pressure, through a sieve", can be contaminated with bits of central nervous system tissue. An American hot dog can co n ~ain up to 20% mechanically separated meat, and lunch meats and hamburger can also contain meat that is mechanically separated. The March 12, 2001 Newsweek reports studies showing that prions are more likely to show up in meat torn from a cow's spinal column than say a rump roast. European health agencies beli_eve the greatest risk comes from burgers, sausages and meat still attached to the bone, such as T-bone steaks. Confirmed TSE in the U.S. U.S. agencies have confirmed cases of TSE infecting and killing animals in this country. Thus far, Mt. Airy, from page 1 edgments, the Hamilton County De­ partment ofHuman Services is con­ tinuing to look for a third party to take over the administration of the program. Homeless advocates are working to insure that Mt. Airy will A TASTE OF...CINCINNATI Come on down everyone! Bring the wife and son! Have some fun in the sun Get a taste of ... Cincinnati! Over-the-Rhine, still run down 01' West End being torn down Not your worry, have some fun Get a taste of ... Cincinnati! Page 18 deer, elk, mink and sheep have been reported as affected. Thirty-nine states have co nfirme d cases of scrapie . Many state wi ldlife agencies are requesting hunters to remove the heads of the large game and send it to the state for testing. In Colorado in 1998, five percent of the animals tested had TSE. In 1999, Wyoming found 15% of its deer had TSE. Montana has destroyed a herd of elk because of the disease. In a CBS evening news special on Mad Cow disease, it was reported that a hun ter con tracted a nd eventually died from eating a deer infected with TSE; another hunter was notified, after a long period of time, that the animal that he sent for testing, had tested positive (but he and his family had already eaten the meat). For hunters, and others who eat wild game, ·this TSE issue should be a real concern! As long as livestock-to-livestock feeding continues, the possibility of spongiform epide mic will remain. Eating meat will always carry health risks. Livestock producers can do little to reduce meat's link to heart disease, cancer and obesity but they can reduce and possibly eliminate the risk of a spongiform disease epidemic. But even jf a blanket livestock­ to-livestock feed ban is never passed in the U. S. like it has in Europe, Ameri cans can sti ll protect themselves from the possibility of contraction a BSE-related disease. While it may never be possible to know the prio.n status of meat, it is definitely possible to abstain from eati ng m e at in the first place. Cincinnati WLW talk show host, Bill be preserved as a county-run shel­ ter. Pat Clifford, Co-Chair of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and Coordinator of the Drop Inn Center, explained during a recent meeting with the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners the importance of retaining Mt. Airy as mains open to all, Hamilton County a county run facility. The Greater needs to continue to run the shelter. Cincinnati Coalition for the Home­ Additionally, Mr. Clifford stressed less believes that in order to insure the importance of providing services that services provided by the shelter for all of Hamilton County's resi­ are preserved, and that access re­ dents - including homeless men. A White justice to save the day, Not our worry, come on down Get a taste of ...Cincinnati. Fangeman acting Like he's the One. James Brown here Mayor Luken definitely on some kind of lark Just a soulful taste of.... Cincinnati. not having fun, Still just a taste of ...Cincinnati. Thirteen year olds Anger, confusion and hurt about to be slammed rule the day By a justice system Community leaders(?), many have damned. no loss for words to say, Lives lost, others' ruined The Negro Tour Guide Just a tastes of... Cincinnati. in CityBeat is okay I know I want my taste of...Cincinnati. Equal justice for some, not all , Security following you in the mall. Cincinnati police. standing tall, Just a taste of...Cincinnati. Black and Brown with White Rose in Washington Park Whites from out of town/ brown beer/ drunk before dark, Do you want a self-motivated, low-pressure job? Singleton f1!ing words like a loose gun, Boshers, has become a vegetarian because of Mad Cow disease. You may think this reaction a little extreme, but he feels that we are at risk in this country and this is a way to cut down his risk. In the last month I have seen TV specials and have listened to many radio talk show~ devoted to this 'Mad Cow" issue. People are really concerned, as they should be. Becoming a vegetarian will definitely reduce your "Mad Cow " risk. I would prefer that people become a vegetarian for the numerous benefits it has for o ur health, environment and the animals. But if Mad Cow disease is what it takes for them to change their diet, I am sure they will eventually discover all the other wonderful benefits that a vegetarian diet can bring! 'bye Timmy, You don't have to run anymore. It's going to be okay. We miss you. Not because of who you were, but because of who and what you could have been. MR. Sell Streetvibes! · The monthly newspaper with news from the street: homelessness, poor people's issues, poetry, prose, and articles with their feet on the ground. Vendors buy the paper for 20 cents and sell it for a $1 donation. First 10 copies fr,e to new vendors! Come in today to sign up! The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 (Sll) 421-7803 L EE SUPPORT TH£ GR£AT£R CINCINNATI COALITION FOR TH£ HOM£L£SS AT WILD OATS MARKET 5% DAYI .. --,~!", ­- -. ·- . ' TH£ -WILD OATS MARKET AT ROOKWOOD COMMONS Will DONAT£ 5% OF TH£ DAY'S N£T PROC££DS TO TH£ GCCH ON · AUGUST 8, 10011 SHOP AT WILD OATS MARKET AND DO­ NAT£ TO TH£ GCCHI WILD OATS MARKET ROOKWOOD COMMONS 1693 £DM9NDSON RD CINCINNATI, OHIO 45109 FOR MOR£ INFORMATION, CONTACT TH£ GCCH AT C,13) 411-7803. �'' Page 19 STREETVIBES JULY 2001 Calendar of Events Streetvibes has a monthly calendar of events to keep you informed of happenings around the Greater Cincinnati area. Pl ease contact us if you have an item to list. Any submission is welcome: local community council meetings, social justice forums, protests, community festivals, art shows, etc. Pleasy call 421-7803, fax to 42 1-7813 or email streetvibes@juno.com to list an event. July 1 EarthSave Dining Out, 6:00 p.m. at a restaurant to be determined. Call EarthSave at 929- 2500 or Mary Ann ,.Lederer at 591-3003 for more information. 7 Community Activist "Blea Market" 12:30 - 4:30 p.m., Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church, 103 William Howard Taft Road.. Shop, swap or sel1 information and merchandise from local social service agencies. All or welcome. Cost is $10 for an organizati0n to have a table at the event. Contact Georgine at 28 J -1104 or email Getty-fu nkrat@att.net. 12- 13 Bill Schultz Lunebeon at the World Affajrs Council, 432 Walnut Street. For more information, contact Shannon Radford, Program Coordinator, at 621-2320. 16 Over the Rhine Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting, 12: 15 p.m. at the Contact Center. Call 381­ 4242 for more information. 18 Greater Cjncinnati Alliance for Democracy meeting, 7:30 pm, 01d St. George Church, 42 Calhoun Street. For more information, call 542-0958 or 662-3712. 19 Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless General Body Meeting, 1:30 p.m. in the McCtackin Room at the Drop Inn Center. CaII 421-7803 for more inforrnat ion. 21 EarthSave Vegetarian Pot Luck Dinner, 6:00 p.m. at St. John's Unitarian Church, 320 Resor. For more infor mation, call EarthSave at 929-2500 or call Mary Ann Lederer 591-3003. . View, from page 1 etc. we began the day by heading for the "spot". Generally on the walk to the spot you will run into something. "You see one who walks will always walk upon somethi ng." In the search for the first lick of the day some small article usually comes along, such as, you run into someone you know who has a start. Usually it's alcohol, the first drink of the day. Every street person has to have that fuel to give them that start. So you come across your first beer in the morning and it tends to expand your view, gets your wheels turning. By the time you arrive at the spot where you expect to find your "cats" you have thought of sevei:_al different ways to come up with some money. So you start to effect moves. For most of the street people the first move is usually shady. Something illegal, or at best sly. An. easy theft is generally the first move. Find something to sell or barter for. You may net ten to fifteen dolJars. Since most street people are addicted or dependent on some sort of drug this first money is used to cope. That first hit in the morning (the wake up c·a n)setsthetempofortheday. Most of the day is spent Just sitting around kicking the breeze with your cats, constantly scheming on the next move - keeping that keen eye for the next lick or a possible mark. A lot of this time is spent indulging in alcohol. "Got to get my drink on". Throughout the day licks come in spurts. You pick up a few dollars here, a few dollars there. Each dollar made is usually spent before.you get it. On an average day the street person will spend fifty to seventy dollars on drug s and alcohol, unmindful of the waste. During this run you come across every conceivable scenario that the street presents: sexual acts, violence, the whole nine. In the life of the street every thing is as possibl e as the imagination can conjure. Every conceivable act is a reality and can be indulged in. A life that ~s always on the verge of insanity believing that this whole thing is sane, a Jife so real yet so unreal. Still we have to separate the street people into certain types. There are those who are in the street who are in a different world then the street person I generally I talk about. Although practically all people of the street are homeless, not all street people are in the )jfe. We need to distinguish between the two. There are those who are in the street, who cannot help themselves, usually they have some mental deficiency or are homeless due to some financial problem. These street people are not counted amongst the characters that grace the fast lane. Most often this g ro up is honest and only need someone who cares. Yet, all street people are in need of the society as a whole. There are those who need just some financial stability and · those who need some social training. They are all a . part of our great society and need to be included into the social endeavors, whkh effect all of us. See Justice , from page 12 some reason? You won ' t through several communities and that drastic change is corning to acknowledge anyone in council organizations, with one united. Cincinnati, just not now. To me, it meetings anymore. Maybe you're mission to achieve equality, seems that now is the perfect time scared of the power that we would freedom, and justice for all. I feel for it. What are we supposed to do, possess if we combine as one. that without this very fundamental wait until the election so that you can We cannot and will not stand for ideal, whatever advancements we hype our h eads up with more anymore ignorance from our 1ocal, have made will eventually degrade propaganda fi lled with e mpty state, or national government. Tlie into nothing. I don't think any of us promises and more u n'fi n ishe d t. changes musts tart now. We all must can afford to not use this oppof!unity. projects? Are you guys scared for .. come together as one race linked Parents, from page 13 actions. Point blank, if you can't do the time then don't do the crime. When is this senseless abuse of our neighbors and neighborhoods going to stop? We shDuld ALL quit concentrating on race and begin concentrating on class. After all, Jesus Christ died for everyone, not just for one or two groups of people. Even he dealt with ~nd spoke to a Samaritan woman, the "lower" people by the Jews standards. Can we not do the same ourselves, or are we all too caught up in ourselves to care.? That's my 2 cents worth. Initiative, from page 16 A most popular feature of this service is the Rapid Housing Search. This feature provides a listing oflow cost housing in the greater Cincin­ nati area. This search can be quali­ fied by area or location desired, type of housing, maximum amount of rent, number of bedrooms ahd bath­ rooms, section 8, pets, buslines, etc. prior to producing a customized list­ ing of vacancies under this criteria. Thfa report can then be printed and mailed. Consumers (mental health services) can request this informa­ tion over the. telephone without the need for a visit to the Recovery Ini­ tiative. This service like all other Recov­ ery Initiative services are provided at no cost to the consumer. *SOPHIA is a software product created by Caracole, a local group serving the housing needs of persons with AJDS. Carocole is a member of the Coalition for the Homeless. Information on this system can be obtained by contacting Carocole at 761-1480. The Recovery Ini tiative Re­ source Center is a well-kept secret. The variety of services available and the quiet, intim~te atmosphere, sup­ ported by courteous and friendly staff creates the quality of atmo­ sphere and the ambiance (don't you just bate me) that is critical for the needs of the diverse dientele they serve and the special needs and is­ sues they bring in the door. The staff has the unique ability to meet the difficult client with grace and pa­ tience, where 1 might be tempted to use baseball bat therapy. Often, the service needed is just a few minutes of time with a sym­ pathetic listener who has been there. I think they call it peer support. What ever they call it, the staff at the Re­ covery Initiative does it well. Anyone wishin g to volunteer resources to the Recovery Initiative may contact Fred Zimmerman, Ex­ ecutive Director of the M en tal Health Consumer Network, Inc. at (513) 221-7755 or the staff at the Resource Center at (513) 221 -8660. ·Streefvibes: A proud member of the North Americ.an "btrut Ne\t.lspape.r Assoc.iation ~presenting So st~ut ne\tl&papers throughout the United ·'f>tates and t:anada "'"'"'. spea~eas1.or.gln~sna �Need Help.-or Want to·Help? If for some reason you find yourself homeless. contact a Coalition Member Agency for Shelter, Treatment, Housing or Se.-vices. U you have any questions, feel free to call the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. "iOUSIN(i: CMHA Excel Development Miami Purchase 721-4580 632-7149 241-0504 OTR Housing Network 369-0004 IBEATMENI: Men Charlie's 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Over 784-1853 921-1613 751-3260 820-2947 861 -9966 381-6660 ' 684-7956 859-491-4435 859-559-5011 421-2437 591-2246 961-0600 Community Action Agency ~Hl;~TER: Both Caracole (AIDS) 761-1480 Chabad House 821-5650 Friars Club 381-5432 Drop Inn Ceoter(Singles) 721-0643 Haven House (Hamilton) 863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality Ntwk 471 -1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teens) 961-4080 St. John's Temp Housing 651-6446 ReSTOC Tender Mercies Tom Geiger House 381-1171 639-7056 961-4555 TREATMENT:_Wgmen O.D.A.A.T First Step Home 221-6937 961-4663 ROHS HARDWARE Aeros ol Insect Killers • .38 •tRM .. --~.-.~ -.\.. )\)~~~ 16" Oscillating White Stand Fan >..~+o ·~ *7" Bronze Citronella lantern Wtth Hook 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Emanuel Comm. Center 241-2563 Freestore/Foodbank 241-1064 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 G.C. Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 Hamilton Co. Mental Health Board 621-7149 Hamilton Co. TB Control 632-7186 Health Resource Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van 352-2902 House of Refuge Mission 221-3619 241-9400 Legal Aid Society Madisonville Ed, & 271-5501 Assistance Center Mary Magdalen House 721 -:.4811 Oral Health Council 621-0248 621-6364 Our Daily Bread 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 859-572-6226 VA Homeless Program 859-491-3335 Women's Crisis Center 872-9259 Women Helping Women Thank you for your support. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2001 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource July 2001 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Mt. Airy Shelter to Remain open Pg 2: Time to Say Goodbye Pg 3: Cincinnati’s Conspiracy Speech Read at City Hall Pg 4: The Cold Within Pg 5: Paxton Sings for the Environment and Cincinnati’s Homeless Pg 6: National News Pg 7: All I Want for Christmas is… Pg 8: Prisoners’ News Pg 9: A Modern Day Slave Pg 10: A Thing of Beauty Pg 11: We Called Him Mac Pg 12: Editorials Pg 13: People and Morality Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 16: Extreme Racism: Mental Illness? Pg 17: How Now, Mad Cow? Pg 18: Cow Continued Mt. Airy Continued Pg 19: View Continued Justice Continued Parents Continued Initiative Continued Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource July 2001 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Alicia Beck Susan Knight Dan Marschner Mary A. Gaffney Mary Taylor Molly Lyons Sonny Williams H. Lee Bowen David Mitchell Dana Terrell Pam Johnson James Blackmon Iyndigoh Edna Smith Susan Hucsken Anne Anderson Ronald Leroy English Kim Renay Dumas Tuqman Bahir Taqwuim Riccardo Taylor Mr. Lee Brian Garry John Perotti Victor M. Velez Lemuel Israel Ben Gilbert Steve Sunderland Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Alicia Beck Anne Anderson Arts & Poetry Ben Gilbert Brian Garry Christmas Cincinnati City Hall Dan Marschner Dana Terrell David Mitchell Editorials Edna Smith H. Lee Bowen James Blackmon Iyndigoh John Perotti Kim Renay Dumas Lemuel Israel Mary A. Gaffney Mary Taylor mental illness Molly Lyons Mr. Lee Mt. Airy Mt. Airy Shelter NASNA National News Pam Johnson prisoners news Racism Riccardo Taylor Ronald Leroy English Sonny Williams Steve Sunderland Susan Hucsken Susan Knight Tuqman Bahir Taqwuim Victor M. Velez Women https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/ae268c9a14166a885a49f160b2d82104.pdf 5f571e25dd48e53bf6695f2f3efea0fc PDF Text Text $1 Donation ST tEET IBE5 THE -S ATE'S HO £L£SS 6RAP£VINE BuY FROM BAD6£D \fENDORS ONLl' AUGUST 2001 , f ~ GREATER CINCINNATl COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS �E'l JGji L ~. . . };L . -----------------~--R· AU6UST2001 --------.....----------­ Street View STANDDQWN, An Urban Oasis By Riccardo M. Taylor By. Alicia Beck Taking a walk down the lanes of "the life" we encounter the usual scenario. People, sleeping on the streets, shouting obscenities, wearing angry faces, looking hopeless. Not seeming to have any place to go or to be. Wasting away the day in the grips of some type of suppressant or other escape valve which allows them to get past the misery which is their own lives. Counting the time in amounts of how much one can consume in a session of drinking. Waiting for the next round of confusion, giving one's all to be counted in the chaos. Help comes in many forms. For the homeless, help may be a new blanket, a warm coat, or help may be the case manager or the chance to move into a new apartment. Providers discuss service options with clients at Standdown Often times, however, to receive these many different services, homeless men and women must travel to a dozen different locations across our city. The prospect of spending one's day forgiqg the way through the urban l{lldsc~pe to make an appointment, -0nly to be required to come back at a later time, c~n be tiring, costly, This is the way of the and time consuming. Frustration everyday life, in which most of the can set in as you are told that you street people fin.d themselves. l)ay do not have the correct in day out the same scenario, never documentation, the correct seeming to change or to get better. appointment time, or you don' t So common that one believes that qualify for services. this is how it's supposed to be. A life without hopes for change, living from day to day, days without hope or dreams. Ah, so this is the view from the street, one which is instilled in the sight of If you turned on your radfo the street person. A seemingly never ending catch all of confusion or your television during the month of July, you probably heard and problems. Where every facet advertisers chattering about of life brings back the misery Christmas in July. Smooth voices which repeats itself at every turn. booming from the speakers, Watching the days begin as they promising no payments until 2002 end. Living a sense of hopeless on a new washer and dryer. Or despair. Longing for yesteryear perhaps they enticed you with a when things were normal. These guarantee of Christmas time interactions are a constant happiness jf you purchased a new reminder of where one wants to vacuum cleaner at a drastically be. Trying to find the way back to reduced price. a sense of the normal world. A As echoes of Christmas in world in which everyday events July bounce through the airwaves, lead to a sense of tranquillity, or at our city's homeless continues to least comfort. In order to wonder- Where's our Christmas in understand the effect of these July? Alicia Beck, Director of the things one must first understand Greater Cincinnati Coalition for what it is like to live on the street when all you have is your wits and the Homeless, says that agencies serving the homeless experience a drastic decrease in the numbers of volunteers and donations during Continued on page 3 Free haircuts are provided to clients at Stand.down On September 20, the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is sponsoring the 2001 Standdown, an annual event connecting the homeless of our community with medical services, housing providers, social services, job services, and veteran's services. Homeless individuals will have the opportunity to access dozens of needed services in Washington Park during the one­ day event. Standdown has taken on different shapes over its long history, from a one-day event in Washington Park to multiple day events in other regional parks, but the integrity of the event has remained the same. Standdown continues to provide a fertile opportunity for the homeless to make appointments, c0mplete applications, and receive referrals without the frustrations of running all across the city. Cover Story - Shelters face lean Standdown started over 10 years ago as an event aimed at engaging homeless veterans and connecting them with services of all kinds. Standdown comes from a military term used to indicate a time of regrouping. Over the years, it has grown to address the needs of all of our city's homeless, but maintains its roots in service to veterans with special access to veteran's services. This year's Standdown will be a one-day event that includes both services to veterans, as well as the rest of the homeless population. If you would like to donate to the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless to help with the costs of Standdown, including supplies, lunch, and equipment, please mail your check made out to GCCH to 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45210. Medical services at Standdown and the holidays, most people really have the giving spirit. But during the spr~ng we have to ration out supplies just to get through the summer." During the summer, schools and churches that normally provide volunteers and food drives are on breaks. "If groups could come together during the summer months, especially while school is out, we could really use the assistance to run our programs," says Hutzel. times during summer months Street View... the summer months. Beck states, "People are very generous during winter months and for this agencies are extremely grateful. But unfortunately, homelessness doesn't retreat with the winter winds. Cincinnatians experience homelessness all year long." Many shelters and feeding programs in Cincinnati worry about the summer months because donations and food drives drop dramatically. The same agencies that experienced overwhelming generosity during the holidays, may look forward to meager summer months, Beck explained. Andy Hutzel of the Drop Inn Center in Over-the-Rhine states that "90% of our monetary and non-monetary donations occur between the fall and winter months. With the cold weather Inside Streetvibes NCH News Reader 1\·1ail Local News Civil Rights Recovery Ne·ws Prisoners News iV1ental Health Feature Section Editorial Page Art & Poetrv " Page 2 Page4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page9 Page 10 Page 12 Page 14 GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS �F~·:::l'~•r·.:r.,.·, STREE T VIB ES Aug ust 2001 . The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Streetvibes, the Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine, is a newspa­ per written by, for, and about homelessness, social justice, and poverty-related issues. It is published once a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Becoming a Streetvibes Vendar is a great way for home­ less and other low-income people to get back on (or stay on) their feet. Streetvibes Vendors are given an orientation and sign a cooe of conduq before being given a Streetvibes :Vendor badge. The Greater Cinciiiliati · Coalitionfor the Honi~iess is a group of shelters, agencies and individuals committed lo ·ending • homelessness Cincinnati through coordinating services, educating the public and grassroots organizing. · in GCCHStaft' Alida Beck Executive Director Susan Knight '· Administrative Goordinator Mary Gaffney Receptionist M~ Taylor Receptionist Molly Lyons Americorps* Vista JMD-~ ..._._ ~_ . ...;::::--·..-~-~ ...- · -. --·. ~ Keeping the best as new Editor community as a place for real alternative news reporting. Even the technology for producing the paper has changed and improved. The vendor base bas grown considerably with many people using the program to assist them in finding their way out of desperate situations. Much of the mainstream local media now recognizes Streetvibes as a force of its own. I never would have thought that Streetvjbes would rise to this level after its very After a lengthy absence, humble beg~nnings five years ago. August will mark my return as Streetvibes Editor. I left the It is amazing to see this growth, in Greater Cincinnati Coalition for Streetvibes and the Greater the Hom'efess nearly two'years · Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. I have some big shoes ago to pursue oilier projects and I have found on my retu~· a lot of to fill as the new editor. new faces 'atid lot of changes'. There -is an inclination for including the look and quality of · s0meone just starting.to have grand ideas of what a·thing should Streetvibes. It's exciting to come be and what should be changed or back to all of these positive changes and new challenge~. made "better." .I bri'ng my own personal experience and ideas into Streetvibes has grown in size and this mix but I hope to k:eep intact · circulation. More eolor pages all of the good things that · have been added. There is more diversity and the quality of.the Streetvibes has·become. I don' t ' writing is much better. In have big plans for major changes. addition, the paper has taken on Many people have worked hard an identity all its own, recogillzed over the years to bring.Streetvibes to where it is today and I will . by many in the activist a ~Visfa · Senny Williams Prison News Editor H. Lee Bowen Recovery Editor . _Mental Realth Editor . ~-,,,,.- Streehibes Staff Jimmy Heath Editor TBA Vendor Support Solll)y Williams Ptison News Editor H. \,ee Bowen Recovery, Mental Health Editor. Writers Alicia Beck Riccardo ·T aylor Kim Renay Dumas Mr. Lee Jinm)y Heath Molly Lyons John Halpin Pbotomtpheis Jill'lllly Heath • HenryBryant Streetvibes accepts letters, poems, stories, essays, original graphics, photos.... We will give prefer~ ence to those who are homeless or vendors. Subscriptions to Streetvibes can be purchased for $15 per year. c/o Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 (513) 421-7803 fax (513) 421-7813; e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com web page: http://cinci.comlgcc;h News From the National Coali.tio~ __ .,. P age 2 respect their hard work. I realize too that I'll never be able to do this work alone. I'll continue to depend on all kinds of input to guide Streetvibes towards excellence. I hope that under my watchful eye, and with the help of our many contributors and volunteers, we will continue to develop and improve the paper for our vendors and readers. This could mean a lot of things; encouraging stories that are compelling for our readership, creating more access to writing opportunities for our vendors and just keeping Streetvibes clean and honest. I hope to bring more photographs and other art into the paper, including work by local youth. The next few months will determine how I will measure up to all of these tasks and how well I can carry on this tradition. Let me know ,h o.w you think we are doing. Write ·or call me and tell me what you would like to see or made improved. Streetvibes will continue to offer.news that you won' t find 'i n the mainstream m~ia. )~the meai;itime I'll contiriue"i9 carcy on the tradition of those who have worked so hard to make Streetvibes what it is today. ~';it~ for t~e Homeless, Wash. DC Section 8 Downpayment Assistance Regulation Proposed See Federal Register, 6-13-01, pp. 32197-202, or www.hudclips.org. Contact Gerald J. Benoit, HUD, 202-708-0477. HUD hopes to implement a Downpayment Assistance program in FY 2002, allowing public housing agencies .to provide one-time downpayment grants. Monthly homeownership · assistance is already permitted. Comments on the proposed rule are-due August 13, 2001. New HAC Report Examines Links Between Rural Housing and Welfare.Refonn . -~~·.,._..,..,.. GCCH- NEWS - f_ ~ STREETVIBES ......;o-.... Case Studies on Rural Housing and Welfare Reform·are available for $7.00 (including postage and handling) from Luz Rosas, RAC, 202-842-8600, luz@ruralhome.org. The HAC News will announce when it is posted on HAC's website; www.ruralhome.org For more information about the National CoaJition for the Homeless and NCH Projects visit t.tie website: http:nationalhomeless.org ' Streetvibes .Vendo r. Code Each vendor has.to sign the following code to be able to sell the paper. 1. Streetvibes will be dis~ributed for a$ I voluntary 6. donation. I agree not to ask for donations more than $I. I also understand that I ~l be", able to k~ep 80 cents of each dollar collected. Future issues of Streetvibes will be purchased from the Homeless Coalition for 20 cents. 2. I agree that I will never distribute Streetvibes 7. while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 3. I agree that I will not ask for donations after 12 8. midnight. 4. I agree to treat ochers with respect. I will not use abusive language or force someone to give ,a donation. I will not give a "hard sell" or make someone feel threatened. 9. I 5. agree that I will not supply copies of Streetvibes to persons who are not registered distributors. I agree not to de~eive the pu~li~~y'saying that I am collecting for a not-~oi;-profic charicy- or that I am collecting for the '~homeless" iri general. I will be honest in stating that all the profi~ from the .sale ef Streetvibes will go to the individual vendor. ·. I agree that I will not contest territories with other distributors. I understand that Streetvibes strives to be a self­ supporting paper created by people who are homeless or formerly homeless,. To help in this effort, I will try to spread the word and write stories if P,Ossible. I understand that failure to comply with any of the above statements will result in me no longer being able to distri~ute Streetvibes. �Page 3 STREETVIBES August 2001 Donald Whitehead joins the National Coalition for the Homeless as Executive Direct Reported by Jimmy Heath Donald Whitehead has joined the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) as the newly appointed Execu­ tive·Director. Formerly, Mr. White­ head has served as a program supervi­ sor at Goodwill Industries and as Executive Director of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Home!ess. Mr. Whitehead will step down from his position as Board President of the National Coalition for the Homeless to assume his new role as NCH Executive Director. A Cincinnati native, Whitehead is breakinK new ground by becoming the first African­ American and first formerly homeless Board President, and now Executive Director of the NCH. The National Coalition for the Homeless is the oldest homeless advooacy group in the nation. NCH coordinates a network of over ·3 00 state and local homeless organizations. Its governing board represents 35 states including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. ~'NCH has a strong record in advocacy for the homeless, from the McKinney . Act to the Community Investment Housing Trust Fund. NCH has continuously steered America towards real solutions to this necess itates. Often the street person just continues not caring or even attempti ng to make change feeling that their plight is set. A life of hardship, seemingly with no way out, only with hopes that tomorrow will bring some relief. There is no remedy, or immediate solution that I can offer that would change the fate of many, however there is the possibility that things can change or be different, so there is hope. Perhaps not for all who are in the throes of the street world, but as I have said time and time again there are those who can be reached. Of course I can 't put enough emphasis on the fact that each individual has to put some effort forward on their behalf. Still I am a firm believer that society as a whole must and has to be a part of the effort if there is to be any lasting and effective result in changing the lives of so many. The responsibility lies with us all and we as a community can make a difference if we pull together and do our part. Lets just hope that we can make some difference in the lives of some of the less fortunate by giving of ourselves what we can. Perhaps that will be just what's needed to create a better community for us all. Street View... from front page nerve to survive. Eating when you can, sleeping where you can, not knowing if tomorrow is coming or even if it's worth the effort. Often using others or being used. Doing what one has to do to survive. Shopping at the Freestore in piles of donated clothing for attire In order to accommodate the need for clean clothes or replacement for worn articles. Sometimes I feel the need to just take a break from the routine and actions which sustain me. Often I take a late night walk, and as I walk down the streets that I usually travel in my waking hours I know where to look for the spots that those who country's biggest failure," live the life bed down for the Whitehead said. Whitehead will night. Every park bench is filled. direct four focus areas; housing, Taking a walk down Central income, health and civil rights for Parkway I find every doorway the homeless. Whitehead hopes to from Plum to Findlay occupied by lead a real grassroots effort to end some street person huddled up homelessness. "I'll bring empathy under whatever they have for to my work at NCH," says warmth or comfort as it might be. Whitehead. "I know what it took Moving along in the night I come to end my own homelessness." across others hanging out trying to Whitehead will begin his new catch a lick or waiting for daylight position August 1, and pledges to so that they can begin the routine work to continue NCH's that their daily survival impressive track record. . • For t4e last 6 years Whitehead has worked in the SUPPORT TH£ GR£AT£R community as an activist and an . CINCINNATI COALITION FOR TH£ advocate for homeless persons. When asked how he felt about HOM£1£ SS AT WILD OATS leaving Cincinnati to work in MARKET 5% DAYI Washington, Whitehead said, "I' ve received so much support from so TH£ WILD OATS MARKET AT ROOKWOOD many people and groups here, from the Drop Inn Center, COMMONS Will DONAT£ 5% OF TH£ ReSTOC, and many others. I have DAY' S N£T PROC£ £DS TO TH£ GCCH ON a great deal of gratitude and I have AUGUST 8, 10011 mixed feelings abo-ut leaving too. It's going to be tough. I've had a real healing relationship with all of SHOP AT WILD OATS MARKET AND DO­ my family here in Cincinnati. I NAT£ TO TH£ GCCHI hope to develop a more inclusive environment for homeless people to get involved in their own WILD OATS MARk£T advocacy." ROOkWOOD COMMONS 1693 EDMONDSON RD CINCINNATI, OHIO 45109 Social Security/SSI Denied? Call John M. Keegan FOR MOR£ INFORMATION, CONTACT TH£ GCCH AT (513) 411-7803. Attor ney at Law P ractice concentrated in Social Security/SSI Disability Law D I SC JOCKEY C l i££o rd J o n.es NO FEE UNLESS WE WI N ~ (513) 651-9222 ~ (5 1 3) .230-6353 (S 1 3) 761-3464 e-_'nail: F REE INITIAL C O NSULT ATION SEl~VICE Office :uo\.n e jonesac~ t. • ~-c· Voicem ail ~<-.14 _ c:F ~"'ticxchange- �STREETVIBES August 2001 Readers Respond .... David Mitchell 's article (Cincinnati's Conspiracy, page 3, July) suggests, incorrectly a con­ versation about local officials maintaining lists of political activists. As I recall our conversa­ tion outside of the Justice Center it centered on wether lists were maintained of those who had been arrested during the riots and the related curfew enforcement and of individuals who remained incarcer­ ated. The questioning nature of my comment was due to surprise that citizens had to engage in painstak­ ing record review to piece together a list of those who had been ar­ rested and who remained behind bars, and that such information was neither readily available or imme­ diately obtainable. Make no mistake about it, there is much about the unequal enforce­ ment of the laws and unequal administration of justice in Hamilton County that I oppose and believe both personally and profes­ sionally must be addressed. I just don' t think my comments could be viewed, much less reported, as official "confirmation" that lists of political activists are maintained. Sincerely, Todd Portune (Hamilton County Commissioner) Streetvibes prides itself in being an open forum for the disenfranchised, to voice their opinions, concerns, and stories of struggle. Due to the nature ofthe open forum process, editing articles appropriately is often a difficult-task. Streetvibes makes every attempt to provide guidance and input to the authors ofthe articles in our monthly issues. We maintain a nuetral stance on the articles printed in our forum and articles do not necessary reflect the opinions and official stance of the organizati(Jn. However, we do not wish to misrepresent the statements made by individuals quoted within the paper. We apologize to Mr. Todd Portune for any confusion that may have occurred as a result ofthe misrepresentation ofhis responses, as written by David Mitchell, in MAIL the article entitled Cincinnati Conspiracy in the July 2001 issue ofStreetvibes. Sincerely, Alicia M. Beck Executive Director Temp Services and the Homeless: The Real Deal I read with much interest the article Work Force Blues: Examining Temporary Labor and Homelessness, (June 2001) a well written piece by Riccardo Taylor, a regular contributor to Streetvibes and a frequent vendor. Reading Riccardo's article motivated me to reread A Field Guide to Temping in North America-Urban Edition, a well written article by Bill Policy. Two very different articles, approaching the same subject from entirely different perspectives. As one who has done the temp service thing, I carefully reflected upon my experience in comparison to the perspective offered by my . fellow amateur writers. Not to Page 4 contradict my fellow writers, but I have different thoughts ~t seem most important from my experience. Temporary Services as a rule are not bad business. They fill a niche in the business world. Their are many, thousands who got their permanent benefited positions through a temp job and for them it worked. The question is what is the experience for the homeless worker who goes to the temp service. I believe it is an entirely different experience for most. His primary reason for using this temp service is he/she needs the money today, not next Friday. It is not about career opportunities, benefits or permanent placement. It's about the check. The temp service is just getting a ''body" out to the site. It is unskilled , frequently demanding labor. Usua11y j obs that no one else wants. The service is just about the placement. They don 't care about the worker. They (the Response .... Cont. Page 18 OHIO BICENTENNIAL RIVER NOTE CARDS THE GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE OHIO NATURAL HERITAGE RIVER SYSTEM DESIGNEES, INDEPENDENT RIVER/ WATERSHED PROTECTION ORGANIZATIONS AND HISTORICAL SOCIETIES THROUGHOUT OHIO, AND RIVERS UNLIMITED PROUDLY PRESENTS A SPECIAL BICENTENNIAL PROJECT H IGHLIGHTING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RIVERS AND STREAMS IN OUR STATE~ HIST ORY. BY ORDERING THROUGH THE COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS, SO% O J? YOUR CONT RIBUTION WILL GO TO ASSIST OUR WORK! r I . FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CARDS OR WHERE TO PURCHASE THFM LOCALLY, CALL THE GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS AT (S13) 421-7803 OR RIVERS UNLIM1TED AT (SI3) .891-4592. �STREETVIBES August 2001 Page 5 Mary Ann Lederer is serious about making the world a better·place for bad guys to blame when V{e should be giving hugs. Police brutality, racism, the death penalty, they all have to go and be replaced with hugs:" Ms. Lederer practices what she preaches. She's a vegetarian of long standing and an avid organic gardener who relies on friends to help out. She donates paintings to any group with a cause she likes. She's a member of several human rights organizations, and though she can't man the picket line, she still helps. Recently, she photo by Jimmy Heath painted 40 picket signs 1 On July 8 \ dozens of for a protest march. people gathered at Mary Ann Mary Ann Lederer feels lucky. Never mind that she has Lederer's recent showing of her used a wheelchair 24 years, ever paintings at Mullane's Cafe in since an intruder shot her in the Downtown Cincinnati. Displayed were about 25 stylized paintings by spine. Never mind that she has the artist depicting folksy scenes of "absolutely horrid health problems" and almost died twice. brightly colored gardens and people and places. She's also serious about "I paint the world as I want making the world a better place, it to be - sustainable," she says. "I and for her, that begins with kids: want it kind. I see the world as a Every Christmas, she collects upwards of 700 books for the vegetable garden with people neighbor kids in her low-income, holding hands around the earth. I'm for kindness. We too often look predominately African-American The GCCH would like to thank this Starbucks location for their generous donation of coffee and pastries. 3366 Erie Avenue East Hyde Park (5 13) 5 3 3-3402 apartment complex - ~'becau se · they should read," she says. "They need~ to read; but they don 't always have the opportunity. Our complex (Fay Apartments), usually you only hear about it when there's a police run. "I hire the kids, too. Small jobs like taking out the garbage or running to the store or picking up garbage from my garden. Sometimes, just to reach something on a top shelf. And they love it. Don't let anyone tell you kids don ' t want to work." The kids return the favor: "I did three Big Pig Gig pigs. Can you see them in this tiny apartment and me maneuvering a wheelchair around? But the kids helped. They came in and moved them around when I needed to change their positions." Sometimes the kids return the favor iri a bigger way. "The reason I don' t go out alone anymore is because I'm too brittle. Not long ago, I was alone getting out of my car and into my chair. I fell and wedged myself between the chair and the car. If the kids hadn't come along and lifted me into my chair, I'd have been there a long time." She says it again: "I was lucky. See what I mean?" Lederer's pai nti ngs will be on display through August 4m_ For more information contact Mullane's Cafe at 38 1-133 1. Portions ofthis report were excerpted from a Cincinnati Enquirer feature article. Tom Paxton to perform benefit concert for the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless.... On September 6, 2001, Tom Paxton will perform at the 20th Century The­ ater in Oakley. The concert is a joint fundraiser for the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and Riv­ ers U nlirnited. Mr. Paxton's songs are known and lov ed aro und th e world and have been recorded by hun­ dreds of artists as di­ verse as Pete Seeger, Willie Nelson and Placido Domingo. "Ramblin ' Boy," "The Last Thing on my Mind," "Bottle of Wine," "Goin' to the Zoo," and "Mar­ velous Boy" are just a few of his planned for Ohio this September to benefit state and local environmen­ ;:::.========================~ songs to have been absorbed into the oral tradition. Nanci Griffith has tal and social programs. Perfor­ said, "I think we are all born sing­ mance dates are: Cincinnati, Sep­ ing Tom Paxton songs." For young tember 6; Columbus, September 7; listeners, Tom has recorded several and Cleveland, September 8. Advertise to Socially The Cleveland concert will be albums of his own songs and sold held at Kiva Auditorium at the Kent his sixteenth book to Morrow Jun­ Conscious Readers! ior Books: "The Story of the Sand­ State University Center (WKSU). man". The concert is cosponsored by Earth Call 421-7803 for more As part of the event, the Greater Shares of Ohio, the Earth Day Coa­ Cincinnati Coalition for the Home­ lition, Rivers Unlimited and WKSU information about how less will showcase art produced by - Public Radio. advertising in Streetvibes will work For information about tickets homeless and formerly homeless in­ for your business call Rivers Unlimited at (513) 761­ dividuals in Greater Cincinnati. Mr. Paxton ' s performance is 4003 or the Greater Cincinnati Coa­ part of a three-city concert tour lition for the Homeless at Custom Sizes Available! (513) 421-7803. �STRE ETV I BES Augu st 2001 Civil Rights in Cincinnati by Molly Lyons and John Halpin Throughout the country there bas been an increase in the systematic violations of the basic civil rights of homeless people. As homelessness becomes more visible, cities have attempted to push the homeless out of sight rather than deal with the root causes of the problem. This phenomenon of criminalizing the homeless has resulted in the arrest, discrimination and brutalization of homeless people throughout the country. As a result many advocacy groups have joined the National Homeless Civil Rights Organizing Project (NHCROP), coordinated by the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH). Around the nation some of the ways that homeless are discriminated against include a list of life sustaining conduct crimes. These include such things as being in a park after hours, public nudity when necessary to bathe or use the bathroom, obstructing sidewalks, or any other act that people would prefer to do in their home if they had one. In different cities many of these laws, when enforced against the homeless, are being overturned because they violate the eighth amendment protection against cruel and unusual punishment. Other ways that cities attempt to criminalize homelessness are to enact legislation that specifically targets homeless people. For example, a 1995 law was passed in Cincinnati that restricted when and where homeless people could ask for money. The courts struck down this law in 1998 because it placed "undue restrictions on a homeless person's right to free speech." Our goals with this project are to identify ways that homeless people are discriminated against in Cincinnati, to educate homeless people on their Civil Rights, and to implement a system to help homeless people successfully advocate for their rights within the criminal justice system. Our first task toward these goals is to publish a "know your rights" brochure. This brochure, created with the input of homeless people and service providers, should be available by October. Nationally, the goal of this project is to collect data from around the country showing that discrimination against homeless people and low-income people is systemic and widespread. Thus there is need to amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide protected class status to homeless and low income Americans. If you or anyone you know has been discriminated against or brutalized because they are homeless please contact John Halpin or Molly Lyons at The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, 421-7803. John and Molly would also be happy to conduct presentations on homelessness and Civil Rights for school and community groups. Call for Young Writers and Artists Peaslee Neighborhood Center is seeking young people from the Cincinnati area, first grade through young adults (under age 25), who would like to do c r eative writing or reporting for STREETVIBES on issues such as hom elessne ss, peac e and justice, school, programs for youth, etc . A.page will be devoted to making your voices heard. Visual images are welcome as well. Any youth who are interested should contact Brenda Zechmeister at Peaslee, 621·5514. P age 6 Know Your Rights by Molly Lyons and John Halpin Every month we will be highlighting a law or ordinance that affects homeless people in Cincinnati. This column does not replace sound legal advice from an accredited lawyer, but seeks to empower and educate people in dealing with the criminal justice system and their lawyers. Aggressive Panhandling No person shall recklessly interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic in a public place. "Interfere with pedestrian or vehicular" as used in this section means to do any of the following: a) Walk, stand) sit, lie, or grab, touch or approach another person, in a public place, so as to block, inte1fere with, or impede the passage ofany person or any vehicle, or to cause any person or any driver of any vehicle to alter his or her intended direction of travel; or b) Make a request, solicitation or demand for money or other thing of value, in a manner which would alarm, intimidate, threaten, menace, harass, or coerce a reasonable person; or c) Force oneself upon the company ofanother by continuing to communicate a request, solicitation, or demand for money or other thing of value, to another person after the person gives notice or demonstrates by word or action that such communication is offensive, unwelcome, or should cease. "Public place" as used in this section includes streets, sidewalks, parks, plazas, parking lots, driveways, public or private buildings open to the public and doorways and entrances to buildings or dwellings. Whoever violates this section is guilty ofa misdemeanor ofthe fourth degree. (Cincinnati Municipal Code,§ 910-13) The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, when upholding a challenge to this law, stated "the ordinance, however, is written and enforced so as to discourage only reckless interference with pedestrian or vehicular traffic in public places, not begging or soliciting in general." In other words, panhandling is legal as long as it does not violate any of the above code. Should one be convicted of violating this law, the maximum sentence (because it is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree) is thirty days injail and $1000 fine. Because this sentence carries jail time, one charged has the right to a trial by a jury of their peers. Remember that anyone charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If you are arrested for panhandling, contact Molly or John at the Coalition for the Homeless at 421-7803. �STREETVIBES August 2001 "We are all angels with but one wing, all we need to do to fly is simply to embrace." relaxing bubble bath, a walk in the woods, a quiet moment listening to music you enjoy. These are the luxuries survivors of incest frequently deny themselves, while being open to caring for others needs. Take time for yourself-you deserve it and can enjoy it if you allow yourself to do so. 8. TA.KE A COURSE ON "ASSERTIVENESS TRAINING." Too many survivors are afraid or don' t know how to state their needs appropriately. These classes can help you learn to do so. 9. INVOLVE YOURSELF IN OCCASIONAL CHILDISH ACTIVITIES. Survivors are forced into adult roles at early ages and miss out on a lot of enjoyable activities in their childhood. This involvement in childish activities can make it easier to go back to your necessary daily responsibilities with a fresh outlook. Note from one survivor, "I learned to play 'jacks' and find it a great distraction from every day stress. It is some- thing I was never allowed to do as a child." Recovering from Abuse During the last week I had conversations with two women who are incest survivors. One who had been through therapy and one who had not. Both were alcoholic/addicts and both probably have mental health problems whether they are diagnosed or not. Over the years I have met a few women who have shared about this very painful, and often difficult to discuss experience. It is obviously one of the "recovery necessary" issues that this column is designed to discuss and highlight. 12 Tips From Survivors Who Have Learned What Helps 1. READ all you can get your hands on regarding incest. This will help to stop the feelings of isolation when you see that others have experienced the same. 2. A SURVIVORS GROUP EXPERIENCE. This helps you to see you are not alone, and give you support, understanding and acceptance from other survivors. 3. INDIVDUAL THERAPY. This helps you to be able to identify specific issues you have which is the result of incest. 4. TALKING TO FRIENDS you can trust about the incest. This helps you see how others care for you and encourage you to further trust others. S. Take the time to REVIEW YOUR CHILDHOOD now, through the eyes of the adult you are. With the help of a therapist or group, you'll be able to see that your situation was sick, not you! 6. LEARN TO DO SOMETHING you've always wanted to do. This helps build your self-confide nce, which has been destroyed or never allowed to develop as a result of the .incest. Examples: Learning to play a musical instrument, learning a particular sport, or taking a class in something that interests you. 7. ALLOW YOURSELF TO ENJOY A LUXURY you never seem to get around to: a warm, I 10. HAVE A GOOD CRY! There's lots of hurt and anger in all survivors. A good cry can really clear the air. Note from one survivor: "About once a month, I run the shower hot and full force, then cry my eyes out while showering. I feel like the weight of the world is lifted from my shoulders afterwards." 11. DONT BLAME YOURSELF. Don't blame yourself for the event of the abuse; but take responsibility to heal. 12.CHAOTIC FEELINGS ARE PART OF THE HEALING PROCESS. Find a bal ance between expressing your fe~ling and discovering healthy forms of self-soothing. Responses and Suggestions on What Helps contributed by the members of S.I.G.H., a therapy group sponsored by Karen Lison, M.A., Park Ridge, Illinois, and the Board of Directors for Voices in Action, Inc. Voices in Action, Inc., P.O. Box 148309, Chicago, IL. 60614-8309. �STREETVIBES August 2001 Page 8 that anyone who can read and understand can see how the Dear Streetvibes Staff, judge was helping the prosecution every step of the contains news about the justice system and the I am incarcerated at a prison here way. writings of persons incarcerated Can you explain to me how in the State of Texas. I am a 37 year old homeless male with no to start a Justice for Samuel in our nation's ja~ls and prisons. children or a Samuel and never married. I Fields organization Subscribers within the walls receive Streetvibes free. Fields Freedom Ministry Inc., suffer from two mental disorders: If you would like to support us in this effort, please program? I have a substantial Manic Depression and Post Trau­ sponsor someone on the inside. A year's subscription costs $15. amount of fund s to start this matic Stress Disorder with Anxi­ program, and if a civil lawsuit ety. I am interested in learning follows my release from prison I Send your comments and questions to streetvibes @juno.com will donate 90% to the homeless more about the Streetvibes news­ mail : STREETVIBES, 1506 Elm Street organization Streetvibes to paper and how I can qualify for further the cause. Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 shelter arid treatment upon my My mother passed away release, 1119/2004. Please mail me recently and I have no brothers a subscription of the paper every or sisters to speak out for me on Dear Streetvibes, the streets. How much would it month if possible. I would like a I just finished reading the cost me to get enough space in 2002 calendar if available. Thank June issue of STREETVIBES and your newspaper to put my story so you for caring for people like me. was very impressed. I have never that I can get some help from the seen or heard of this newspaper Also , I want to become a distribu­ outside world? before, and I am from Cincinnati tor of the Streetvibes paper be­ I be),jeve that once the What really caught my evidence is public, that I have, cause I meet all code requirements. attention was the article in then they will have no choice but I will distribute upon my release to Prisoners' News about William to give me justice. I will even people who want to know how it Whenever a parent fails to chastise Jonathan Mayo. My situation is settle for a new trial because I kind of feels to be lonely and homeless. its child for wrong acts, the child know they similar to My parents are in heaven and my will continue with those acts. It won 't be his sees the action or acts as able to get brothers and sisters don't write or because pennissible. In this case, the away with send me money at alJ/ But with parents are the wrongdoers, not the ID my the same you all and God I'm not alone. So case the child. When a chi ld is hurt, jn i1lega1 police please mail me the Streetvibes need of medical attention, the --~..... tactics. were paper. It is very helpful to my parents make sure the child AJso, other looking receives the proper care and people will disorder and wish to learn more on for a treatment. If the parent fails to do know what how I can get help when released. male so, it's guilty of neglect. The tq look for Thank you and may god bless all white parent's behavior must be when they of you, and reformed in the pursuit of the go to court black team. My co­ male Ronnie. betterment of the child. so that they are not railroaded. defendant and myself are both Cincinnati's city Council and Thank you for your time black and were never identified by and consideration in this matter, if judicial courts are parents of the Editors Note: We will be sending any witness. Cincinnati Police Department. more info is needed please contact Ronnie a subscription for The police falsely arrested The courts fine and convict blacks me at once. us and to avoid a lawsuit they Streetvibes courtesy ofan at an alarming rate in Cincinnati. Samuel Fields planted and falsified evidence and annonymous donation. Blacks receive higher fines and PO Box 1436 paid a witness $24 1. I have proof longer sentences. Their White Youngstown, Ohio 44501 of all the illegal things that counterparts receive lessor­ happened during my trial, with the imposed fines, sentences and prosecutor and judge collaborating convictions for the very same or with the police to make sure of a more offensive violations of the I also have sworn conviction. law. The CPD is acting in from people who affidavits response to the Courts and City John Perotti Caroll Pless witnessed these illegal acts, but no Council. We only have to look at one will take the time to review last years Jazz Festival. Some my paperwork. businesses are closed and others OSP I need to find a way to raised their prices. City Council how the Courts in publicize and the Courts allowed s uch 878 Coitsville­ P.O. Cincinnati collaborate with the uncivil business practices. police to get convictions in order In order to solve any problem one Hubbard Road Lucasville, Ohio to hide their wrongdoing. must have the complete equation. My situation is this; I have In calling the US Justice Youngstown, Ohio the evidence to prove ALL the Department to investigate the CPD illegal things they did during my they will be handicapped to solve trial, which is the only way I was or form a formula to solve the found guilty. But, since I was problem, without the whole convicted nobody cares. Nobody equation, which includes; the why C incinnati has one questions While we make e.very effort to provide a forum for those Courts, which allows the vicious of the highest conviction rates in without a voice, STREETVIBES and the staff of THE GREATER and malicious prosecution of the country. Blacks. The Courts of Cincinnati CI NCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS, is not respon­ Society doesn' t know that continuously allows the sible for statements, and do not endorse the opinions of the once you are arrested the police prosecution to misconduct prisoners who's writings are represented here. charge you with crimes they know themselves in trials; which is a you did not commit so that you constitutional violation. You can will plead guilty to just one not blame the hand alone for the Then they will tell you charge. theft. The hand is a part of the ·they will dismiss the other body that's controlled by the mind. charges; this way you get a The City Council which simply you plead conviction because takes the Three Monkeys stance; guilty and they get a conviction hear no evil, speak no evil , see no guilty and they because you plead evil. Such "stand still" neglect get to write the other charges off always leads to erosion of an as crimes solved. individual, a group, a city and a I was fortunate to get all nation. concerning my trial the transcripts Leonard Walker, 276-103 go over them myself. The and Ohio State Penitentiary tactics used against my Co­ 878Coitsville-Hubbard Road defendant and me were so blatant Youngstown, Ohio 44505 Prisoners News The City as an Errant Child PRISON PENPAL WANTED #A 167712 .#252-991 SOCF Box 45699 45699 44505 Best Wishes, Denise Gill-Roflow, RN, FNP Thanks for your years of service to those who have been homeless in Cincinnati! �STREETVIBES Au ust 2001 The Mental Health Crisis In Black America chronically ill homeless people­ can often return to productive lives and relationships with the right course of treatment. According to Satcher one availability in minority of the most important things he by Lee Bowen, Mental Health communities, leaving a greater hopes will come out of this report, News Editor percentage of Black individuals "is that number one, we will feelings trapped in the pain and provide parity of access for mental There is a general suffering of their conditions. illness, we will develop programs agreement among many The effects of untreated that eliminate stigma. And we will professionals that there is a real mental illness in the Black get people who need treatment the crisis in the African-American community are obvious. Many, for treatment as early as possible (fat community. The phenomena of example, believe that a large chance under George W. 's excessive stigma and lack of percentage of the homeless people administration). awareness about mental illness is a walking the streets in urban long-standing problem among communities are mentally ill Many, for example, people of color. Fortunately, there individuals who have fallen believe that a large is a growing grassroots national through the social service cracks. movement to heighten awareness percentage of IJ,omeless There is a correlation between the and eradicate stigma. The degree of homelessness we see in people walking the challenge is to get the problem of many communities and the lack of mental illness out of the closet in streets in urban mental health services, says the black community. Gregory John, executive director communities are mentally of the greater Milwaukee chapter ill individuals who have The phenomena of of the National Alliance for the fallen through the social Mentally Ill. excessive stigma and Similarly, the rise in lack ofawareness about suicide among Black teenagers-the service cracks. bulk of them urban males-is linked Several barriers stand in mental illness is a long­ not only to the rise of violence in the way of efforts to address Black standing problem among the culture, but also to a lack of America's mental health needs. people of color. awareness about the nature of First, there is the general suspicion depression and the absence of that Black Americans have for the counselors who are culturally field of psychiatry. It is a That effort has gained sensitive enough to recognize momentum and exposure of late, suspicion rooted in the "legacy of depression in young Black men. racism" in the field of medicine in thanks to the release of two Let's move from the broad national general and in the psychiatry in important reports on mental health released by U.S. Surgeon General perspective ofthis article, particular, says Dr. Carl Bell, originally in Ebony, July 2000, David Satcher. The focus of both president and CEO of the reports was the mental health of and narrow the focus for a moment Community Mental Health to Cincinnati, April 2001. It is the general population. Each Council in Chicago, and a clinical obvious to many the potential for contained key passages addressing professor of psychiatry at the the unrest, riot if I may, that major mental health concerns of University of Illinois School of occurred in many communities, specific interest to Black America Medicine. has existedfor many yeqrs. The and other minority communities. That racism had taken the potential has existed for The first report noted that form of research projects-most generations. What was needed suicide rates for African­ infamously, the Tuskeegee syphilis and provided by the accidental Americans 10-19 years of age had study in which African Americans death ofTimothy Thomas was the more than doubled fro m 2.1 per were unwittingly subjects of 100,000 in 1980 to 4.5 per 100,000 spark. There probably is a rise medical experiments. Compound andfall ofthe level ofanger, in 1995. those incidents with the racist frustration and yes depression, to In a second, equally utterings and writings of many of provide the fuel for the type of lengthy report on the nation's psychiatry's towering sense of mental health released in public unrest that occurred two distrust that you can't chalk to months ago. This phenomenon December 1999, the Surgeon mere paranoia. General's team of experts noted occurs in other cities in many Furthermore, Dr. Bell says, nations across the world. Keep that 1 in 5 Americans-roughly 50 the fact that psychiatric treatment abusing or mishandling any group and psychiatric training is based million people-suffers from some ofpeople with sufficient frequency on Euro-American models form of mental illness, ranging and intensity and you will create from dementia to depression. exacerbates the disconnection an angry volatile group ofpeople. While the incidence of mental between mental health Satcher says that what illness in Black communities is no professionals and the African­ greater than it is in the general makes these phenomena so American patients "And so when alarming is the fact that the causes, population (a fact that I personally African-American people go for like 80-90 percent of all mental disagree with) a tremendous gap treatment, they don't have a sense exists between the need for mental disorders, are treatable, meaning of welcoming," Dr. Bell says. health services and their the sufferers-including the Cultural factors within the community can thwart even the most sincere efforts to extend mental health services to African­ American communities. First and foremost among them is the stigma attached to mental illness. "Were still gathering data about this," says Dr. Steven Hyman, Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, "but one of the things we seem to find in African-American communities is that the spirit of self-reliance, which is good, is sometimes combined with a sense of shame about mental symptoms and a belief that you should be able to shake off these symptoms by . · yourself. That kind of thinking leads to people getting into treatment too late." ''There is a lot of shame associated with having a family member who is mentally ill. It's considered a weakness, not an illness. So instead of going to a professional who can help, people tum inward or they tum to faith to help them through." Improving access to mental health professionals and facilities will help. With too few psychiatrists and psychologists serving Black communities, delivering treatment even to those who want it is difficult. "We have to close a fa irly significant gap between the institutions and leadership in mental health and the underserved communities that need those services," says Dr. Bell, who is serving on a task force established by the surgeon general that will issue a report on the mental health needs of minority communities. " It's a matter of connecting the dots between these entities and creating an infrastructure to support them. When we do that, we will have better mental health treatment for Black America." As time allows, I intend to read that study. The information covered in this article only substantiates a lifetime of experience. The mentally ill, were locked away. Kept out of sight, only allowed out for minimum medical and dental treatment, holidays and funerals. I am not an expert on mental illness, but clearly, most of us don't understand enough about mental illness, and need to know more. It's, painful, too often ignored and is having a profound affect upon much, maybe all of our community. �P age 10 STRE ETVIB E S Augus t 2001 In their Own Words .... Peaslee Neighborhood Center Kids write about the uprising Through the Peace Project at Peaslee Neighborhood Center in Over­ the-Rhine, children share their thoughts about the April uprising in Cincinnati. Many of the kids were glad to talk about the situation when given the opportunity. Peaslee prides itself in providing a peaceful place for neighborhood residents, especially children, and continues this philosophy in all of its programming. Peace symbols made by the kids will be used on a peace banner and a t-shirt design. PEOPLE WITH R U BBER BULLETS. l, f �Page 11 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 215 East 14th Street Over-the-Rhine Cincinnati, Ohio 452lO (513) 621-5514 �EDITORIAL SECTION STREETVIBES August 2001 The Global Costs of Police Brutality in the US May 3 conference on racial profiling in Washington, D.C. It was the advent of the war on drugs that exacerbated the tradi­ conclusions that also will be by Salim Muwak.kil tionally tense relationship be­ As a nation, we've become ignored-until another explosion, tween African-Americans and the that is. rather casual about the issue of police and resulted in historic The beat goes on until police brutality. Unless the numbers of African-Americans America is beaten down. incident triggers an explosion, as becoming entangled in the crimi­ it did last month in Cincinnati, or Charges of police brutality nal justice system. involves extremes, like the 41­ echo from virtually every Ameri­ Study after study has con­ bullet slaying of Am_adou Diallo can city with a significant black firmed the disparate treatment population, yet official America in New York City, Americans are African-Americans receive in the seems deaf to the din. Many not likely to spend much time criminal justice system. The most African-American activists, on pondering the racial profile of recent, released April 19 by police brutality. That's a major the other hand, are expressing Building Block For Youth, re:­ mistake. Reactions to abusive fears that Cincinnati may be a vealed African-Americans are police have provoked major distressing portent. 85.5 percent of youth automati­ urban riots. "We have to remember that cally transferred to ~dult court for almost every [racial] uprising in Commis~ions foqned to drug crimes in IDinois though this country since 1965 has been investigate the causes of these they are just 15.5-percent of the caused by police misconduct," disturbances have often found state's youth population. This said the Rev. Paul Jakes Jr. Jakes that police brutality, or perceived disparity is true, the study notes, . brutality, was a trigger. is president of the Chicago-based despite the fact "white y~uth seli Most of these commissions Christian Council for Urban and use drugs at t,he same; or Affairs, and a consistent critic of were announced with great higher rates than youth of color." · fanfare and promise. They abusive police. He is worried These kinds of racial dispari­ about the explosive potential of recommended we make a bold ties have debilitating effeets on the increasingly rancorous rela­ commitment to eliminate the the African-American community. tionship between cops and black racial disparities bequeathed to As soldiers in the' drug war, police us by our racist past, and that we youth. And he's not alone. departments are in the front line take serious steps to reform The National Organization of of this biased treatment.. Some rogue police practices. Ulti­ Black Law Enforcement Execu­ officers see black youth as the mately, of course, their recom­ tives recently released a report enemy, and in any war, the enemy warning that many American mendations were ignored. eventually fights back. cities are in danger of exploding Cincinnati Mayor Charles Despite the serious dangers Luken announced that he, too, into violence. "There are numer­ involved in this issue, few in ous cities throughout the nation in will form a commission to national leadership seem con­ investigate the unrest that shook crisis-powder kegs waiting to be cerned. There is a growing his city in April, following the ignited by a single incident," concern elsewhere, however. police killing of an unarmed noted the 33-page report, which The international human­ was widely distributed to federal black man. It's likely that rights groups Amnesty Interna­ agencies and lawmakers during a Luken 's commission will reach tional and Human Rights Watch Wish have authored studies that se­ verely condemn some police Streetvibes newspaper is published monthly: on a shoe-string practices in the U.S., particularly budget from the offices of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for as they pertain to the treatment of the Homeless. We depend heavily on the goodwili of many racial minorities. The European volunteers and C:Lonors. Some of the more pertinent needs of Union also has become increas­ ingly vocal in its condemnation of the GCCH include: racial biases in death-penalty o Advertisers -Classified and unclassified cases. This growing global interest o Supplies for vendor's lounge (paper towels, cream and sugar, also is prompting African-Ameri­ snacks, etc.) can activists to look outside the o Office and eleaning Supplies country for assistance in their struggle against biased policing. o Photography Help - film (400, 800, 1600), developing Several U.S. advocacy groups are help, digital and/or film camera(s). preparing to present their case against police brutality at the o Computers/components for Streetvibes story-writing, upcoming UN World Conference editing, resear:ch. Against Racism to be held Aug. o Free standi~g metal or wooden shelving 31 to Sept.7 in Durban, South Africa. Unfortunately, we need all If you can help!~ contact us at: , the help we can get. S~e'tVibes, do Greater Cin.c innati Coalition for the Homeless, Salim Muwakkil is a senior editor 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45210 at In These Times. Published on ph: (513) 421-7803, fax (513) 421-7813 Monday, May 28, 2001 in the Chicago Tribune e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com List Page 12 The War Against Women Madhu, the government of Afghanistan, is waging a war upon women. Since the Taliban took power in 1996, women have had to wear burqua and have been beaten and stoned in public for not having the proper attire, even if this means simply not having the mesh covering in front of their eyes. One woman was beaten to death by an angry mob of funda­ mentalists for accidentally exposing her arm(!) while she was driving. Another was stoned to death for trying to leave the country with a man that was not a relative. Women are not allowed to work or even go out in public without a male .relative; professional women such as professors, translators, doctors, lawyers, artists and writers have been forced from their jobs and restricted to their homes. One woman was beaten to death by an angry mob of fundamentalists for acci­ dentally exposing her arm.... Homes where a woman is present must have their win­ dows painted so that she can never be seen by outsiders. They must wear silent shoes so that they are never heard. Women live in fear of their lives for the slightest misbehavior. Because they cannot work, those without male relatives or husbands are either starving to death or begging in the street, even if they hold Ph.D. 's. Depression is becoming so widespread that it has reached emergency levels. There is no way in such an extreme Islamic society to know the suicide rate with certainty, but relief work­ ers are estimating that the suicide rate among women must be extraordinarily high: those War.... Cont. on page 19 • Streetvibes exists as a forum for the expression of'the .views and opinions ofour readers and supporters. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those ofthe Streetvibes staff or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition .for the Homeless. �STREETVIBES August 2001 What's in a name? A people's dignity.... by Allan Lichtman The Indians are comil).g. The Indians are coming. No, this isn' t some trite line from a Grade B western. It's the new reality in the United States today. Native Americans, once out of sight and mind for us later -immigrants - except for wildly inaccurate movies and TV shows - are on the rise in the United States today. Native Americans are expanding their presence in this country demographically, economically, politically and culturally. And there are some things that they' re just not going to take anymore. Native Americans are expanding their presence in this country demographically, economically, politically and culturally. All of us who believe in the American promise of equal treatment ought to sit up and take notice of what native Americans are saying. In Maryland and elsewhere, native Americans are demanding the elimination from our schools of names of sports teams and mascots that are demeaning to Indians - names like Redskins, Braves, Indians, etc. It's a small matter with large implications. Native Americans are asking that we accord to their traditions and culture the same respect achieved by other groups in this pluralist society. I am not suggesting that people who admire and love their team's Indian name or mascot are in any way racist. But I am saying that we have a large cultural blind spot when it comes to native Americans. Imagine the outrage if an all-white baseball team from an area with a history of racial conflict called themselves the "Fighting Zulus," and its fans cheered them on by thrusting their arms forward in the motion of throwing a spear. Yet Americans long tolerated a team from Atlanta calling themselves the "Braves," which was applauded by fans doing the " tomahawk chop." l s calling a team the Redskins - a profoundly derogatory name that referred not to skin color but to the bloody Indian scalps taken in for bounty - different than calling a team anyone of numerous unmentionable slurs on other ethnic groups? Native Americans are asking that we accord to their traditions and culture the same respect achieved by other groups in this pluralist society. As demonstrated in a recent New York Times special report, beyond team names and mascots, racial stereotypes are also a barrier to the participation . by native Americans in college athletic programs. The report also notes that Native American's communal culture and distrust of white culture can be a barrier to the emergence of Indian athletes in an athletic world dominated by white coaches and managers. We tend not even to notice the debasing of Indian culture: as expressed by the double-dealing FBI agent in the movie "Thunderheart," "Indians are a conquered people," culturally and militarily. From the bloody colonial wars, through the Indian removal policies of Presidents Jefferson and Jackson, and the Indian wars of the post-Civil W'?f era, white settlers mainly viewed Are you a dedicated indMdual with a desire to educate the public about homelessness? Volunteer at Streeb/ibesf We need writers, photograpers, editors, webpage updators, any help you can provide. Call 421-7803 for more information. Page 13 Indians as obstacles to progress, to be removed by any means necessary. By the early 20th century, America's· so-cal led "Indian problem" was solved. With native Americans populations reduced, their war-making capacity destroyed, their status as independent nations eliminated, native Americans could be shunted aside on land disdained by the most desperate of white settlers. We tend not even to notice the debasing ofIndian culture: as expressed by the double-dealing FBI agent in the movie "Thunderheart..." Even sympathetic whites often viewed native Americans as from a strictly European perspective. Indians become foils for Wild West shows and movies, the subjects of paternalistic photography and painting. Even Indian bones were routinely shipped off to Washington to be studied and displayed like the remains of some extinct species. Since the rise of the Indian rights movement some 30 years ago, native Americans have sought to reclaim their cultural integrity in the United States. They are now developing the power - and that's what it takes in this country - to make their voices heard. Even Indian bones were routinely shipped offto Washington to be studied and displayed like the remains ofsome extinct species. The American Indian population, down to less than one million in 1970, has since soared to about 2.4 million, making native Americans the fastest growing racial group in the United States. Indians are even beginnii:ig to r~populate their former homelands in the Great Plains, especially in counties losing white population. In the years following the formation of the Nati ve American Rights Fund in 1970, Indians have won important battles in the courts and in Congress. These victories have expanded greatly the ability of native Americans to control their own desti ny and to improve the.ir health, education and personal well being. The federal courts have even required the Interior Department to reform the notoriously mismanaged trust funa it maintains for some 300,000 native Americans. In 1988, federal law confirmed the right of Indian tribes to own and operate casinos on their own lands. Gaming and spin off businesses have vastly expanded the income and wealth of native Americans, greatly improving the quality of life on many tribal lands. Money and votes have also given native Americans the political clout they've lacked in the past. In 1988, federal law confirmed the right of Indian tribes to own and operate casinos on their own lands. Gaming and spin off businesses have vastly expanded the income and wealth ofnative Americans... As demonstrated by Dartmouth College, which changed its nickname from the Fighting Indians to the Fighting Green, schools can eliminate offensive names without losing school tradition or fan support. Maryland bas long been a model for the nation in respecting human rights and dignity. State officials should now do whatever it takes to work with local communities to eliminate names and mascots offensive to native Americans. Think, too, of how this process would offer school children the opportunity to understand Indian culture from the Indian's perspective. Allan J. Lichtman is a Gazette columnist and chairman of the History Department at American University buddy's place Permanent Housing for formerly homeless individuals at 1300 Vine Street. For more information, call Connie Martina or Agnes Mack at (51~) 784~0800 �STREETVIBES August 2001 · Right to fly Walk with your head up, don't look down, the paths that you must travel are no longer forbidden, you have the right to fly-make a sound, Open you eyes see who you are, a work of rut, firmly structured with a strong mind and heart and the abilities to achieve, if something becomes a challenge, don't turn away­ believe in yourself and all that you can do, stand your ground, you have the right to fly-make a sound, reach for new heights, don't allow obstacles to bind you down, spread your wings and fly­ make a sound, if you have something on your mind, one step forward is all it takes, say what you want to say-for the darkness of you shall prosper some day, learn and earn, build yourself a future, plant some seeds and nurture them well and a healthy garden will prevail, no one can hinder what's meant to be, right to fly-right to be free, no matter where you're from or who you are-courage and hard work will bring you far, let the pride of you shine, "because you already have the best weapon to fight with, your mind-no one can take what's truly yours or hold you down, let your talents glow-for the power that you possess comes from within you, it's your right to fly-make a sound. None of us asked f,or or purchased the handicaps that we bare, so the refore we shall not be held back. by Kim Renay Dumas Street Life by Tyrus Humphrey, age 14 Homeless man walking down the street, I hope you find something good to.eat. I don't know what you're going through, but I wish I only knew. You are so courageous and brave. I hope you find a home some bright sunny day. Life is ... by Earl Peeples Life is like a race. . If you're determined, you'll wm. Life is like an obstacle course. In order to finish, you have challenges to overcome, barriers to cross, hurdles to jump over. Life is like a swim. In order to reach land, you have to cross the river. Life is like a jail. Locked up in life with no way out but to succeed in it. Life is like a game, Play like the rules, and you' ll end up on top. BUTT PRINTS IN THE SAND One night I had a wondrous dream, One set of footprints there were seen, The footprints of my · " precious Lord, But mine were not along the shore . . But then some stranger prints appeared, And I asked the Lord, "What have we here?" Those prints are large and round and neat, ''But Lord, they are too big for feet." "My child," He said in somber tones, "For miles I carried you alone. I challenged you to walk in faith, But you refused and made me wait." "You disobeyed, you would not grow, The walk of faith, you would not know, So I got tired, I got fed up, And there I dropped you on your butt." "Because in life, there comes a time, When one must fight, and one must climb, When one must rise and take a stand, Or leave their butt prints in the sand." Author Unknown Submitted by Mr. Lee ART & POETRY P age 14 Senior Moment (Dedicated to Unnie and Sis) Having a senior moment is good. If only we all could! Cause it is so hard for the young to do. Especially if they live in a world that is blue. I guess it just comes with age. Finally being set free from that awful cage. Loving' again is not so bad. Thinking' I'd give all the love I had. Occasionally the young at heart can experience a senior moment. Cause from the good Lord it was sent. Having a senior moment feels so good. If only all the young could! Since life is so tough. And for most it is very rough. So a true senior moment reasons. That real love grows with all the seasons. In a senior moment we realize the world can be cruel and hard. Machines so very tired. Thus taken for granted true love could be. That's awful as far as I can see. Coming to grips with the past. Knowing our present and future is good and will last! Caring for each other is the main thing. And him being as regal as a king.t Yes, it is a good life. For both husband and wife. For us it al worked out for the best. Finally putting all the old feelings to rest. So, to call a spade a spade. It seems as if our destiny has been made. And it is such a good destiny. At long last being happy and forever free! To call a spade a spade means right to .the point in context. Copyright@2001 by Sandy Weber Then, one can imagine Life is so much Bigger than one can 1magme Even though I see, taste, smell, hear, feel and travel while thinking what's happening Am I one who still imagines? And does one who imagines have the a?ility of will, to consume In the confinement of decision making Slip second judgments, one must be fine tuned walking paths that are narrow keeping my eyes on the sparrow The eyes behind my back is Yahweh's Angels Keeping me from the arrows Got love like cupid Information, I group it Don't do nothing stupid then excuse it, like you know I had to do it Fluent. I'm President and CEO of my mental establishment transcend information like the life of a fossil my time will cost you. Air space in ya' mind or wages from your work give you something different you'd think it was a perk Nothing new, News Life is so much bigger than one can imagine Dante L. Carr I Survive by Shavonda Washington, age 14 How can you survive with no food? How can you survive with no water? How can you survive with no place to sleep? That's what people say to me, but I look up in their faces and say I'm surviving. �STREETVIBES August 2001 ART & POETRY NOT OUT LOUD Holy Mercy Not out loud no one can know the anger within you that causes you to lose control, nobody knows of the wrongs you've done, a man is dead-shot by you with a gun, hidden evidence, guilty on the run. But out loud, no one knows the money you collect for your car, shoes and clothes comes from intravenously robbing desperate people of their souls, you thrive on the fact that they' re addicted to the venomous drugs you sell, the light of luxury, as you walk blindly towards hell, "Not out loud quiet and quick never mind who you've just hit, Careless behind the wheel, and alcoholic is too numb to feel ' Wake up! We're Madd! Drunk driving kills ! Not out loud he's so dedicated and she's so helpful and sweet, but are these the ones that you should be warned about before you meet, or did you hear "that sometimes the people that you've been taught to trust are the ones that you should be warned about before you meet," or did you hear "that sometimes the people that you've been taught to trust are the ones you should fear, Not out loud" a child is abducted­ nowhere to be found, In the news and on the radio broadcasters announce ' pictures posted state to state, town to town-soon forgotten, blank visions on a milk carton tossed on the ground. "Not out loud." No! One will believe you when you say I told him no! But he did it anyway, violated in the bright of day, not out loud crimes are committed time after time, out of sight, out of mind, when you stand accused of these senseless acts, guilty as charged. Not this time, temporary insanity is the plea, "It wasn't me" a mis-education ofjustice for all, together we stand­ divided we fall. by Kim R. Dumas The Life By Riccardo Taylor Ah! Now this is the life. Headaches, heartaches, high without worries, life on the edge, no sanity. No problem. Keeping up with the game, waiting for the next hit! Yeah, well today I think I'll take a break. I'll just take a stroll down to the bar and see what's up. Sit around, shoot the breeze. Yeah, think I'll have just one beer. That won't hurt. Ah! That was good! Think I'll have another. Catch a little buzz. Guess I'll take a walk down to the spot, see who's out. Yeah, I got half on it. Let's get a little hit. Um! Man, that was OK. I could use another, can't hurt anything. Day slipping away, what can I say? Did you get your break today? Oh well, there's always tomorrow. I'll take a break then, needed a break from taking a break today, so what can I say? Yeah, this is the life, never have to think twice, just do what you can do. Ah, this is the life, this is what you can call sanity. by Ronald Leroy English Blessed creation of miracles of heaven, on earth Christ thy son OfGod in the Holy Name Though I pray in the world of salvation Of sin and temptation Of doing evil things Salvation I renew your faith Of one feeling Happiness and Peace of Page 15 mostly all their hope. Being poor to some people may be nationality, but most people don't realize that personality is reality. Just because a person may not look like you or wear the same clothes as you do, doesn't mean that they don't have feelings and emotions too. Until you realize that to some people, being poor is a nationality, y0u won't realize that every personality is a reality. mind To find respect I say, repent From alcohol and drugs Of thy blood of Jesus Christ Our redeemer Out of the gates of heaven That we all came from the creation Of love and peace and joy Personality is Reality by Ciara Lindsey, age 12 Some people these days don't understand what it's like to be a homeless man or woman. They taunt and tease these people so that sometimes they lose their faith, and Old Sweater by Lorenzo Massey, age 13 I wear you like an old sweater, arms around me ' warmth and comfort, the worn places I overlook, the tears I hold together. Threads broken at the seams, we hang on, still able to keep the cold from seeping through. The color has faded, but I expect nothing more than the familiar feel, the smell of you. You need not be more than that, I can't expect you to be more. You've always been there as you are, as you always will be, nothing more, but that's enough for me. �STREETVIBES August 2001 · Page 16 One Less Homeless Person in Las Vegas. ) by Stephen of Dayton, OH It was an unusual night in Vegas. I'm an architect and I had flown in from Ohio to see this city and was staying at the Stratosphere casino. But, now it was getting late and I was hanging out at the Stardust listening to a band. But, it was time to think about getting back to the hotel. I walked out in front of the Stardust and I started wondering where a couple of other tourist attractions were. I stopped and asked a young man for directions. He asked if I was visiting the city and if I was staying on the Strip. I said "yes" and then he asked if he could come over to my hotel room and take a shower. He said that he was living at the bus stop in front of the Stardust. He said that he could wash his clothes at a laundry but he usually had to find someone to let him take a shower at their place. He looked like a nice kid. Even though he was 33 years old, he seemed like a kid and looked something like a young version of myself. I told him that he could take a shower at my hotel room. I had flown in to Las Vegas a couple of nights earlier during a strong wind storm that took the heat away. And here it was 65 degrees and still very windy. And Pat acted like he was going to freeze to death. Pat...looked like a nice kid. Even though he was 33 years old, he seemed like a kid and looked some­ thing like a young version ofmyself. Being from Las Vegas he wasn't prepared for such a wind chill in the middle of June. So, back he came to the hotel with me and he went in to the bathroom and took a long hot bath. While he was in the bathroom, I locked my valuables in the room safe and decided that I might just as well let Pat sleep in the other bed for the night. I couldn't see myself throwing him back out onto the street in the middle of the night. Pat told me on the way back to the hotel that he was a compulsive gambler. He said that usually every cent that he got he gambled away. When be could find an odd job or bum some money from someone on the street or pawn something he would go straight to a casino and bet it until it was gone. He seemed to remember every time that he ever won or lost any amount of money. He went over and over the circumstances of the winning and losing in his head. He was consumed by it. He said that if someone gave him enough money for a hamburger, he would bet the money and lose it before he could get to a restaurant. So, he was used to going without food. Sometimes when he lost close to $100 he would get mad and a casino manager would photo by Henry Bryant give him a free pass to the buffet. But he had grown to hate buffets and the thought of all that food just sitting out. He told me everything about his life and even insisted on going with me to the place where he usually lived. Pat grew up with alcoholic parents. He said that there was rarely mot-e than a can ofbeans in the house.... .Jt was a bus stop on Charleston near Decateur. I just couldn't understand at the time why he wanted me to visit that bus stop. But, he had spent a lot of time there. He said that living at a bus stop on the Strip was risky because the police patrolled that area too much and he could have gotten into trouble. He didn't know why he was living there the night that I met him. I have my own compulsions and understand the prob­ lem of addiction. I have a problem with food also. I eat too much. Almost always. And I can be a compulsive shopper. I probably own about 500 shirts and dozens of pairs of pants. The trouble is that with the compulsive eating, ' most of the clothes don't fit me. But, I wasn't always a compulsive eater. At one time I was a compulsive dieter. I stopped dieting when I looked at myself in the mirror one time and could see every rib. I didn 't starve myself. I just watched every bite that I ate and never ate any sugar or fat. So, I had studied up on compulsions and the cycle of addiction. And, I had even lectured on addictions to church and civic groups. So, I knew more about Pat than he could tell me. Pat grew up with alcoholic parents. He said that there was rarely more than a can of beans in the house. I asked him if anyone had ever asked him to try drugs and he said "yes, his mother." It was a real dysfunctional family. He was raped at five years of age by his cousin. And he had been seduced as a teenager by his mother's sister and they had a sexual relationship until his mother found out about it. Pat wanted to talk on and on about gam­ bling. I was quite bored by the ~ubj ect. I thought that he would never shut up and go to sleep. He was quite amazed that a stranger who didn't w~nt to have sex with him would actually help him out. He told me that he liked girls but sometimes he did have sex with men for money. Anyway, I sent him on his way in the morning and he said that he was going to the convention center to pick up a check for two days work. I told him that I was spending the day with another architect that I knew in town sight-seeing. But that he could show me around some of the Strip after dinner. Besides gambling, he seemed to know just about everything about the history of each casino. And he sounded like a great tour guide. He was quite amazed that a stranger who didn't want to have sex with him would actually help him out. Well, he went and picked up his check for $65 at the convention center and cashed it and went for a ride on the roller coaster at the Sahara and went gambling and by the time that I caught up with him in the lobby of the Stratosphere after dinner, he was broke again and had nothing to show for it. I think that he might have had the money long enough to get himself something at McDonalds. So, I let him stay at my hotel room again that night and I told him that he needed to get the hell out of Nevada. But he had nowhere to go and no money to get there with. He told me that he went to gambler's anonymous fairly regularly and he understood his problem and was eager to make a change. I told him that he could come back to Ohio and get a job and rent a room from me. That would get him into a world where there wasn't a gam­ bling temptation everywhere you turned. I was getting ready to fly back and I bought him a ticket and took him back with me. In a way he was kind of a project of mine. I wondered if a geographic change in this case would really work. Usually addicts �STREETVIBES August 2001 think that they can run away from their problems but the problem comes right along with them. But, in this case, there were no casinos in Ohio and the Ohio lottery just doesn't seem to interest him since you usu­ ally have to wait hours or days for the results. But, back he came to my house and at first I thought that I was going to go crazy with his constant chatter about the value of Beanie-Babies and football cards. And if it wasn't that, it was girls and sex or food, especially his passion for candy. Well, his work history in Nevada was just awful. He' d been fired or quit from so many places that it was ridiculous. But, Ohio didn' t really need to know much about what went on in Ne­ vada. I had been going to an Italian restaurant every week with about ten friends for almost fifteen years. I had a little bit of influence in that restaurant and knew most of the people that worked there. They needed a busser and I told them that they needed to hire Pat. They did. That was in July of 2000 and he is still working there and one of their best employees. I live close to the downtown and Pat walks to work and out to clubs after work. And he walks around downtown and goes to the adult movies too much. But, all of the walking keeps the weight off which is good because he still eats too much and loves candy and ice cream. Well, his,.,work history in Nevada was just awful. He'd been}ired or quit from so many places that it was ridiculous. And he paid me back for his ticket to Ohio. And he has paid me rent every two weeks when he gets paid. And with working almost forty hours per week and making about $10 per hour with tips, Pat is doing pretty good. He paid me back for the two winter coats that I bought him Last fall. And he paid me back for ta.king him to the doctor to take care of his atbelete's foot and his ear wax problem. And, I took him to the dentist and started him on proper tooth care. Which was a new concept for him, as was going to the doctor for health problems. But, he doesn' t want anything to do with his family in Las Vegas. I think that he is afraid that they will try to get him to move back there. And he knows that he doesn't want that. He's been a great help for me. He goes out and mows the lawn and shovels the snow and cleans the cat boxes and never asks me for a cent in return. And be keeps real good track of any money that he has bor­ rowed from me for anything and he pays me back as soon as he can. He needed some shirts and he would get real happy when I would get him one. Well , in the last year I have bought him around one hundred shirts. Does that prove my compulsive shopping? Hey, they were all on sale! I told him that he will have to buy his own pants and under­ wear. But I used to lend him the money to get those. I did get rather upset at the restau­ Page 17 rant where he works. They told him that be a little homesick. I had dinner with my could wear black pants and a black t-shirt to friend and he told me that his firm needed to bus the tables. So, we got him a couple of hire experienced architects. pairs of black jeans and three black t-shirts. Not small money for someone earning $10 Pat thinks that I am one ofthe smart­ per hour minus taxes. Then the restaurant est people that he has ever met and he' decided that he should wear black dres·s worships the ground that I walk on. · pants and black shirts that button. i got rather upset and took him to fjnd the dress pants and the kind of shirts that they wanted. I took my eyes off of Pat for a couple· of hours and he went to Caesars Palace and And, finding the right type of black shirts was a problem. And, I thought what would a quickly lost every cent that he had and person making minimum wage do without a emptied all of the money out of his bank friend for help. He would have had to take account with his teller machine card. He the bus all over town and just happen to have told me the next day that he didn't deserve about $100 in his pocket to meet the boss's to eat because he didn' t have any money. I immediate requirements. told him that even people without money deserve to eat. So, off we went to the restau­ Usually addicts think that they can run rant. Pat thinks that I am one of the smartest away from their problems but the prob­ people that he has ever met and he worships the ground that I walk on. He is like another lem comes right along with them. brother to me or a son. And, almost every time that we talk on the phone he tells me Well, I took an incentive to leave the Air that he doesn't know where he would be if it Force and Pat took care of the house and cats weren't for me. And I think that I really while I went to California for the Democratic don't know why I stopped and asked him Convention and while I went on a two week directions so late that night or why I let him tour of Europe. I happened to talk to a hotel come back to my hotel room to clean up. clerk in Amsterdam and he had managed to For some reason he kind of scared me. But, get out of Bosnia. I told him about bringing he turned out to be one of the most harmless Pat back from Las Vegas. He said that Pat and interesting people that I have ever met. was probably back in Ohio selling every­ Well, I got the job working for the archi­ thing that I owned while I was in Europe. I tecture firm in Las Vegas and Pat is working told him that Pat was so happy to have a in Ohio and doing just fine. And with him house to live in and a good bed to sleep in taking care of my house on Ohio and paying and regular meals and a job and a washing me rent I was able to move to Las Vegas in a machine and dryer to use and his own bath­ heartbeat to take this new job. He is flying room that he could hardly stand it. out to Las Vegas to spend a week on the 1st Also, Pat is consumed by watching of July. It's his second Las Vegas vacation videos, especially ones about Las Vegas and this year. Pat is a jetsetter. Not bad for when he's not doing that he is usually chas­ someone living at a bus stop a year ago. ing women on the internet. So, Pat has it too And, when he gets here, we are going to go good to risk being homeless again. And out to dinner at the Venetian just like I back in January of this year, I brought him promised him. back to Vegas for a vacation since be seemed �STREETVIBES August 2001 . World News Page 18 Indigenous Leaders Lambast World Bank, IMF By Kintto Lucas, PANAMA CITY communities, and it has proven to be the most controversial matter The policies of the World Bank since the meeting began on Mon­ and the International Monetary day. Fund (IMF) harm indigenous "These organizations lack communities around the world and methods that draw on the indig­ enous world view," with its essen­ are -a new form of colonization, charge native leaders meeting this tial aspects of respect for nature week in the Panamanian capital. and all forms of coexistence, The social programs targeting "which turns them into agents that indigenous communities that are undermine our cultures," stated sponsored by the IMF, the World Biadilla Lino, a delegate of the Bank and by certain non-govern­ Nicaraguan Association of mental organizations (NGOs) are Mayangnas Women. implemented without taking into Louis Macas, representing account the cultural reality of these Ecuador's Scientific Institute of societies, said delegates to the First Indigenous Cultures, said the Millennium Conference of Indig­ World Bank has adapted its dis­ course to the new global reality, enous Peoples, Wednesday. The conference, organized by with a rhetoric that highlights the Panama's Napguana ("core of the leadership of new social actors, earth", in the Kuna language) especially native peoples. "The Association, and sponsored by the World Bank, faced with the criti­ Netherlands Centre for Indigenous cisms of environmental activists and indigenous communities, has Peoples (NCIV-Nederlands Cen­ trum Voor Inheemse Volken), is to added the notion of sustainable conclude Friday with the signing · development to its liberalization strategy and generated a new of the " Panama Declaration" . Approximately 200 indigenous 'ethno-development' discourse," representatives, as well as United he explained. Macas, who is also rector of the Quito-based Interna­ Nations experts and representa­ tives from several international aid tional University of Indigenous Peoples, pointed to the wording of originations and agencies, have spent this week in Panama debat­ the World Bank's policies in ing issues related to native rights setting up a development project that focuses on Ecuador's native and culture. communities. The indigenous leaders have In addition, a study presented dedicated long hours of discussion to the Conference by the UK-based to the impact of the multilateral . Forest Peoples Programme (FPP), institutions' policies on their emphasized the need to pressure the World Bank to improve com­ pliance with its own social and environmental protection policies. "It is crucial that the World Bank include new mechanisms · that facilitate indigenous participa­ tion in the follow-up and evalua­ tion of projects and programs," says the report. The PPP also asks that native peoples, NGOs and the World Bank itself study ways to modify the development param­ eters established by the multilat­ eral financial institution. Stan­ dards must be set in accordance with international law and, if they are violated, the World Bank must be held responsible, states the FPP document. Represented at the Panama conference are indigenous groups from Australia, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Botswana, Bhutan, Canada, Colombia, Chile, Ecua­ dor, El Salvador, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mali, Morocco, Mexico, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Rwanda, Russia, Sudan and the United States, among others: The proposals that native presenters and delegates have made this week will be included in the conference's final document known as the "Panama Declaration." Gilberto Arias, chief of Panama's Kuna Yala indigenous region, said the Mireya Moscoso government did not provide sup­ ...... port for the Conference of Indig­ enous Peoples underway here, and Do you find yourself on the outside of the that it had even imposed imrnigra­ tion hurdles for many of the job market, looking In? delegates arriving in the country for the meeting, and prevented Do you want a self-motl"ated, low-pressure some from participating. "Panama's national government Job? often speaks of its Indians at ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~--~~~ Sell Streetvibesl Tiie monthly newspaper with news from the street: homelessness, poor people's Issues, poetry, prose, and articles with their feet on the sround. international forums, but has shown little interest in supporting the Panamanian indigenous move­ ment," he said, "and we have now seen how many of our brothers and sisters had problems entering the country." Arias also stressed that an important legacy of this native leaders summit is the recognition of the common characteristics that have kept them strong in the face of external pressures: their ances­ tral sense of solidarity and unity. "If we look at the resolutions of the different indigenous confer­ ences held at the global level and compare them, we will surely find that the governments have never really taken the needs of our peoples into account," stated the Kuna chief. Response from pg. 4 service counselor) talk to them (po' unemployed worker) any kind of way they want. They herd them into unpleasant waiting areas like cattle. Yet, it is about the dependable ones. Usually preference is given to the dependable, regulars. The ones who are for whatever reason locked into this temp work, pay daily, cycle. Men and women who for what ever reason can somewhat manage their lives enough, to be fairly dependable. It ain't enough money. That's a fact. The reality is the situation sucks. Most people don't have a clue as to what this sweatshop industry is really like. It works well for the temp service, adequately for the employer and is like a drug for far to many of the workers. This ain't living, its existing. Working for these temp services is as bad as it gets. That's for real. Quotations from women about women . . . . Things are going to get a lot worse before they get worse. The hardest years in life are those -Lily Tomlin between ten and seven.ty. I refuse to think ofthem as chin -Helen Hayes (at 73) hairs. I think ofthem as stray Old age ain't no p lace for sissies. eyebrows. -Janette Barber -Bette Davis Vendors buy the paper for 20 cents and sell It for a $1 donation. First 10 copies free to new vendors/ Come In today to sign upl The Great er Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 1.506 Elm Street Clnclnnatl, Ohio 45210 (513) 421-7803 "Georgie-e-e... ifyou want that cool new missile defense system, you 're going 10 have 10 make some room on your toy shelf:" �t STREETVIBES August 2001 War... from page 12 who cannot find proper medica­ tion and treatment for severe depression would rather take their lives than live in such conditions. At one of the rare hospitals for women, a reporter found still , nearly lifeless bodies lying motionless on top of beds, wrapped in their burqua, un­ willing to speak, eat, or do anything, but slowly wasting away. Others have gone mad and were seen crouched in comers, perpetually rocking or crying, most of them in fear. It is at the point where the term "human rights violations" has become an understatement. Husbands have the power Of life and death over their women relatives, especially their wives, but an angry mob has just as much right' to stone or beat a woman, often to death, for exposing an inch of flesh or offending them in the slightest way. Women enjoyed relative freedom to work, to dress generally as they wanted, and to drive and 'aj:>~ar in public alone until 1996. The rapidity of this transition is the main reason for the depression and suicide; Women who were.once educators or doctors, or simply used to basic human freedoms are now severely restricted and treated as subhuman in the name of right-wing fundamen­ talist Islam. It is not their tradition or 'culture', but it is alien to them, and it is extreme even for those cultures where fundamentalism is the rule. Everyone has a right to a tolerable human existence, even if they are women in a Muslim country. If we can threaten military force in Kosovo in the name of human rights for the '/ '.\)\\\• ;": sake of ethnic Albanians, citizens of the world can cer­ tainly express peaceful outrage at the oppression, murder and injustice committed against women by the Taliban. Women's Rights is not a small issue anywhere, and it is UNACCEPTABLE for women in 2001 to be treated as subhu­ man and as so much property. Equality and human decency is a fundamental RIGHT, not a freedom to be granted, whether one lives in Afghanistan or elsewhere. ~ .- .. ~ ><-. -·. ' • ~. ~ •• • - - ­ World News Page 19 Denver Grand Jury Targets and Jails Anti­ Sweatshop Solidarity Activists During the year 2000, there were several hundred leafleting actions at Kohl 's department stores in support of Nicaragua.a sweatshop workers. As a part of this series of actions, in December 2000, the Denver Justice and Peace Committee organized a peaceful leafleting action at a local Kohl 's outlet. During the action, four people dressed as Santa Claus entered the store and spray painted some of the merchandise. Despite their eye-catching costumes, the Santas were not apprehended by security guards or police. On December 15, police entered the DJPC office ·with a searGh ;w.~al)t.. They seized the organization's comput~r disks, donor and membership records, and thoroughly body-searched the only person-of-color present at the time. In the attempt to find the four Santas by disrupting Denver's local activist community, investigators intervit::wed at least 50 financial and activist supporters of PJPC-.sowing fear and discord among activists and virtually destroying the local committee. Now, in what may be part of a national strategy to target anti­ corporate globalization activists, or the action of an overzealous local prosecutor, a grand jury has been convened to determine criminal charges in this case. One activist, Doug ~ohm, was jailed on May 17 for refusing to cooperate with the grand jury, meaning that be has refused to testify in this case. Former DJPC Executive Director David Martin, i~ also expecting that he will be imprisoned for his stance of non-cooperation. The grand jury next meets on Thursday, May 31. The grand jury system is a fundamentally undemocratic tool of the government used to persecute minorities and adherents of unpopular ideologie$. Only the government can present evidence to a grand jury. And witnesses. who invoke their Fifth Amendment right not to testify, as in the Denver case, can have that right taken away by a grand jury by being ordered to testify anyway. Failure to obey the court order to testify .can result in up to a six-month sentence, even though the grand jury may ultimately bring no charges in the case. If the DJPC activists are prosecuted in this case, the implications will be far reaching and may affect the ability and willingness of activists across the country to be in solidarity with sweatshop workers as they attempt to organize unions. The possible international impacts of this case are simply too important to ignore. Denver activists have asked for our solidarity and action-just as Chentex workers did last year. We must show the Denver authorities that we are aware of the tactics they are using against activists who demonstrated, simultaneous to many of you,, at Kohl's. If the repressive actions of the Colorado authorities deter communities from supporting the organizing efforts of workers around the world, then those actions can be seen as an indirect assault on union organizing efforts. A group called the Free Speech Defense Committee has been set up to coordinate support for the Denver activists targete~ in the case. Contact Luis Espinosa­ Organista at 303-864-9303 or lespinos@ouray.cudenver.edu for further information on the case and on ways to support the Denver­ bastfd labor rights activists. ...HAS KEPT HIS PROMISE OF ~I PARTISANSHIP. Streefvibefl'. A proud member of the North Amerit.an 'i>trut Ne\tlspaper Assot.iation tz..ep,resenting over 50 strut ne~spaper& throughout the United 45tates and t:-anada "'"'"'.speakeas~. orglnasna �Need Help or Want to Help? If for some reason you find yourself homeless, contact a Coalition Member Agency for Shelter, Treatment, Hous.ing or Services. If you have any questions, feel free to call the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. HOUSING: CMHA Excel Development Miami Purchase 721-4580 632-7149 241-0504 OTA Housing Network 369-0004 TREATMENT: Men Charlie's 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Over 784-1853 9?1-1613 751-3260 TREATMENT: Both 820-2947 861-9966 381-6660 684-7956 859-491-4435 421-2437 SHELTER: Both Caracole (AIDS) 761-1480 Chabad House 821-5650 Friars Club 381-5432 Drop Inn Center(Singles) 721-0643 Haven House (Hamilton) 863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality Ntwk 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teens) 961-4080 St. John's Temp Housing 651-6446 Community Action Agency 381-1171 639-7056 961-4555 ReSTOC Tender Mercies Tom Geiger House TREATMENT: Women 221-6937 961-4663 O.D.A.A.T First Step Home ROHS HARDWARE . Helo is Just Around the Corner 0-' 73 Qt. Storage Tote with SnaP:On Lid 9.:> ~ ·~ ~ $4 ~ ~<f$~ Q:;qj §' ~~ 0 1403 Vine Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 (513) 421-0700 Gal. Bug Stop Home Pest Repellent $6 Digital Alarm Clock/Radio $7 . . • . , .. . . . . . ... • ·•!T• ­ 569-1840 381-4242 Contact Center 241-2563 Emanuel Comm. Center 241-1064 Freestore/Foodbank 771-4800 Goodwill Industries 421-7803 G.C. Coalition for the Homeless Hamilton Co. Mental Health Board 621-7149 632-7186 Hamilton Co. TB Control Health Resource Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van 352-2902 221-3619 House of Refuge Mission 241-9400 Legal Aid Society Madisonville Ed. & 271-5501 Assistance Center 721-4811 Mary Magdalen House 621-0248 Oral Health Council 621-6364 Our Daily Bread 621-5514 Peaslee Neighborhood Center Project Connect -­ 357-5720 Homeless Kids 562-8841 St. Vincent De Paul 471-4357 The Emergency Food Center Travelers Aid 721 -7660 721-7900 United Way VA Homeless Program 859-572-6226 Women's Crisis Center 859-491-3335 Women Helping Women 872-9259 Thank you for your support• � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2001 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource August 2001 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Standdown, An Aurban Oasis Shelters Face Lean Times During Summer Months Pg 2: Keeping the Best as New Editor Pg 3: Donald Whitehead Joins the National Coalition for the Homeless as Executive Director Pg 4: Readers Respond Pg 5: Mary Ann Lederer is Serious About Making the World as Better Place Pg 6: Civil Rights in Cincinnati Pg 7: Recovering from Abuse Pg 8: Prisoners’ News Pg 9: The Mental Health Crisis in Black America Pg 10: In Their Own Words… Peaslee Neighborhood Center Kids Write About the Uprising Pg 11: In Their Own Words… Peaslee Neighborhood Center Kids Write About the Uprising Continued Pg 12: Editorials Pg 13: What’s in a Name? A People’s Dignity… Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 16: One Less Homeless Person in Las Vegas Pg 17: One Less Homeless Person in Las Vegas Continued Pg 18: Indigenous Leaders Lambast World Bank, IMF Pg 19: Denver Grand Jury Targets and Jails Anti-Sweatshop Solidarity Activists Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August 2001 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Alicia Beck Susan Knight Mary A. Gaffney Mary Taylor Molly Lyons John Halpin Sonny Williams H. Lee Bowen Jimmy Heath Riccardo Taylor Kim Renay Dumas Mr. Lee Molly Lyons Henry Bryant Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Abuse Activists Alicia Beck Arts & Poetry Black America Cincinnati civil rights Denver Donald Whitehead Editorials GCCH H. Lee Bowen Henry Bryant IMF Indigenous Leaders Jimmy Heath John Halpin Kim Renay Dumas Las Vegas Mary A. Gaffney Mary Ann Lederer Mary Taylor mental health Molly Lyons Mr. Lee National Coalition for the Homeless National News police brutality prisoners news Riccardo Taylor Sonny Williams Street Views Susan Knight Women World Bank https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/6bc3a42f09098833486526f219d7bb26.pdf 08b07de29acda3ca477e6d5015eed2e9 PDF Text Text $1 Donation ST tEET IBES THE TRI-STATE'S HOMELESS 6RAP£\fINE BuY FROM BAD6£D VENDORS ONL~ SEPTEMBER 2001 Inside: Interview with Mayoral Candidate Courtis Fuller GREATER CINClNNATI COALITION FOR TH£ HOMELESS �EE SEPTEMBER 2001 Street View Interview with Mayoral Candidate Courtis Fuller by Riccardo M. Taylor photos by Jimmy Heath By Riccardo M. Taylor Street view, the perception of the street person. A unique yet curious look at how life appears to the person who lives the lifestyle of hardship. In a definitive way the essence of the view is without connotation. There is no single description of the street life. An idea can be offered, yet it can sometimes be biased when it is relayed from just one source. In writing my piece on the life of the street per~on, I try to be as honest as possible while being as candid as truth will allow. What is most important for me is that I have the opportunity to give to our readers some feel of what it' s like to be a street person, in a sense giving our readers a tour through the "life." Perhaps this is an introduction, and I'd like to believe that it has already been established through my past writing of this column, but I find it appropriate at this time because I'd like to take a moment in writing to establish what my intent is for our readers. That would be both entertainment and exposure to one reality of life as otherwise might not be known or understood by our readers. Often I cannot be as open in personal encounters as I can be in writing, therefore I will use this arena of the written word as my passageway to the minds of those who may be interested in knowing something about the way the street person lives. It gives me immense pleasure to have you come into our world, although it's only temporary. So shaU we take a look at what's up? Lets start by taking a look at what motivates most of the street people. The idea, that things which effect their lives will somehow miraculously change is always at the forefront of the street person's hopes. However the mindset of the street person helps to keep them from ever realizing Street View Cont. on page 3 On August 15, 2001 I had both the honor and pleasure to interview Mr. Courtis Fuller the Charter Rights Committee candidate for the Mayor of the City of Cincinnati. Upon . entering Mr. Fuller's headquarters we were greeted with appreciation and I was impressed by what I thought was a well organized campaign office - the staff was very courteous and willing to make us comfortable and welcomed. I interviewed Mr. Fuller with the hopes of obtaining some of his views which I thought may be of interest to our readers. I intended to ask questions concerning the state of our city and what I felt was most important to the future of our city. Our interview lasted approximately 30 minutes and during the time I was with him I asked several questions concerning campaign strategy and refo1m.. In relaying what I learned - I find that the most effective way to relay the information to you the reader - 1s to summarize what was said in response to my questioning. Mr. Fuller informed me that he was originally from Pittsburgh and has lived in Cincinnati for the past 13 years. He is a journalist by profession and has worked as a .news anchor for over a decade with Channel 5 TV. Mr. Fuller told me that be chose the Charter Rights Committee ticket in part because the Democratic Party has already endorsed their choice for candidate. He went on to explain that since this is a nonpartisan elec6on, the process of election and its end resu lt fitted perfectly with the Charter Rights Committee ideas - the idea that all political parties are in essence responsible for good government. The Charter Rights Committee stands foremost in the inclusion of bipartisanship. He believes that in order for us to have good government and good services it can be best served through the commitment of the Charter Rights pllllosophy of gover.ning. Over the past 76 years there bas been no direct election of the mayor in our city which now requires a changing of the dynamics of our political system. Mr. Fuller impressed on me that he felt it was pertinent for the future success of politics in this city that we take advantage of this chance to reform the system for the sake of future government and the city. Mr. Fuller acknowledged the fact that our city is in a crisis. Emphashing that race relations in Cincinnati are in shambles and needs immediate attention. I asked Mr. Fuller what he thought was the immediate solution? He stated that he believes that if we start to focus more on the things we have in common as a city rather than our differences then that would be the first step to bring about change. We need the creation of an atmosphere of inclusion, which does not take a lot of money or a lot of programs, just committed quality in the steps taken to get us where we want to be. What is Mr. Fuller's view on the present make-up of city council? When the people feel they are not represented at City Hall then there is a problem and that has to change - the first step to correct this is to make sure that the citizens are represented at City Hall, this according to the diversity of the ci6zens. What is most impor tant for the revitalization of our city? By breathing back the spirit of diversity our city will experience growth and improvement. Wh at was his opinion, su ggestions on investment for the city? We have to reinvest in our neighborhoods. We are supportive of downtown development and expansion as well as, our residential neighborhoods. When we take areas such as Over the Rhine we have to revitalize those areas. Ownership is the key to development in our residential neighborhoods. One program, which we have been looking at, we have termed "Mayor's turf war." Our objective would be to clean up the blight, reclaim abandoned buildings, rehab those buildings and then in an affordable way allow people to invest in them. Creating neighborhood organizations, whi~h can work towards the goal of investing in and using those buildings for the benefit of the neighborhoods. Such objectives as making rent affordable, having clean and safe neighborhoods for the people who live in those areas. Giving people a reason to have pride in their neighborhoods, reason w want to stay there and be a part of what is theirs. We would like to make Cincinnati a shining star. Give back its glamour. Bring back the attraction which our city is so renowned for. Mayor... cont. on page 7 Inside Streetvibes Cover Story GCCH Nev.,.s Civil Rights Prisoners News National News Feature Section Editorial Page Art & Poetry Veggie Vibes Homeless Kids Page3 Page4 Page6 Page8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 12 Page 14 Page 16 Page 17 GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS �. ST REETVIBES Sep~ember STREETVIBES 2001 -. - ~-,. . .. . ~:-:--~ . .,....__ ...._-;_..." ~"' GCCH NEWS . . . ~ ·' Page 2 The Demeaning Marketing of Main Street The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine policy was City Council's well­ prime example, we need look no by Jimmy Heath and Randy Katz farther than a slick, full-color publicized attempt a few years ago What really caused the to criminalize panhandling·. It took brochure published recently by the . community of Over-the-Rhine-a Over-the-Rhine Chamber of a federal court to remind our neighborhood that, both Streetvibes, the Tt;i-State's council members that Commerce as part of its effort to geographically and historically, Homeless Grapevine, is a newspa­ help the Main Street Entertainment constitutionally guaranteed · represents Cincinnati's heart and per written by, for, and about District recover from the effects of freedoms of speech, association soul- to explode in a firestorm of homelessness, social justice, and and movement cannot be denied to the April rioting. Ironjcally, the hatred and destruction following poverty-related issues. It is text of this promotional effort to persons in these United States the police shooting this past April published once a month by the merely because they happen to be lure discretionary dollars back to of one of its Greater Cincinnati Coalition for Main Street is residents? There the Homeless. 140£ . infected with the are some who Becoming a Streetvibes 513 very same " us" ­ believe that, Vendor is a great way for home­ Jord; versus-"them" less and other low-income people notwithstanding 1200 mentality that the palpable to get back on (or stay on) their 513-1 helped to provoke horror of the feet. Streetvibes Vendois are the April bullets that given an orientation and sign a uprisings in the pierced the body code of conduct before being first place. given a Streetvibes Vendor badge. of that unarmed, The brochure non-violent young The Greater Cincinnati prominently man named Coalition for the Homeless ·is a features a bloc of Timothy Thomas, group of shelters, agencies ancl text that strongly we must look to individuals committed to ending --: · ·~ ·. discourages certain attitudes homelessness in Cincinnati " From the Main Street Entertainment District brochure patrons from that reside in the through COO{di)mting services, giving any money · minds and hearts educating tile pultli'c and to panhandlers, based on the theory homeless or impoverished. The of Cincinnati's citizenry to find the grassroots oi:ga.Jtizing, damage, though, had been done. that "this social problem is real cause of the rioting that took fi€ ( '.H Staff Rather than fostering initiatives common to urban areas" and "their place. Alicia Beck Executive Director that are procreative and presence need not prevent people Susan 'Knight 'Administra~ve What we are talking about Coordinator productive, our politicians have from enjoying the Main Street here is the kind of mind-set that Mary Gaffney Receptionist squandered public resources to Entertainment District". The text attributes the blame for urban Receptionist Mary Taxlor support agendas that are punitive, goes on to encourage people who poverty to the very low-income John Halpin Americo~s~ Yista want to help to give to community shortsighted and very, very people who are most directly Molly Lyons Americorp8* Vista charity_gtQY~. dangerous. What we learned in affected by .it. Tragically, this Streetvibes Staff Once agaffi, tfien, the April- or should have learned- is wildly illogical point of view, Jimmy Heath Editor unseemly urge to blame low­ that when municipal government along with the corrosive and Sonny WiWamsPrison News Editor income people for Cincinnati's incorporates economic prejudice dangerously dehumanizing biases H. Lee Bowen Recovery, Mental economic stagnation has taken into its penal code, it breeds the that acc0mpany it, have tended to Health Editor precedence over any useful or kind of desperation and contempt characterize much of the public Writers · creative efforts to get things certain that can, under policy shaped by Cincinnati's Alicia Beck moving in the right direction. Can political and business leaders over circumstances, tum an inner city James Blackmon the members of the OTR Chamber neighborhood into a war zone, the past several years. Instead of Linda L. Berger of Commerce really be so However, while City Dants L, Carr shouldering the responsibility for insensitive as not to understand Council's effort to criminalize Carol Cuningham their own glaring failure to re­ John Halpin how arrogant and demeaning and panhandHng was struck down by vitalize the downtown area, the Susan Heusken the courts, the attitude that regards leaders of this city have instead Dr, Paul Kali poverty as a crime remains firmly sought to shift the blame to those MF. Lee entrenched in the minds of many who least deserve it- the urban Christi Keavne-y­ of those who wield the most power cont. page 5 poor. Molly Lyons and influence in our city. For a One example of such a Aaron P.iichford Edna Smith Steve Sunderland Rodney Sutton Each vendor has to sign the following code to be able to sell the paper. Riccardo Taylor 1. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $1 voluntary collecting for the "homeless" in general. I will be Photographers donation. I ;igree not to ask for donations of more honest in stating that all the profits from the sale of Berta Lambert Jimmy Heath than $1. I also understand that I will be able to Streetvibes will go to the individual vendor. keep 80 cents of each dollar collected. Future 8. I will always present my badge when purchasing Streetvibes accepts letters, poems, issues of Streetvibes will be purchased from the papers, and I will display my badge at all times stories, essays, original graphics, Homeless Coalition for 20 cents. while vending. Replacement badges are $1 each. photos.... We will give prefer­ 2. Streervibes may only be purchased from the 9. There are no territories. I agree that I will not ence to those who are homeless or GCCH. Purchasing or selling unauthorized contest territories with other distributors. I will vendors. papers, or from other vendors, will result in termi­ not sell on private property without permission. nation from the program . 10. I understand that Streetvibes strives to be a self­ Subscr\ptions to Streetvibes can 3. I agree that I will not ask for donations or attempt supporting paper created by people who are be"Rmchased for $15 per year. to vend after 12 midnight. homeless or formerly homeless. To help in this c/o Greater Cincinnati Coalition 4. I agree to treat others with respect other vendors, effort, I will try to spread the wqrd and write for the Homeless (GCCH) customers, and GCCH personnel. stories ifpossibl.e. 1506 Elm Street 5. I will not sell Screervibes .while under the influence. 11. I understand that failure to com ply with any of the Cincinnati, OH 45210 6. I will not give a "hard sell" or make someone feel above statements will result in termination from (513) 421-7803 threatened. the Streetvibes vendor program. GCCH reserves fax (513) 421-7813; 7. I agree not to deceive the public by saying that I am the right to terminate a vendor at any time as e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com collecting for a nor-for-profit charity or that I am deemed appropriate. web page: http;ltcinci.coni/gccb Main Street. ... ·Streetvibes Vendor Code �ST REETVIBE S September 2001 Page 3 Cover Story: Outdoor Living Poses Challenges for the Homeless by John Halpin Throughout the year, but particularly in the summer, homeless people make their residences in outdoor places throughout the Greater Cincinpati area, including in camps and cars. Most people have no idea where these homeless camps are, although they can be found in a wide variety of places, both in and out of the city. These camps are well hidden and thus serve as a somewhat private place that people can call their own. Streetvibes reporter and vendor Riccardo Taylor says that it's hard to say how many people are Jiving outside, but he estimates that 35-40% of homeless men live in camps or vehicles. People have several 1·easons for choosing this option over staying in a shelter, he says, but the main reason is that people can have more privacy when they are living outside. Many homeless people also prefer to care for themselves instead of taking the help of a shelter. They' d rather be self-suffic ient, cook thejr own food, and have the freedom to come and go as they please, which they lose when staying in a shelter. Mr. Taylor says that although the perception of people living on the street is that they are lazy, the opposite is true. Living outdoors is a lot of work. Mr. Taylor says that staying in a shelter may be safer than living outdoors, but most people have a few friends with whom they' lJ stay, and they'll watch out for each other. More exposure leads to more victimization and a greacer chance to be cited Ol' picked up by the pol ice. While a lot of homeless camps across the country have undergone police sweeps, many homeless people in Cincinnati have said that the police leave their camps alone. Mr. Taylor says that the cops won't say much unless there's a complaint. Edna Smith, also a Streetvibes vendor, talked about being vulnerable when living outdoors, as well. She thought people would realize that a person living in a car doesn't have much, yet she still was robbed of her few possessions when living in her car. A few years ago, a brick­ wielding gang of youth attacked a homeless camp in Northern Kentucky and several men were injured badly. A few years before that, in another Northem Kentucky homeless camp, several homeless people were murdered. Many similar cases, both here and across the country, are probably not reported. The National Coalition for the Homeless issued a report on hate crimes against the homeless in 2000 and documented 43 deaths and 23 victims of non­ lethal violence. This number,only represents the cases that service providers or newspapers reported and is likely much lower than the actual number of crimes that occurred. The report details cases of homeless people being beaten, killed, set on fire, and urinated upon. the street person that they have the power to change their life? I always insist that those who can Cont. from page 1 help be supportive in relaying this those hopes. The fact that the idea. As I often say, it takes initiative from the general public hopes and dreams of the street person are limited to what they to create the atmosphere for such feel is their height of achievement ideology to take form. is discouraging to say the least. As much as I insist on the To believe that one can only be as idea that society in general has to successful or that one can only be apart of the social investment reach a certain limit hampers which will make the difference in growth, as well as the possibility the life of the street person, the of changing things for the street input from these entities can only person for as long as they believe be limited. This is very important that their plight in life is set. because whether it's an individual Complacency is the order of the or a social organization, the day. To believe that this is the assistance that is given will be the way things are suppose to be is springboard for the person very hard to get past. It is so easy receiving it. In other words, if the to get into this sort of thinking for street person is given everything the street person simply because without having to p ut forward any it is a reality of their lives. effort on their own then they Things always seem to come become complacent and will not back to where they began for the do for themselves or learn the street person. In other words one take on the responsibility that one feels that nothing is to ever be must adapt in order to maintain a different. It is hard for those who successful lifestyle. are on the outside to understand There are no guarantees how this works yet for the street on the total or lasting success of person it's a reality. Of course it the transition of the street person is not absolute, but getting things into the main stream of society. to look differentl y through the However, given the oppo1t unity, -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ eyes~ thorewhoare i n the life i s there has to be some who can quite a different story. One has to reach that goal and in reali ty the Call believe that things can and will entire transformation is beneficial be different if they are to in fact to all. So as an invitation I ask that each of us give what he can change. Nowwe have to find how this can be accomplished. to help alleviate the problem and Attorney at Law H ow can the idea be relayed to keep hope alive. • Street View Social Security/SSI Denied? ' John M. Keegan Practice concentrated in Social Security/SSI Disability Law NO FEE UNLESS W E WIN ~ (513) 651-9222 ~ FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION C li£.ford J on.es ( 5 13) 7 6 1 - 3 4 64 Office t (61<.'f>O\ .~C ~-n,ail: joncsaCV ( 51 3 ) 2 30- 6353 • W'\V 'W. c~ Voi cemail C.1~ c:P °'tiexchan ge­ �STREETVIBES September Z001 Local News Denhart bankruptcy will affect neighborhhood's PSC along with Nehmeier and poorest other community stakeholders since November of 2000. "We have been discussing these issues for almost a year and never once Hart Realty announced in did he say that he was having August that it and several financ ial troubles. Residents have companies and separate related paid for tbese buildjngs through limited partnersh ips that provide the years because of the deep affordable housing have filed fo r subsidies. He got rich off of poor protection under Chapter 11 of the people's housing and poor people U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Most of deserve to have these units stay the units owned by Hart Realty are affordable. Even better; own the located in the Cincinnati housing themselves," said neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine. Neumeier. "It is hard to believe Hart Realty, along with its that he was doing it for people - it affiliates, is the city's largest was for profit. If he really cared Section 8 landlord. The company for the neighborhood he would represents the largest single owner have tried to negotiate or discuss of affordable HUD subsidized this with us [in the PSC] in order units in the neighborhood of to avoid this crisis. The city Over-the-Rhine. The general should work with the community partner of the limited partnerships, to make sure this housing is not and the sole shareholder of three lost to market rate developers. of the filing corporations, Tom We've always counted Denhart's Denbart, stated that, "Our goal, as units as affordable. We can't stand it has been for the past 30 years, is to lose that many," Neumeier said. to continue to provide affordable. "Years ago, Denhart wanted to sell housing for those who need it." his buildings but he came to the But Denhart has been criticized table asking too much. He got rich for using government policies and off of our poverty. He's made his programs to amass ~ low-income money - how much is enough.? empire of over 1000 units in Denhart chose to opt out of Section Over-the-Rhine, the West End and 8 when HUD decided to lower his other Cincinnati neighborhoods. subsidy to match what landlords In the year 2000, Hart Realty were getting for market rate units companies reportedly made over in our region. Now when his $7 million dollars in gross profits aren't as deep Denhart pulls income, most of it through the rug out from under us. That's government subsidized Section 8 not fair. These low income units housing programs. are now in jeopardy," says Tom Denbart, his attorneys, Neumeier. Many community and the U.S. Department of members, along with Neumeier, Housing and Urban Development contend that Denhart has some (HUD) reached an agreement serious ethical questions to face. where Denhart will be allowed to Residents say that Denbart has continue to operate his apartments until the end of August. Rental --..income will allow the company to ' - survive for the first few weeks of September. A motion was also filed by Denhart lawyers to allow Denhart to sell one of his vacant buildings, owned by a Hart Realty subsidiary. "I feel that Denbart has betrayed the people of Over-the­ Rhine," said Bonnie Neumeier, long-time community advocate and a member of the Over-theRhi ne Planning Steering Committee (PSC). The PSC, working with the City Planning Department, has been given the task of developing a Comprehensive Plan for Over-the­ Rhi ne. Long time neighborhood residents are demanding that this plan not displace them. Denhart has been attending the Housing Subcommittee meetings of the by Jimmy Heath Page 4 and finely ground glass, cloths, garbage, hazardous materials, and debris of many sorts. This would be a good beginning - provide the unskilled laborer with full time employment and benefits and wages that supports families living above poverty level. · The Amelican Dream has turned into a nightmare. More than a year ago I met with William Jacoby, Elwood Cromwell, and Janet Spitzrniller to discuss the possibility of hiring a "clean up crew". r was told there are no funds for thi s project! How could this be?? The Department of Health, Bureau of Environmental Health Services, Litter Control Division receives monetary funds My name is Carol from city government. Mister Charles Luken, you Cunningham and I am preparing can make it happen, if you will. for Success. In the aftermath of the The time has come to solve most recent riots within our city of the problems of the poor, Cincinnati, we the people cry out especially minorities, many who in a loud voice! Anger and are living in slum apartments and dwelling places. We the people violence, cursing, fighting and wailing; killing and dying much will continue to experience the too soon. snowball effect of crime and The violence will end and violence that began with the killing of an unarmed youth, nineteen our voices shall be heard. I am a years of age. spokesperson for the citizens of Cincinnati, Ohio and I rally with Mayor Luken, I agree with them and their plight, for mine is you that the Boston Plan has some theirs also. great.goals, howev5!r let us create -­ , ..-;' . jobs - good paying jobs, so that we The city of Ci ncinnati, prosper in this Great State of Ohio. Ohio reeks of litter, trash, broken made millions off the backs of poor citizens and now when faced with HUD budget cuts, he's looking for ways to get out of the business. Vacancy rates in Denha11 properties continue to rise as some tenants take advantage of the portability of the new Section 8 Vouchers. The Department of Housing and Urban Development started giving tenants vouchers for housing allowing them to find their own housing rather than subsidize property owners directly. • Dear Mr. Charles Luken The GCCH would like to thank this Starbucks location for their generous donation of .coffee and pastries. 3366 Erie Avenue East Hyde Park - OF COURSE WE HAVE GOV'T FOR THE RICH. YOU DON•T EXPKT US TO WASTE GOV'T ON THE POOR, DO YOU? �- . Local News STREETVIBES September 2001 Wild Oats Market donates to the Greater Cincinnai Coalition for the Homeless 1t1e 1i0Yr1e(ess Co~fitior Susan Knight, Molly Lyons and Alicia Beck of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless talk to a customer at Wild Oats Market in Rockwood Commons. On August 8th, Wild Oats Market donated 5% of their net proceeds to the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Wild Oats Market is an organic food market that strives to include community throughout its business mission. Thank you Wild Oats, for your generous contribution! Call for Artists, Activists .... Loe~ artists, activists and the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless are putting together a puppet show that will be petformed in late October. The puppet show wiJI be a love story that deals with how homelessness relates to corporate globalization, racism, police brutality and the criminal j ustice system. It will feature live actors interacting with the puppets and will be a family and kid friendly event. Ideas, people, energy and money are all needed. Homeless people are invited to write stories to be included in the puppet show. Also needed are actors, puppeteers, and writers. No experience necessary ! Questions? Contact Molly or John at 421-7803 or homelesscivilrights@yahoo.com. Extra! Advertise to Socially Conscious Readers ! Advertise in Streetvibes! Reach thousands of downtown workers each month! Call 421-7803 for more information about how advertising in Streetvibes will work for your business Low Rates Custom Sizes Available! - ~ Page 5 Main Street the social order that seemed more like the political chaos of some embattled third-world country than debilitating .is the message that an inner city neighborhood in poor folks, merely by "their southwestern Ohio? presence" on the streets of their Donald Whitehead, own neighborhood, constitute some ugly blight that can best be executi ve director of the National eliminated by being ignored? Can Coalition for the Homeless, had they really fail to comprehend the this reaction after seeing the Main Street promotional flyer: "This is consequences of their the ki nd of attitude that has insensitivity? allowed homelessness to grow The whirlwind of civil unabated ... the attitude that unrest that raged through our homelessness is acceptable. streets this past April took a grim Rather than acknowledging the toll on the City of Cincinnati, problem, or better still, assuming a producing widespread suffering, share of the responsibility for it anxiety and rage among its [groups such as the OTR Chamber citizenry, greatly injuring local of Commerce] encourage people to property and business interests, ignore it. [Charitable] giving to and causing what may have been irreparable harm to qncy's public social service agencies may help in the short term, but in order to bring image. The corporate media, of systemic change we must address course, were only too delighted to batten on tl)e images of destruction the root causes [of homelessness] such as gentrification and the and despair taking place here in unequal distribution of resources." Over-the-Rhine, and people in Whitehead ·thinks that the issue other communities around the ultimately comes down to a matter world gazed with fascination and of simple fairness and common horror on the hell's fury that emanated from the heart of our respect. "The presence of the Main Street Entertainment city. District," says Whitehead, "should But the interest in events not prevent long-term residents of here was motivated by something Over-the-Rhine from enjoying a more than just morbid fascination quality life." of the sort that compels The many Over-the-Rhine rubbernecking at the scene of an residents who are working hard to auto crash on the interstate. How could it be, people wondered, with support their families, to be good neighbors- and to survive- hope the U.S. at peace and amid it will not will not take another unprecedented general prosperity, series of riots to make Cincinnati's that the calm, conservative city of movers and shakers realize that Cincinnati suddenly looked like it had fallen through a time-warp and there is no problem that more seriously threatens our city's returned to the most turbulent stability and well-being than the times of the 1960s? Where had it absurd yet widely held perception come from, everyone wanted to know, this savage back.lash against that poor people are the problem. cont. from page 2 McMicken Dent al Center Formerly at Ambrose Clement Health Center Providing Free Dental Care to the HOMELESS 40 East McMicken PH: (513) 352-6363 Come in or call for .an appointment! Openjng on April 2, 2001 Services ind ude emergencies, extractions, cleaning, root canals" x-rays and fillings �STREETVIBES September 2001 Dead End Tickets Know Your Rights By Molly Lyons and John Halpin Many of you know the feeling. Driving down the street, you hear police sirens and see flashing lights behind you. You glance at your speedometer and are going fifteen miles over the speed limit. Ideally, all that happens is you get a ticket, grudgingly pay it, and go on with your life. For homeless peopie, though, getting a citation is not so cut and dry. As racial profiling hits the headlines of newspapers across the country, another kind of profiling - targeting homeless people - takes place everyday, unknown to most. Dreams of developing high-cost housing and of attracting tourist dollars have cities attempting to push the homeless out of sight by rigorously enforcing laws against actions that the homeless must commit in public for lack of any other place to go. In many cases, new legislation is drafted that specifically targets the homeless. What city governments don't know is that their policies may actually prevent people from escaping homelessness. The profiling of the homeless results in thousands of citations being issued each year. Most of the things homeless people are cited for are what we in Ohio call minor misdemeanors. The fines are relatively small, less than $100 in Ohio, but for someone who is struggling to find bask necessities from day to day, a $100 fine is impossible to pay. If a person doesn't pay a citation, they're supposed to go to court, but this proves difficult for many people on the streets. Like housed citizens, the homeless are often uninformed of their rights with.in the justice system and have limited, if any, access to legal advice. Coupled with distrust of a system that is working against them , many feel going to court is useless. Even those individuals who want to go to court face challenges in dping this. When living on the streets, being in court on the right day can be a challenge. Without a calendar, clean Page 6 By Molly Lyons and John Halpin Molly Lyons & John Halpin, Civil Rights Organizers Every month we will be highlighting a law or ordinance that affects homeless people in Cinci nnati. This column does not replace sound legal advice from an accredited lawyer, but seeks to empower and educate people in dealing with the criminal justice system and their lawyers. clothes, transportation, and other conveniences that the housed take for granted , the possibility of making it to court on the right day and time becomes dim. Because the person neither paid the fine nor showed up in court, a warrant will be Laws pertaining to Fountain issued for their arrest. Square: § 713-5. Definition of Fountain Outstanding warrants then prevent a homeless person from Square. accessing services and housing, Fountain Square is the area between Fifth Street, Walnut thus. trapping them in Street, Sixth Street and Vine homelessness. A city's attempt street that we usually think of as to get rid of the homeless Fountain Square but also . through criminalization comes includes any second level full circle. and actually skywalk in downtown (between exacerbates the problem. Central Avenue on the west, Some cities have Central Parkway on the north, responded positively to this Eggleston Avenue on the east problem and created special and the Ohio River on the homeless courts which have south). This applies whether or allowed many homeless people not the property is public or to get back on the path to private with the exception of housing. In San Diego, completely enclosed private homeless people, shelters, property, q,nd the sidewalk areas judges, the public defender, and surrounding Fountain Square on city attorney have developed the Walnut, Sixth and Vine Streets. Homeless Court Program, which meets once a month. § 713-3. Prohibited Uses of Recognizing that most of the Fountain Square. crimes committed by homeless It shall be unlawful for any people are public nuisance person, group of persons, or crimes and that sentencing the organization, without a valid homeless to jail time would permit to: simply disrupt their (a)Endanger, obstruct or participation in programs aimed unreasonably interfere with the at getting them back in housing, use of Fountain Square, any facility or part thereof, or access the court finds other solutions. to, from or through any part of In fact, the involved parties said square, including but not have agreed that no homeless person will go t0 jail against hj s limited to escalators, stairways, passageways, overhead or her wi11. Most of the walkways, elevators, exits and sentences they receive are to simply continue participating in entrances. Endanger, obstruct or unreasonably interfere with shall the programs in which they are apply to but shall not be limited already enrolled, such as to: substance abuse programs, job (I )The purposeful throwing, training, or continuing slinging, shooting or propelling education programs. of any object on Fountain Criminalizing Square; homelessness has done nothing (2)The taking of any animal onto to reduce the number of people Fountain Square, unless such on the streets. Programs like animal is being or will be used San Diego's, relying on positive by law enforcement officials means to empower homeless engaged in the performance of people in the legal system, can their duties, or unless such lead to real possibility for animal is a blind person's guide change - and can lead us one dog; or step closer to a society without homelessness. (3)The lying down on the floor surface or any walking or standing area on Fountain Square; (b )It is also illegal to operate or drive any vehicle, including bicycles, on Fountain Square, except city employees while engaged in their official duties; (c)Display, offer for sale or barter, or sell or barter or sell any merchandise on Fountain Square or any public stairway, escalator, passageway or elevator connecting to the Square; (d) Use any sound-amplifying equipment on Fountain Square; (e)Play any radio, tape recorder or other electronic sound producing equipment, other than with earphones so that no sound is audible to others. If you are convicted of violating this section of the code the maximum penalty is as follows: first offense, no more than a $100.00 fine, second offense, no more than $250.00 fine and 30 days in jail. If this is your second offense, you have the right to request a jury trial because you face jail time. § 713-2. Prohibitions on Fountain Square. (b) No person may communicate on Fountain Square any obscenity, defamation, or ''fighting words" including, but not limited to, a symbol, object, appellation, characterization, oral communication, or graffiti which injures a person or group ofperSOf!:S or is li~ely to cause an immediate act of violence by the listener or observer. A violation of this is a minor misdemeanor and is punishable by a maximum fine of $ 100.00 *Cursing in a way that will not induce a reasonable person to fight with you is considered protected speech under the first amendment and is not included in this law. Remember if you are cited or arrested under any of these laws you have the right to go to court and plea not guilty. It is the job of the state to prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, so make them do their job! If you have any questions or have been cited or arrested, please contact John or Molly at the Coalition for the Homeless, 1506 Elm Street, 421-7803. �Page 7 STREETVIBES September 2001 Mayor... cont. from page 1 What is bis idea's for ch~nge in the city's police department? He informed me that the policy of arbitration, which is currently in place in the . police department's collective bargaining agreement, needed reform. He suggest that negotiations for rewriting the policies which are now in place be a first step toward ~orrecting what's wrong. Further, policies by which the Chief and the assistant Chief of Police are selected need to be revamped so that our police departments fits the dynamics of the city better. As most citizens would likely agree, Mr. Fuller believes closer relations between the police and the citizenry has to be established. One suggestion he had was that we go back to the cop on the block program,'where the police officer can have an up fron't personal relationship with the citizens. Other ideas would be to establish tnore police citizen connection as police and youth clubs or neighborhood meetings for discussions about police practices and policies. From my own perspective I believe that Mr. Fuller is sincere about his position and is willing to take the necessary steps to help improve our beloved city. Although I was impressed by some of what Mr. Fuller had to say I am only one potential vote and can only hope that some of what I have to share from this interview would help others to make their decision as to who they want as mayor. Perhaps he may be the candidate of choice? • "Your legal problems are caused by your extteme poverty. That will be $10, 000." Ohio Bicentennial River Note Cards The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, in conjunction with the Ohio Natural Heritage River System designees, independent river/ watershed protection organizations and historical societies throughout Ohio, and Rivers Unlimited proudly presents a special bicentennial project highlighting the significance of rivers and streams in our state's history. By ordering through the Coalition for the Homeless, 50% of your contribution will go to assist our work! For more information on the Cards or where to purchase them locally, call the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless at (513) 421-7803 or Rivers Unlimited at (513) 891-4592. �STREETVIBES September 2001 Page 8 corporations whose bottom line is in Mr. Lee's article, the Cleveland court rejected "racism" as mental not our well-being,.but that of illness. All the psychiatric experts making more money and contains news about the justice system and the appointed by the court to examine acquiring more power in order to writings of persons incarcerated that defendant at State expense enforce its rule over others . were almost unanimous in in our nation's jails and prisons. However, as long as we conti nue agreeing he suffered from no Subscribers withi n the walls receive Streetvibes free. to believe in and buy into this mental disease or defect (and was If you would like to support us in this effort, please farce we've been handed down ... therefore untreatable and could sponso·r someone on the inside. A year's subscription costs $15. as long as we continue to allow never be rehabilitated!). I dispute ourselves to be dominated and those so-called ..expert'" ·opinions. Send your comments and questions to streetvibes@juno.com manipulate into dividing and present the following common ourselves along the artificiality of mail : STREETV/BES, 1506 Elm Street <;ense position. using ea<;i)y skin color. class, and other acts of Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 verified sources as evidence (all separation, we will continue to available at any good library) to bemoan our existence to a non­ impeach the credibility of those ·'humanitarian" country and goes hearing entity and thus live a sad doctors. In league with an about the world telling others and pathetic half-life. We have oppressive police state that serves about prisons; people living on the power to change the only the rich, those doctors violate the streets and a strategically conditions in which we live. We human rights and deprive one of devised permane nt employed have the power to enforce our civil rights under color of law class. w ill s and have what we want if when they deny a mentally ill As long as the people we are willing to stand firmly homeless person in need of By Ali Khalid Abdullah continue to together treatment access to treatment in a believe in; and not hospitarby refusal to recognize the In the United States of buy into; allow person's NEED for treatment! America, the working class are an support ourselves Newsweek, August 22, exploited class. They are and 1983 (p. 22) revealed that the to be exploited for their labor; exploited advocate "Nazi" paraded around tricked by with their vote; exploited by Cleveland's East Side in female for this the racism, sexism and homophobia current illusionary clothes, hoping one day to have a (which are systemic instruments "sex-change operation ." system we fa<;ade used to keep the working class will thrown to Cleveland's Plain Dealer Magazine, Sunday, November 27, divided and at odds with one continue to us, or sell out one another for 1983, noted in a long feature another). have people living in poverty and some momentary relief, which article entitled "Hate Without This exploitation is squalor. won'tlast. • Reason" that he not only wore a directly linked to capitaljsm. All of the homeless are dress and high-heels, but also Capitalism can only thrive on the workers. They belong to the ever­ walked down city streets in the basis of overproduction and growing army of the unemployed company of a black man and loved restriction of wealth distribution, and dispossessed. Thus black women. He attempted to i.e., all material things needed to capitalism presents itself as a pure land jobs (as a woman) by provide a substantial life, and contradiction and fosters the falsifying job applications and domination of the worker. degeneration of the worker to an used women's restrooms and It is important for the appendage of a machine ... a tool lounges. He frequently wore a by Miss Frances Anne Spisak people to realize that this system to be used. They have been "Star of David" during the months is not conductive for the people. thrown into the trash bin as before arrest. Frail and effeminate Mr. Lee's article ("Mental It is only conductive' for those expendable and unwanted which since childhood, he was tormented Health News," Streetvibes, July who have control over the has caused massive poverty and as a male. He wished to become 2001, "Extreme Racism: Mental resources of the world and uses that poverty has resulted in many Illness?") posits an enjgma: "Is it female and took Estradiol, a the people to extract those not being able to have a decent female hormone. He was arrested possible that someone's racism resources with their labor. In fact, place to lay their heads. We also and released once or twice for could rise or sink to the level that the worker has been reduced to a must look at and discuss the soliciting; earned money as a meets the definition of mental mere "thing" as the machine has whole issue of "propert)' prostitute on the streets illness?" This conundrum was taken over the worth of the ownership" and the greed of (impersonating females); worked presented to a Cleveland, Ohio working class. This exploitation landowner's who exploit the poor court 18 years ago this summer in in a gay bar; and even labored in a and worker manipulation have left with outrageous prices to live in local factory for Kelly Girls a much publicized high-proftle a gulf between the 'haves' and the buildings. ' What greater display Temporary Services as a "Kelly capital murder case where the ' have-nots' which is why we have of injustice can there be than to Gi1-J" for months until fired for defendant, an indigent homeless found more and more people using the wrong restroom at work have a countries citizenry living person, and accused "American one day. ·A boss is quoted as living in poverty and unable to in the streets; eating out of Nazi" was· defended by court saying; " .. .I knew he was a little have an affordable place to live. garbage bins to find food while at appointed lawyers who failed miserably to raise a defense of not off, so I tried to help him. ..he had The greed syndrome, which the same time, government bad judgment.. .". In Ohio, guilty by reason of insanity. The capitalism produces, have created officials point their plastic fingers verdict of that court was, although "mental illness" means a a surplus of homeless people, at other countries for alleged some racists might be mentally ill, substantial disorder of thought, une mployed people, "human rights violations". disenfranchised people and Every citizen of the United the particular individual on trial was just plain evil, and he was incarcerated people. This greed States . .. every worker (whether sentenced to death. Like the monster has caused the elderly to employed or not) should stand up be unable to purchase prescription and storm the Pimp House known American Psychiatric Association drugs needed to sustain the as the White House and all state While we make every effort to provide a forum for those quality of their lives because the capital buildings and throw out without a voice, STREETVIBES and the staff of THE GREATER pharmaceutical compani es are the political trash and retake; CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS, is not respon­ more concerned with profit than reclaim and reshape our lives sible for statements, and do not endorse the opinions of the they are about human life. Yet, according to OUR WILL and not prisoners who's writings are represented here. the United States claim to be the that of the political and Prisoners News Exploitation and Homelessness A View From Death Row DEATH ROW cont. page 18 �STREETVIBES September 2001 Page 9 STREETVIBES attends National Street Newspaper Conference On July 26th, as the Bay sparkled in ~he distance and trolley cars hauled tourists looking for entertainment with which to numb their minds, representatives from street newspapers from across North America convened at New College in San Francisco. At the end of July, representatives from over 50 street newspapers nationally came together for the Annual North American Street Newspaper Association (NASNA) Conference to share their struggles, strategize, and to continue the alternative news media revolution. NASN A began in 1996 with a small group of dedicated Homeless, and Jimmy Heath, Editor of Streetvibes. Beck and Heath had an opportunity to participate in workshops organized by three papers serving the San Francisco Bay area, Street Sheet, Poor Magazine, and Street Spirit. Topics ranged from ''Training homeless people in journalism, and desktop and web publishing" to workshops about the "Universal Living Wage" and "Justice Journalism: Journalism as a Tool for Social Change". When asked about her trip to what many consider the epicenter of today's social justice movement, Beck reflected on the opportunities at the Conference to learn from so homeless advocates with a grand vision to produce an Association that would allow Street Newspapers to share resources, stories, and, most importantly, a common vision to end homelessness. Today, NASNA's membership includes over 50 street newspapers from Canada and the United States, and weaves the common thread of providing homeless people and those in poverty with a voice in an alternative media source. Representing Streetvibes, Cincinnati's 5 year-old street newspaper, were Alicia Beck, Executive Director of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the NASNA Conference attendees challenge corporate media coverage of homelessness and poverty many homeless and formerly homeless activists that continue·to produce quality news sources across of country. "Not only did the workshops provide good information, but the spirit of the event provided the energy to forge ahead in our own goals for Alicia Beck addresses audience at NASNA conference and accurate portrayals of the homeless situation across the continent. STREET SHEET is published by the Coalition on According to the editor of Homelessness ( www.sf-homeless­ POOR magazine, Lisa Gray­ coalition.org). COH was organized Garcia, "The newest trend in the in 1987 to garner the active mainstream corporate media - as participation of poor people on witnessed in the One Hearst town both the design and critique of of San Francisco, as well as the rest of the corporate national press public policy and non-profit services that result in permanent - is to act as public relations ~ campaigns for economic and racial solutions to poverty. It is a unique organization in that the driving cleansing in cities across force is low-income and homeless ~ America." Citing recent press people, working in every aspect of ~ abuses, Gray-Garcia noted: 0 the organization, from the _g "Examples of this are evident in .=--~~--!~~~~----~--~~,;,;i;,j ~ volunteers to the staff and Protestors gather at the offices ofthe San Fransisco Chronicle the 'S.F. Chronicle,' KRON TV, leadership body. and the new ' S. F. Examiner' - all (San Francisco, July 28).... censors the voices of those most POOR Magazine Io response to es'Calating police affected," Messman added. of which acted as cheerleaders for sweeps and media vilification of "Currently, for example, Mayor Brown's bench removal and (www.poornewsnetwork.org) is a non-profit community based arts homeless people, protesters rallied the San Francisco Chronicle bas the MidMarket B.I.D. at Powell aDd Market Streets at the several reporters and columnists (Business downtown offices of the San who consistently give negative Fransisco Chronicle on Saturday, press to homeless people,'; he said. Improvement District)." July 28 to demand that San "The truth deserves a full airing Accordjng to Frapcisco's major news outlets and a more balanced approach." Bep stop inciting hate and begin to tell In addition to prejudicial Bagdikian, the truth about homelessness in the depictions of the poorest of the former Dean United States and the Bay Area. poor, organizers accuse the news of the U.C. Organized by Media Alliance, media of·championing the Berkeley " Poor Magazine," "STREET criminalization of homeless Graduate SHEET" and "Street Spiljt," this people and ignoring newsworthy School of demonstration coincided with the issues and events within the Journalism and homeless community. annual conference of the North S. F. Police guard entrance ro the Chronicle offices keynote speaker "Almost every homeless American Street Newspaper at the NASNA conference, in their organization providing media organization in the Bay Area has Association (NASNA). current coverage of homelessness access, arts and education to very had the experience of seeing Cincinnati's STREETVIBES staff the mainstream media have low and no income adults and undeniably significant, were also on hand to participate in become "party to a cruel and children. newsworthy events utterly blacked the conference and protest. unnecessary fl.aw in our society." Street Spirit out by the mainstream media," "When the mainstream (spirit@afsc.org) is a monthly "That 32 million of our said Chance Martin, editor of media stereotype and demean population have their housing, advocacy journal published by the homeless people, they incite public STREET SHEET, a newspaper food, and clothing 'index' drop American Friends Service intolerance and give tacit approval published by the San Fransisco for more than 30 years is Committee, and features hardsteadily Coalition on Homelessness. "A to the scapegoating of an already worth only an occasional feature hitting reporting on the issues of new baseball park is given persecuted group," said Terry homelessness, economic justice, story about an individual or extensive front-page coverage for Messman, editor of "Street Spirit" in back pages poverty, human rights and welfare statistical fragments days on end, but the same newspaper. of our most influential news issues. More than 100 homeless newspapers virtually ignore it "Running a major story on organizations," Bagdikian vendors sell "Street Spirit" widely when many of San Francisco's homeless issues that relies largely, on the streets of Oakland, Berkeley, observed. leading clergy and members of the if not exclusively, on the anti­ NASNA (http://ww.speakeasy.org/ and Santa Cruz. Vendors keep all Board of Supervisors gather at homeless views of merchants, city nasn~ is an association of proceeds from sales, making the City Hall to protest the staggering officials and the police is not only newspapers sold by homeless paper a positive alternative to 1,767 deaths of homeless people unfair and distorted reporting, it people, providing survival income panhandling. • in the City." i �I I I I STREETVIBES September 2001 FEATURES Page 10 WORDS FROM THE EVANGELIST... Great Dylans My pen has been silent for several months now, and I want to apologize for the absence of my voice. My absence was in part due to the ten­ { 10) week Bible Boot Camp at Washington United Church of Christ where I am presently ministering on a full-time basis. We registered almost 100 Caucasian and African-American youth, ages four to sixteen. Our largest attendance was sixty-five (65). · The program began at 8:00am with breakfast. Then we had worship and began our training for the day - not ending the day until 2:00pm. Monday through Thursday - this was our life, and on Friday there would be a fun trip. Just as recruits in the army perseveres or return home, those in God's army did the same. At the program's conclusion we had twenty-four (24) take and pass the four-part test which required scripture memorization and knowledge of Bible characters. The graduates then went on missions which consisted of praying for the sick and elderly in the community, praying at each child's home, sharing the gospel at a nursing home, a daycare, Washington Park, and Fountain Square. Bible Boot Camp is a program, which we shall continue during the school year, but on a smaller scale. While the rest of the city has been askino 0 what is the solution to the violence and unrest which has plagued us since April; We have relied on prayer and the Christian principle: "love thy neighbor as thyself', and we have found it to be very effective. Our youth have grown to respect one another and their differences, therefore, as a member of MARCC and other organizations, which are working for a united Cincinnati; I Ghost by Aaron Pitchford Youth minister to homeless man at Fountain Square con,tinually exhort our leaders to preach and live the doctrine of love. The present unrest is part of a spiritual warfare, which we can only be victoriou~ in by relying on God's guidance. I speak from personal experience and the recent spiritual attack upon myself. Only God could have given me the victory, and thus He receives the glory. Our Cincinnati leaders (Church and otherwise) need to lay aside their own agendas and adopt God's in order that we may get past this present time. The youth in Camp Washington are leading the way .. . Won't you follow? If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, or would like to volunteer; A.W.O.L. (A Way of Life) Ministries can stiJJ be reached by calling 210-4181 or writing P.O. Box 36065, Cincinnati, Ohio 45236. Or you can find me at Washington United Church of Christ, 2950 Sidney Avenue, 541-7757. His Humble Servant, Rodney L. Sutton, Sr. The Evangelist Tom Paxton to perform benefit for the Greater Cincin­ nati Coalition for the Homeless -- On September 6, 2001, Tom Paxton will perform at the 20th Century Theater in Oakley. The concert is a joint fundraiser for the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and Rivers Unlimited. Mr. Paxton's songs are known and loved around the world and have b een recorded by hundreds of artists as diverse as Pete Seeger, Willie Nelson and Placido Domingo. "Ramblin' Boy," "The Last Thing on my Mind," "Bottle of Wine," "Goin' to the Zoo," and "Marvelous Boy" are just a few of his songs to have been absorbed into the oral tradition. Nanci Griffith has said, "I think we are all born singing Tom Paxton songs." For young listeners, Tom has recorded several albums of his own songs and sold his sixteenth book to Morrow Junior Books: "The Story of the Sandman". As part of the event, the Greater Cincinnati Coaliti on for the Homeless will showcase art produced by homeless and formerly homeless individuals in Greater Cincinnati. Mr. Paxton's performance is part of a three­ city concert tour planned for Ohio this September to benefit state and local environmental and social programs. Performance dates are: Cincinnati, September 6; Columb us, September 7; and Cleveland, September 8. The Cleveland concert will be held at Kiva Auditorium at the Kent State Uni versity Center (WKSU). The concert is cosponsored by Earth Shares of Ohio, the Earth Day Coalition, Rivers Unlimited and WK.SU - Public Radio. For information about tickets call Rivers Unlimited at (5 13) 761 -4003 or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless at (513) 421-7803. It was on March 26, when Dylan Jones - who lived in Chicago's Old Town - came home to his apartment over a bar. He had been at his apartment for over a month. He came home one day with another resident of the apartment building who lived on the third floor. He opened the door with his twisters and his strobe light was on in the daytime but it wasn't plugged in. So he kind of signaled to the dude who walked past his opened door and said, "Man, what this?" He said, "I don't know. I think you should move!" He answered, "I can't because I'm laid off and on unemployment compensation from my past job as a j anitor working at my uncle's job." So he went in his apartment the next weekend early on Sunday morning prior to the Super Bowl game and he saw a cylindrical flat object with one dimension. It revolved in a circle by the kitchen . As it revolved its color would lighten up from light black to dark black. "Eh," he said, "I don't pay that no attention," and he looked and he kind of laughed. So a few minutes later he looked up in front of himself and saw the object that looked Aaron Pitchford like film thread on a old movie sitting between the crease of the wall and the ceiling. Then a few minutes later it was on the threshold on the closet door. T hen he said, "Maybe 1 should go to the store. Man, you couldn't tell Eddie Murphy nothing." Theri he looked up from the floor again in his stupor and it was in his face between his eyes. So he went to sleep and a couple weeks later it spoke. It was a little girl who was four years old when it died and it was standing up in between his eyes in darkness behind his face. It was suppose to jump out after spinning around in his head and jump out and jump off the bed and sit back in the comer by the sink. But it was a cloudy day and it misjudged the time. So two weeks after the Super BowJ game it told who it was. She died from pneumonia in the hospital and she stayed about five months after being buried. She rose from her grave and ascended about two and a half stories in the air and let out a shriek. Scared to death, in fear of tombstones, she felt naked and she noticed a force that enabled her to move. She landed somewhere by her home and in a few months she moved again but farther from her house. Another few months she moved again and finally found ·her house. When she went into Dylan Jones's house she never moved. Now after ten years she was still there. • �STREETVIBES September 2001 FEATURES Page 11 MAYERSON SUMMER SERVICE PROJECT Some of the volunteers who worked at the Peace Camp at W£1. nut Hills Christian Church The Manu el D. and Rhoda Mayerson Foundation supported two one-week Summer Service Pm jects that brought students and teachers together for a better understanding of their diverrr> communities, as well as, the impact of agencies serving the needs of others. The week ill July included students from Aiken, Bishop Brossart, Fairfield and Hughes. The August group included students from Finneytown, Roger Bacon, and Withrow. Some ofthe agencies served by the students and teachers included: ReSTOC, the Drop-Inn Cente1; Our Daily Bread, and Bethany House. For more information about Mayerson High School Service Programs call Steve Elliott at 621-7500 Reflective Essay by Daniesha Briggs While at Hebrew Union College I have grown a lot more from the whole week that I was there. During ~s experience I saw how some of the people in parts of the downtown area live so differently, like some people have nice houses and nice cars while others are homeless and don 't have anything. To help some of the less fortunate, there were organizations located in the area to help these people get back on their feet. For e~ample, there was a non-profit organization called Our Daily Bread that fed anybody who walked through the door with a nice hot meal. To name some other organizations that help the less fortunate are the Mary Magdalene House, the Freestore Foodbank, the Wilson Downtown center, the Contact Center, and the CRC camps. I noticed that every organization was filled with people who were dedicated to helping others in need of serious help. By being involved in the program it let me see part of what the homeless go through and made me want to volunteer more. Untitled By Latosha Chappell Joining a different world not knowing what to expect, happy, nervous, something you haven't experienced yet, not realizing that you are one color, one color to finish the rainbow, mixing with other colors leading to the pot of gold, the pot of gold is a treasure, the treasure is one's personality, getting to know a color of the rainbow is nothing but pure reality, experiencing different situations as one, leaves you questioning if your life's work is done, you want to help in every way, but things get harder from day to day, you may not have known that you've helped a lot, but helped to warm someone else's heart, each day the rainbow is coming together, by the time you leave the pot of gold will be found, only leaving behind the help you gave to this t?wn. Jennie Walker Over-The-Rhine was a good thing for me. I did not know there were so many people that cared. I thought that was wonderful! The people I saw who were homeless and the children I saw - I was about to cry because I wanted to help but couldn't. But I know that I was doing something by being there and I hope that I could do this again next year. God Bless! Sister Anita Marie We began the OTR experience as four high schools each thinking we were so different from the other. We ended the week celebrating in our similarities and having made many new friends. It is significant that with all the tension in the city, these 16 young high school students of very diverse backgrounds opened themselves to understanding the problems, struggles and culture of those living in inner-city Cincinnati. We visited many agencies and talked with people. We began to see the difficulties of supporting a family on a very limited income and we became fami liar with the host of Kourtney Y Robbins agencies making a substantial difference to During my week at Hebrew Union alleviate the problems faced by low-income College, I learned so much about myself such as It was a week that we will always families. what career I would like to pursue and how remember because we met very strong people grateful I should be for the things that I have filled with faith and hope for a better life.and because there are so many people in the city without anything. The students and teachers from we left with a greater personal responsibility to make a difference. other schools were very kind and I feel that I really connected wit them but I connected most with the people in my group. When I arrived at Jessica Schalk HUC I didn't think that I would even talk to the What causes poverty? Why is it so other students involved but we all talked to each hard to recover from it? Wbat ki nds of places other like we bad known each other before are available to the homeless? These were coming to the camp. We talked to each other just a few of the many questions that were most during the story circle that took place on going though my head July 8th through July Tuesday night. 13t11. My favorite volunteer sites were Peace When I arrived at Hebrew Union Camp in Walnut Hills and the recreation center in College to stay for a week, I had no clue as to Mt. Auburn. At Peace Camp we assisted the what was ahead of me. Each day I went out teachers in running their classes every morning with a group to do service for the community for the whole week. While at the recreation center we helped the staff with disabled children. and each day, I had a new and exciting In the beginning I didn't think that the recreation experience. I have been to adult day care center would be one of my favorite sites but I had centers and clubs for little kids, but I had so much fun with the kids there. Working with never served at a soup kitchen or sorted the kids at Peace Camp and the recreation center canned goods at the free store. It was a real gave me so much insight on what I want to pursue eye opener to see people so anxious just to get as a career in the future. I now want to become a a plate of food. It made me appreciate all that teacher. I take for granted. Rosie Ware This week of intensive community service Jaime Tave! The week at the Mayerson Foundation through the Mayerson Foundation Service camp was amazing, and it opened my eyes to Program changed my life in many perspectives. Brandon Weinel many things. I met interesting people who Coming from a sheltered community in Northern The experience of the Mayerson taught me a lot. We worked and experienced Kentucky, I felt extre1~ely unaware of poverty Foundation retreat is something that I will issues and domestic violence right here in the Over-The-Rhine area together. We remember forever. One of the things that stick Cincinnati, only 20 minutes from my school learned about different places people can out the most to me was the Drop-Inn Center. At Bishop Brossai1 in Alexandria. Sooner than I had volunteer. The volunteers at these places were the Drop-Inn Center, I was able to see how jn hoped, I was exposed to the darker side 9f devoted to helping people. They taught us need the community was for low-income Cincinnati, the poor and suffering. I learned some about homelessness. The homeless are often housing. It was amazing to see all the people of the current problems the city is faced with stereotyped badly which I learned the majority who didn't have a home they could call their today such as gentrification and lack of financial of the poor do not fall under those stereotypes. own. Another thing that that I learned is to not support and land ai·ea for shelters. The.se Being able to speak to the people makes me be stereotypical. Most people that that the problems we just don't have in rural suburban aware of how grateful and truly hard working homeless are lazy. They also think that if they Alexandria, Kentucky. I was also exposed to the would get a job, they could get a house. At the many of them are. 1 saw a lot of good in the different and diverse ethnic groups and races in Drop-Inn Center, I learned that almost all people I met. They made me feel completely Cincinnati through this program. I will never homeless have a job or two. This is just some of forget the new friends I made and the places I safe and welcomed while I was working. I the things that I learned while on this wonderful went. Now I know they exist and hopefully in the felt good while helping people and the camp retreat. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Mayerson. sparked something inside of me to continue to future I will take action in volunteering and do work in Over-The-Rhine. exposing others to these places. �STREETVIBES September 2001 What's happened to our children? by Edna Smith Those of you who are not familiar with streetlife would wonder, when a 10 or 12 year old child walks up to you and says, "I got that!" "Got what? A snake, a frog, a book or a flower?" Yet in our inner city, nine out of ten times, it's drugs. Sometimes stolen goods, even weapons. They are following bad examples. They see 19 and 20 year old men on the street, with the gold chains, fancy car, and pocketful of money. They feel this is a way out of poverty and misery. When in truth it is a fast road to prison or death. They live with the constant sounds of gunfire, fighting, drinking gnd using in or around their home. The children are our future, and should be taught respect, morals, values, with emphasis on the things that have real meaning in life. There is a big difference between a "beating" and a "spanking". There is discipline and there is abuse! The government has stepped over the line. Parents should be given free reign in raising their offspring. (Not involving abuse!) Children have an excuse not to behave today. Too many agencies are quick to believe abuse stories, even false ones. It goes back to education starts at home. Teaching children not to worship or glorify the wrong things. This includes hero worship, sports figures, etc. What about good old fashion elbow grease? A paper route? Instead of building arenas for adults and their entertainment, build roller rinks, skating rinks, and an amusement park on the waterfront. Society as a whole, individuals, groups, agencies, parents and friends need to stand up and take responsibility. We need to stop trying to be their friends and take back over being the adult. Make them believe that NO means NO! Guidelines, curfew, supervision needs to be resurrected back into our children's lives. Maybe then we can answer the question, "What's happened to our children?" • Wish List Streetvibes newspaper is published monthly on a shoe-string budget from the offices of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. We depend heavily on the goodwill of man:y volunteers and donors. Some of the more pertin~nt needs of the GCCH include: o Advertisers -Classified and unclassified o Supplies for vendor's lounge (paper towels, cream and sugar, snacks, etc.) o Office and Cleaning Supplies o Photography Help - film (400, 80Q, L'<SO<f), dev~loping help, digital and/or film camera(s~. o Computers/components for Streetvibes story-writing, editing, research. o Free standing metal or wooden shelving Ifyou can help!, contact us at: Streetvibes, cle Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45:210 ph: (513) 421-7803, fax (513) 421-7813 e-maH: streetvibes@juno.com Page 12 Reflections On the Adrianne Piper Exhibit more violence, and wishes to say that "not all police are bad." Who is speaking from this mountain top with her? No one, including our mayor and the council members, who were absent at the preview opening of the exhibit. Sad but this is Cincinnati, that wants to push this exhibit to the closet room, in the basement of the museum, below by Steve Sunderland the other exhibits and the movies about "caves." I wish everyone reading Well, we are deep in a this were there to see a very cave of ignorance, confusion, and interesting and imp~)ftant exhibit. ·rusrespect...and I don't think the Culturally, museums do not want museum gets it yet. · What they to remind the elite that rioting don't realize is the center of the happens when the unwashed Adrianne Piper exhibit at the masses just have had enough. Contemporary Arts Center: What explodes is the status quo namely, that racism feeds, breeds, and the assumptions that act as a and explodes based on thousands glue in the structure of the city. of cuts and insults and This glue has melted many times confrontations that are unnoticed in the history of Cincinnati, as the in the everyday life of the elite. exhibit makes so clear. But what The poor, the homeless, and is not clear is that the museum minorities know that the insults and other cultural institutions will not stop, or be apologized for, have had a part in keeping the or be the subject bf an exhibit masses out of the stories and holding up the elite mentality as pictures, especially the stories and the pathology of our century: pictures of pain, discomfort, sadly, the elites play the same horror•. as well as joy and tune over and over again, and it achievement. demeans them and minorities and all of us who feel that the elite have really missed the boat. Piper says it over and over in her art: "Don't assume you know anything about me as a woman, as a black woman, as a woman of · black and white parents, and as an artist!" "Shut up and keep your ignorant questions." Oh, we think as we stare at her work, she doesn't want to communicate. Wrong. She is pleading to get beyond the amazing elementary steps we take in the elite cultme 'to try and have the "race" problems explained to us, as if we Adrian Piper, Self-Portrait Ex?ggerating My Negroid Features,, 1981 really cared. Being in the elite means Are museums for black you don' t have to care~ that is the and poor people? Decidedly no. job for the police. And the masses This exhibit stands out-just know this, and Piper is saying: "If because it says we want the masses to see some "home movies you are scared, if you are aware that you and your family are " of the last 4 months and back to targets now for being pulled out 1967. "Hey, there's my brother, of a car somewhere in some city, my friends, and there I am," the and if you want to understand, pictures and stories say. But are then take a deep breath and shut we there, seeing the larger picture up and look, listen and find out as well as the ongoing and why you are having a hard time heartwarming and revolutionary loving people who are different spirit of Ms. Angela Leisure, the from you." mother of the killed Timothy Thomas? Her courage and Note: Dr. Sunderland is a maturity continue to feed my professor in the School ofSocial heart. She states that she Work at the University of "forgives" the officer that killed Cincinnati her son, has no desire for any I ­ ( Streetvibes exists as a forum for the expression ofthe views and opinions ofour readers and supporters. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those ofthe Streetvibes staff or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition .for the Homeless. �STREETVIBES September 2001 · Welfare to What? August 22nd marks the five year Anniversary of "Welfare Reform." Low wage working families are being asked to leave our nation's last housing safety net and step broadly into the world of 1nadequage wages. The last two Conference of Mayors reports showed that in no city in the United State~ can a family afford a one bedroom apartment at the federal minimum wage. These arc the people who serve us food, reed ou r children in cafeteria lines, and clean our office minals. At best, wel.fare reform has had mixed results. But overall, the economjc instability of low income families has occurred during the longest economic expans ion in our nation's history. It has occurred during our lowest unemployment rate in over three decades. Who can guess the effect on our nation's poorest families during a period of slowing economic growth or even recession. According to the Urban Institute, families exiting welfare earn $ 1,093 per month. Additionally, over half of these families received wages below the federal poverty line. Over a year Jong period, forty -six percent of these families were unable to pay their rent, mortgage, or utility bills. Is it not time to assert the moral premise that anyone working a 40 hour week should receive a basic living wage? Perhaps this should occur before people are invited to exit our last housing safety net and enter the dark abyss of America's streets. Call (202) 456-1111 , press 0. Ask your Congressional Leaders and President Bush to reauthorize the law to focus on poverty reduction. Support a Universal Living Wage. Richard R. Troxell Universal Living Wage Campaign, National Chairman National Coalition for the Homeless, Board Member The Quiet Queen Dragon Standoff by Danie L. Carr Remember the riots? I' 111 willing co call Las Vegas and ask for lhe odds. when comparing those \\horn are still being seduced b)- the riots. to those" who feel me." when asked Lhat question. I must admit, as a writer of characters. when conducting self-investigations on a specific topic including people, I tend to find comfort in the effort of reviewing '·all angles." Who was right? Who was wrong? What events led to such destructive measures? Was this simply a kindled fire gone ablaze? I can come from Page 13 thi s angle and answer yes to the question above. Many events Jed to the riots. Yet as a young black man Jiving through all this karma, I ask why wasn 't there a riot in Bond Hill or at University Hospital right down the street from high crime areas where thugs failed to respond? Honestly 1 admit there has been sparks-from the kindled fire that went ablaLe - numerous mur<lers in the same general areas based on black on black crime. In Over-the-Rhine. my opinion is social living effects docsn "l allow the human Lo sustain a comfort level where one would reach for a hose instead of using the fire to ignite a bomb. You know. I' ve read articles about these 1iots, yet I refuse to form a format and offer too much open discussion. Most people can form their opinion yet they fail to realize these types of events have taken place Free Trade in Misery imports of goods produced in countries which have lower ethkal standards. Unfortunately, WTO rules make this impossible. In Dr Paul Kail some circumstances, it can even The aim of the World be illegal to inform consumers Trade Organization (WTO) is to bow the different products were force countries to remove trade produced, as this is regarded as a barriers, regardless of the form of discrimination. environmental, social or moral Nor is it possible for consequences. Membership is countries to simply ignore the voluntary; however, following a WTO rules. When th.is happens, 1996 agreement, the WTO has the country "injured" by the worked closely with the IMF and supposedly unfair trade barriers the World Bank. These can demand an amount of money organizations have the power to · equivalent to the losses caused by give or withhold financial the barrier. In addition, the country assistance to a country, based on is labeled as a renegade member the extent to which it has of the WTO, with serious deregulated its economy and consequences. complied with WTO rules. For example, in 1995 the Because the WTO operates EU banned the use of steel-jaw in a moral vacuum, it does not leg-hold traps, and announced that recognize a trade restriction based the following year it would ban the on ethical grounds as legitimate. import of fur from thirteen speci~s Countless laws to reduce sufferi ng unless these traps bad been and preserve endangered species replaced by more humane have been abandoned as a direct alternatives. In the US and result of the WTO. Canada, the fur lobbies lobbied It is inevitably the case that their governments to challenge the animal welfare legislation develops ban through the WTO. Knowing piecemeal. Some countries, such that it would inevitably lose, the as Sweden, are typically at the EU effectively backed down. forefront, wrule others, such as Leg-hold ttaps are cruel Japan and Mexico, are still a few and indiscri minate. When an decades behind. Thus it is critical animal is caught, he or she is in that countries which have high constant pain for hours or days. In welfare standards be able to limit some cases, animals have been so - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - . desperate to escape that they have Are you a dedicated indMdual with a desire to educate the public about homelessness? Volunteer at Streetvibesf We need writers, photograpers: editors, webpage updators, any help you can provide. Call 421-7803 for more information. since the beginning of time. Yahweh will see each and every one of us threw all these events. At Yahweh, given time, all things will happen and only Yahweh will judge these events. Who wants to be submissive? Who is will ing to investigate with prayer? I studied with a Muslim in Germany back in 1992. He used to say that 85% of the world is deaL dumb, or blind. They don't hear. don't want co hear. Jon· 1 care ro hear, fai 1 Lo hear. or maybe even heard ii from someone else. believing it without inwsligaLing. or. are lazy. easily accepting. etc. All these negatives have an effect {on the question oO the riots. ·'Cincinnati, there·s a riot going on'" aml it just didn' t start in 2001. 1' 11 leave you with a verse or two to show you who I am submissive to; Isaiah, 42:8-9, and Jer. 16:10-21. • chewed off their own limbs. This cruelty is unnecessary: the EU was not asking the fur industry to quit completely, merely to replace steel-jaw traps with more humane alternatives. The ban received widespread support.in EU countries, and was clearly the wiU of the people. Another example _concerns dolphins. In the Eastern Tropical Pacific tuna fish are typically found underneath shoals of dolphins. Fishermen therefore developed a technique for catching tuna in which speedboats are used to chase the dolphins and the fish are caught in purse seine nets. However, the dolphins are also caught up in this, and either drown or are crushed by winches on the ship. Five to seven million dolphins have died because of this method. In the 1980s the US introduced laws which regulated the way in which dolphins were killed by American fl eets, and banned the import of tuna caught using methods which kill dolphins. However, Mexico filed a complaint to GATI, the precursor of the WTO, saying that US regulations were an " unfair trade barrier". Although the US challenged these rulings, wberi Trade... cont. page 18 ·buddy's place Permanent Housing for formerly homeless individuals at 1300 Vine Street. For more information, call Connie Martina or Agnes Mack at (513) 784-0800 �STREETVIBE S September. 2001 " Uhuru in Swahili" By Kunta Kenyatta Freedom (or Uhuru in Swahili) that's what matters most to me, life's number one necessity, making my mark on history. Freedom, in this life, in this world, in this time, I' m gone get mine, Freedom, a free man, take a stand, straighten your hand free the land that's the master plan. Freedom (or Uhurl! in Swahili) a chance to fulfill my destiny. f\frika you shall be free! In my Course of Life by Anthony Watkins · In my course of life I have found something worth Dying for, fiighting for Not to shine for self or to build Some financial decreasing wealth For that will be demolished Loosing its life giving spark • In my course of life . I reject, denounce man of flesh eating Sanken those hepatitis Prick who rob like Robin Hood rob from Poor to give to salvage rich the risk Ya' ll take is a fault mistake You die without horror pride and grace I can't embrace your online lie or Sink my teeth in your blood sucking Pies my people need to open there Eye in my observance of life. Game of Life By DeAndre Feagin, age 14 On the street, as I pray that I get to see another D~y, cause my life seems like it is fading away. Wondering where I'm going to sleep or how I'm going to Eat. It's not fair that people stare and they don't care That I don't have any clean clothes to wear. I can't believe people would act a fool and treat me So cruel, but I refuse to lose this game I didn 't choose. I refuse to lose even if people don' t play by the rules. Homeless By Amberlyn Poole, Age 12 How would it feel to live on the streets, With no place to sleep and no food to eat? Nothing to call her own, feeling all alone. Some people take life for granted, with their Social affairs, big cars, houses, and no real cares, While others have nothing to take for granted. Days go by. What to eat? Snow comes, rain falls What to wear on their feet? Asking themselves How they got there. People can be so cruel. Not understanding what Homeless means, and how they feel let Down, wondering where to go and now. God has a · Purpose for everything in life, and He will make a Way through life's strive. How would fr feel to live On the streets with no one to lend a helping Hand ? You. must be homeless to understand! ART & POETRY Twice as Nice as I could knock on wood everything that People say is not all good Wait! A minute lets flip the script on this senseless event bloods and crips getting -their ass whipped over the Color of their gothic life left stankin in the dirt, Parents riding in a hearse vividly this is being seen young Beam a satin tragedy choosing death without honor they Can't graduate and be a college scholar they can't even Holler in this hollow corpse shell in this institution of death They dwell livening their own hell young youth Untitled by Derrick Johnson Young ,Youth by Anthony Watki~s Young youth turn the volume down The drama down everybody knows That we are in charge of our own fate So why do we fall into Satan baits Young youth there is no limit to what You can achieve if you are a part of god Blessed seed baJ?y, haven babies ain't it crazy Young laid vibrant young thing Why go out to the wild of the wolf to Devour your minds, this is informative Action more than Jackson Act now if you can if you don't want to Cross over to this dying land Beware if you dare if you care why don't You share like the Kings and Queens beware of False witness people playing Russian roulette with Your life. Is it your life or theirs I ask you When I cry it rains ' ! and I create rhyrnes through the confines of my mind's landscape as my soul scrapes the inner core of the earth. l am worth more dead than alive still I strive and thrive with undwindling drive to keep my head to the skys still I rise like high waters in flood season where doors are cracked l ease in finding a place to rest before the day's end and then what will I eat my treat your treat then starts my questioning trend will ends meet Like lost siblings on jenny jones or will I be found somewhere beaten to blood and bones be called off by citizens with cell phones when I have none while l am dying inside your dying to have fun and what about life we only have one but when it comes to everything I have none. We all h~ve a right to hurt and grieve. and in dreams I do believe. I perceive things only. And as I live each soul lives lonely. I guess I am the !onliest cause all I have is my hope and only this. The second very !onliest, !onliest. feel ing ever and I swore I'd never get to this point but we all here together like I said we here • • 4 • ' ~ Page 14 and that's forever. Thunder strikes as I walk through the street. All I have is what I am wearing nothing seems complete. I delete my wants deal with all ~unts . I still cry as my past life haunts my soul 1 close my eyes touch my nose. I stay in my concrete jungle wiggle my toes and things change It seems quite strange. and life is so untamed. up even when I had my shelter it still rained what's gained. My life I thought l owned This but here I am homeless Hook: (when it's cold outside) where do I go, do I go, do I go when I need someone to comfort me (when it's cold outside) who's gonna wipe away my tears who's gonna hear me when 1 cry (when it'·s cold ouL<>ide) lord I am so lonely. Cold Nights By Dash Mealing, Age 13 Cold nights as I walk down the street. <::old Nights' I notice everyone is asleep. One night I wish I could go back ·· home: One night I Think of the little ones dreaming on. Cold Nights and cold days seem like winter Days. Lost Souls by David M. Meyer They roam the land by day and by night In no certain direction until it's j ust right. Very cautiou.s and scared most always confused, In search of a friend or some­ where to be used. A home is in need but not all will be blessed, Some find shelter to the streets with the rest. Their bellies are empty in search of some food, Bodies get kicked and hopelessly abused. Age plays no favor nor does the sex, Your world too could end up in this mess. Most won;t face up to it because it's not them, But sometimes I wish we were all thrown in. Then most would realize what the whole pictures' about, And open their hearts to the homeless no doubt. People don' t realize their bless­ ings in disguise, If you don' t help the homeless you ' 11 find yourself wise. �STREETVIBE S September 2001 Geeze, It's Us In you would sink, and oh how your body would smel l. You'll burn forever and God won't be there. That's not very clever because God is everywhere. "Jesus died for all sinner's You might not be where you confusion, believe it or you're want, but it's really not your dead." choice. I die for my sins .everyday, as Please let me do another stunt, love still pushes me on. for the never-e nding voice. My soul still knows the.way, as I'm delighted to live, and to my ego's motives are wrong. touch this lovely earth. Jesus was closer to his Father Your heart to Jesus give, or than I have ever been. your life will have no worth. For it's said he didn 't bother, to Jesus has me, and I will always play around with sin. have Him. I have no idol, besides an No one can see what you keep, invisible ghost. The light I hold inside will never because he's only within. I can't say I know, for that's a brag or boast. great lie. Jesus spoke the truth and never It's only God's show, so why judged a soul. even try? Perfect since his youth, To figure out life's mysteries therefore he never stole. and explain why we're here. People saw God in Jesus, and Through pages of our history, love through action shone humans still hold onto fear. bright. Just live graciously for the He will always please us. If you Mak.er, until you are dead. don't believe, you're not right. Which in eternity is never, and I'm sorry I don't understand, you will always be fed. could somebody please explain? Learning never ends, and Everyone says they can, but they dreams never die. all feel the same pain. A new life begins, as our souls Jesus died for the One, and it still they cry. was just in the plan. Sitting through life patiently, as Just like the rising of the sun, experience is attained. and the shifting of the sand. Our egos deny b latantly, as To my Creator I only owe, knowledge of love is gained. everything that's anything. Peace is with you, for I will Without him I can't glow, or never leave. learn to truly sing. Love is all that's true, so why I make up my own lyrics, as I not just believe? help to create my song. Without the aid of God's music, Copyright 6101101 Josh Miller words of life just wouldn't All Rights Reserved belong. Jesus isn't my God for he was here in form. On this earth he once trod, keeping humanity warm. He was the son of the Creator, but then so am I . I'll meet up with him later; I'm not yet past this sky. · Everything I say has already been spoken. Heaven 's in this day, I don ' t need a token. I will find my path, for it's already been paved. People still ask me, "Son have you been saved?" Save me from what? My world made up of dreams? My life's never cut, held on by the strongest seams. The Quilt of Eternity 's Love can never be scarred. Through this trip of Uncertainty, my soul 's never marred. I used to think of Heaven and the terrible wrath of hell. Yesterday I talked to my biggest illusion and here is what she said. Shutter Speed ART & POETRY Page 15 Call for Young Writers and Artists Peaslee Neighborhood Center is seeking young people from the C incinnati area, fi~st grade t hrough young adults (under age 25), who would like to do creative writing or reporting for STREETVIBES on issues such as homelessness, peace and justice, school, programs for youth, etc. A page will be devoted to making your voices heard. Visual images are welcome as well. Any youth who are interested should contact Brenda 2echmeister at Peaslee, 621-5514. The Street By Britney M, Age 14 On the street as I lay, praying to stay for Another day, my clothes are very brown as I lay on The dirty ground. When people walk pass, I ask for their Trash. I have a little change for a little meal, but yeah, I'm just a person on the street trying to keep it real. OK? by Mister Lee I am OK, then ... I'm not OK. You' re not OK. We're not OK. The City is not OK. The State is not OK. The Country is not OK. With God in my life, The Country is OK The State is OK We' re OK You' re OK I'm OK Thank God. OK? by J immy Heath �STREETVIBES September 2001 State Law for Homeless Education by Christi Keaveny Ohio becomes the second state to pass a law protecting the educational rights of its 35,000 homeless children and youth. The COHHIO Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) led the way in advocating for the passage of Ohio House Bill 94. Current and formerly homeless youth united together to protect every childs' right to attend school. The Columbus area YEP council has been supporting the idea of creating a state law, strengthening the Federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act's homeless childs' right to education, for over two years now. This began when YEP staff members heard many stories of youth being kicked out of school based on their lack of address while experiencing homelessness. While a homeless childs' right to a free, appropiate, public education is clearly stated in the Federal McKinney-Vento law, many local school districts that lacked "McKinney Coordinators" were unintentionally breaking the Jaw by denying access to education to these students. Paul McDole Jr. , Assistant Coordinator of Project Connect (Cincinnati's regional program administering educational support to homeless children) states that he " ...feels the new state law will make it easaier for school dostricts to stay informed of the rights of homeless children to attend their school." He continued to say that, "Cincinnati Public Schools have been cooperative and understanding of the special needs of homeless children. They make the enrollment process for children experiencing homelessness easier, so fewer days are missed while the are in transition." The Columbus YEP council members ranging in age from 12-23, have been great advocates for HB 94. They have written letters of support to Senators, on numerous occasions and encouraged their families, priests and teachers to do the same. While the bill Was being passed, they kept a close eye on the changing language and made sure that it was appropriately inclusive of all homeless children and youth. For more information on RB 94, you can view the legislature at http:// members.tripod.com/yep2001 and by scrolling down to "Ohio becomes second state to ..." See section 17532. Any questions for YEP or Project Connect can be directed to Christi at 357-5720. What is YEP ? The Ohio Youth Empowerment Program is a state wide program sponsored by COHHIO designed to alert people about the on­ going struggles of today's youth. Problems such as homelessness, poor education, and poverty are issues discussed by this committee. The program is run in conjunction with Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center. s Who in YEP? This program consists of young people ages 11-24 who want to inform the public about the pro blems affecting today's youth. They come from many different backgrounds and many have had experience with the Lighthouse. What are YEP 'S goals? The goal of the program is to alert the public and get feedback on what should be done to solve these problems. Also to get the community involved as much as possible. What does YEP do? We are striving to do a lot of things for the community. Some of our . aspired activities include the following volunteer jobs: Recreational Centers, The Drop Inn Center, Animal Shelters, and Kings Island. We will also be looking into doing car washes and other fund raisers to benefit the productivity of the council. The program is entirely voluntary. The group will meet at least twice a month to introduce new members and to set and track our goals. To increase the effectiveness of the p rogram, 5-10 youth will be selected to participate with youth from other cities in the Statewide Leadership Council. The Government can assist the needy in more cre­ ative ways by Linda L. Berger, Victim Advocate As a lifetime member of the Cincinnati community and free-lance victim advocate/ paralegal for the homeless in Over the Rhine for the last 8 years, I have been immersed in the day-to-day issues of the homeless population. I have personally witnessed their daily battles dealing with a basic lack of respect for them as human beings and the lack of concern or assistance from the local community in general. During the recent riots, a local homeless man from Over the Rhine was attacked and beaten and many of the local homeless felt helpless and afraid, in an already dangerous situation. In Baltimore recently, a group of young teens were arrested for "stomping" several homeless victims to death. The homeless situation has reached epidemic proportions in recent years, with no concerted effort to resolve this problem. The homeless status in Cincinnati ·has become even more dangerous, in a community that has not yet united to address this issue since homeless advocate, Buddy Gray, who started the Drop­ Inn Center, was killed in 1996 by one of the men he was trying to help. Recently, Donald Whitehead was appointed as the executive director of the National Coalition for the Homeless and is the first African American and formerly homeless person to hold this post. While this is a step in the right direction, so much more needs to be accomplished within our inner city community. I have personally witnessed the daily struggles by the homeless with drug and alcohol addictions and last year, a small group of Page 16 advocates who are members of the Vineyard Community Church started an outreach program, called the "Good Samaritan Run" in May, 2000. Our outreach has 12 regulars and other weekly volunteers who, with the support of the Vineyard Church, have been prov iding over 100 box lunches and drinks for the homeless people in Washington Park every Saturday, rain, snow or shine. Our group also provides clothes and assistance into housing and other programs, by providing them with direct information we have placed into what we call our "referral binder" . This binder has been compiled by a member of our group and has every kind of program available that we have tested with former homeless people who are li ving proof that it works. The contacts within these agencies are now working with the "Good Sam" team to cut through the red tape and assist the homeless population. We also ask the people that now have housing and other assistance, to come back to the park and help others to show them that there are success stories. Our Good Sam Ministry believes that follow-up with each person is essential to his or her recovery and we keep in touch with our homeless family. The Good Sam Run is not a weekly ministry but a daily one, with our volunteers assisting the homeless and low income with their needs on our lunch hours, after work hours and on our weekends. We view this as a full-time ministry and are also working with the Mt. Airy Shelter and the City Gospel Mission, since these two groups work with the SAME population as we do and this allows us to pull together our resources to help even more people. Our Good Sam team has visited the homeless living under the bridges, taking blankets and food to those in need, taken them to hospital and doctor visits, cut their hair, helped with their children and any other needs that they have on a regular basis. Our outreach group has a strong relationship with the homeless community and we have won their trust. However, this is still not enough. Recently, a young man, who works as a leader with the Vineyard Youth Ministry Program and is a regular of our Good Sam Run, brought an established progran1 to my attention, called the International Dream Center Network. After reviewing this program, I found it to be what could possibly be the answer to the many of the problems in Over the Rhine. This "Dream Center", also known as the Los Angeles International Church, is located in the heart of the inner city in L.A. There bas been a steep decline in crime in recent years, due to this program, which is part of a ministry of the Los Angeles International Church. This center is a religious anti-poverty program that the Bush Administration wishes to s upport with federal funding to address the basic need s of poverty and the addictions, homelessness and crime that partner with these issues. The local community, churches and tbe police force have come together with this Dream Center in a concerted effort to help the needy and hurting in L.A. The L.A. International Church is now starting a Dream Center Affiliation Program, whereby the Dream Center assists other churches around the world to pattern a program after theirs. The Los Angeles International Church �STREETVIBES September 2001 (Dream Center) offers Biblical training, housing, clothing, food, job training and education to the needy in L. A. and works with organizations, churches of every denominati on all around the world and individuals who share their dream. T his Dream Center has an open door policy, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This Dream Center is doing what our Vineyard Community Church and other churches are doing now, but on a much bigger, more organized scale . I have contacted this organization in the hope that with the help of other church organizations in Cincinnati, we can start a Dream Center here very soon, in Over the Rhine. This Dream Center is time ly, in that the federal assistance may be available soon and we could address the multitude of issues in our inner city community by implementing this program. Additionally, this could solve the problem of having just another short term "fix" for the crime and poverty in our inner city, and actuaJJy give hope and a hand up to those in need on a permanent basis. • To all who wish for justice and peace in Cincinnati by James Blackmon I am 21 years old, and have been a resident of Cincinnati my entire life. I have lived in several 'n eighborhoods, including Delhi, Westwood, Clifton, Price Hill, Mt.Washington, North Fairmount, and others. I currently reside in Over-The-Rhine, and have lived there for three years. I don 't have much of a formal education, and I don 't come from a prestigious family, so don't expect me to have an amazing background. For the last ten years, I've been subjected to experiencing and seeing a multitude of prejudices and injustices against all people, not just any one race or class. For this reason, I believe that we as human beings must focus on more than one aspect of achieving peace and unity. I believe that a big part of this is rai sing the awareness and education of the community as a whole, which is not being applied in the amounts needed for change in thi s ci ty. Lately, there has been. a decline of groups active in the fight. From my experiences, I've found that these groups have essentially talked themselves out of existence. I admit, a lot of planning has to go into organizing a movement of this scale, but there is too much plan ning, and not enough actions. As I said, this is a movement. Lets start moving with a little more force. Don't get me wrong, there have been small bursts of activity, the biggest of which so far has been the successful boycott against the Coors Light Festival, but it is only the beginning. There are many ways to approach the situation at hand. I believe we must unite, if not on all fronts, at least with our similarities in mind, to be effective. Ignorance is too high a price to pay for peace. Open up your mind and hearts to what everyone is saying in Cincinnati. You' ll fi nd that most of what you hear is righteously said, and desperately needs to be heard. To those who sit in our city council, grow up. You are not in high school popularity contests anymore. Remember that you are there serving all of the residents of Cincinnati, not just those who have large amounts of political and social influence. Your decisions affect hundreds of thousands of lives. It is time to become a little more serious as to what you hear during public and private council meetings. The reasons vary from member to member as to why you guys aren't doing your jobs correctly, but it has become quite clear to me that the council has become a royal court, complete with a political jester of sorts. To the mayor of our city, I don't understand why you can't unplug your ego from in-between your ears and remove the government blindfold from your eyes. See that we are suffering and hear the cries for change. You took the job that you have believing that you could help create a better city for us, yet HEAVEN'S GROCERY STORE Page 17 - you need that everywhere you go. I got a box or two of wisdom, a bag or two of faith and you couldn' t miss the Holy Ghost, for it was every place. I stopped to get some strength and courage to help me. By then my basket overflowed, but I still needed grace. I didn 't forget salvation for salvation - that was free. So, I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me. Then I started to the counter to pay my grocery bill for I thought I had bought enough to do my masters will. Prayer was further down the aisle and I just had to put it in, for 1 knew that when I stepped outside I would rnn right into sin. Peace and joy were plentiful; they were on the last shelf. Song and praises were hanging near, so I just helped myself. Then I said to the angel, "How much do I owe?" He just smiled and said to me, "Take it everywhere you go." Again I smiled at him and said, "How much do I really owe?" He smiled again and said, "My child, Jesus paid your bill a long, long time ago." Author Unknown Peaslee Neighborhood Center 215 East 14th Street Over-the-Rhine Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 (513) 621-5514 As I was walking down life's highway a · long time ago, I saw a sign that simply read "Heaven's Grocery Store". As I got a ]jttle closer, the door swung open wide, and when I came to myself, I was standing just inside. I saw a host of angels. They were standing everywhere. One handed me a basket and said, "My child shop with care." Everything a Christian needed was in that grocery store, and if you could not carry it all , you could come back for more. First I got some patience - love was in the same row. Further down was understanding Berta's Art Corner Wall Sculpture, One-Stop Employment and Training Center, Over-the-Rhine �STREETVIBES September 2001 DEATH ROW - ---from page 8... mood, perception, orientation, or memory that grossly impairs judgment, behavior, capacity to recognize reality, or ability to meet the ordinary demands of life. See Ohio Revised code 5 122.0 l(A). Transsexualism is a severe mental disorder and legally it constitutes a "serious medical condition ." Phi ll ips. op.c.it. The Sixth , Seventh, Eighth, and Tenth C ircuits, as well as the District of Columbia, have determined that transsexual ism is a serious medical condition. No c ircuit has determined that transsexualism is not a serious medical condition. A transsexual should get professional medical and psychiatric treatment and help. Without treatment or help, worse mental problems could develop. Difficulties encountered attempting to obtain treatment and help include financial, for example. Treatment of transsexualism can be prohjbjtively expensive, especially for a street person without medical coverage. Plain Dealer Magazine noted this indi vidual was not receiving treatment at the time the crimes were committed: he was unemployed at the time of arrest and dined on instant mashed potatoes prepared on a hot plate. Op. Cit., p. 26. It notes, "He bathed every day but refused to wash his clothes." Ibid. It is a well-established medical fact that hormones affect mood and thinking. Hormonal deficiencies can result in psychiatric symptoms. Me ntal abnormalities vary infinite ly in their nature and intensity and in their effects on the character and conduct of those who suffer from them. Where a person sufferi ng from a mental abnormality commits a crime, there must always be some likelihood that the abnormality has played some part in the causation of the crime. The science of psycruatry now recognizes that man is an integrated personality, and that "reason", which is only one element in that personality, is not the sole determinant of one's conduct. One starts with the indisputable medical fact that no significant activity in the brain occurs in isolation without correlated activity in other parts of the brain. As the level of complexity of human behavior increases, so does the degree of interaction and integration. The human personality is viewed as fully integrated system; a defect in one aspect of the personality could spill over and affect other areas. In so far as the view is accepted that the personality is an integrated organism affected in its tota lity by any mental disease or defect it seems to follow that if a mental disease or defect exists at all , it necessarily affects, to some degree, the criminal act in question. Mental disability can impair the Do you find yourself on the outside of the job marhet, looking in? Do you want a self-motivated, low-pressure j ob? Sell Streetvibes! . The monthly newspaper with news from the street: homelessness, poor people's Issues, poetry, prose, and articles with their feet on the ground. Vendors buy the paper for ZO cents and sell it for a $1 donation. First 10 copies free to new "endorsl Come in today to sign up! The Greater Oncinnati Coalition for the Homeless 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 4SZ10 (Sl3) 421-7803 Page 18 mjnd's functioni ng in numerous ways. Once a disability has been established, it would ordinarily be impossible to prove that it had some likelihood that mental illness played a part in the causation of this person's "racism" and subsequent violent acts. Long before his arrest in 1982, his mental illness manifested itself by a preponderance of evidence in multitude ways. Legally, it would be impossible to prove that mental disorder had no relationship to "racism" and all the rest. Consequently, the Cleveland court should have been informed in 1982-83 that thjs person suffered from " mental illness" and that appropriate treatments were avai lable. (Transsexuals can be successfully treated with hormonal therapy and rehabilitated in a cross gender role. Doe,op.cit., Pinneke vs. Preisser, 623 F.2d 546 (1980)). Unfortunately, court-appointed lawyers and psychiatric experts did not so inform the court! This information was withheld and never presented. As a result, an ill-informed court sentenced this homeless person to DEATH! (lneffecti ve assistance of counsel is being raised on appeal.) The constitution's prohibitions against cruel and unusual punishment draw their meaning from "the evolving standards of decency that mark the progress of a maturing society," (Trop v. Dulles, 356 U .S. 86 at 101 , 78 S.Ct. 590 at 598 (1958)). One of the standards of decency that marks the progress of a maturing society is the recognitio n of an indi vidual's NEED for medical and/or psychiatric treatment. And therein 1ies the crux of this enigma! Many of the so-called "best educated" elements in society - doctors and lawyers ­ are still not educated or mature enough to RECOGNIZE when everyone in need of treatment NEEDS it! Billions might be authorized to spend on military budgets to weaponize outer space and provide programs for the people had low priority, especiall y when the needs of the impoverished and homeless are involved. This is a reality we all face today. NO ONE CARES ABOUT US. Oho Revised Code 5 J 22.0 I , et.seq., was codified 50 years ago to protect the civil rights of the mentally ill and to help prevent their punishment in prisons and execution as common criminals should they commit ho micides or other violent behavior. Its purpose was to provide medical treatment (such as hormonal therapy and/or castration, for example) to deal with the mental illnesses underlying some violent behavior and/or homicidal acts. And yet in the case no one recognized that the " racist" involved was actually a severely mentally ill transsexual street person in need of treatment of a mental disorder! The best interests of all are not served by judicial failure to recognize symptoms of mental illness in an accused when well­ respected doctors abdicate their traditio nal role as compassionate healers of those afflicted in body and mind, becoming instead accomplices of executioners. Psychiatrists and lawyers can bamboozle the public and courts while aiding each other to railroad homeless souls to a lonely death in prison by lethal injection: The best interest of everyone would be better served by placing us in hospitals. A more decent, educated_, and mature course of action would be to treat "racism" as a mental illness, especially in this case. The facts cry out for utilization of a more surgical approach to cure what ails some human beings, especially this o ne. Trade from page 13 GAIT developed into the WTO the right to block rulings was lost. Following lobbying from the Mexican tuna industry, and under threat of an appeal to the WTO, the US changed its legislation to allow tuna ki lled usi ng methods that kill dolphi ns to be sold in the US . A further example concerns battery farming of chickens. Although EU regulations on the welfare of farm animals are inadequate, laws in the US are even worse. The present EU minimum standard for chickens since 1995 has been 450 sq cm (70 sq inches) per bird. This is pitiful. Yet, in the US, many birds are kept in half this space. In 2012 the EU will ban battery cages entirely. However, unless the EU has the power to veto the dictates of the WTO, this will have little overall effect on animal welfare. Because of the WTO, it is inevitable that countries with relatively high welfare standards will have their markets swamped with animals kept under more brutal conditions overseas. Many people have argued that the underlying purpose of the WTO and IMF is simply to make the world more comfortable for international corporations. Whether this is true or not, it is clear that they regard protection of the environment and a desire to treat our fellow creatures humanely as an impediment to development, rather than an essential part of it. • �Page 19 STREETVIBES September 2001 . VEGGIE VIBES CHICKEN OUT! By Susan Huesken Chicken and turkey have now become regarded as an inexpensive and convenient low­ fat protein source. Many people now forego red meat and mistakenly believe that they are making a healthier choice when they substitute it with chicken and turkey. Although poultry may not be as much of an artery-clogging health problem as steak (unless you eat it with the skin fried), there are several other serious health concerns and issues. One of the problems comes from the antibiotics that these birds are fed. These drugs are primarily used to make the chickens and turkeys more productive, rather than to cure sickness. Feeding the animals sub­ therapeutic dosages of antibiotics can help make doctor-prescribed antibiotics less effective -and in the most dire cases, completely ineffective agai nst disease in the humans eating the meat. Add this to a processing procedure that critics say is a health hazard in itself, plus the extremely crowded and stressful conditions in which these birds are raised, and we have a health crisis in the making. Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria The health community is becoming increasingly worried about the increase in antibiotic­ resistant bacteria. Along with the major culprits: doctors who over­ prescribe antibiotics and people not finishing their prescriptions, scientists are turning to animal agriculture as a part of this problem. The animal agriculture industry disagrees and feels that they are being blamed for problems being created by human misuse. But Dr. Deborah Huang, a science policy fellow at the Center for Science in the Public Interest said, "We feel there's enough science out there to support the conclusion that antibiotic use in animals can contribute to resistance in humans" The Union of Concerned scientists (UCS) estimates, in its 2001 report that livestock producers in the U.S. used 24.6 million pounds of antimicrobials for non-therapeutic use every year. Of this, about 3.5 million pounds is given to cattle, 10.3 million pounds to hogs, and 10.5 million pounds to poultry (since 1985 there has been a 307 % increase use on a per-bird basis). That tonnage would be even higher if therapeutic use was included: a staggering amount compared to the 3 million pounds that humans receive annually. Governmental agencies are now creating task forces and programs to better monitor how ·much of these drugs are really being used, and scientists from WHO, CDC, CSPI and others are demanding that the government issue "Usage guidelines and restrictions". According to a Newsweek article entitled "The End of Antibiotics": "F~ animals receive 30 times more antibiotics (mostly penicillins and tetracyclines) than people do. The drugs treat and prevent infections, but the main reasons farmers like them is that they also make cows, hogs, chickens grow faster from each pound of feed. Resistant strains emerge, just as they do in humans taking antibiotics - and remain in the animal's flesh even after it winds up in the meat case." Salmonella and Camphylobactor Each year, an estimated 1.4 million human salmonella infections occur in the U.S., causing an estimated 80,000 to 160,000 people to seek medical attention, resulting in 16,000 hospitalizations and nearly 600 deaths. According to the CDC, in 1999, salmonella and camphylobactor comprised almost 82% of the total food-born illness cases. Both of these diseases are increasingly associated with poultry. Chickens can even harbor campylobacter bacteria without becoming ill. More than half of the raw chicken in the U.S. has campylobacter in it according to factoryfarming.com. According to the CDC, most human salmonella infections come from the ingestion of contaminated food, especially those of animal origin and an estimated 20 % of retail poultry is contaminated with salmonella. Symptoms of c:ampylobacteriosis are diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain and a fever, with nausea and vomiting within 2-5 days of exposure. The dianhea may be bloody and accompanred by nausea and vomiting, with symptoms typically lasting one week. Salmonella is a bacterial infection of the intestinal tract causing nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever, chills, weakness and exhaustion. These food-borne infections can become potentially life threatening in the young, whose immune systems are typically less developed and in the elderly or immune-suppressed. It is these people who typically seek medical attention and are more likely to die if the antibiotics don't work. Poultry Drugs Banned from Use The scientific and public health communities have been noting more occurrences of fluoroquinolone (a drug class effective against food-borne infections often resistant to other microbials )- resistant campylobacter infections. No resistant strains had been recorded prior to the use of this class of antibiotics in poultry. As a result of this disturbing development, the FDNs Center for Veterinary Medjcine proposed to withdraw enrofloxacin (a fluoroquinolone) from poultry use; but after Bayer, the company that manufacturers it complained, the FDA held off. The proposal is still under review. Meanwhile, sarafloxacin, another fluoroquinolone used in poultry since 1995, has been taken off the market. The human drug synercid's (which is used as a last resort for vancomycin-resistant infections) effectiveness is at risk because of the use of virginiamycin, a closely related drug used as a growth promoter in chickens and pigs; virginiamycin is found in as much as 50% of the supermarket chicken, turkey and pork. In Europe, virginiamyci n, as well as three other growth-promoting antibiotics, have already been banned, following the recommendations of the World Health Organization. Diseased Poultry Aside from the problems associated with antibiotic use, another major concern is that many of the chickens being slaughtered and sold for human consumption are sick and diseased. Many of them are contaminated by harmful bacteria and pus, or are marred by lung and heart infections, cancerous tumors or skin conditions, and because of the inadequacies of the U.S. government's meat inspection system are not condemned. The Government Accountability Project, in conjunction with Public Citizen, revealed some of these meat inspection problems in a damning report called "The Jungle 2000", based on a survey that was sent to 2,340 meat inspectors. Apparently, many of these inspect.ors told of many instances, when they had not taken direct action against contamination (feces, vomit, metal shards, etc.) they had seen, and many had been instructed not to document violations that they had observed. NEXTMONTH­ FRANKENSTEIN CHICKENS! OF COURSE WE HAVE GOV1T FOR THE RICH. YOU DON'T EXPECT US TO WASTE Gov·r ON THE POORJ VO YOO? �ZS c Need Help or Want to Help? 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 House 899-431-8717 ReSTOC Tender Mercies Tom Geiger House TREATMENT: Women First Step Home 961-4663 TREATMENT: Men Charlie's 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Over 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 SHELTER: Both Caracole (AIDS) 761-1480 Chabad House 821-5650 Friars Club 381-5432 Drop Inn Center 721-0643 · Haven House 863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teen s) 961-4080 St. John's Housing 651-6446 HOUSING: CMHA Excel Dev~lopment Miami Purchase OTR Housing Net. 381-1171 639-7056 961-4555 784-1853 921-1613 751-3260 TREATMENT: Both N.A. Hopeline 820-2947 A.A Hotline 861-9966 C.C.A.T. 381-6660 Talbert House 684-7956 Transitions, Inc. 859-491-4435 VA Domiciliary 859-559-5011 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 721-4580 632-7149 241-0504 369-0004 ROHS HARDWA.RE Helo is Just ' 16-ozBonus Rround the Cornel I ....-1-.4---,4 $2 Size Foam ~ '$)0 9.:> S·~ ~ t ~ § 00 ~-J ~ L'>' ~ "V ~~ 0 1403 Vine Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 (513) 421-0700 Sealant . 24" Poly Lawn & Leaf Rake • 13.991 19 l/4"X 29 112" Astroturf Door 14.991 Mat Contact Center 381-4242 Emanuel Center 241-2563 Freestore/Foodbank 241 -1064 Goodwill Industries 771 -4800 G.C. Coalition . for the Homeless 421 -7803 Hamilton Co. Mental Health Board 621-7149 Hamilton Co. TB Control 632-7186 Health Rsrc. Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van 352-2902 House of Refuge Mission 221-3619 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Madisonville Ed. & Assis. Center 271-5501 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 Oral Health Council 621-0248 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-6364 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's Crisis 859-491-3335 Center Women Helping 872-9259 Women Quotations from Women About Women ... A male gynecologist is like an auto mechanic who never owned a car. -Carrie Snow Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and you cry with your girlfriends. -La.urie Kuslansky A man's got to do what a man's got to do. A woman must do what he can't. -Rhonda Hansome Behind.every successful man is a surprised woman. -Maryon Pearson � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2001 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource September 2001 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Interview with Mayoral Candidate Courtis Fuller Pg 2: The Demeaning Marketing of Main Street Pg 3: Cover Story: Outdoor Living Poses Challenges for the Homeless Pg 4: Denhart Bankruptcy will Affect Neighborhood’s Poorest Pg 5: Wild Oats Market Donates to the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless Pg 6: Dead End Tickets Pg 7: Mayor Continued Pg 8: Prisoners’ News Pg 9: National News Pg 10: Words from the Evangelist Great Dylans Ghost Pg 11: Mayerson Summer Service Project Pg 12: Editorials Pg 13: The Quiet Queen Dragon Standoff Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 16: State Law for Homeless Education The Government Can Assist the Needy in More Creative Ways Pg 17: The Government Can Assist the Needy in More Creative Ways Continued Pg 18: Death Row Continued Pg 19: Veggie Vibes Chicken Out! Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource September 2001 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Alicia Beck Susan Knight Mary A. Gaffney Mary Taylor Molly Lyons John Halpin Sonny Williams H. Lee Bowen Jimmy Heath Susan Heusken Dr. Paul Kali Mr. Lee Christi Keavney Molly Lyons Aaron Pitchford Edna Smith Steve Sunderland Rodney Sutton Riccardo Taylor Berta Lambert Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Aaron Pitchford Activists Alicia Beck Artists Arts & Poetry Berta Lambert Christi Keavney Cincinnati Courtis Fuller Death Row Dr. Paul Kali Editorials Edna Smith education Evangelist H. Lee Bowen Jimmy Heath John Halpin Main Street Mary A. Gaffney Mary Taylor Mayerson Mayor Molly Lyons Mr. Lee NASNA National News National Street Newspaper Conference prisoners news Riccardo Taylor Rodney Sutton Sonny Williams Steve Sunderland Street View Susan Heusken Susan Knight welfare Wild Oats Market https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/d48037f8665c0c0e3841267c40b39b06.pdf 673f3deefd4577e57e40291edc2aa52f PDF Text Text $1 Donation ST ,-s·.tEET IBE5 HE TR T ~~s OMELESS GRA BW FROM BAD6£D \1ENDORS ONLl' OCTOBER 2001 6.REATE.R ClNClNNATl COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS �££T OCT0BER 2001 1 GOD BLESS THE U .S.A by Susan Knight "God Bless the USA" takes on a much greater meaning in times of crisis. The statement speaks of unity and of a hope for something better. "God Bless the USA" seems also, to allude to previous blessings. God has .blessed the USA with wealth, power and security;· and we pray God will continue to bestow such rewards upon us. Such desires to secure our lifestyles, l would argue, are not isolated to those who tum to God for answers, but instead sweep across humanity. These earnest statements of hope, however, have since been paired with "Osama bin Laden, Wanted: Dead or Alive" or"America Prepares for War.'' Like "God Bless America," these angry sentiments seem natural in the wake of the most deadly attack in the history of the United States. So, we are faced wjth impending war. And if the polls are correct, many of us are willing to die, or more specifically, "face heavy casualties" in order to achieve our ends of comfort, security and a sense of retaliation. Killing Osama bin Laden and all other terrorists certainly seems like the simple answer. Such thoughts of victory in the "war on terrorism" are the only thing that assuages our grief as the death· toll mounts and the stories of heroism stream in. That, and of course, exclaiming appropriately, God Bless the USA! But what do our dreams of America the Beautiful really mean? What do our statements both of God and of death reaJly say? How will God's "blessing" manifest? Most importantly, what does our response of violent retaliation mean for that blessing? These questions are important in a time of unabashed patriotism and the potent:ial for a great loss of life. Understanding what it is te be a patriot, understanding nationalism, is important when·death and suffering may result. I, like most Americans, have said the Pledge of Allegiance many times in my lifetime. I have pledged my allegiance to our flag, AND to the Republic for which it stands. I am not normally in the habit of pledging my allegiance to inanimate objects, in this particular instance, t-0 a flag, but somehow the Pledge of Allegi.ance strikes a different chord.with most of us. We are moved by our k~owledge of history, however limited, and by our belief that we are indebted to this symbol for our comfort and for our way of life. Consequently, when someone not only challenges thflt way of life, but also actively destroys it, it inspires us to speak louder and to use whatever means necessary to protect our culture and our means of e),S:istence. For most of us, such mandates require a sense ofsecurity. Of c~urse, such a statement speaks in large part to white America, ~ut our freedom ofspeech, our comforts, our privilege speaks to all Americans in some capacity, and it is what moves us to pledge allegiance to a piece of fabric, in addition to our republic. And when we say, "God Street View by Riccardo M. Taylor So we have been through the summer with all its ups and downs, wins and losses. Perhaps some will say it was a good summer, some may say it was a hard summer; the fact that it's over leaves us all with the oppo1tunity. idea of having to prepare for the As the summer winds into coming of winter. For those who are win.ter there are a few steps one can in the streets the summer shou ld take to improve his chances of have been used as a head start for survival if he finds himself still in this preparation. If so, many of the the same position of homelessness. street people will find life a bit easier First they must be mindful of the unless they failed to take advantage hardship that is the street life. The of the few months, which proceeded ability lo do with little or none. How the coming of fall. We can only hope to use the resources which carries that some have taken that advantage ·them from day to day in the life of and will find relief from this the streets. When the cold wind Bless America," we are saying we want -0ur way of life to continue and to prosper. For that to happen, it seems we must strike back at any and all that are a threat to our safety. Our rhetoric appears to be an extension of the natural human condition. From the pledge of allegiance, to our colliding statements of God and death, we are connected by a common desire for security and stability. So it should not be a surprist} tha~ other cultures/ agendas may ass·ume similar language. Howevei:, for some nations thi$ allegiance and desire for security and stability has manifested itself in anti-American rhetoric. Similar to aspects of the Cold War, this is a war of differing lifestyles and culture, but is very different in many ways to previously officially sanctioned US wars. The war against terrorism will not be a question of sheer power. It is a question of commitment. Winning the war on terrorism means killing those who consider the United States a threat, as many terrorists are willing to die to achieve their target. And, the target has shifted. Armies and nuclear weapon sites are no longer the point of impact. The target in this new war is US. A strategically intelligent move, considering that our armed forces coi:nple tely annihilated Iraq's armed forces, the fourth largest in the world at the time of the Persian Gulf Crisis. But, the question remains, how many men/ women are willing to strap bombs to their bodies and step onto a bus? How many more are willing to die in an airplane transformed into a missile? For these numbers, we can look inward and ask ourselves how many Americans would have to die before we are no longer willing to pledge allegiance to our flag? How many would have to die before our cries to our God cease, and we accept our fate? When we know the answer to that, we will know how many innocent people must die in Afghanistan in the war on terrorism. Because, as long as a commitment to a way of life remains, as long as people feel their way of life is .threatened by our existence, as long as there is allegiance to a flag, we are not safe. This mentality is not isolated to the Middle East. Like many people throughout the world, USA ... cont. on pg. 3 blows one has to meet its bitterness stre;et then to CO.Qle to his pJhce of with resolve as well as the proper refuge to find his personal effects attire. So shall we take a look at what might need to be done to survive the winter? Before the cold sets in one must secure a place of refuge. Find a spot where there will be at least the comfort of heat as well as asense of security. If you take up refuge in vehicles then you need to gather as many blankets or other articles of clothing for which you can cover up with to keep the cold out. Of course for the street person there is the understanding that you have to safe guard your materials from theft by other people (in other words finding a good hiding place for your materials). Nothing could be more devastating for the person in the st t ree v·1ew... cont. on pg. 4 Inside Streetvibes LoeatNens Pag~::3-, Civil Rights Prisoners News National News Feature Section Editmial Art & Poetry En1ngelist Veg.gie Vibes Puget> Pao(' S ~ Pagc9 Page 10 ' Page 12 Page 14 Page 16 Page 18 GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR 'l'HE HOMELESS �- - • ' r ~ :·- ~...... - - • '• ,i..,..:;, f- ' • STREETVIBES October 2001 STREETV IB E S The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Streetvibes, the Tri-State's Page 2 She Holds Our Tears Precious by Bonnie Neumeier, Over-the-Rhine Resident & Activist Homeless Grapevine, is a newspa­ per written by,, for, and about I made peace cranes and a homelessness, social justice, and star last night trying to understand poverty-related issues. It is . the terrorist attacks, desiring peace. published once a month by the Desiring for us to be Greater Cincinnati Coalition for compassionate, not revengeful. the Homeless. The words of revenge over the Becoming a Stree_tJtibes radio waves are frightening. So Vendor is a great way for home­ many tears are falling. Their less and other low-income people volume filis more than the oc~an to get back on (or stay on) their, deep, for the loss will be forever feet. Streetvibes Vendors aie felt. My given an orientation and sign :a fingers code of conduct before being gently fold given a Streetvibes Vendor badge. the The Greater CincinnaJi colorful Coalition for the Homeless is a origami group of shelters, agenci~'s and into the individuals committed to ending birds of homelessness in Cincinnati peace. I through coordinating services, am educating the public and reminded grass.roots organizing. at this moment of GCCHStaff rustory of Alicia Beck Executive Director all the Susan Knight Administrative wars too Coordinator many to Mary Taylor Receptionist name­ John Halpin Americorps* Vista Hiroshima, Molly Lyons Americorp&* Vista Apartheid, Stre-etvioes Staff Vietnam, Jimmy Heath Editor Gulf War, El Salvador, Over-the­ H. Lee Bowen Recovery, Mental Rhine. Something big has hit on Health Bdjtor our soil. (My tongue does not want Wtiters to speak war. Does not war beget Alicia Beclc war?) In the aftermath, there will Tom Billman be big gaping holes in the earth, in Lisa Bridges Jofiii HalPi!l · people's lives, in people's work, in Jimmy~ ' people's cities, in people's Sus.anli#~n neighborhoods and nations, and JobnsblT most of all in people's hearts. I picked up Proverbs Susan Knijht yesterday, not knowing yet about Mi.Lee the disaster of four plane~ carrying Molly Lyons out the evil destruction. I write Bonnie Neumeier ill ~'~- · Kenneth D•.Smith Rodney Sutton :Riccardo Ta)'lor Photolrapher Jimmy Heath Streetvibes accepts letters, poems,. stories, essays, original graphics, pputos.... We will give prefer­ enee lo th&e who are homeless or vendors. · down this verse from Proverbs into my journal: "Like a moth in clotrung, or a maggot in wood, son-ow gnaws at the human heart." I asked myself: How deep is the human heart? Can sorrow gnaw it completely away? I wr9te down: NO.. Today upon .reflecting on the weight of grief that is so heavy, heavier than the th'o usarids and · thousands of tons of concrete that .. once were the towers 0.f The World Trade Cen"ter ~nd }he ·J?er:nagon, I struggle with my answer.. today it does not feel as decisive, knowing the magnitude of angry and hurting hearts. But with faith, I reach somewhere else. Those who have gone before me in the walk for justice and peace taught us that we have to draw on a source deeper than what meets the human eye. We have to believe there can be justice, peace and love ev_e n through the sorrow of the heart. DEEP-PURPLE-WILD­ IRONWEED is crying with us. She bolds our tears precious and teaches us that goodness and beauty is stronger than evil and ugliness anywhere we stand .. .in Over-the-Rhine, New York City, Palestine, Belfast and in Soweto. We have to draw qn th,e power within us to act With goodness and beauty in relationship with all our brothers and sisters, no matter what race, creed OF olass. The towers that fell , cannot .they be a warning that our way of being in the world demands that we change? Dominance, arrogance, greed and militarism have to go. Violence can never serve jus t1ce. Let us respond with peace, not revenge. This loss and devastation ~ intimately connects us with all the suffering peoples of the world. t this make our hearts grow in wisdom and love, and deepen our justi9e-resolve to use our hands and feet to save this planet and each other from destruction. Let us dare to hope in our goodness and beauty. THE-ONE-WHO-LETS-ME Reflections while on retreat at St. Catherine's on Jonquil SEE-HER-YELLOW­ BUITERFLIES-KJSSING-THERi.dge, Kentucky Streetvibes Vendor Code Each vendor has to sign the following code to be able to sell the paper. 1. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $I voluntary collecting for the "homeless" in general. I will be donation. I agree not to ask for donations of more honest in stating chat all the profits from the sale of than $1. I also understand that I will be able to Streetvibes will go to the individual vendor. keep 80 cents of each dollar collected. Future 8. I will always present my badge when purchasing issues of Streetvibes will be purchased from the papers, and I will display my badge at all times H;omeless Coalition for 20 cents. while vending. Replacement badges are $1 each. 2. Streetvibes may only be purchased from the 9. There are no territories. I agree that I will not GCCH. Purchasing or selling unauthorized contest territories with other distributors. I will papers, or from other vendors, will result in termi­ not sell on private property without permission. nation from the program. I 0. I understand that Streetvibes strives to be a self­ 3. I agree that I will not ask for donations or attempt supporting paper created by people who are . to vend after 12 midnight. homeless or formerly homeless. To help in this 4. I agree to treat others with respect - other vendors, effort, I will try to spread the word and write customers, and GCCH personnel. stories ifpossible. 5. l will not sell Streetvibes while under the influence. 11. I understand that failure to comply with any of the 6. I will not give a "hard sell" or make someone feel above statements will result in termination from threatened. the Streetvibes vendor program. GCCH reserves 7. I agree not to deceive the public ~y saying that I am the right to terminate a vendor at any time as collecting for a not-for-profit charity or that I am deemed appropriate. �STREETVIBES October 2001 The .p eople of Afghanistan have nothing to do with Osama and his accomplices On September 11, 2001 the world was stunned with the horrific terrorist attacks on the United States. RAWA stands with the rest of the world in expressing our sorrow and condemnation for this barbaric act of violence and terror. In order to gain and maintain their power, these barbaric criminals are ready to turn easily to any criminal force. The US government should c onsider the root c a use of thi s terrible event which has not been the first and will not be the last one too. The US sho uld stop supportin g Afgha n terroris ts a nd th e ir supporters once and for all. · Now that the Taliban and Osama are the prime suspects by the U S officials after the c rimin al a t tacks, w ill the US su bj ec t Afghan is tan to a military attack similar to the one in 1998 and kill thousands of innocent Afghans for the crimes committed by the Taliban and Osama? Does the US th.i nk that through such attacks, with thousands of deprived , poor a nd innocent people of Afghanistan as its victims, will be able to wipe out the rootcause of terrorism, or will it spread terrorism even to~ ~arger ~cale? . .Fro~ ?urpo1~t.ofv1ewa·vast and mdiscnmmate mtlitary attac~ on a cou ntry that has been fa c m g permanent disasters for more than tw.o decades ~ill ~ot be a matter of pndc. We don t thmk such an atta~k would be the statement of the will of the American people. T he US governme nt and people should know that there is a vast difference between the poor and devastated people of Afghanistan and the terrorist Jehadi and T-aliban c1i minals. Whi le we o nce again announce our solidarity and deep sorrow with the people of the US, we ai so be l ieve that a ttacki ng Afghanistan and killing its most ruined and destitute people will not in any way decrease the grief of the American people. . We sincerely hope that the great American people cou ld DIFFER ENTIATE between the people of Afghanistan and a handful of fundamentalist terrorists. Our hearts go o ut to the people of the US. Down with terrorism! September 14th, 2001 Revolutionar y Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA) USA P age 3 commitment already made. T he statement "God Bless the USA", if it is to honor its spiritual and cultural commitment, must for its own sake transcend violence. History has shown the power of the human will and our love of freedom will not make our liberty any less vulnerable in this moment in history. There a.:_re many human elements to nationalism . But it is important to remember, nationalism played a role in t he deaths of tho se in Pennsylvania, in the Pentagon, and in the World Trade Center. And certainly the perpetrators' violent resolution has not resulted in their way of life becoming more secure. Let us not make the same mistake . May God Bless the USA. UPDATE: ---------1---­ Landlord's cont. from pag. American citizens are willing to die o r risk their lives to protect a way Bankruptcy of life. Safety comes when we are Continues willing to ask why. Why does our existe nce threaten a way of life? Why are so many people willing to Threat to dieto killinnocent civilians? These are not difficult questions to answer Low-incoine as they are grounded in an aspect of human nature that has surfaced in days fo llowing the attack, across Housing this country. The answer is in what ••• In an effort to reorganize under a Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Tom De nh art a nd h is H a rt Reality Corporation may be selling some of his property; most of it located in the Over-the-Rhi ne neig hborhood of C incinnati. Hart Reality and 25 affil iate partnerships filed for bankruptcy in August citing changes in the way the government reimburses low-income housing and changes in the Section 8 housing program. Den.hart also blames the April m:1rest for vacancies and cash flow problems. The bankruptcy fi ling covers 201 buildin gs with 1,089 apartment units. A Chapter 11 bankruptcy calls for reorganiz ation, not for - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - , liquidation of the properties. However, Hart Reality has received unsolicited offers on some Call of the properties, according to one of Denhart's attorneys. Jane Ander son , a D e mocra tic c and idat e in th e Attorney at Law we mean when we say God Bless America. It is a hope that our way of life continues. Peace then, for this country, is not a matter of religion, is not a product of dissidence, but a tool of practicality. Our way of life was · attacked Se pte mber 11th. That evenincr on the vround where t he World Trade Ce~er once stood an Americ a fl ag was h ung and ' we began our declaration of war. Over six thousand dead and counting could not stop the American spirit that day. And yet, we are hoping to kill people already committed to dying for their cause. Their flag was a lready ra ised a nd th e ir Social Security/SS! Denied? John M. Keegan upcoming Cinc innati City Council race suggests that the City form a task force to examine the possibility of studying the viability of acquiring some of the properties in an effort to break the concentration of poverty in Over-the-Rhine. "We need to come up with a plan that may include city, nonprofit and private money," says Anderson. "We have to make sure the city can come out ahead on this one." Ms. Anderson worries that more city inaction could result in rising vacancies and deteriorating properties, possibly adding to Over­ t he-Rhine ' s g lut of abandoned buildings. O ver- the-Rhine business activists have long viewed the sale and redeve lopme nt of Denhart's properties as a key to revitalizing the neighborhood. · But low-income advocates are concerned that the sale of these p rope rties wo uld le ad t o gentrifi cation , forcing O ver-the­ Rhine's poore~t and most vulnerable residents out of their homes. "A smart plan would be to maintain those affordable housing units," says Bonnie Neumeier, Over­ the-Rhine community activist and Community Council member. "I DO think breaki ng up Denhart's property so that it is not owned by one developer is good. But no one seems concerned about how many units we are losing. We can' t afford to lose those 1089 units of affordable housing" Not all Cincinnati leaders agree th e city should seek the however. ·" M y p rope rti es, inclination at this point is for the city to just sta y o ut," said c ounci l m e mber Phil He imlich , a Republican. Reader Mail Dear Mr. Taylor, I just read your column (Street View) on the first page of the A ug ust e d i tio n of S TREETVIBES, and I want to cong ratu late yo u o n a ve ry sensitive and thoughtful essay. Anyone reading it could not help but be touched by the despair of the homeless as portrayed in your writing. I hope you will continue to write because you have the gift of expression. Sincerely yours, S. Arthur Spiegel Practice concentrated in Social Security/SSI Disability Law OISC JOCKEY SEl,VI CE Cli.f.ford Jones .N O FEE UNLESS WE W IN lfiJ (513) 651-9222 41 . ­ FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION (513) 761 - 3464 0 £.fice e-_'7lail: et • :\:)0\-~ jonesa~ ( 5 1 3 ) 2 30-63 5 3 """" Voicemail ~c-.1411 "'·C'. ~ticxchange· cP �- STREETVIBES ·O ctober 2001 - The Life By Riccardo M. Taylor Misery without mercy! What a wonderful feeling. Living miserably without a care in the world. Drunk, accepting the di scomforts of alcohol and the misery of the withdraw. The feelings of nausea, the reeling of the headache. OH! A drink will fix it all. Yeah, see the same dog th at bit you! OH, but misery is not at its end with just a drink. We have to get more displeasure then that. Why not the feeling of silliness from a toke of smoke? A joint will get you there. Giggles of foolishness. Drifting on a cloud of .imagination, seei ng pleasurable things that exist only in the mind. Taking a minute off from reality. Yeah, what a wonderful way to live. Yet, this is only misery in these minutes we have, to go a bit deeper for the most in the way of misery. Lets get down raw. A syringe ful1 of dope! Heroine or coke, what's your pleastire? Just get as high as you can, reeling in the fast lane. Street View·.. ~ cont. from page 1 gone! On the other hand if one takes up refuge in an abandoned building then it's a little easier to hold ·o n to your belongings. Partly because when you live in buildings there will be more then one person residing there. Then, your articles are not as eas ily stumbled upon. Still there is the possibility that you may lose what you have gathered. Unlike .animals that gather to prepare for the winter the . street person must keep an outlet for gathering more material if need So you have to have that be. place of resource. Often the street person finds himself or herself barred from certain resource centers. Many are barred from places like the shower house or the Drop Inn Center for various reasons. This can be very hard during the winter months as might be imagined. However, this can be resolved by having a variety of places to gather the materials needed for ones survival. During the winter the feeding is practically the same as during the summer with the exception that _o ne can harbor food during this season. Food can be stored outside without the worry of it becomin g spoiled etc. This Local News Curtis Norvell finds healing at Drop Inn Center Progrant Go up or down, just get somewhere, go fast or slow. Nod or fly to the height that pleases you, mostly scarring your body from.head' to toe. Leaving tracks that no race can be performed on. Its great to have to hide the marks, having to lie about your every activity just so the ones who care the most won't know. The lies and the deceit are the most important aspect of the charade. You have to practice lying and scheming in order to stay ahead of the truth. Like lying, do you? Well grab a pipe, glass or metal, and you will become your best. Never having money, yet you work each day! You can make up a million and one excuses for why you are broke! My rent was due, I needed new shoes, had a doctor 's bill, I was robbed - any old lie will do. Well, no one will know. I can't be discovered! Just because I look haggard , eyes beaming like headlights, can't seem to focus, doesn't mean that I have had a blast! Yeah, no one knows - behind the lines of "I'm.OK" is the reality of all my life's misery. Then again what a pleasure to be miserable! Without my misery where would I be? •• • • .J ...... ; I. • - .._ , • ,. • Page 4 by Lisa Bridges • j ,.Jl #­ "Life bas taught me that there is a bit of good in the worst of us, and a bit of bad in the best of us, but we are all children of God, and we all have a right to be here (Big Book pg. 449). I invite who ever reads this little article ·and is not satisfied with the way you' re living. I need you to know, we no longer have ta remain stuck. Onelhing this ·addict/alcoholic do know 'is ·r had to be ready! Aiiaonly rlffie~ when Trey was ready. Me, myse1f have lived my life on a wire without a net. Funny thing aborit fear, it kept me from the rooms of recovery and today fear k eeps me from returning to the horrors of active addiction. Like Martin Luther King Jr. today, Trey has a dream. Thank You God!" - Curtis "Trey " Norvell on life in the past, the present, and what I want to accomplish in the future." Where do you see yourself in the future ? "In one of two places: either in broadcastin,g [which Trey has ali:eady completed some schooling for] or starting a program for young men ages 18-25. Trey got really ' excited about a program for young m~n.. Offering them a strong sense of encourage"m ent ' . . and . e!'lpowerment. "It i~ a difficult age for a sense of belonging, and I want to be able to be there for these.men. I have noticed since I have been living here, I have been approached by many young people who have questions, and need support and encouragement.". allows the street person to be a little more self-sufficient if they so chose too. Perhaps what is the most important aspect of ones winter survival is the ability for them to stay out of so much exposure. One has to stay warm even though they have to constantly move from place to place. The life What has been your biggest of the street person is one of Learning experience? continual movement. So one has " I know what other people What is the biggest change in your to know where to fi nd refuge meant at all the other treatment life since you ha ve started the through the day, during waking centers that I went to. You have to program at the Drop Inn Center? hours. "I've s topped REALLY, REALLY want it and Of course seasoned street fighting ....meaning: compl etely today I really do. I don't want to people know most of the winter surrendering to the simple program drink or drug anymore. And today, haunts. A visit to the public library (of NA and AA.) And it has taken I fee l and und erstand this will find many of the street people me so long to do this." surrender." there browsing through books or Trey concluded with, "It reading the newspaper or trying to Wha t has your experience offered feels really good to be right where I catch a nap. Then there are places you at the Drop inn Center? am today." like labor hall s where one can Trey will be graduating "It has offered me a sense spend most of the day just sitting of freedom from active addiction from the Drop Inn Center men's around, or visiting a friend at their and alcoholism. Also, the recovery program November 1, and home. Malls, soup kitchens, or opportunity to sit back and reflect will move into the Recovery Hotel other public indoor places act as a on Vine Street. refuge from the weather during the The GCCH would like to thank winter, only this can be stressful due to limited time one is allowed this Starbucks location for their to remain in some of these places. generous donation of coffee and Yet, for the most part one can find some relief when sought. pastries. All in all the winter presents more problems then the warmer seasons, but survival is the art of the street 3366 Erie Avenue person and most will prevail. East Hyde Park �STREETVIBES October 2001 Reflections on Mother by Bill Johnson, Streetvibes Vendor I don ' t know how many people would like to heai about my mother. But I feel since this was the month she came into the world, I would tell you a little about her: I know there will be someone out there who will read this month 's Streetvibes and would like to hear about a person that was born in October. As you know, most of us have good feelings inside about the month we were born in. My mother's name at birth was Annie Trivitt. She was born October 19, 1918, in the south. When she first came to Cincinnati, she had a job sewing in a factory. She was very good at sewing even when she got older. I'm very sure this factory is now gone. After leaving the factory, she began cleaning people's homes in Hyde Park and Roselawn. That's how my mother kept food in 'my riloutµ and' a roof over my hekd: the one thing as }png as I can ree2!ll, whet~v~r we lived, was'a clean house. My mother was a church going1aay that tried to keep me in church'all my life. But,I did not stay. N6w'I am.looking for help with my life: I do know one thing though - I have to find my way back to the Lord. It has almost been three years since I have seen my friend [the Lord] and it hurts me a lot. But the thing I can be thankful for is that I had a mother. The things I see and hear in the world of today - there are not a lot of fathers and mothers - only you ng boys and girls having children. It is hard for the child to have a chance in life. The values we leave in our children are more important than the valuables we leave them. In ending, I would like to say thanks very much to Annie, my mother, for giving me a chance l New Blows A·g ainst Santa Barbara's Sleeping Ban ­ Supervisors Approve Vehicular Sleeping, New Actions in Courts by Robert Norse Both the County Board of Supervisors and the City Council are considering ch anges in Santa Barbara's long-standing anti­ homeless Camping Ban. The Santa Barbara City codes prohibit camping outside and sleeping in a recreational vehicle (MC 15.16.070). In late July, Santa Barbara City Council's ordinance committee supported in concept a law that would provide legal parking places for some people living in vehicles. The measure would affect a number of the estimated 170 cars, 20 trucks, and RV,'s (recreational vehicles) .currently parking in the downtown c9rridor, 1;1ear highway IO1, and jn the city.park parking lots. The.·propose<;l ordin~ce change is modeled after practiGes used in Eugene; Qregon, and Santa Cruz, California. · · SoJµe members of Santa Barb.<:J.ra's vehicularly housed community (out of a larger 2000+ in the larger homeless community) would be able to park, no more than three vehicles to a parking Jot, in church, business, and government parking lots. Eugene actually set up a summer "carcamp" for three years running, then opened an industrial area to vehicular s leeping, and finally settled on dispersed · city­ designated parking spaces for groups of three vehicles in various places throughout the City. Instead of police knocking at vehicles if there's a problem, a Eugene social service worker mediates problems between Extra! Extra! Advertise to Socially Conscious Readers ! P age 5 housed neighbors and vehicular residents. Oregon homeless activists giv e th e pl an mixed re views. Writers from Street Roots , th e Portland homeless ne wspaper, compared the Eugene program unfavorably with the technically illegal but very-much-alive Dignity Village. tent city, which is run by homeless people and moves from place to place. Poet and Dignity Village spokesperson Jack Tafari reported at a recent NASNA (North American Street Newspaper Association) conference in San Francisco that Eugene's dispersal of homeless people bad weakened the homeless community there for the convenience of city officials. Police sweeps of vehicular homeless have become less vigorous in the wake of Camp Paradise's fight for survival, a camp formed in .late August. Before it moved on its own, Santa Barbara's City Council wanted buy-in from the County. Council delayed action .on its Ordinance Committee's "legal spots for vehicular sleeping" proposal until early September awaiting County Board ofSupervisors action. . The County, with around 400,000 people and 5-6,000 homeless, in a rare show of cooperation w.ith the City took on the controversial homelessness/housing issue. Earlier in the summer, the County's Human Relations Commission [HRC] voted 14-0 to endorse a similar ordinance, plus a pilot plan that would open up a "gone by dawn" parking area on government property. The diverse group included representatives of the conservative North Cou nty, where the cu stom of vehicular sleeping, at least for undocumented His panics, who do much of the agricultural lahor, was well established. On August 21 st, the full Board of Supervisors (split between three liberals and two conservatives) unanimously approved the concept and directed the HRC to set up a committee made up of homeless advocates, Sheriff Jim Thomas, officials from the county counsel's office, the county's social service agency and the city ofSanta Barbara, to iron out some of the issues related Supervis or to car camping. Urbansky reportedly wanted there to be a large "counseling" element. Supervisor Schwartz said drafting the ordinance should not be rushed, while Supervisor Rose suggested that something needed to be passed before winter. The concerns sent back to the HRC include how many vehicles would be allowed at any one location and neighbors' concerns about such things as noise and trash. The decision came after appeals of support by the Santa Barbara Homeless Coalition, the local Catholic Charities office and members of the Committee for Social Justice. Catholic Charities would be the non-profit overseeing the project. The Board directed the HRC to report back within 60 days. Quotes of Hope... Each ofus faces circumstances in life which compel us to carry heavy burdens ofsorrow. Adversity assails us with hurricane force. Glowing sunrises are transformed into darkest"nights. .Our highest hopes are blasted and our noblest dreams are shattered. - Martin Luther King, Jr. Why should we love our enemies? The first reason is fairly obvious. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid ofstars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate can not drive out hate: only love can do that. - Martin Luther King, Jr. The worst sin towards ourfellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them. That is the essence ofinhumanity. ­ George Bernard Shaw Bargain Box Rummage Sale Sponsored by the Junior League of Cincinnati Advertise in Streetvibes! Reach thousands of downtown workers each month! Call 421-7803 for more information about how advertising in Streetvibes will work for your business Low Rates Custom Sizes Available! Hamilton County Fairgrounds in Carthage Sat., October 13, 9 - 4 PM Sun., October 14, 10 - 2PM Clothing, ·childrens Items, Household Items, Furniture. For more information: Call 871-9339 �- Page 6 STREETVI B BS October 2001 HatP Crillles Against the Know Your Justice and states that most hate Hollleless ofc rimes are not com mitted by Rights by John Halpin In recent months, we have discussed the criminalization of the ho meless, an attempt by cities across the country to rid their streets of homeless people. Often, cities cite safety concerns as a reason to remove the homeless. Recent reports, however, show that rather than being the perpetrators of violent crimes, homeless people are often the victims of such acts. During the 1990's, reports of homeless persons being brutally beaten and killed surfaced across the countr¥. The National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) decided in 1999 to produce a paper documenting these reports. That year, they reported 29 homeless people were killed and 6 suffered non- lethal attacks. A more extensive effort in 2000 reported 43 homeless people killed and 23 victims of non-lethal violence. While these numbers might appear small considering they are national figures, they do not represent the total number of crimes that occur. Many of these crimes . go unreported to the police, service providers, or newspapers, and hence did not find their way to NCH's reports. And what these reports may lack in numbers, they make up in the gruesome nature of some of the attacks. In one Las Vegas case, a seventy-six year-old homeless man was beaten to death by a group of ten teenagers. Ron Travis, another homeless man camped in the area witnessed the attacks and scared the teens off approaching them with a large rock. "He didn't say anything to them," Travis said of the victim. " He had his blankets over his head. That's the way he sleeps. I didn't hear them say anything before they started. I just heard Arthur grunting when he was being kicked." A s eries of attacks in Colorado Springs, Colorado, left homeless people in the city fearing fo r their safety. John Mic hael Jones of Lexington, Kentucky, was found dead in his sleeping bag, apparently of a blow to the head. He was found under a bridge, in the same area where two other homeless men were badly beaten. These two men could not identify their assailants because they were attacked at night, but police believe that a band of tee ns were responsible for both attacks. The 2000 Hate Crimes Report cites the U.S. Department organized bate groups but rather by individuals who ha rbor strong resentments against certain groups of people. The report divides hate crimes p e rpetrators into three groups. "Mission offenders" act in an attempt to cleanse society of a group they consider ev il. "Scapegoat offenders" attack as a way to express their resentment toward the growing economi c power of a minority group. The third group, which are the most likely to attack the homeless, are "thrill seekers," Thrill seekers target vulnerable and disadvantaged groups to satisfy their thrills. One can scarce imagine a target as vulnerable as the women and men who live mus t their entire live s in public. The National Coalition for the Homeless intends to continue documenting bate crimes again st the homeless. It intends to use the reports it produces to educate lawmakers about thi s phenomenon and to recommend that proactive measures be taken. The National Coalition for the Homeless made five specific recommendations for action in their 2000 report: 1) That the U.S. Department of Justice acknowledge · hate crimes and/or violence against the homeless as a serious national trend, 2) That the Justice Department track hate crimes and violence against the homeless, 3) That any new federal bate crimes legislation include homelessness, 4) That police departments across the country include training on how to effectively and humanely work with the hom e less people in th eir communiti es, a nd 5) That th e Department of Justice sponsor or fund a research study to interview perpetrators of hate crimes against the homeless in order to determine the motivation behind such attacks. For more information on bate crimes against the homeless, visit the National Coalition for the Homeless' website: www.nationalhomeless.org. by Molly Lyons and John Halpin Every month we will be highlighting a law or ordinance that affects homeless people in Cincinnati. This column does not replace sound legal advice from an accredited lawyer but seeks to empower and educate people in dealing with the criminal justice syste m and their lawyers. Disorderly Conduct (§2917.11 of the Municipal Code) basically states the following: No person shall recklessly cause inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm to another .......,,..,..,.,.~- by doing, among other things, any ofthe following: rt"'l~-"l • making c unreasonable course utterance, gesture or display or corrununicating unwarranted and grossly abusive language to any person •Hindering or preventing the movement of persons on a public street, highway or right-of-way, or hindering their access upon public or private property, so as to interfere with the rights ofothers, engaging in fighting, in threatening harm to persons or property, or in violent turbulent behavior. • Being voluntarily intoxicated is not a defense. The violation is usually punishable by n.o more than a $100.00 fine. If the offender persists in conduct after a reasonable warning or request to desist, or unless committed in the presence of a law enforcement officer, firefighter, rescuer, medical person or any authorized person who is engaged in the persons duties at the scene of a fire, accident, disaster, riot or emergency of any kind, it can be punished by up to 30 days in jail and a $250.00 fine. Homeless people in Cincinnati are arrested and cited for disorderl y conduct very frequently. An analysis of the citations given to people who report the Drop Inn Center or the Justice Center as their address (both are commonly given by the homeless when cited) show that among the citations given to the people who list these addresses, the second highest number of citations are for disorderly conduct. Homeless people cite the main reason for their getting stopped, cited, or arrested for disorderly conduct is when they speak up to police officers when they feel their rights are being violated. lo one incident people were arrested for making complaints when the poHce told them they were not allowed to be in Garfield Park. One woman recalled an incident when she and her partner were fighting. Police officers arrived as he was choking her, but they sent him back into Frisch's. While she remained outside with the officers, she began to question why they were not arresting him. They told her to quit talking. When they then asked her a question, she said she would not answer because they had told her to quit speaking. They then arrested her for disorderly conduct. Many cases dealing with disorderly conduct and First Amendment rights have gone through the courts. The findings of these courts in cases such as State v. Robinson and Warren v. Patrone have upheld the First Amendment rights of free speech. In State v. Richardson, the court found that " The First Amendment forbids conviction for disorderly conduct based on abusive speech if speech would not have been provoked average person to breach of the peace." Citations for disorderly conduct that are wrongly given are often not challenged in court. Many homeless people plea " no contest" to charges against them at the urging of public defenders. A public defender may encourage a person to make this plea to get released rather than risk staying in jail. Being unable to pay bail, many homeless people accept this option. Pleading no contest will usually result in a criminal record. Because of this, homeless people are treated unjustly and the justice system is not held accountable for violating their rights. �STREETVIBES October 2001 Page 7 Victim of Abuse Finds Freedom by FJ Today my ex-husband was set free. I will never understand why assault and battery on a spouse is called domestic violence - how can such brutality be called domestic? I called Women Helping Women. They said they did not think I could get a TPO [Temporary Protection Order] because he has been out of prison on parole for a year and hasn't made contact. Serving his parole time in the state of Mississippi may have had a little to do with that. His parole is up - he's coming back to Cincinnati. They suggested I call Domestic Relations. They said the same thing. I have to wait until there's a physical or verbal threat made. They wanted to know how I know he will try something after all this time. My answer to them was because he said he would. Ju st because it's been a long time, should I forget the threat and not take precaution? I hope that the physical threat that I'm supposed to be waiting for is not deadly. I knowa piece ofpaper can't stop this man from harming me if be wants to. It never did in the past, but it will give t~e police the right to arrest him if he comes near me, or near a place that he's to stay away from, so I c~n have a little peace of mind. Again, the attacker is protected by law, while the innocents are left to protect themselves. I guess I could hav.e used the word victim instead of innocent. Even though I have been harmed by this man, I still intend to be the victor. I will do whatever it takes not to become the victim. I understand I will have to be cautious. There are so many things we take for granted; grocery shopping, driving into the driveway, getting out of the car and going into the house, going into my empty house, going to my car in the drive way, driving, hoping he hasn' t tampered with the car, using a window fan in the window, walking down the street, getting out of my car at work, chatting with a friend, sitting in the yard, taking my grandson for a walk, sitting with my back to a door, peaceful sleep, and the thing I like best - having some time to myself. I know that during some of these activities everyone has to be cautious. Being cautious and being terrified is very different. Being the victim of a random act of violence is terrifying, but just imagine knowing that there's someone out there wanting to torture and kill you just because. And knowing they are capable of such violence because they have done it before, and that someone is the person ~ou married, had six children with and planned to spend your life with. I lived with this man for seventeen years. I refused to take the verbal abuse - I moved out. That's when my hell started. I spent six. years tryiiig to survive around this man before he was finally put in prison. I won't go into detail about the things this man did to me. Maybe another time, but for now I'm not ready to do that much sharing. Besides, that is not my point, what I'm trying to say is why can't I get a TPO. What's the worst thing that could happen with a TPO ? He's restricted from a few places - my work place, my kids school, my home, calling my home or work place, a few places that I shop, and a few places that's work related. What's the worst thing that can happen if I don't get a TPO? HOSPITALIZATION OR DEATH. . BUT FOR NOW LIFE GOES ON and I have to live in that reality. When I first heard the news that my husband was corning back, I was extremely angry. I'm still upset, but rational. He's out there and there is nothing I can do to change that. I'll do what it takes to survive. My hope and prayer is that this man makes a decision about his life and let me live mine. I will not let my guard down. I will be extremely careful. But I will not live like a fugitive. I will not become a prisoner. I will not stop my life. I will co~tinue to do all the things I do. I decided I will not give this man my life. If he wants it, he will have to take it. Ohio Bicenteflnial River Note Cards <I( • , ,. \1 • The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, in conjunction with the Ohio Natural Heritage River System designees, independent river/ watershed protection organizations and historical societies throughout Ohio, and Rivers Unlimited proudly presents a special bicentennial project highlighting the significance of rivers and streams in our state's history. By ordering through the Coalition for the Homeless, 50% of your contribution will go to assist our work! For more information on the Cards or where to purchase them locally, call the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless at (513) 421-7803 or Rivers Unlimited at (513) 891-4592. �STREETVIBES October 2001 Prisoners' News contains news about the justice system and the writings of persons incarcerated in our JS nation,s jails and prisons. We are seeking subscribers who are willing to sponsor a prisoner so they can receive STREETVIBES behind the walls. Please sponsor someone on the inside. A year's subscription costs $15. Send your comments and questions to streetvibes @juno.com mail : STREETVIBES, 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 Parole Eligibility and Maximum Security by Kenta Kenyatta The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (ORC) currently has · a policy of denying parole eligibility to prisoners based on their classification as maximum security. The ORC did not always have•this policy. The policy was adopted by the ORC in 1994 and it began to have a major effe~t on prisoners who began to be classified in 1995. What prisoners and their supporters must keep in mind is that this is an ORC policy and not a law. In fact, because of the way security reviews are handled within Ohio's prison system, this policy is in violation of the law. The United States Con stitution (s uppo sedly) guarantees that no person shall have his or her liberty interest infringed upon without due process of law. The law then goes on to explain what constitutes due process. Every prisoner in Ohio knows that due process is not even a claim of the ORC when it comes to secu ri ty reviews and classifications withfo Ohio's prisons. So the only question is, is leaving prison on parole a li berty interest? T he United States Constitution also (again supposedly) g uarantees equa l protection of the law. But the ORC and the Adult Parole Authority has a policy that discriminates against pri sone rs in . maximum security when it comes to parole eligibility, and prisoners under the new law go home on their out date no matter what their security. A pri so ner sec urity classification is absolutely no indication that that person is a risk to society, their crime against society or their conduct while incarcerated. Any prisoner who is well liked by the prison officials who is conducting the status review can get his/her security statu s rai se d. Furthermore, one conduct report ( l i k e establi ~bing a relationship with an officer) can send a pri soner f r o m mrn1mum security to supermax. Some outside supporters of prisoners have taken it upon themselves to campaign (or paroles to prisoners who have a clean prison record, based on their security status. But by doing so they are lending legitimacy to a policy and practice that the law (if legally challenged) will not uphold. It must be fought at all costs in order to have any meaningful prison reforms. Modern Day· Slaves­ Modern Day Masters Slavery is Alive and Profitable in Ohio! by Kenneth D. Smith Page 8 we call it "involuntary servitude", is still authorized under the U.S. Constitutions Thirteenth Amendment. [Whether slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or a ny place subj ect to their jurisdiction. Congress shall have the power to enforce this artide by appropriate legislation.] Your fi rst reaction is going to be that this sec tion of ·our Constitution refers to the imprisonment of convicted felons. "So what's wrong with that?" you say, "We have to find a way to punish criminals, don't we?" And I will agree, yes, we do have to have method s to punish those who tra nsgress the law. Presently imprisonment is the method of c h o i c e though it ____ has been repeatedl y proven to m a k e peop le worse, not better. Imprisonment for the punishment of crimes is authorized under the U.S. Constitution. Holding people in prison purely for the purpose of profit IS NOT! That 'is where the step is made from the provision s of the Thirteenth . Amendment to the Constitution of SLAVERY! But what trul y constitutes slavery? According to Webster 's: Slave: 1. One bound in servitude to a person or household as an instrument of labor. Slavery: 1. The state of servitude as the property of a slaveholder or household. 2. A mode ofproduction in which slaves constitute the principal workforce. Involuntary: 1. Not done willingly or on purpose. Not involving or based on conscious choice. Servitude: 1. Submission to a master: BONDAGE. 2. Forced labor imposed as a punishment for crimes. While the new "flat-time truth in sentencing" law was being debated, the D epartment of Rehabilitation & Correction and their cronJ.es in the guard's unions reali zed that this law wou ld jeopardize many things. If the new flat-time law were made retroactive thousands of men and women would return to their families, thousands of state employees would have to go find real jobs, and the Depaitment of Rehabilitation and Corrections would have to cancel a large number ofvery lucrative newprisonbuilding projects and close at least one third of their existing prisons! The taxpayers would have seen as immediate budget savings of 500,000,000 hard earned tax dollars desperately needed by the school systems! With that realization the Department of Rehabilitation & Corrections and the guard's unions started a fear campaign. Legislators were told their careers would be ruined ifthousandsofp1isonerswere to be released. Grandstanders in the legislator saw an opportunity to score voter points and started harping about " Getting tough on crime." This new law was the answer with its mandatory flat-time sentences, although those flat-time sentences were 60 to 80 percent shorter than indefin ite sentences for the same offense! No one bothered to mention that getting tough on crime had nothing to do with people who weren'tcommittingcrimes, the men and women already locked up in Ohio's prisons! State jobs would be destroyed or lost protecting those eight thousand lousy j obs. But by the time Ohio passed its new Truth-in-Sentencing law our infamous President·Bill Clinton had pushed through the U.S. Congress a piece of legislation which gave the D. 0 . R. C., the guards unions, and the legislators as added incentive to ignore the old law prisoner's rights. Itauthorized the Federal government to PAY states to keep prisoners locked up longer. So, when the Truth-in-Sentencing law was passed without the "transition" clause it was with a cash incentive in mind. The Feds were going to pay Ohio to protect guard lobs, and on top of that pay Ohio to build new unneeded prisons! It was not a very good deal for the taxpayers. Ohio got a Uttle over $86,000,000 and spent $750,000,000 on new prisons. The D. 0. R. C. budget jumped from $900,000,000 to $1.6 billion annually. Don't let the legislation near your checkbook! The U.S. Constitution's Fourteenth Amendment states in part: No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States, nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due If you ask most anyone in this cou ntry when slavery ended, they will tell you it ended with the Civil War. There are those in our society who will tell you that it still exists in an economic sense. But you Cont. on pg. 16 would be hard pressed to find anyone who would tell you that slavery was, in fact, never abolished, that it still While we make every effort to provide a forum for those ex ists in the United States and is without a voice, STREETVIBES and the staff of THE GREATER alive and wel1 in the State of Ohio! CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS, is not respon­ "No way! " you might say, but you sible for statements, and do not endorse the opinions of the would be wrong! Slavery, or shall . prisoners who's writings are represented here. Modern .... �STREETVIBES October 2001 National/International News Former STREETVIBES and is a good companion editor in Chile food when she's in the house. She is from Dan Marshner, via email.... Arica, Chile has given me a very interesting couple of weeks. I have been staying with my family, learning Spanish like crazy and trying to get a feel for the town all at once: I am blessed with a wonderful living situation, a beautiful and scenic home, and valuable work for the next couple of years. Arica is a beautiful mix of scenery. The city is encircled by dusty mountains, and the closest city in Chile is three hours away. Arica has a strategic location, as it is the closest point to enter Chile from both Peru and Bolivia. Historically, it was passed from Peru and Chile many times. Arica is called the city of eternal spring because it never gets any colder than about 50 degrees. Also, the city is in the middle of the driest desert in the world, which means that rain comes about once or twice a century. My host family is a great group of people. My host father, Estelin, is a military officer who works just outside of the city limits. He has a missing molar and a goofy grin that he flashes constantly. My mothers name is Veronica. She's a wonderfully caring woman who cooks great News from the ·National Coalition for the Ho01eless National Coalition for the Homeless 1012 14th St., NW, Suite 600 Washington, DC 20005-3471 Phone: (202) 737-6444, Fax: (202) 737-6445 Email: info@nationalhomeless.org Website: www.nationalhomeless.org McKinney - Vento The National Coalition for the Homeless is asking U.S. Senators to offer an amendment supporting the inclusion of families without disabilities as part of the HUD McKinney - Vento permanent housing set aside when the VNHUD appropriation bill is debated on the floor later this week. currently working at the same Hogar de Cristo location where . Lisa will, with girls from troubled families. Veronica is also studying to be a religion teacher. Roberto, their oldest son, is 17. He has braces, dresses like Ricky Martin, and speaks English very well. . He's decided to teach me guitar in exchange for some lessons in English. My talents thus far consist of playing four cords, changing them occasionally. Christian is the middle son and the family athlete. He.. s taller than Roberto (about my height) and plays soccer and basketball for his school. Verito, their daughter, is 10. I visited my work for the first time yesterday. CATAM, the center for older adults, is a wonderful place. Older adults live throughout Arica and come to CATAM for lunch. The center also provides activities for them during the afternoon, which I will plan. The center also provides a few beds for sick v.isitors, which means that some older adults have lived in CATAM for years. Most of them receive a small pension or none at all and have little or no ,relationship with their families. Part of my work will be to apply for pensions for Last week's VA/HUD/IA committee passed legislation containing a provision requiring communities to obligate 30 percent of HUD McKinney - Vento dollars to permanent housing. NCH supports the designatiqn of limited non-ESG HUD·McKinney - Vento funds for permanent and permanent supportive housing pFoviding the eligible population for such projects is expanded to include families without disabled members. NCH also supports the removal of Senate report language prioritizing renewals so as to respect local communities priorities established in the Continuum of Care. National Housing Trust Fund The National Housing Trust Fund Act (S. 1248) was introduced in the Senate July 25, 2001. This bill has 17 co-sponsors. In the House of Representatives a trust fund bill, HR 2349, was introduced on Wednesday, June 27. As of July 25, HR 2349 has 61 co-sponsors. For more information contact Brad · Page 9 Reflection , them. They 'c an get medical attention at the hospital next door, but only for cases of sickness . The hospital staff do~s not look very favorably on the GATAM visitors either because-many of them have drug and ,alcohol problems. The older adults I met ye~terday were excited to meet me, and I was very encouraged by the response I received. I think that parts of my job will be overwhelming, such as planning funerals for visitors who have died, and I hope than have the ability to focus on the positive aspects of m:y work. · Thanks so much for all the correspondence via email I have received in the last couple weeks. Internet here is fairly cheap, about one dollar an hour, but I won't have much spending·money soon. Also, I would love to add 500 more email addresses to my email, but Hotmail limits me to fifty. I hope the best for those of you beginning school again. A part of me thinks that I'll be returning home soon so that I can begin classes as well. May your efforts be guided by wisdom and patience, and I'm sure there will be days where I wisb I was back in school again. Hasta luego, Daniel Marschner (email) marschnerd@hotmail.com Casilla 392 Arica, Chile ,,.~ Paul, (202) 737-6444 ext. 16 www.nhtf.org/shtf/default.asp October 10-14 , 2001 : United for a Fair Ec_onomy presents the second of two popular Economics Education Institutes in Loveland, Ohio. For more information, an admission application form, or a scholars~p application form, contact Steve Schnapp (617-423­ 2148 x15; sschnapp@ufenet.org) or Joanna Vessella (617-:423-2148 x32; jvessella@ufenet.org) or go to www.ufenet.org. The application deadline is September 7. October 13-16, 2001: National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth's 13th Annual Conference, "Building Assets: Keys to Strengthening Homeless · Education." Cobo Hall Convention Center in Detroit, Michigan. For more informatton, please contact Cecilia·Santa Ana, Michigan Department of Education, at (517) 373-4581 or Wayne/RESA Event Services, at (734) 334-1624. http:// www.resa.net/beat/conf200 l .htm. ~ by A'aliya Myles, Roger Bacon High School Student During my week of volunteering, I learned that Over­ the-Rhine had so much more to offer than what the media portrays. in with me spending one week in this community, I easily fell in love with the people and different organizations. There were so many people among this community who dedicate their life to others and poverty. · After completing the week, I truly understood the meaning of the word stereotype. I believe that Over-the-Rhine is stereotyped in every aspect and way. Now I look at Over-the-Rhine and its people or community as working the hardest in Cincinnati. They serve God by serving the poor people in our city. Within my week of volunteer~ng, I also discovered what poor people were and what they actually like. In fact, I never thought a poor person had anything to offer me. But I was wrong. I met a man who made me look at life completely different. He was just happy with himself today and that satisfied him. That made me realize that I should never waste a day being upset and unsatisfied with life. From every day now on that I am down because of my minor materialistic problems, I will think of my special angel from Over-the-Rhine and just smile. October 18-21, 2001: The 14th Annual Conference of the national Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness will be held at Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. For more information, go to http:// www.nscahh.org/, e-mail nscah@aol.com, or call (800) NO­ HUNGR. November 11-17, 2001: National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Co-sponsored by NCH and the National Student · Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness. Organizing manuals are now available. For information, please contact Michael Stoops, (202) 737-6444 ext. 19 or email: info@nationalhomeless.org December 21, 2001: Natidnal Homeless Persons' Memorial Day: Commemorating those members of our community who died homeless in 2001. Organizing manuals are now available. For information, please contact Michael Stoops, (202) 737-6444 ext. 19 or email: info@nationalhomeless.org �. .. . ... --------~,....---..-- STREETV IB E". s-~ Oetober.2001 . Page _10 l~EAfL! J~ES 4 Tom PaxtQn Pe·rforms:at . GCCH .Benefit Conce~rt by Alicia Beck photos by Jimmy Heath The search for justice ·has historically been marked by three important components: a group of dedicated souls, a passion that drives what they believe is right, and the music that expresses their thirst for justice. Every good social justice movement has been marked by the rhythmic sounds of instruments a.nd voices. This peaceful expression of P.Olitical views has inspired many to push forward in their march toward civil rights, the end of war, the right to. decent working conditions, and equal opportunity. On September 6-; the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and Rivers Unlimited joined together to bring singing legend Tom Paxton to Cincinnati for a crowd of aging ex­ hippies and Gen-X'ers at the 20th Century Theater in Oakley. Local singer and performer Tracy Walker opened the show at the forf!Ier movie house turned performance venue. Paxton didn't disappoint the crowd as he strummed and shared his talents to not only inspire, but to tickle the crowd·~ funny bone. Audience members sang along with Paxton's Bottle of Wine and Ramblin' Boy as echoes Tom Paxton during a rehearsal session at Oakleys 20th Century Theater of past quests for justice filled their ears. Tom Paxton has become a voice of his generation, addressing issues of injustice and inhumanity, laying bare the absurdities of modern culture and celebrating the tenderest bonds of family, friends and community. Paxton began his singing career in the 60's• as part-:.t of the early movement of folk music in Greenwich Village of New York City. His early acclaim m Green~ich Village coffeehouses, such as The Gaslight and The Bitter End led to an ever­ increasing circle of work. Then in 1965, he made his first tour of the United Kingdom - the beginning of a still-thriving professional relationship that has included at least one tour in each of the succeeding years. His music has inspired generations of activists and hi s writings for chi ldren continue to shape generations to come. · Local artist Tracy Walker entertains crowd at benefit The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and Rivers Unlimited, thanks those who attended the. event for their support. Our deepest gratitude to Tom Paxton and Tracy Walker for sharing thier songs and talents with .our audience. Tom Paxton with GCCH Executive Director, Alicia Beck �STREETVIBE.S. Octobe.~ 200· < Page 11 • 2001-Standdown proYides.for local. Homeless Veterans saying, "as our nations milit.ary mobilizes, we must take pause .to ...... remember that many casualties of foreign wars walk the streets in our own country. They are the forgotten heroes that still struggle with the tragedi~s they witnessed." On September 20th in Washington Park in Over-the-Rhine, the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless hosted hundreds of our city 's homeless in the Annual Standdown event. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for. the Homeless is a unified social action -5 group, fully · committed to its ~ultimate goal: the eradication of ~ homelessness . with respe<;:J _!or the ~dignity and diversity~ of its .l:> ­ 'B membership, the homeless, and the 0 • . _ "~~ ~pmmunity., Th~~C~alltj9Ji pe!tonns. •,P·;-~;:~ · · -three areas· of work: Cp~rcfinating everiit~~~~e:·o~ homeless, wifu •.services, educating the public, and a priority to homeless veterans, grassroots organizing/advocacy. As part of its service providing them with a day where they can connect with the services and opportunities that will help them to leave their life on the streets beliind, and to find housing and much needed services. Each year, Standdown serves hundreds ofmen and women in need. "Standdown provides a beacon of hope for so many who have sacrificed so much for ourcountry. ·Staoddowrl a <fay of unity and a time for the community to come together to support those who fought for American ideals. As our nation's colors adorn the City, we must reflect on the power of unity in our community and ·on the wounded soldiers we have left behind", says Alicia Beck, Executive Director of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Beck continues by l·­ by Alicia Beck Standdown, an annual even.t sponsored by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, recently provided services and food to our local homeless veterans. In past years, Standdown has happened relatively autonomously of the larger community. However, as the nation mourns, as clean-up continues in New York and Washington D.C. , and as our military mobilizes, the annual Standdown event is part of something qmctilarger. Standdown is yet another example of how our community comes together, declaring that we will not leave our wounded behind. So, as the nation mourns together and unifies, we also experience Standdown, together. Standdown means, ~'a time of regrouping". It is a ti.rile when a battalion, after suffering losses, cares for its wounded and regroups to advance. Standdown is an annual coordination effort,s~ the Coalition brings together homeless service providers from across the community to reach out to the homeless population on the streets of Cincinnati. This year 's Standdown brought over 30 service p~oviders together, giving homeless individuals the opportunity to connect with services suc h as housing, jobs and job training , medieal care, shelters, dental care, legal advice, haircuts, and voter registration all at one time. The all day event included lunch, provided by Goodwill Industries ·and was attended by hundreds of homeless veterans and other homeless men and women. To inquire ·about how you· can help with next year's Standdown event, please call the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless at (513) 421-7803. is Forum convened to discuss h·o melessnes-s and housing issues On September 14th, the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless in conjunction with Hebrew Union College's Ethics Center, convened a forum to discuss issues surround.ing homelessness and hou sing. The Forum was designed to offer those in attendance a background on the major issues affecting our homeless population. The afternoon portion became a chance to address poHticians whose policies affect the lives of our homeless population, especially with reference to ethical decisions Panelists at the Forum (L to R) included County Commissioners Tom in housing policy. Neyer and Todd Portune; City Councilmembers John Cranley and Andrew Stallworth, Director Pat DeWine of Jus tice Watch , tran sitional housing for men out of prison, facts behind homeless men: 64.1 % of homeless men have a opened the morning forum on Almost 60% of Homeless Men high school diploma or GED. homeless men by introducing the Work at least a Part-Time Job. Over25% of homeless men SELF­ REPORT suffering from addiction. 22 % of homeless men report loss of housing as the primary r~son for homelessness. Rodney Sutton then began to speak. Relating his story of leaving home at 14, getting caught up in a life of drugs, alcohol and then, crime, Rodney, became a face to the numbers. His story is extraordinary, but not unique. His struggle to find ..::: housing and job opportunities with ~ a criminal background is key to E' Rodney's. Story, as it applies to so ~many homeless that are facing a ~ similar situation. The panelists ~ proceeding Rodney, outlined some of the major obstacles to independent living faced by our homeless men. Forum cont. on page 18 �STREETVIBES October 2001 Page 12 An Eyewitness Account of the New York Tragedy With love and rage, James Things are very difficult here in New York City, and I am just trying to keep on top of things. I thought I would share a bit about what happened to me on September 11th, 2001-to answer questions, and let you know a little bit more about the events here...I woke up Tuesday morning to the radio, and heard that a building had been struck by an airplane. I honestly thought it was a historical piece about the B-52 bomber that hit the Empire State Building back in the l940's... Once I knew the real deal, that two planes had struck, I put my uniform on and headed off to my station. We were on "recall," and were required to be in duty. As I drove to work, I was diverted into the Battery Tunnel, and found myself about four blocks south of World Trade Cent~r. I parked my car, and walked up to the front staging area to find my lieutenant. Once I found him, he set me up with a helmet and some medical gear. He set off to help coordinate triage, and I wentto make contact with another unit. From where I was standing, it was about half a block to WTC 1 (North Tower). I could see flames and smoke billowing out of the building, and debris was landing all ar<?und me. There were body parts scattered on the ground, and it was pretty clear how bad things were. Moments later, I heard an enormous roar and felt the ground shaking. I looked up to the tower, and saw what looked like an umbrella being opened up-like a starburst at the fireworks. I was directly underneath it, ar:id I could see girders shooting out from the building. I immediately began to run southwest, towards a building that had some sort of opening. I already felt rocks landing on my back and helmet, and there were girders falling right near me. I made it perhaps thirty feet before being knocked off my feet. I went about ten feet through the air, and landed rolling on a s~t of steps. My helmet was gone, my phone, my stethoscope. This was the scariest moment of my life. The air was black with ash and debris, and I litera lly couldn 't see a .thing. People were screamfog, and some were clearly seriously injm:ed. We couldn't breathe, and our mouths eyes and noses wate~ed and burned. I stayed crouching on the ground, covering my head, and breathed through my shirt. A few minutes later, the smoke began to clear and I was able to make out a few other figures. We held on to each other, and were able to make it to a restaurant where we started gathering water for eye flushes. Ambulances and fire trucks were overturned, walkways were collapsed, and people were running and screaming. After a half-hour Wtsh List Streetvibes newspaper is published monthly on a shoe-string budget from the offices of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. We depend heavily on the goodwill of many volunte-ers and donors. Some of the more pertin:ent needs of the GCCH include: o Advertlseq -Classitied and unclassified Ifyou can help!, contact us at: Strenvibes, clo Great~r Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeles~ 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45210 pJl: (513) 421-7803, fax (513) 421-7813 e-mail': stteetvibes@juno.com of giving out water, I started to help out with moving other people to the waterfront where we were loading them onto boats and ferries. But soon we had to clear out from there also because the second tower was coming down. I was holding a 3­ year-old girl at the time, and we lost sight of her mother. We all ran as hard as we coul~, while we tried to carry as many people as possible. There were many · injuries, and many more people .with smoke inhalation or blindness. EventuaJly, we regrouped on a pier farther southeast, and got more people loaded up to bring them to New Je.rsey. I helped here for a while, and ended up taking one of the last boats to NJ to help with triage and treatment there, by order of my supervisor. An hour or two later, I was redeployed to Manhattan, but I was then taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries. Luckily, I got off .well. I have a sprained ankle, twisted knee, miscellaneous burns and abrasions, and had to have glass and gravel removed from my arms and back. That night I stayed in the hospital on semi­ active duty, and this morning (Wednesday) I worked a 911 shift uptown and then went down to Ground Zero to assist with rescue efforts. Overall, I feel very lucky. Many of us thought there would be chemical/biological agents in the explosion, but thus far, we are in the clear. I have made it out in one piece, but the same cannot be said for many others. Especially sad and difficult to me is the loss of two members of my own team. They were killed in collapse of WTC 2(South Tower), along with hundreds of other rescuers. I want to thank all of you for your calls and emails. I feel honored to have been in your thoughts and prayers, and am unspeakably grateful for each friendship that has revealed itself. But more importantly, I ask that you keep the in your thoughts the lives and sacrifices of the many rescue workers. I have lost friends, and I can honestly say that they were some of the most caring, deeply committed, and selfless people I have ever met. Finally, I want to urge all of us to remember the complexities of the world we live in. This is a tragic act, one that has destroyed or forever altered the lives of countless people. It is also an act that occurs in particular context, one in which the United States is guilty of this exact same kind of crime, only on a greater and more gruesome scale. Let us take from this the inspiration to create a . world free from imperialism in all its manifestations, one that moves us from the civil war that is capitalism to a higher form of society. Violence begets violence begets violence. "If you want to blame somebody, look in the mirror"... Maharaji by Tom Billman The bombing of the World Trade Center and the thousands of speeches following in its wake were a sobering reminder that this world is like quicksand; as my guide says, Doesn't matter if you are sitting on a sheet of plastic, you are still sinking. And time is a wasting; and no one really knows when his or her last moment will be. All this flag waving by politicians and news media is so nauseating that I don't know whether to scream or laugh. With this earth-shattering event, people are given a chance to break out of their complacency and begin to question the illusions on which they have built their plastic lives. But it is so much easier to paint the mirror over with an American flag and point the finger at the most convenient scapegoat. Don't we remember the stories of Nagasaki and Hiroshima - thousands of innocents ~laughtered? The genocide of Native Americans? The "collateral damage" in the Pe.rsian Gulf War, which drags on even today? The delusion that is America is the greatest delusion in the history of the Human race. Will we ever awaken from this dream to realize that all these boundaries man has created do not really exist, that we are all brothers and sisters livi.ng on Planet Earth, tied together only by the breath that is given to us, moment to moment? Streetvibes exists as ·a forum for the expression ofthe views and opinions ofour reatJ,ers and supporters. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those ofthe Streetvibes staff or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition _for the Homeless. �STREETVIB E S October 2001 Page 13 Special report: TerrorisDl racism and hypocrisy. A s in the US Mahatma Gandhi famously by Seumas Milne The Guardian (London) Nearly two days after the horrific suicide attacks on civilian workers in New York and Washington, it has become painfully clear that most Americans s imply don't get it. From th e pres id ent to passersby on the streets, the message seems to be the same: this is an inexplicable assault on freedom and democracy, which answered with mu s t be overwhelming force - just as soon as someone can construct a credible account of who was ac tu ally responsible. Shock, rage and grief there has been aplenty. But any gli mmer of recognition of why people might have been driven to carry out such atrocities, sacrificing their own lives in the process - or why the United States is hated with such bitterness, not only in Arab and Muslim countries, but across the developing world - seems almost entirely absent. Perhaps it is too much to hope that , as ·rescue workers struggle to puU firefighters from the rubble, any but a- smaJJ minority mi ght make the connection between what has been visited upon them and what their government has visited upon large But make parts of the world. that connection they must, if such tragedies are not to be repeated, potentialJy with even more devastating consequences. US political leaders are doing their people no favors by reinforcing popular igno rance with self­ refere nti.al rh etoric. And the echoin g chorus of Tony Blair, whose determination to bind Britain ever .closer to US forei gn policy ratchets up the threat to our own cities, will only fuel anti-western sentiment. So will calls for the defense of "civilization", with its overtones of Samuel Huntington's poisonous theories of post-cold war confrontation between the west and Islam, heightening perceptions of remarked when asked his opinion of western civilization, it would be a good idea. Since George Bush's father inaugurated his new world order a decade ago, the US , s upported by its British ally, bestrides the world like a colossus. Unconstrained by any superpower rival or sys tem of global governance, the US giant has rewritten the global financial and trading system in its own interest; ripped up a string of treaties it finds inconvenient; sent troops to every co rner of the globe·; bombed Afghanistan, Sudan, Yugoslavia and Iraq without troubling the United Nations; maintained a string Qf murderous embargos agai nst recalcitrant regimes; and recklessly thrown its weight behind Israel's 34-year illegal military occupation of the West Bank and Gaza as the Palestinian intifada rages. I f , as yesterday's Wall Street Journal insisted, the east coast carnage was the fruit of the Clinton administration's Munich-like appeasement of the Palestinians the mind boggles as to what Republican s imagine to be a Churchillian response . . ft is this record of m;iabashed national egotism and arrogance that driv es anti­ Arnericanism among swaths of the world's population, for whom there is little democracy in the current distribution of global wealth and power. If it turn~ out that Tuesday 's attacks were the work of Osama bin Laden's supporters, the sense that the Americans are once again reaping a dragons' teeth harvest they themselves sowed will be overwhelming. It was the Americans, after an, who poured resources into the 1980s war against the Soviet-backed regime in Kabul, at a time when girls could go to school and women to work. Bin Laden and his mojahedin were armed and trained by the CIA and MI6, as Afghanistan was turned into a wasteland and its communist leader Najibullah left hanging from US a Kabul lamp post with his genitals stuffed in his mouth. But by then Bin Laden had turned against his American sponsors, while US­ sponsored Pakistani intelligence had spawned the grotesque Taliban now protecting him. To punish its wayward Afghan offspring, the US subsequently forced throu-gh a sanctions regime which has helped push 4m to the brink of starvation according to the latest UN fio-ures' ~ ' while Afghan refu gees fan out All this across the world. must doubtl ess seem remote to Americans desperately searching the debris of what is expected to b"e the largest-ever massacre on US soil - as must the kil1ings of yet more Palestinians in th e Wes t Bank yesterday, or even the 2m estimated to have died in Congo's wars since the overthrow of the US-backed Mobutu regime. "What could some po litical thing have to do with blo~in g up office buildings during working hours?" one bewildered New Yorker asked yesterday. AJ,ready, the Bush administration is as se mbling an international coalition for an Israeli-style war against terrorism, as if such counter-productive acts of outrage had an existence separate from the social conditions out of which they .aris~. But for every " terror network" that is rooted out, another will emerge - until the injustices and inequalities that produce them are addressed. RECOVERY AND MENTAL HEALTH NEWS: THEY COULDN'T LEA VE ME ALONE In the words of that famous­ p hi l oso pher/ advertisement executive, whose name escapes me r-~;---e--u-o-U--a--d.:-e---:dl.-ca--.._ed---------- at the present time, "Sometimes you indMdual with a desire to educate the public about homelessness? Volunteer a t Streetvibesf We need writers, photograpers editors, webpage updatOrs, any help you can p rovide. J · feel like a nu t, sometimes ·you don' t". Today, I feel like a nut. My relationship with Streetvibes has come full circle. I came in the door as a vendor and became a writer. I was hired as Assistant Editor/writer began to "lose my mind", resigned as Assistant Editor, but continued as a writer. Early in on in my relationship with the Homeless Coalition and Streetvibes I detennined that I really only wanted to write. One of the things I d isco vered was th at I have a significant emotional investment in what I write. I am registered as a vendor but I've never sold many papers. have never come close to the time commitment as a vendor (to earn money) that my writing (to grow) required. Today, I know that I need to be a vendor. I need the money. My ego's need to be published is exceeded by my recovery/mental health advocate's need to be read which is superceded by my need to write. I write because I want to be read. I write because I believe that I have something to say. I write because it makes me feel that I am an artist. I write because I believe that I give a voice to a segment of the community (middle age men in recovery from mental illness and th at are addiction) underrepresented, di scriminated against, sometimes victimized (see Jus t Us Center) and not very sympathetic. As a formerly homeless person, I know that depression and chemical dependency are too often the companions of the homeless person. (See Streetvibe vendors-do you read Ricardo '.s articles? I do!) Particularly men. When I walk into the offices of the Coalition, I have to walk pas t the drug dealers, addicts, alcoholics, prostitutes, mentally ill and abject poverty of my people. Why deny me the opportunity to write what I Ii ve, or try to "edit" my work. Edit Veggie Vibes. They don' t incarcerate you or demonize you for eating chicken, but they do for smoking crack. I i Recovery cont. on pg. 17 l.! 1 ean 4 21- 7eo5 for mor e infonnatJon. .buddy's place Permanent Housing for formerly homeless individuals at 1300 Vine Street. For more information, call Connie Martina or Agnes Mack at (513) 784-0800 �STREETVIBES October 2001 The Spiritual Ocean by Yismaru Kaddis I peep evil through the world like its core was cracked open I've cried so much tears my body wrinkled from soaking I am floating Swam a long way and still stroking freestyle to butterfly, dive in to deep emotion approaching quietly the oceans anxiety I take on love and truth received excitedly and if hated it might be they see the right in me I challenge all to observe and see the right in me Though we was spiritually and not of the flesh and those nearest me my prayers protect and erect foundation for souls to stand on for we die not knowing what evil plans on I pray God hands on As I live and stay strong love endures. all and truth can't go wrong Cincinnati Riot of 2001 by Anna McCree Peaceful existence Results from strict non-violent resistance From both points of view Each examined Justice given as demanded A murdered unjustified Shall be tried, a witness untestified A just cause That now should be come resolved D.estruction of property The situation may not have been handled properly No one to listen, no other way to deal They were taught to express how they feel A lack of guidance and consideration The children felt it was their liberation To take action and make themselves heard As far as Capitol Hill our local problem was referred State Troopers and citywide curfew Shows exactly what our mayor knew A problem deeper than discrimination A problem that can only be solved with the book that contains Revelations Without a home...All alone ART & POETRY Art by Mark Estese by E. Joan Rohrer Fragile was she ... . . .depending upon .. .skills of physician ... to cure he_r depression. Her marriage was long Eight children had she. Last one leaving the nest soon . . .for college. To have children leave then heave up her life ... by selling her home ... was to great. Her home was her castle She descri~ed every room. And,.as she teld· that.it would be sold She became the . . .essence of doom. Day after Day Sharing our room I sensed the gloom. She'd tum away, I think it w.as May. Positive sharing and caring ... seemed not enough to sway her .. .negative thoughts. . When I was at home Days of hospital forgotten a call came from the nurse. "Did I know where she'd gone?" No, I did not. To cure her i Us She turned to the pills .. . wanting magic solution .. .in pharmacy 's potion. Too soon she was found ... drowned in a sea of solutions. Too many pills ... Too many ills ... . Thoughts of loss. Someone probably bought Her house. Now, she's home. Her family's alone. I shared but a piece of her life Yet our stories compare ... Mentally ill everywhere. We strive to be alive Through others and things. It/they cause us to feel . . .make us THINK we are real... Ay...Theresa's the rub! Dedicated to Dr. Faye Allen Live and Let Live Her life had been of devotion to children and home. thoughts of being alone :..without them needing her care ... or to need her. .. to heed her ... was more than this woman could bear. On top of it all Husband had his career. Suggested selling her house . . .to travel afar. This further jar ... a disgrace. The ultimate loss. Page 14 I'll Tell You This by William Bowie This is a nice place to live. But it could be better! The mentality of many people has to change. I often walk through many different communities; There ,, . seems to me to be a strongness in the air around me in some. A feeling of helplessness. in some. And a nice sense of good, decent living in others. Yet, the city is in confusion. There is no respect for each other black or white, or. Hispanic or any other race that might dwell in the city. It has to change in order for anything to get better. When you have no communication, you o!tly have confusion, misunderstanding and chaos. Prayer is an answer. I want people to like me. Especially if they belong to my family tree! Yet, families are so hard. Making me o~ so tard. People can be very cruel. Yet, somehow I must keep my cool! Hoping to be lilced is normal. Being close and not a. bit formal. Jealousy can lead to hatred. Turning a person's face bright red. Life is too sh~rt to fight. So, do not let expectations get out.of sight. Remember the sun is always there arid P,h S<? bright! Bad apples are few and far in between. However, some people are just plain mean! That ~an breed prejudices too! Towards ·m ack; White, Oriental, or Jewish to name a few! • i "' Love and peace are what people need. Beginning with the planting of a seed. There will always be disagreements. Yet, hardly ever making sense. So live and let live. Cause humans have so much to give!!! ~ Copyright 2001 by Sandy Weber @ Call for Young Writers and Artists Peaslee Neighborhood Center is seeking _.y oung people from the Cincinnati area, first grade through young adults (under age 25), ·w ho would like to do creative writing or reporting for STREETVIBES on issues such as homelessness; peace and justice, school, programs for youth, etc. A page will be devoted to making your voices heard. Visual images are welcome as well. Any youth who are interested should contact Brenda Zechmeister at Peaslee, 621-5514• ~ �STREETVIBES October 2001 It's hard not to cry by Derrick Johnson It's hard not to cry when your world is falbng out around you and everything is crumbling underneath your feet. It's hard not to cry when principles you stand for have fallen for everything because thelr morals and principles have been taken away. It's hard not to cry when you don' t got no heat, can't go to sleep, can' t go to eat, and don' t know if your life is yours to keep. We don't know that anyway. Or do we? It's hard not to cry when questions of life go unanswered. But if we look they are answered every day. It's hard not to cry when you don't know who you . are anymore. Or maybe y0u do and you are not sure who's who. Who is anybody? What is anything? Where is everything? I'll answer these things with one answer - "They're all what you make of them.'' It's hard not to cry when you see,it's hard for a person not to cry, because they' re all cried out. , Out of Jove; out of hope, out of rage, out of time, out of it a11. Out there in the cold, out there in the rain, the sleet, the snow. Um, um, um - It's hard not to cry. When life ain' t going your way, when it ain't your day, and it doesn't count what you say. It's hard not to cry. It's hard not to cry when everything you have is nothing and what you don' t have is everything. It's hard not to cry. It's hard not to cry when your house is falling apart. When your ground is breaking underneath you which bolds your standard strong. And your ceiling is your dreams and being ripped away shingle by shingle and the woodworks that are your troubles are falling in on you. And your window of opportunity which was in front of you is shattered. How it's all around you in broken fragments therefore the rain and wind of pain can weather you. The rain can beat you and the pain can eat you up on the inside. And your door is closed shut because of the tremendous weight bearing down on it. It's bard not to cry when momma is gone and you become daddy. It's hard when momma passes away and can't see the next day. But we all gotta go. It's hard not to cry. Life is hard. It's hard not to cry about everything. But you gotta be strong. You gotta realize you ain't dead yet so it's something you're still living here for. So go out and do it. Because it's easy to live and it's easy for life to happen. It's happening right now. Black Tears by Anthony Wat~ins These are the tears of ancestors that cry out to me from their African tomb stone, word, saying this is for my people black fears stripped from identity, meaning, dignity of their roo~s. this is black tears that speak the truth, ta1cing from the motherland, across, over to this dying land, to swallowed up like quick sand were poor people wjth mind of gold, are upon like fool, but GOQ shout out•.. you rule this for proud stallion black knight the blood of ancestors cry in one love saying survival is vital, be not to shine in the form self­ made, take you to your grave human idol, soon this beast will be at peace meaning deceased black tears Another by Christopher Moore Another night living on the street Struggling to eat Look.in' for heat It's the middle of January That's an incredible feat Page 15 AAA by Anna McCree Lost liberties, Gained generations, Restricted rights, Consuming confrontations, Segregated selections, Integrated intelligence, Mass mutilation, Dedication deprived, Liberating leaders, Celebrated successes, of our African American Ancestors A few weeks ago I received the chance to spend an entire week doing service work in Over-the-Rhine. The week before I left, I began to have second thoughts, I could not ·believe what I had gotten myself into. My friends thought I was crazy and I was beginning to believe them. Little did I know all of my fears were based on false stereotypes that I had grown up with for years due to the media. Over-the-Rhine was such a loving community. People not only help other people, they go over and beyond the call of duty. It angers me that we never hear about that. It upsets me that such a wonderful community has such an awful reputation. Don ' t bad things happen in other communities? Why aren ' t those on the front page of the paper? I have to admit that before spe nding a week in the inner-city, whenever I heard anything about it the first thing that came across my mind was " Oh, that's in the ghetto." But I will no longer have that stereotypical perception. After one week in the Over-the-Rhine community I really believe in the saying "the eyes are the window to the soul." These volunteer projects forced me to take a second look at-everything that was around me. B y the end of the week I no longer was seeing abandoned buildings and poverty, let alone believing anything the media says about this misunderstood and ignored neighborhood. I was seeing past my first impressions and into the eyes of the people who often get forgotten. I could see their determination and I could understand their everyday battles. I was seeing beautiful places like Peaslee [Neighborhood C{'(nter] and Buddyts Place, to name a few. So from now on I will tell e veryone who thinks the way I used to about the inner­ city to take that second look around when they are there. I know that I will never forget the beauty I saw when I opened mine and took that second look. Sar(lh Ewing, Roger Bacon High Katie Holthaus, Roger Bacon High Shutter Speed by Jimmy Heath Another night livin' in pain Robbin' somebody, that's lame Getting' in da game Will things ever change? Nope. They still the same Another week and it still ain't easy Clothes worn out, dirty and greasy Money ain' t comin', Dinner still measly But I'm gon make it through Another day, believe me. Watching the crowd at the Hispanic Festival. ... �ST.REETVIBES October 2001 Page 16 WORDS FROM THE EVANGELIST... 47 Year Old M an On September 11, 2001, proceeded up Green Street toward This evening was no Cincinnati and the world was full of Vine Street continuing to give water different than any other. Th e worry, sorrow, anxiety, and fear as a and the invitation to come to worship minister of music had the mu sic resu lt of the terrorist attacks on the that evening. On Vine we found going as I entered the sanctuary and World Trade Center and the ourselves in the midst of the evening saw about 30 souls present..Within by WJ.J. Pentagon. drug trade and street life, but we the next 20 minutes the number was What is it like for a 47­ Nevertheless, when I arrived were on a mission from God so we well over 100 souls and the minister year-old man in Over-the-Rhine? at New Prospect Baptist Church at continued the distribution of water of music directed all in songs of 9:00pm that Tuesday evening there and extended the invitation to come praise. Soon the message was given, Not much changes with his day to were still preparations underway for and worship. and 11 souls came forward to be day living. Let me tell you a little I saw many men, women, saved or to rededicate their lives to about him. His childhood was the " New Wineskin Ministry. The events of the day had not paralyzed and children whom I personally have God. The meal was barbecue good, and not good. I think the God's work. It was going forward. had some contact with through my chicken wings, potatoes, vegetables, worst part of his life as a child was This ministry began about 9 weeks ministry in Over-the-Rhine, and I salad, and dessert. Afterwards more when he was sexually molested for ago in response to the unrest in our made it a pointto stop and share with than 40 souls required a place to about two years. This happened city. Pastor Damon Lynch saw the them what was happening at New sleep for the night. outside of his home for those need for the Christian community to Prospect Baptist Church. This ministry is an example years. He did not know how to reach out to the people of Over-the We proceeded down Vine to of what the church is called to do tell anyone about what was going Rhine, thus the birth of this ministry Liberty, and then over to Walnut and for those who are downtrodden. We on with him. Things like this were which comes from Matthew 9: 17 up McMicken. Soon our water was are not to consider ourselyes above ("Nor do they put new wine into old gone, and it was nearing 11 :OOpm. those who are homeless, hungry, goiRg on while he was in grade wineskins, or else the wineskins Time to return to the church for dirty, addicted, or unemployed. The school. For a long time, he had a break, the wine is spilled, and the worship. As we made our way back members of my church who came lot of guilt about what happened wineskins are ruined. But they put I talked with the minister who had along were impressed and shall and what he had done as a child. new wine into new wineskins, and accompanied us and received his encourage our denomination to get As he got older, he turned to drugs both are preserved.") The key idea perceptions of this ministry, because involved. Whether it be joining in for help. The onJy help he got out here is to share the gospel of Christ I could see he was troubled by much the prayer walk, helping in the of that was the hurt and the shame with those who are lost, so they may of what he saw. He was troubled in kitchen, or providing goods there is of what he did and what he was . • 1 be saved. particular by the number of youth on room for everyope.~o do something.. doing. Therefore, the people' of the streets at that hour, and the The tra~ic ev~n~~ of His life was.Jl ' t always New Prospect Baptist Church began fatalistic view of life in light of the September 11 should be a wake-up about living in pain. During the to hit the streets with bottles of cold: day's terrorist acts. ~any others in call to us alL God is calling this 70's, and part of the ·80's, he had water (re~re~en~ing the Spirit of the group express~ previous f~ars counli?' to repent~m.c~ an~ servic~. some good ladies in ·his life. He Gdd); and mv1tat10n~ to come 'SilRre . of tile ~er-the~Rhine. comm~~tY! ·-. We cannot'go on livmg·as if.there ts ·1 w~s· li-vh:lg in Bndgetdwrl, ariviftgl a meal, hear the word of God, and fears which had been dispelled smce no _God or consequences for our a new car and felt he was on top have fello~ship. . they have walked, shared the gospel, actions. Churches Mound the world of the wo~ld. There ·were people On this particular mght I and come to know that these are will record growing numbers in . hi ii.ti th t Id . him all .th l f be . . 1 h . 1 h d th d 1 f th m s e a wou came over w1 a coup e o mem rs s1mp y urtmg peop e w o nee e atten ance as a resu to ese events. h h h give ld d from Washington United Church of grace and love which God offers. The New Wineskin Ministry t e m:.ne~ t a_t t er c~u ' ~n Christ, because having heard of this Arriving back at the church is happening every evening, so stop kept 1 ~ 1.n mce c ot ~s an a ministry we wished to see how our I talked with the minister who would in and be or receive a blessing. I hope pl?ce to live. But even with all of church and denomination could bring the message, and the ladies to see you there. this, the more he got, the more he become involved in this vital who had prepared the food for the AWOL Ministries is wanted. And the more cocaine he ministry. There were about 12 evening. seeking volunteers to mentor youth did. People who loved him started I learned this ministry was and assist with goal setting for leaving his life. He became a man others in attendance on this evening. We began with prayer at the church, truly begun with a leap of faith, and families comjng off of welfare. If with four prison numbers. He had and then began to proceed up Elm it is faith that has sustained it. For interested in this or you would like turned into a person who did not Street. We met many along the way on any given night 100 plus souls to make a contribution write: P.O. know who he was. He had no idea who had previously received an come to hear God's word, worship, Box 36065, Cincinna~, Ohio45236, where he was going in life . .. .life in Over-the-Rhine for a 47 year­ invitation to come fel lowship and and to fellowship. The members of or call 349-5119. worsbip, so we offered water and New Prospect Baptis.t Church have old man.... told them we would look forward to not grown weary in their service or Rodney L. Sutton, Sr. seeing them that evening. We then their contributions of food. The Evangelist under this law. The very law that receive equal protection under the legislators touted as a "get tough law, and there are not supposed to on crime" bill! Why would these be any exceptions. Yet we currently cont. from 8 prisoners do that? Because they all have around 20,000 political knew that if they couldn't get the prisoners in Ohio's prisons who process of law, nor deny to any courts to protect them they were are, in effect, economic slaves. The person within its jurisdiction the doomed, left to the wiles of the purpose of a slave is to provide equal protection of the laws. "protect state jobs" Parole Board. economic benefit for his or her Pay close attention to the The politicians in the Ohio mas ter. Ohio's slaves provide wording of this amendment. "Nor Supreme Court finally rules that secure jobs for 8,000 state labor deny to ANY PERSON within its having two separate sentences for union members at taxpayer jurisdiction the equal protection of the same crime was perfectly legal. expense! They also provide the the laws." During the first two What they didn't add was, "as long reason for the receipt of millions week s the new "truth-in­ as it protects state jobs and gamers of dollars in federal cash, also sentencing" law was in effect over federal funds." taxpayer money! The Ohio 7 ,000 prisoners filed suit to be put All citizens are supposed to Legislature is the slaveholder. The Modern .... pg. department of Rehabilitation and Corrections is the taskmaster. The old law political prisoners are the slaves, providing economic benefit at the expense of their lives, their family, and every taxpayer's bank account. Slavery was supposed to be abolished and all citizens given equal protection of the law. This doesn 't apply in Ohio where it has been ruled by our own Supreme Court that it is legal to destroy lives for political and financial gain. Think about it. �STREETVIBES October 2001 - Nast Trinity Chu~ch offers prograins for Connnunity and the Hoineless ~-- : { I I \.., Nast Trinity Group members include: (Lto R.) Jack Walker, piano, flute: David Odem, percussion, and Richard Williams,. lead guitar. Not pictured, Daviyd Williams, Tina Best, and Al Rogers. · . by,Jerome J. Manjgan .. Hinkley, pastor of Nast Trinity,·the It is early mo111ing, still SAM service is .a n opportunity for d~~ a_n~ ~~·~.9Jt; ~~ ~~~pet?PY , not only phurch members,, -friends· and neighbor;s to -attend services, it ro·tonn. Inside, rug urns of c,offee are brewing. Gallons of juice are also provides Fellowship. waiting to be poured. Soon, the opportunities for breakfast guests. fust of hundreds of dozens of eggs Nast Trinity also has a 10:30AM will be _scrambled. They wiU be a "preaching service" and a 5:30PM part of the breakfast served to Celebration Service each Sunday. The spirited SAM-breakfast several hundred homeless persons as part of the Nast Trinity service is a music-centered service. community-feeding program. Through scripture readings, prayer, The homeless people who and testimonies, the word of God is come to the feeding program are a delivered to the congregation. But mixture of ages: young and old, it is the music which really speaks males and females. Children are words of comfort, hope, and joy to among those who wait in line. those in attendance. Caucasians, AfricanPastor Bruce Hinkley usually Americans, Hispanics and others leads popular so ngs suc h as patiently wait for the doors to open "Amazi ng Grace" and "I' 11 F ly allowing them en try to the Away." "WeAre KingSand Queens" undercroft of Nast Trinity Church, sung by the Nast Trinity Group lead a nd refuge from park benches, vocalist David Williams is a real crowd pleaser. alley-ways, abandoned buildings The other musicians for the and cars. Before the morning is over, Nast Trinity Group are Jack Walker, hundreds of Cincinnati's piano, flute ; David Odem, dispossessed will find at Nast percuss ion; Tina Best, organ; Tri_nity Church rest for their weary percuss ion , vocal s ; Richard bodies and minds, food for their Wiiliams, lead guitar; Al Rogers, bodies and nourishment for their bass guitar. souls. They will leave knowing that The Nast Trinity Group has they are valued and seen as an been performing for five years. important part of God's Kingdom. Collectively and individually, they Nast Trinity, Cincinnati's say it is "their love of God and only downtown United Methodist people" that inspires them to be in Church, continues its Urban place each Sunday in the sanctuary of Nast Trinity Church. Ministries outreach activities each Nast Trinity Church is Sunday morning with a devotion/ worship/fol lowship for located at 1310 Race Street in Overneighborhood residents , the the-Rhine. Contact Bruce Hinkley, congregation and the homeless. pastor, at (513) 721-7339 for more According to Bruce information about services and programs offered by the church. I Page 17 Recovery from pg. 13 hate the social ills that underlay the crime and violence that we all find so repugnant. I hate being poor and powerless. It is no more fun for me, than .for the thou sands that live within the inner city communities who suffer the most. By writing for Streetvibes I simply have exercised access to a forum from which I can express my feelings. It is my way of saying enough is enough. As I earlie r stated , my relati onship with the newspaper has co me full c ircl e . Effecti ve immediately I wi ll , fo r th e foreseeable future, no longer write for Streetvibes. I am charged by a higher authority to carry the vision of God's will for me into every area of my life. Hopefully, others will fill the void and take the Recovery News and the Mental Health news to a new level. I challenge the Editor and the Coalition Director to work to fill the void. I hopefully will be published in other publications specific to Mental Health and to Recovery. Regardless I will continue to write. Obviously not in Streetvibes, but , nonetheless I will continue to write, a~d ~hink and .hope. My two "children'\ .tbe Mental Heal~h News and the Recovery News were born out of my desire to remain mentally healthy and to remain sober. They were de signed to help and to educate. Where someone .else's words could express my thoughts, I used them. Ego took a back seat for quality and impact. I will continue to speak my mind and heart. I will continue to try my best to do God's will in every area of my life, for the balance of my life. If no one reaqs it or publishes it, so be it. I will have read it and done my best. I challenge the board, administration and membership to "re-diversify" the agency. I was not the answer, but maybe there are others more talented, less hardheaded and younger. Find him/ her. Hire him/her. Give them the resources and support they need. A ll ow them to bring a different perspective to the effort. Elevate some formerly homeless person to a pa id position . Maybe a m ental health consumer. Allow us to look at the offi ce and see it reflect the constituency you serve in something other than a clerical supp01t position. You owe it to us. I believe they call that empowerment. Help us to help ourselves. Teach us to fish. Let us decide what our priority concerns are. Don't decide for us. If nothing changes, nothing changes. As another "drunk nut" once said, "you don't know, what you don ' t know, what you don ' t know". If anybody has a desire to communicate with me, offer support, comment, advice, buy a Streetvibes with my articles, make a donation to a struggling writer or have a ·forum where I can say wh.at needs to be said, contact me at my e-mail address: olschool57@hotmail.com. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. ~roverbs 19:21,NIV They call me Mister Lee Call for Artists, Activists... Local artists, activists and the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Ho~eless are puttinJ t~gether a puppet show that will be performed in late October. The puppet show will be a love story that deals with how homelessness relates to corporate globalization, racism, police brutality and the criminal justice system. It will feature live actors interacting with the puppets and will be a family and kid friendly eveni. Ideas, people, energy and money are all needed. Homeless people are invited to write stories to be included in the puppet show. Also needed are actors, puppeteers, and writers. No experience necessary! Questions? Contact Molly or John at 421-7803 or homelesscivilrights@yahoo.com. �STREETVIBES October 2001 Frankenstein Chickens and Factory Farms Another aspect you may want to consider in your purchase of poultry is in the way current agricultural practices have manipulated it to hardly resemble the creatures they had evolved into less than 100 years ago. Chickens (and also turkeys) are now being raised by methods that are far removed from the ways in which our ancestors traditionally cared for them. Modern ch ickens are behemoths, and grow twice as big and twice as fast as traclitional birds. In the 1950's they were slaughtered at 16 weeks of age; then, it decreased to 14 weeks and they weighed approximately 2 pounds; in 1970 at 12 weeks old, and today 's chickens are only 7 weeks of age and weigh an incredible 4 - 6 pounds. The breast is the most valuable part of the chicken and geneticists have learned to concentrate most of the growth in the breast mu scle. Today 's 8-week-old chickens carry 7 times more breast muscle than nine-w.e ek old chickens of 25 ye~rs ago. Such fast growth talces a heavy toll on the animals' health. In many cases, this accelerated growth causes crippling. A Poultry Science article asserts: "The changes in growth and carcass development have no doubt contributed to th e increased incidence of"leg weakness". About 90% of broiler chickens have trouble walking. Six percent are so badly disabled that if the cattle laws applied to chickens, their meat could not be sold as human food. Farmers refuse to switch back to slower-growing, healthier strains of chickens. Instead, many farmers deprive their young birds of food in an effort to reduce crippling. This food deprivation helps to slow the runaway growth that would cripple, or kill, an even larger percentage of birds. One poultry study even in forms farme rs tha t feeding c hicken s every other day will significantly reduce leg deformities At around six weeks of age, chicken mortal ity rates begin to surge. These birds start dying of heart att~cks , infections and other diseases brought about by their rapid growth; because of this farmers now slaughter chickens when they are only 6 or 7 weeks old. Transportation to slaughter can also inflict fatal trauma to chickens, espec ially on hot days. In postmortem exams of 1324 chickens that died in transport, 47% of them died of congestive heart failure from the stress. It is easy to understand why these chickens are dying at such an early age when you consider their stressful living conditions. Broiler chickens live in huge shed.s with up to 20,000 other birds on the floor; they are incredibly crowded with an average Do you find yourself on the outside of the job marhe_t# loohing in? Page 18 stocking den~ i ty of 16 birds per square meter. There is incredible commotion and hysteria, air quality that borders on unbreathable, and excretory ammonia that causes painful erosion to the corneas of many of the bi rds' eyes. These stressful and crowded condi tions provide a perfect environment for diseases to develop and spread. - The slaughterhouse procedure that chickens will experience is something I w ill not describe to you in detail, but I will tell you that according to Karen Davis of Poultry Concerns, 30,000 - 60,000 chickens enter the scalding tank still alive and breathing every day, after being improperly stunned. This happens because of the incredible speed of the slaughterhouse assembly line. 1 recommend that the next time you reach for that buffalo wing, turkey sandwich, or fried chicken, that you consider whkh drugs were fed, or what i nfections and/or diseases that chicken or turkey could have suffered before being killed. Also, be aware that the chicken or turkey may have become contaminated with harmful bacteria at the processing plant. Hopefully, after reading this, you will also think about the un natural and miserable conditions that the animal lived during his, or her, brief life, and you will then choose a healthful and humane vegetarian diet to feed and sustain your body. Forum from page 11 DRUGS AND ALCOHOL Often times service providers do not tackle, publicly, the is sues of drugs a nd alcohol. Do you want a self-motivated, low-pressure Sympathy tend s to run low for individuals addicted to alcohol or job? drugs. However, as Dave Logan, Director of Prospect House, a drug treatment facility put it, "Addiction is a disease, it is not a lapse in morality." Dave spoke eloquently of his struggle with alcoholism, of the The monthly newspaj,er with news real success of treatment and of the from the street: realities of a disease that can take homelessness, poor people's issues, control of your body. Addiction he poetry, prose, and articles noted, pervades every aspect of our lives. It affects us all. It is a piece with their feet on the.sround. of the human conclition. Dismissing those suffering from addiction, is Vendors buy the paper for ZO cents dismi,.ssing a life and disregarding and sell It for a $1 donation. the real possibility of treatment. J OBS First 10 copies free to new venilorsl Politicians like to speak to job development. You will hear from both parties, t~e need for more Come In today to sign upl jobs and the need for job training. Beth Smith from Cincinnati Works The Greater anclnnatl says, "without stable housing you Coalltlon for the Homeless cannot make a good employee." 1506 Elm Street Additionally, Beth commented on the importance of a livable wage. Onclnnatl, Ohio 45Zl0 Due to the cost of housing, a livable (513) 421-7803 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ wage is absolutely imperative in Sell Street"ibesl order to maintai n a n apartment. Support systems must be in place, as they are in the at large community in order for a person to be successful. SE R V I CE - EN R ICHE D HOUSING Housing is always the key, when speaking to issues surrounding h o.meless ne~s. However, it is believed th at putting people in housing without addressing other issues of mental illness, addiction and j obs is setting up an individual for fai lure. William F lauherty, Director, The C orporati on for National Service, works to dispell that myth . Service-e nriched housing, he says, can be successful, and in fact is successful for the most difficult to serve populations. He notes a proj ect in New York that served c hroni c alco holics a nd mentally ill homeless people, with a l % eviction rate. The second panel focused on housing and segregation. Moderated by Donald Whitehead, Director of the National Coalition fo r the Homeless, he cited the following facts: 61 % of homeelss men are African American 77 % of h omeless women a r e African American 43% of the City of Cincinnati is African American Wbat he and other panelists noted was that the issue of race can no longer be ignored or swept under the table. Racism in Cincinnati, it seems, manifests itse lf in our housing policies: HOUSING DISCRIMINATION In speaking to ho usi ng discrimj nation, Dot Christianson, Direc tor, Th e Better Hous ing League, cited issues surrounding discriminatory practices by landlords as well as l ending agencies. In addition, she noted that policies such as the Impaction Ordinance, introduced by Councilmember John Cranley were detrimental to creating affordable housing choices for all, because they d id not addre ss the issues of djscrimination so prevalent in our community. A REGIONAL LOOK AT H OUSING AND SEGREGATION Ed Burdell, Director, Applied Informat ion Resources, using the Byron Orfie ld Study, recently completed, pointed out the need for a regional housing strategy. Elaborating, Ed, brought forth information regarding concentrations of African and Americans and concentrations of Caucasions in Cincinnati. What was discovered is that race and poverty correlate in· almost all areas in Hamilton County. Consequently, in order to bring about the benefits of living in a mixed income community, it is necessary to address �ST R EETVIBES October 2001 Page 19 Forum participants at Hebrew Union College the concentrations of wealth as well as the concentrations of poverty. The third pane l was a discussion of homeless women and children. The audjeqce was visibly mo ved by th e s tory of Angela Larviera, as she and her siblings were moved from place to place and eventually split apart by the state beca use they were a hom e less family. A ngela, who is now the direc tor of YEP, Yo uth Empowerment Program, works with homeless children from across the state to teach them how to advocate for themselves as wen as educate the at large public in order to bring about more sweeping reforms the address the needs of our homeless children. Alicia Beck, Djrector, The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, introduced the audience to information regarding homeless women and children in Cincinnati: I • Portland gives land for tent city by Sam Howe Verhovek THE NEW YORK TIMES PORTLAND - As one who calls himself both homeless and a resident of the tent city known as Dignity ViJlage, Ibrahim Mubarak has gotten used to moving along. Six times in the last 10 months, M ubarak and hi s fe llow urban campers have been ordered to pack up their dirt-streaked tents and tarpaulins, shopping carts, portable stoves and ramshackle furniture and move off the public land in Portland where they had set up quarters One third of Cincinnati's illegally. Homeless population is children Each time, they moved to a The average age of a homeless child in Cincinnati is 81/2 years old new spot and broke the law again. It was a risk Mubarak and 70 or so 22 % of homeless women report other campers were willing to take Welfare as the primary source of to avoid what he called the income "oppressive, depressive, repressive Over 1/3 of homeless women report suffering from Depression environment',. of public shelters. But now, as they erect their camp with its large yellow Dignity Village flag yet again, they do so with official sanction. In an un usual move that has s tretc hed the definition of public services for the homeless, Portland has provided a patch of land for the tent city and put in a water hookup and portable toilets. The site is no paradise. The new Dignity Village is a fenced-in block of asphalt in a comer of the city's leaf composting operation, just a few hundred yards from a runway at Portland International Airport. On the other side of the tents is a state prison. It is almost two miles to the nearest convenience store and a 40­ minute bu s ride to downtown Portland. While some homeless men and women have refused to move to the new site, which one called a "concentration camp ," about 40 hav~ taken the city up on the offer. Some said they much prefer it to where they last called borne, under an interstate highway bridge in northwest P ortland . Th ey were ordered off that spot by the state Transportation Department, which owns the land. Abram Atwood, 31, an unemployed construction worker who lived under the bridge before moving to the current tent city, said the traffic noise there was worse than the sound of jets. " It's actually quieter out here," he yelled , as a United jet roared overhead. "It w·a s so quiet after the planes stopped for the night last night, I could hardly get to sleep." The ~ew site is temporary, and the campers may well not find it soappealing in a few weeks, when the city's leaf collection resumes. Officially, tent village residents will be allowed to stay 60 days, while the city explores a more permanent site. In some cities, the idea of accommodating settlements of the hom eless would seem counterproductive. Public sympathy might be scant. The more welcoming acity is, particularly if it is a desirable place to live, the more homeless people migrate there. In Seattle, various churches have played host to a homeless encampment since April 2000. The tent city has run afo ul of neighb.ors and of city officials, who once threatened fines agains t a h ost ov er codes and sanitation ordinances. In Portland, the tent city has attracted a fair amount of support, and with few officials wishing to appear unsympathetic or unwilling to co mpromise, there ha s been reluctance to shut down the tent city entirely. Last week, the City Council voted 4·-1 to negotiate with the homeless on a one-year project that would allow tbe tent ci ty to continue at a still-undetermined site as long as the encampment could "meet the needs .of homeless people and help them move to more appropriate housing." . That move could pave the way for a resident-run tent city to remain in place. While other cities have even s·anctioned temporary tent cities, Portland could be setting the stage for sanctioning a permanent arrangement. "We begin something very different in Portland today," Mayor Vera Katz said. "It's a risk that all of us ~re taking." 46.9 % of homeless women have a high school diploma or GED Several panelists spoke to the issues of homeless women and children. Those issues include9 hous ing and job training. The so lution: to successfully end homelessness for local families, services must be all encompassing. Raisjng a family is so trying without a support base, it becomes virtually impossible when faced with other obstacles. To keep a family together is of an utmost importance. Families remain together and are effective, only when they can meet each other's needs. Bev Merrill, Director of Welcome House family shelter and Kyle Wade, Director of the New Hope job training program, both conduct program's that show inclusive care is not only important, but it works. Ball... ... and chain �ed or Want to Help? e 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 House 859-431-8717 SHELTER: Men City Gospel Mission 241-5525 241 -0490 Garden St. House Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 St. Francis/St.Joseph House 381-4941 Mt. Airy Center 661-4620 Volunteers of Amer. . 381-1954 SHELTER: Both Caracole (AIDS) 761-1480 Chabad House 821-5650 Friars Club 381-5432 Drop Inn Center 721-0643 Haven House 863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality. 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teena) 961-4080 St. John's Housing 651-6446 HOUSING: CMHA Excel Development Miami Purchase OTR Housing Net. 721-4580 632-7149 241-0504 369-0004 ReSTOC Tender Mercies Tom Geiger House 381-1171 639-7056 961-4555 TREATMENT: Women First Step Home 961-4663 TREATMENT: Men Charlie's 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Over 784-1853 921-1613 751-3260 TREATMENT: Both N.A. Hopeline 820-2947 A.A. Hotline 861-9966 C.C.A.T. 381-6660 Talbert House 684-7956 Transitions, Inc. 859-491-4435 VA Domiciliary 859-559-5011 OTHER SERVICES: AlbS 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 OHS HARDWARE Help is Just Rround the Corner 8' x 10' Poly Tarp $1.99 6-Volt Lantern with Battery 1403 Vine Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 (513) 421-0700 $3.99 2-pkFamily Guard Smoke Alarms $1.99 Contact Center 381-4242 . Emanuel Center 241-2563 Freestore/Foodbank 241-1064 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 G.C. Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 Hamilton Co. Mental Health Board 621-7149 Hamilton Co. TB Control 632-7186 Health Rsrc. Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile 352-2902 Health Van House of Refuge Mission 221-3619 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Madisonville Ed. & Assis. Center 271-5501 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 Oral Health Council 621-0248 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 Peaslee Neighborhood Canter 621-6364 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's Crisis Center 859-491-3335 Women Helping Women 872-9259 A Burning Question .. In the wake of the terrible tragedy that has befallen our nation, my friend Andy at work asked, "What should we do now?" This was my answer: We should humble ourselves as we people before all that is loving and good in the hope that we might still be forgiven. Steve Daugherty Sept~mber 13, 2001 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2001 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource October 2001 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: God Bless the U.S.A. Pg 2: She Holds Our Tears Precious Pg 3: Update: Landlord’s Bankruptcy Continues Threat to Low-Income Housing Pg 4: The Life Pg 5: Reflections on Mother Pg 6: Hate Crimes Against the Homeless Pg 7: Victim of Abuse Finds Freedom Pg 8: Prisoners’ News Pg 9: National/International News Pg 10: Tom Paxton Performs at GCCH Benefit Concert Pg 11: 2001 Standdown Provides for Local Homeless Veterans Pg 12: Editorials Pg 13: Special Report: Terrorism in the US Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 16: Words from the Evangelist Pg 17: Nast Trinity church Offers Programs for Community and the Homeless Pg 18: Frankenstein Chickens and Factory Farms Pg 19: Portland Gives Land for Tent City Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource October 2001 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Alicia Beck Susan Knight Mary Taylor Molly Lyons John Halpin H. Lee Bowen Jimmy Heath Tom Billman Lisa Bridges Susan Heusken Bill Johnson Kenta Kenyatta Bonnie Neumeier Kenneth D. Smith Mr. Lee Rodney Sutton Riccardo Taylor Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Afghanistan Alicia Beck Arts & Poetry Bankruptcy Bill Johnson Bonnie Neumeier Chile Curtis Norvell Drop Inn Center Editorials Evangelist GCCH H. Lee Bowen Hate Crimes International news Jimmy Heath John Halpin Kenneth D. Smith Kenta Kenyatta Lisa Bridges Mary Taylor mental health Molly Lyons Mr. Lee Nast Trinity Church National Coalition for the Homeless National News New York Osama Bin Laden Portland prisoners news Riccardo Taylor Rodney Sutton Street Views Susan Heusken Susan Knight Tom Billman Tom Paxton Violence https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/f9eaa62069b0a940f1bfbfc1e7d69c87.pdf ce2408affbd69a41e444520af48d68b4 PDF Text Text $1 Donation ST tEET IBEd Your Progressive News Source BUY FROM BADGED VENDORS ONLY NOVEMBER 2 01 Cover Story•••• 5 YEARS SINCE THE SHOOTING DEA TH OF Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the· Homeless �... NOVE.M BEll 2001 FIVE YEARS AFTER HIS ·DEATH ­ THE DAY WE LOST buddy gray by Jimmy Heath On the morning of Friday November 15th, Cincinnati police officers ru shed to the Drop Inn Center Shelter House after receiving an emergency call to 911. At the Drop Inn Center in Over-the-Rhine they found Wilbur Worthen sitting next to the bleeding body of Buddy Gray, the smell of gunpowder still in the air. The gun was on a table nearby. Worthen had fired six shots from. hi s .351 magnum revolver, three of them striking and killing Buddy. According to arriving officer Keith Fangman, Worthen told him that Buddy was " pumping nerve gas into my apartment. If you go there it will kilJ you, too." Drop Inn Center staff later testified that Worthen came into the ce nter shortly after 9 a.m. , and pushed his way into a rear office while Buddy a nd other staff members were conducting a job interview. Worthen was charged with aggravated murder for the killing of Buddy Gray, but was later found not guilty by reason of insani ty. " Something c licked or disconnected in (Worthen 's) mind," said Wilbur Wo1then's attorney Peter Pandilidis. "He got his gun." Prosecutors had sought a murder convicti o n, but co urt appointed psychiatrists testified that Worthen suffered fr om a severe ·mental disease when he walked into the Drop Inn Center and shot Buddy that day in November of 1996. "He believed he had been betrayed," said Dr. James Hawkins, one of the psychia tr_ists who examined Worthen. "As a result of his delusional thought, he believed he needed to correct that betrayal." Te n month s late r, Judge Richard Niehaus found Worthen not guilty by reason of insanity and ordered him held in a state mental health facility. Worthen, -57, lived in the same apartme nt building on Race Street as Buddy. They had worked side-by-side for many years at the Drop Inn Center, ReSTOC, and on many other O ver-th e-Rhine community issues. Buddy had befrie nded and helped the mentally ill and formerly homeless man over the years. Since his death, the work of Buddy Gray has continued without him. The shooting stopped a man who fought for 25 years to restore and protect the dignity of the down and out in Cincinnati. " It was a devastating blow to our efforts to lose Buddy, but this was never a one­ person movement," said Bonnie Neumeier, after Buddy Gray was killed. Buddy Gray, ReSTOC and scores of volunteers struggled for years to save and restore vacant buildings in Over-the-Rhine for low­ income housing. Buddy founded the Drop Inn Center nea rly three decad es ago in a Vine Street storefront. He also was a founding member of the National Coalition for the Homeless and was known around the country for his efforts to serve the underse rved. He understood that in order to address th e need s of the poor and th e homeless there needed to be systemic changes in society. Detractors of Buddy and his efforts described him as uncompromising and difficult to work with, but they all respected hi s determination. Budd y battled city officials and urb an · planners that he and his supporters saw as oppo1tunists intent on pushing poor people out of Over-the-Rhine. This in fact is a reality of the street life in wh ic h many p eo ple afterwords find themselves again in the same situation (tragically homeless or living the life of the b_y Riccardo M. Taylor street person). Getting incarcerated can never solve the problem of the Every view fro m the street street person and can only add to must have time of change such as an already dire situation. The status Riccardo an ending or a pause in events that of the street person is forever In the case of possible changed. governs the street person's life. There comes a time when a host of incarceration; the street person Tragedy can come in many often finds himself or herself taking things can and will happen, such as forms; the worst case would be loss incarceration, tragedy, or change in chances by breaking the law for of one's life. A person can be killed stat us with ho us in g, or crimes that carry prison time as or otherwise die do to their actions programming, as may be the case opposed to misdemeanors. In the in the life of the street. A drug for tho se who have addiction event this happens the street person overdose, loss of a limb, or one of problems. Of course, we have to will find themse1 ves .off the street, the senses such as sight, being lost hope for ~he most for any of those in j ail, caught in another scenaiio due to some act or mishap from who are in the life. With this in which is both without benefit nor being into too many different things mind , let's take a rev iew of all conducive to a successful future. on a constant basjs, such as using possibilities and outcomes. Street-View For several weeks before Buddy's death , stickers appeared around Over-the-Rhine with the words "No Way Buddy Gray" along with a telephone number to call for a recorded tirade agains t him. Buddy's friend s and co-workers wonder what role the stickers might have played in driving Wilbur Worthen over the edge. Some of Buddy 's supporters beli eve they know who was behind the hate campaign and remain bitter about it. Whe n peo pl e ask a bout Buddy some remember him as the man who was shot to death by a mentally ill, formerly homeless man. Butfive years after his death the work of the Drop Inn Center and the other organizations that he helped strut continue to serve the less fortunate of the city's residents. Ironically, Buddy Gray felt that the work he was doing was to help troubled men like his friend Wilbur Worthen. Sticker that was posted around the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood drugs, drinking alcohol, or getting into confrontations with others. Violence for the street person is a way of life and can often end up View.... cont. on page 3 Inside StreeNibes Local News Civil Rights i\ilental Health Prisoners News National News Nov. Feature EditoriaJ Art& Poetry Veoo-je Vibes ' he NCH Calendar · Page3 Page6 Page7 Page8 Page9 Page 10 Page12 Page 14 Page 16 Page 19 GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS �/ STREETVIBES November 2001 STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Streetvi.bes, the Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine, is a newspa­ per written by, for, and about homelessness, social justice, and p0verty-related issues. It is published one~ a month by tbe Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Becoming a Streetvibes Vendor is a great wa~ for liome­ less and other low-ineome·people to get back on (or &tay on) thefr feet. Streetvibes Vendors ilre given an orientat~on and sign a code of conduct before being given a Stree_tvibes :Ve»dor Badge. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a group of she1ters, ~g,encjes and · individuals committed to ending homelessness in Cincinnati through coordinating services, educating the public and grassroots organizing. GCCHStaff Alicia Beck Susan Knight Mary Taylor John Halpin Molly Lyons Executive Director Administrative Coordinator Receptionist Americorps* Vista Americorps* Vista Streetvibes Staff Jimmy Heath Editor Writers ......... _ Alicia Beck Beojamfn Btitt<>n Carol Cunningham Steve Daugherty Nichloas K. Gei;anios John Halpin Jimmy Heath Mike Henson Susan Heusken Mr.Lee Molly Lyons Anuradha Mittal Clara Mon:ls Bonnie Neumeier Rottita Smjth Riccardo Taylor Richard Troxell Anmony Watkins Todd ZwiHich Special thanks to folks who shared their thoughts and memo­ ries of buddy gray.... Photographers John Halpin, Jimmy Heath Jerome Manigan sn;eetvibes accepts letters, poems, stories, essays, original graphics, photos.... We will give prefer­ ence to those who are homeless or vendors. Subscriptions to Streetvibes can be purchased for $15 per year. -- c/o Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati,.OH 45210 ~5l3) 421-7803 fax ~513) 421-7813;: e-mail: streetvities@juno.com welJ page: http://cinci.com/gcch Page 2 The Loss of buddy gray Re01e01bered by Jimmy Heath November 15th is the fifth anniversary of the loss of our friend buddy gray. We remember him in small caps because he always signed his name that way -.buddy gray. I first met buddy while I was a resident of the Drop Inn Center. buddy was an elusive figure around the DIC - rushjng through the building on his way to his basepl~nt office or some meeting or ·rask. And you could find him there at all hours of the day or night. Staff people were kept op.their toes by · buddy 's odd hours. You never · knew whe!l bqddy would show up. doorof~:~u;r~;~~~·~=n~:~nt that are faced by .folks in mainstream society, only the nroblems are magnified by poverty. Money:dO{'.SQ.' t make you .immune from these problems, but money, if you hav~ it, at least gives you options. Job . , Joss, disaster, abuse, and addiction can be insurmountable obstacles and can destroy a persons life.if you are liv41g p~ycheck to paycheck, or less. ·Add 't o that witches brew a pi nch offeai- and self~loathing, depression ~nd mental illness. · buddy was a chahipion for addressing the systemic causes of poverty and homelessness. He do what be did for money - there was none. He didn' t Hke being in the limelight - he always pushed bis friends and co-workers to step up and be a voice. He was known for his cqntroversy, because his anger and frustration drove him to it. Most of bis adversaries at City Hall will say that they respected and admired him even though he could be infuriating in his convictions. So all of this has come nearly fu ll circle for me in my life five years after buddy 's death. I've had to pick through all of these ideas and this history and find a meaning and a place for myself in THE -CIN-CIN TI ENQUIRER one day, homeless and ill, . · half-dead from alcoholism. I -:-.;:;-:--7"';~-;oo;;;::;;:-::-;r.:::-------:-:-~ • " • ;o1.11io R"r11 ,,_. 1>1nY signed up for the Men 's LiveIn Recovery Prooram and was Ii:c•bias .i.<'ttl<'~ b SUl l given a mat in the men 's dorm .,:~$!'.!!.ct until I detoxified - until I · ~··~ ·-:i..tk~ ,m convinced staff (and maybe 1$ W.:11 • nir4· myseJf?) that I really was Id. n.S,.. serious about getting sober. .,.,,..,,.o:lll SJ; Thanks to the Drop Inn Center, buddy gray and many d others. I've been sober for over six years. Without the en Y Drop Inn Center I certain! y home would have been dead long , .,,.., """"'T"'•* ago. ~~~~ In ear1ler days, before the Drop Inn Center moved to ­ 11 • West 12th Street, buddy, Bonnie and other volunteers knew that simply getting sober, or rescued homeless people from the having a job or a roof over your streets of Cincinnati. They literally head was not always enough. picked up and carried the alcoholics Some.of the real challenges are in in off the street, fed them and gave the way society and government them a safe place to crash. does business and how these Recovery, not just rescue, institutions treat the less fortunate has always been the foundation of of our citizens - how some folks are the work of the Drop Inn Center. valued more than others. buddy and others working with him Everything buddy and others did viewed homelessness not just as a was guided by the unwavering symptom of addiction. Low­ conviction that all human life was income people, the disenfranchised valuable. citizen, and the homeless are buddy was smart and he challenged by the same struggles worked hard. He certainly didn' t ·­ ~l"~c:: .. Pl't $.) rm; '41b;J~ l('l.1rt lmtf ~Ml 'tfl\WU-,;e)~• ~ '-JJ :t~dt;. n;ins Buddy Gra~ shot dea ; client held Tlle Dtop-lnn Center '®=-c all of it. The true power of what I learned from buddy and others who continue this work is how this place has tou.ched my spirit. The things I've learned; the people I've met. I remember buddy for his leadership and his compassion. His work and commitment to the homeless continues to this day. The tragic loss of buddy was a watershed for work in the Over-the-Rhine community and the People's Movement. Yet people continue to find their spirit through buddy 's work. Streetvibes Vendor Code Each vendor has to sign the following code to be able to sell the paper. 1. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $1 voluntary collecting for the "homeless" in general. I will be donation. I agree not tO ask for donations of more honest in stating that all die profits from the sale of than $1. I also understand that I will be able to Streetvibes will go to the individual vendor. keep 80 cents of each dollar collected. Future 8. 1 will always present my badge when purchasing issues of Streetvibes will be purchased from the papers, and I will display my badge at all times Homeless Coalition for 20 cents. while vending. Replacement badges are $1 each. 2. Streetvibes may only be purchased from die 9. There are no territories. 1 agree that I will not GCCH. Purchasing or selling unauthorized contest territories with ·o ther discributors. I will papers, or from oilier vendors, will result in termi­ not sell on private property without permission. nation from the program. l 0. I understand mat Streetvibes strives to be a self­ 3. I agree that I will not ask for donations or attempt supporting paper created by people who are to vend after 12 midnight. homeless or formerly homeless. To help in this 4. 1 agree to treat ocliers with respect - other vendors, effort, I will try to spread the word and write customers, and GCCH personnel. stories if possible. 5. 1will not selJ Streetvibes while under the influel).ce. 11. I understand mac failure to comply wicli any of the 6. I will not give a "hard sell" or make someone feel above statements will result in termination from threatened. the Streervibes vendor program. GCCH reserves die right to terminate a vendor at any time as 7. 1 agree not to deceive the public by saying mat I am collecting for a not-for-profit charity or mat I am deemed appropriate. �STREETVIBES November 2001 View... from page 1 tragically for the street person. It is only after such tragedy that the s treet person decides to make changes in their lives. Tragedy is so metime s unforeseeable, yet it can be avoided in a lot of cases. Where the street person is concerned, simply by not putting oneself in certain situations or pre dicame nts there is a far greater chance of avoiding some instances of tragedy. Housing, the ultimate goal for the street person is what most strive for and although it can be a diffi c ult and sometimes overwhelming task, there is always the possibility for success. When the decision is made by the street person to make change in their life status the possibility for such change becomes real. First one must make th e co mmitment in mind _a nd then they mu st pu sh forward w ith energy and all the resources at their disposal. When a street person puts forth all of his or her effort and confronts the difficulties with aU their energy, they can overcome the obstacles which hamper, or otherwise keep them from their goal of obtaining housing. Of course, this is easier said than done. The reality that it can be accomplished has to be must be met with all of one's fortitude and drive. Some of the essentials, which can help the street person to realize their obtaining of their goal, are sacrifice, e mployment, and chan gi ng some of their habits. Sacrifices must be made in some areas s uc h as associations, or. hanging-out places. Sometimes the street person associates with the wrong crowd. Spending time with others who do not wish for change or who have no desire for such, can only go against the street person. It's almost like the old birds-of-a­ feather-fl oc king- together syndrome: It is very important that one keeps the right people around them if they intend to make and keep c ha nge in t he ir li fe. In conj unction with that reality, one would most likely find in time that Corrections.... Jerome Manigan provided the photo for October's • Nast Trinity Church story, page 17• We also failed to list him as a writer in the credits on page 2. what new friends and associates they replace for the old will be better for relationships. Often the places one hangs out in goes against their growth. Hanging with the wrong c rowd usually means that you are banging out in the wrong places as well. Often the area one spends time in is conducive to their situation. If you hang out in bars you are likely to drink alcohol, if you hang out in the street, you are likely to .stay in the street (literally). So those are two areas that one must be mindful of when making the sort of sacrifices that are needed to reach a goal. Still , there are more sacrifices that one mu st make during the transition that often d epends on the p artic ular circumstances or situations which that individual may ·have. The mo st important essential for life style chan ges, which w ill effect the street person in their status change (obtaining housing1 is the employment phases. One must become a permanent member of the work force if they expect to obtain and keep housing. First, in order to get into a place of res idence o ne has to have that income from employment - it is as . important for the maintenance of such housing that the employment is of a permanent type. Temporary j obs will not in most cases s uffice in the maintenance of hous ing . Employment has to be lasting in most cases, again simply because temporary e mployment does not guarantee that one will be employed over the long haul, which can be the stumbling block for keeping housing. The employment of the street person can often be the most difficult aspect of their transition so it must be done with a great amount of commitment as well as fortitude. One must seek out and hold on to a job that will be both lasting and satisfying. Often as hard as it is for the street person to find a job, the job must be one in which the street person is both willing to do, as well as one which they CAN do. The other area, which the street person must place a lot of emphasis on in changing their status, is the change of habits. Perhaps the thinking process which most street people have is the most significant area where change is needed. Along with the other ideas of c hange mentioned above for the sacrifices and housing that one must endure will only be e nhance d by th e changing of ones thinking. Habits are based more on ones thinking patterns than anything else. There~ore, the ultimate goal Page 3 o( the str eet person who wants change in their lives is to make the simple choices that may prove to be the real test of their fortitude and determination. Lighthouse Youth Services Awarded Johnson & Johnson's Community Health Care Crystal Awar4 Cincinnati, OH (Oct. 11 , 2001 ) - Lighthouse Youth Services, Inc., has joined the ranks of distinguished healthcare organizations that have been presented the Johnson & Johnson Community Health Care Crystal Award and a two-year, $100,000 grant. The award is one of the highest honors in community healthcare, recognizing organizations for the ir ongoing commitment to providing care to the medically underserved. Lighthouse Youth Services will use the grant money to develop a Community Health Transition Coordination project for the Cincinnati region. The project proposes to improve access to quality healthcare for minority youth with special healthcare needs. "Lighthouse seeks to reduce our clients' institutional dependency, encourage self­ sufficiency, provide services to enhance the child and the family's strengths, and provide support for their needs," said Stanford Williams, president of the board of trustees for Lighthouse Youth Services. Through the Community Health Care Program, Johnson & Johnson has turned the public spotlight on the resourcefulness that enables community healthcare organizations to address the problems of people in need. Approximately $5 million in grant money has been awarded to 78 nonprofit organizations since the program's inception in 1987. The program represents a partnership between the National Council of La Raza, the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health , the Morehouse School of Medicine, and Johnson & Johnson. "President Bush has called upon the nation to engage in a ' war against terrorism,' a war that ~ust be pursued until final 'victory' is achieved. But, more importantly, we have to understand these people if we are to protect ourselves and the world from this type of slaughter."-Professor Michael Klare, Hampshire College Write. Us.... We'd like to hear from IJOU. ·::..,. Send letters or comments to: Streetvibes@Juno.com, or write the Coalition office attn: Streetvil~es Let ters, I 506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 OISC jQCl'-EY :SEl =tVl CE C l i£.ford J o n es 0 ( 5 13) 7 61-3464 Office ( 5 13) 230-6353 ~ • ~o\.ne ~-~aiJ: jonesa~ ""WW Voicemail · C~ c-~4 :t>°'ticxch a n ge- cP . �STREETVIBES November 2001 buddy.. ~ ... an anchor -""' by Bonnie Neumeier November 15th marks five years wi thout buddy. buddy gray. His name slides from our tongues in talk and in tales here at the shelter, on the streets and in p laces where both the powerful and powerless assemble. buddy still li ves. I can't walk down the streets in without O ve r- th e-Rhine someone callin g o ut to me wanting to connect ·w ith the memory of buddy. buddy 's presence in our lives was potent ( and intense. It is hard to accept that with this much time gone .. by there a re now many wo rkers, reside nts and volunteers at Drop Inn , ReSTOC, and Homeless Coalition who nev er met buddy. buddy's life, leadership and tireless work is evolving int9 chapters of history that deserve to be recorded and shared, so that generations to come can be inspired by the struggles for human rights that people, poor and homeless, organized and labored for here in Over-the-Rhine. buddy 's courage and confidence provided an anchor that we needed to lay the foundation for a peoples movement. He was an organizer if there ever was one. buddy took many of us by the hand and we journeyed the rough terrain of activism by his side; that's how we learned. The seeds he planted are still growing. I know he would be so proud of so many who have carried on despite the g rowing obstacles. Let yourself feel his buddy hug. He was always·giving them out. I miss having buddy by my side to share the joy that comes from .witnessing the fruits of our lo n g years of labo r together. There's nothing sweeter than having a friend to share "Remember back whens" with. Local News Page 4 people to stop. He wants racism to stop and economic justice met. He knows that military might does not bring world peace. buddy wants low-income people in O ver-the­ Rhine protected and not shoved out of our neighborhood. What buddy stood for, stands in us. What buddy lived for, lives in us. buddy's our cheerleader now. I can j ust see him gathe ring up all his friends who have been here and now gone, they are organizing to find a way to breathe spirit energy our way. They know we can use it.in these difficult times. I found this scribbled in one of buddy's legal pads that I want to pass on tb you. He titled it " · -.cc.c """" A Simple Goal'''. " I miss his laughter. buddy of handy tools waiting for a "fix it" would laugh so hard that tears would mome nt. On minutes notice he roll down his cheeks. Once he drew wanted to be able to grab that cartoon characters for each City bucket. No one could miss it. He Council person and predicted what marked it "buddy" or "bg" with bold they would say on a vote about magic markers. I miss buddy on money for our shelter. Guess what? his bike. Sometimes he' d forget, His predictions were right on target. and leave it overnight parked out i have always been a simple man living a simple life having simple needs food and shelter having simple desires for love-friendship for growing comradeship He knew that without humor we'd never make it through the hard times. When I was in City Council Chambers yesterday opposing "The Housing Impaction Ordinance", I could see buddy walking up to the table, and very deliberately ploppi~g down a stack of manila file folders carrying an incredible amount of paperwork documenting every angle on an issue. He then would take the mike and deliver a speech that was so full of facts and passionate at the same time. That's a skillful art. He was a walking historian on any issue we were lobbying for. We often went to the stationary store together, buddy would stack up on legal pads. He bought more legal pads than any lawyer in town. He was that meticulous in taking notes. But his most favorite store was the hardware store. He loved w<?rking with his hands and handling tool s . He dreamed of having more time to be a carpenter. buddy never carried around an official looking toolbox. He had a big bucket with a variety Social Security/SS! Denied? Call John M. Keegan Attorney at Law Practice concentrated in Social Security/SSI Disability Law front of City Hall. He joked about having a permanent parking place ­ there. It' s these s imple little memories that are so precious, that somehow defines a person after they are gone. . buddy made it his,.business . to remember the faces and names of people who visited the Drop Inn Center. He always had his arm around a resident. Stopping to talk and pulling them in on what was going on around the Center. buddy befriended his sisters and brothers homeless on the streets. He would genuinely be upset with himself if he forgot someone's name, especially if that person called out his name first. He knew knowing a name was important to build a relationship and a connection. He knew so many people and so many people knew buddy. How does one pass through a fifth anniversary of buddy's death? By cherishing the memories that are etched in our hearts and bones. Our relationship with buddy lives. We can talk with him. I know I do. I know be shares our anger about all the violence that is happening in our neighborhood and in the .world . He wants the killing of young black 4l FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION That each of us could wake up and greet the morning, knowing that the decisions crucial to our lives, were in the hands ofa people's democratic process, that we were involved in...•. Well buddy, I'm happy that you are not going to bed late and tired now. We still are facing the man y e mperors, but your life strengthens our resolve to work for justice. I miss you. We all miss you. MORE PERSONAL TRIBUTES TO THE LIFE AND WORK OF butJ.dy gray PAGES 10& 11 The GCCH would like to thank this Starbucks location for their generous donation of coffee and pastries. NO FEE UNLESS WE WIN ~ (513) 651-9222 i long for and struggle for a simple goal: Not going to bed late, tired, worried and tense Facing tomorrow's announcements from the EMPERORS, about our lives, land, homes and fates. 3366 Erie Avenue East Hyde Park �,. - STREETVIBES November 2001 Page 5 Terrorism represents freedom, opportunity In a West Virginia college Southeast Asia, it came from and fairness. We use our strength classroom last week, a friend of wealthy people from the Mideast, The following is an excerpt ofa to help people around the world. for religious reasons. " mine had something different to speech given by 91 year-old Doris We oppose brntal regimes and say. The class soon remembered "Granny D" Haddock, who work toward world health and "Look at it like this," he that the US had supported the walked across the U.S. in 1999­ said to a classroom filled with brutal regime of the Shah of Iran justice and democratic 2000 for campaign finance reform, participation of all people. The honor students who couldn't . so to better protect the supply of in Unity, Maine on September 22, imagine why America was under oil to the US , and that the brutality Statue of Liberty is our beacon to 2001. attack, except for reasons of the world." of the Shah led to the rise of the It is hard to think clearly as Ayatollah Khomeini and the camp religious e_xtremism. "Imagine The common American we yet rock in the wake of the wants the American government to that West Virginia was a third of violent Islamic fundamentalists, recent terrorist attacks on our cities be that - to be that every day, in world country," he said. "We have of which Bin Laden was a product. and our people. But !hink clearly every comer of the world. all this valuable coal, but there is The class was silent again. Then we must. Politics is a serious The common American one country, far away, that buys it they began to discuss our problem, business. Not everyone cares to and they were in a position to would never answer: "America is all. They are the richest nation in listen when people argue about the this: We use oµr powerful military the world, and they stay that way come up with real answers. policies and practices of our forces, intelligence forces, and our by getting our resources cheaply. So must all Americans see political leaders. Americans huge financial power to extract They use their wealth to buy-off America as the world see us, so would rather be painting.their from weaker countries what we our government officials, and to that we can strive for justice and house or going to a good ball game need for our own, affordable kill or torture any worker here who the peace that comes with justice. than listening to a speech, and that lifestyle in the US. We will tries to organize a union or clean The politics that killed six is not a bad thing. We wouldn't thousand people in New support any brutal get much done if we just argued regime so.long as liiii1iiiiiiiiii-:•~iiil~n•ii~~~~=--i York is the politics of politics all the time. Mideast oil, the politics of they provide us But there is a time for it, the Shah of Iran and our with the cheap and this is that time. Our support for him and his labor and materials neighbors and children are being we need, and so torture police ­ killed in great numbers because long as they keep supported so that we Americans are not in control of the a_n y competing might secure cheap oil American government, and haven't political systems and an anti-Communist been for some time. And now we puppet at any price to the out of the region. are being killed by our own locat people and at any We will finance the airplanes, just as we were killed in price· to their democracy. massacre of our African embassies in 1998 by The Shah did riot deliver peasants and our own explosives, which we workers, the torture peace or safety, but gave to the Islamic of journalist and instead he delivered into fundamentalists so that mey~wp.u:ld..• clel'i~s., .and 1the , t the world the Ayatollab please kill ounhen euemies, the Khomeini and the present rape of nature and Russians. the sky itself so wave of violent Islamic And four months ago the fundamentalists - ·who that we may live cunent Bush administration gave pleasantly today in are no more Islamic in $43 million to the current Taliban America." their practices than Regime so that it would please kill The America's radical right our enemies, the heroi n dealers of common American are Christian in their Afghanistan. Or was it to protect feels ill at such practices. Both radical an oil pipeline? That's what we words. And yet, fringes are beating the are now learning. that is the vision of war drums dnd accusing Our subcontracting of America that many everyone is not death has never done us much people in the world exactly like rem of good, with Vietnam still the carry in their angry causing last week's shining example, and with many hearts. They see horror. George Bush, has photo by Jimmy Heath declared war on evil. other examples still bleeding in their miserable Central and South America, lives and their That is a holy war as . Africa, and in Southeast Asia. precious children and land being up the government. How mad chilling as the Taliban's call for The Coca-Cola company sacrificed for our luxury. They see would we be toward that distant war on evil. has been accused of financing the country, and just how innocent our US-made helicopters and jets This is not a time for all death squads in Columbia that kill and guns and rockets suppressing would we think its citizens are, good Americans to forget their union activists among the and kiWng them. Naturally, they political differences and rally who drive around in luxury cars plantation workers. This so that celebrate when we are made to and live in elegant homes and buy behind the man in the White our Coca-Cola is affordable to us. suffer. the best medicines for their House. The man in the White Wherever our large mining The disconnection between ch ildren, and otherwise live a life House should apologize for the companies extract the value from their perception and ours is in sparkling skyscrapers - a life most serious breach of internal foreign lands, we have a CIA and a profound: Our people are stunned made affordable by the way they security in the nation 's history, not military working to keep any at the idea that we are not get resources from us? They disguise his failure in calls for war. leaders in power who will universally loved. admire their own democracy, Can he hope that the fiery guarantee us a cheap labor s upply turning a blind eye to what their In classrooms all over explosions in New York and and cheap mining products, at the America this week and last, government and their corporations Washington and Pennsylvania will expense of local people and their be more acceptable to us if they teachers and professors asked their do abroad." efforts toward ·democracy. students, "why do you suppose that The classroom was silent. are placed in a larger context of This is not who we want to some people around the world are "Well," he said, "that's pretty explosions of our own making? I be. so angry at us?" Many students no much what we do all over the do not rally around that idea. It is If you ask the common doubt suggested that differences .i n world." "wag the dog" taken to an extreme American to describe the America religion make some people Someone at the back of the level, for he is not covering up his he or she wants us to be, you will intolerant and fanatically room said, "Well, we may not be failure with a fake war, but with a here this: "We are the country that homicidal. What other reason perfect, but this attack didn' t come real one. could they have? from Central Ame1ica or Africa or w?? �STREETVIBES November 2001 An example is· HUD 's Hope VI for the deve lopment of ne w project, which has demolished affordable units within the city. The By John Halpin and Molly Lyons thousands of units of public housing proposal does nothi ng, though, to Whether we like to admit it and is replacing them with mixed- ensure that areas outsi~e the city or not, the United States does not income communities. When the would begin to develop low-cost provide equal protection under the communities are rebuilt, only a · housing. Thus, all low-cost housing law for all people, as it often claims. fraction of the ne w units are development would virtually come Everyday, people across our nation subsidized, resulting in the net loss to a s tands till. This would are subject to discrimination, which, of affordable housing. Cincinnati's · exacerbate an already serious if not sanctioned by the law, is often Hope VI project has resulted in the shortage of affordable hou sing, overlooked by the law. From the loss of over one thousand of units. causing more individuals and racial profiling of African Mixed-income hous ing families to end up on the streets. While many doubt that Americans and-the new profiling of development has become a very Arab Americans and Muslims to the popular concept across the country Cranley's ordinance could withstand continued discrimination towards . .l!!!!l!lllll!!l!!!lll!l'.l!!!l!l!~ll!l!l!!!!lllllllll!l!llllll!l~.............--.1egal challenge, such women, gays, and lesbians, among proposals could perhaps be prevented in the first place others, the United States is a land of if Congress were to enact contradictions. On one hand, it endorses democracy and equal legislation that would give protected status to rights, claiming to be.an example to nations all over the world; on the homeless and low-income· other hand, many U.S. citizens suffer people. Currently, people are given protected status from pervasive discrimination at for such things as race, home. religion, .national origin, One of the groups for whom etc. A Protected Class the law offers little protection from discrimination is people with low resolution has been drafted by the National Coalition incomes. Low-income people face :§. "' discrimination everyday. As has ~ for the Homeless and often been discussed in this column,~>. through the National people experiencing homelessness 8 Homeless Civi l Rights often find themselves stripped of .g, ............ .................._...iiliiiliiliiiliiil.I Organizing Project, NCH their rights to due process, their intends to start a national rights to equal protection, and other and here in Cincinnati, as lawmakers campaign in the furore to introduce civil rights to which all Americans dream of revitalizing urban the resolution as civil rights are entitled. People who have homes neighborhoods by d eve loping legislation in the US Congress. but who live near or below the market-rate housing. The problem The resolution, if made into poverty line face discrimination, as with this approac h is that no law, would extend protection to low­ well, and are the subj ect of attention is given to creating an income people in laws such as the economic mix in wealthy Fair Housing Act that is designed to numerous stereotypes. These stereotypes of low- neighborhoods. If mixed-income prevent discrimination in housing. income people often result in their. development is good for Suc h legi slation would prevent bein g di scriminated against in neighborhoods, then why do we only measures like Cranlefs from being matters of housing. There is an promote it in areas like Over-the- passed or introduced in the first affordable housi ng crunch in the Rhine and not Hyde Park? Basically, place. To see a draft the National United States right now, caused in the ideal of mixed-income Coalition's Protected Class part by a reluctance to commit the neighborhoods (which is not a bad Resolution, go to their website at necessary r esou rces to th e idea) is used to justify gentrification www.nationalhomeless.org. development of affordable housing. and the halt of affordable housing People worry that the presence of development. If policymakers truly affordable or subsidized housing in wanted mixed-income development, Know Your Rights their neighborhood will result in they would focus on all By Molly Lyons and John Halpin crime, blight and declining property neighborhoods, not just lower­ valu es. As a result, many inco me neighborh oods. Every month we will be communities do everything they can Developmen t sho uld be done to highlighting a law or ordinance that to keep low-income housing out of assist the poor, not on the backs of affects homeless people in their areas. the poor. Cincinnati. This column does La ndl ords can legally C ity Cou nc ilm a n Jo hn nothing to replace sound legal advice discriminate against people with Cranley is currently proposing an from an accredited lawyer, but seeks Section 8 vouchers. These vouchers ordi na nce which many view as to empower and educate people in are, in theory, supposed to give low- govern ment-sponso red hou s ing dealing with the criminal justice income people the choice to Jive discrimination against low-income system and their lawyers. anywhere. A person presents the people. Cranley believes that the too voucher to their landlord, and it much low-income housing is Cincinnati Municipal code §723-76: allows them to pay 0 0 more than concentrated in Cincinnati, and that Sitting and lying on public sidewalks 30% of their income for rent. The suburbs should take on their fair prohibited government pays the remaining share of subsidized housing. While No person shall sit or lie down upon portion of the rent. Landlords are many homeless and low-income a public sidewalk, or upon a blanket, not required by law to accept these advocates agree that low -income chair, stool or any other object Section 8 vouchers, however, and people should have the choice to live placed upon a public sidewalk, in ma ny may not, based on their anywhere, including the suburbs, any area designated for commerce stereotypes of low-income people. Cranley's proposal does nothing to between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and In terms of government e nsure trus would happen. As it 9:30 p.m. policy, low-income people again fall stands, the proposal would prohibit A 1995 lawsuit (Clark v. victim to housing discrimination. the use of CDBG and HOME funds Cincinnati, No. 1-95-448) was filed (both from the federal government) against this ordinance before the date Housing Discrimination Page 6. it was supposed to go into effect (July 1, 1995). In 1998, U.S. District court magistrate Judge Jack Sherman found the sidewalk ordinance, as well as an anti­ panhandling ordinan ce, unconstitutional on the grounds that they limited a person 's First Amendment rights to free speech. Several arguments focusing on the humanity and dignity of homeless people were used to affirm the finding of this court. Both the sidewalk and anti­ panhandling ordinances restricted the times that a person could either solicit donations of food or money or could sit or lie on the sidewalk. The court fou.nd that putting time restrictions ori the laws effectively "served to deny plaintiffs the opportunity to communicate their message- that of poverty and hunger - during those hours that the public is most likely to see or bear that message, or be receptive to it." The court in looking at the sidewalk ordinance stated that "the act of sitting, in ·and of itself, is a legally recog ni zed means of expression by which the poor·can co mmunicate that th ey are ' in serious need' or are too weak, ill or defeated by circumstances to stand." By upholding these ordinances the court recognized that not a11 speech is popular, but that if we are to have a truly free society we must protect even the speech that most upsets or inconveniences us. There is a trend in Cincinnati to try to push the homeless out of view. Some people feel like it brings down the image of the city, some people feel annoyed or threatened by the presence of homeless people sitting or panhandling on city streets. The Main Street business district puts out a pamphlet that refers to the homeless as a problem and tells people not to give money to panhandlers because it will only encourage them. Attempts are made to make other laws that c1iminalize things that homeless people have no other choice but to do in public, such as sitting or lying on the sidewalks. When we are maki ng policies and laws around homelessness it is a good idea to remember what the district court in Blair v. Shanahan said: c;ry streets are a public forum, one of the few remaining democratic spaces where the conventioneer, the gawking tourist, the eager consumer, the city resident, and the needy may mingle freely. Under these ordinances, city authorities claim the power to removefrom this public forum those that through the exercise of their First Amendment rights .. . make the' rest of us uncomfortable. The speech of the needy around us may well be subjectively felt as an unwelcome intrusion by some, but �r STREETVIBES November 2001 the expressive freedom guaranteed by the Constitution has never been costless. That speech may not be barred by ordinances such as this. The sidewalk ordinance is not legally enforceable. Unfortunately because of poor communication, and because the city solicitors office has not taken the law out of the municipal code, it is being used by Cincinnati Police officers to warn people and have them move along when they are sitting on the sidewalk. If you are warned against sitting on the sidewalk, or told to move along because you are sitting on the sidewalk, please contact us at421-7803, we can give you a copy of the lawsuit so that you have the ability to challenge when your rights are being violated. Facts About Homelessness from the Center for Mental Health Services A recent HUD report found that 3 million poor Americans paid more than 50% of their income on rent, while HUD estimates that this figure should be no more than 30%. The homeless population is diverse: 25-40% work; 37% are families with children; 2§'% are children; 25-30% are mentally disabled; 30% are veterans; and 40% are drug or alcohol dependent. According to the most recent Census Bureau data, 36.4 million people lived at or 'below the poverty line in 1995 and are at serious risk of homelessness. About one in ten of the extremely poor become homeless. With the national unemployment rate currently at 4.1 %, previously-working Americans find themselves at risk of homelessness. Additionally, minimum wage earnings no longer lift families above the poverty line. Although 23-30% of homeless people suffer from mental'illness, fewer than 3% of homeless men and 14% of homeless women receive their entitled disability benefits. Polls consistently reveal that the majority of the American public supports aid to the homeless. According to these polls, the majority of the public understands the underlying causes of homelessness, and 81% would pay additional taxes to fund increased aid. CMHS is charged with leading the national system that delivers mental health services. For·more information go to the web site: www.mentalhealth.org Mental Health Crisis In Alllerica? by Mister Lee Is there a mental health crisis in America? Of course there is. How could there not be given the events of September 11th. Trauma experts estimate that millions of Americans will need treatment for. "psychological wot,Inds'\ Wounds that come from a medical condition kno~n as post traumatic stre.ss disorder (PSTD). "There is an epidemic of PTSD about to unfold in America. No one is talking about the manpower that will be required to treat literally millions of victims," psychiatrist Mark I. Levy, MD, tells WebMd. "It is not clear how these people are going to be screened, i9entified, and treated­ and by whom. This issue needs the immediate attention of senior public-health and mental-health planners." PTSD begins as an acute stress reaction from living through or witnessing a life-threatening event. This trauma obvioµsly was worse for those who survived the September 11th attacks, for the families of those who lost their lives, and for rescue workers. Even so, those who watched the horrifying events unfold on television went through a real trauma- particularly those who watched them replayed ove:r and over again. Women seem to be twice as vulnerable to PTSD as men. A recent traumatic event--or a past trauma that remains unhealed- Page 7 increases vulnerability. People in a psyche ward. who are depres·sed or who suffer Let's sum it up. People are severely affected by experiencing other untreated psychiatric the trauma of "life threatening conditions also are at increased risk. Common symptoms of acute events". This trauma often results in depression, increased drug use, stress: terouble sleeping. and other forms of unhealthy, self­ Nightmares and/or destructive behavior. intrusive images of the tragic People who live in inner­ events-or of prior catastrophes a city communities are at greater risk person may have experienced ­ of being exposed to "life frequent qying - trouble threatening events." Even more so concentrating - numbing of they experience a quality of life feelings and a strong desire to that in and of itself is depressing avoid any mention of the event. and unhealthy. Street crime, "It takes-30.days for an • acute stress reaction to evolve into prostitution, drugs boys posted up .on corners, etc. It is clearly frank PTSD," Levy says. "At this obvious that they suffer a form of point, these are symptoms of trauma that is just as debilitating illness. It is time to treat it like and traumatic as that experienced any illness that has symptoms. It's like you were running a fever for a ·by those who simply watch it on couple of weeks-·you should see a TV. They live it on a daily basis. doctor. Going to a family doctor is Where do they get help and relief for·a problem that is neither not a bad idea, because most diagnosed.nor treated? people resist going to a We are a city within a psychologist or psychiatrist." country that is still di'yided by It :is estimated that two­ thirds of the 44 million Americans issues of race, culture, economics and religion. We have experienced who have diagnosable mental our on ·destruction of our fantasy of disorders do not seek treatment. safety and peace within our Stigma and an unwarranted sense communities. This is real life of hopelessness about the trauma. While, many drape opportunities for recovery often themselves in the flag with strong discourage people with mental feelings of patriotism, for many illness from getting help. others the American dream is still Frequently, among the poor, the American fantasy. They don't depression is self-medicated with get it _because·they can't get it. drugs, afconol, gambling and other We will never solve or form~ of temporary escapism. If establish control over the problem you walk down the streets of Over­ of homelessness until we as a the-Rhine, West End, Avondale, community; white, black, brown, Evanston, Walnut Hills, red, yellow recognize the need to Cumminsville or any of the other treat the whole person. low income communities within Homelessness is a mental, Greater Cincinnati, you can see it physical, emotional and spiritual on the faces of the people. The condition. A homeless man with a flat affectation or lack of home but poor mental health is a expression, symptomatic of person who is probably destined to Depression, frustration and just be homeless again. plain disaffection. What they We need to be good to each experience on a day to day basis other, and ourselves. would put the average suburbanite ---#-~111--__j "Sure we can afford it... after somebody puts about 100,000 miles on it." �STREETVIBES November 2001 - Page 8 Prisoners' News contains news about the justice system and the writings of persons incarcerated in our nation's jails and prisons. We are seeking subscribers who are willing to sponsor a prisoner so they can receive STREETVIBES behind the walls. Please sponsor someone on the inside. A year's subscription costs $15. Send your comments and questions to streetvibes@juno.com mail: STREETVIBES, 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 The Separatis01 That Prevents A01erica Fro01 Being ''United'' Everyone who plants seeds, from the novice gardener, to the agricultural farmer, expect to reap from the seeds they have sewn and nurtured. Why is the American public surprised to reap the seeds we have sewn? Start with the · dysfunctional family that the American government has perpetuated upon the people. The number one rule to and for family is to take care of family first. Tlie same as one must take care and be responsible for ones self, before one can take care of anyone else. Some people even attempt to talce care of someone else's family before taking care of their own. The Seed of Racism The U. S, Government along with every other state in the U. S. constantly racially profiles Blacks. Blacks, whose forefathers were kidnapped and forced to build the superpower that is American today. Blacks; who have fought in every war in defense of America. Blacks have in no way been a threat to American democracy, to national security, and most definitely not to freedom. Yet, we are still treated like foreigners. We embrace foreigners, some of whom have damaged the American way of life. Why then do we become surprised by events such as the World Trade Center tragedy? The blood of everyone who died in these attacks is on the hands of every American who embraces racism. America's horrific treatment of blacks during the slave trade far exceeded Hitler's treatment of the Jews. The black American holocaust yielded at least ten times the loss of Life. To whom it may concern, Dr. Streetvibes Editor My name is Billy Joe I wish to thank you for Harper and I had the opportunity to publishing my article, "Modem read one of your magazines Day Slaves - Modern Day [STREETVIBES] and it really did Masters" in the October The means, the tactics, and help capture my attention. Streetvibes. With the current they may have received from See, I too used to be a financial crisis in Ohio and the other blacks .is irrelevant to the homeless man, before I got state government's lack of bottom line massacre of blacks incarcerated, and I know what a concrete action a disaster is in the during the American slave trade. struggle it is. The truth of the making. A disaster that will affect The Jews have received financial matter is that it was truly a blessing services to the poorest of the poor payment and Hitler and his reign for me to get incarcerated, but I because of a severe lack of moral have long died. Yet, American wouldn ' t wish this on anyone else. courage on the part of our elected plantation owners still live in But it has given me an representatives. those plantations that blacks opportunity to get a better As the elected leader of our worked. The power of the slave education so that I may be able to state, Bob Taft has proven himself trade still lives and flourishes in find some employment once I'm too much politician and too little the American economy; blacks released. But this one thing I leader. That is why I wrote the still ha-ven't received financial know, that I would l ike to share enclosed article. It is blunt, compensation. America's neglect with other homeless men and blatantly disrespectful, and the to one of its children, the black women and children and that is, truth. I hope you see fit to print it people, shall continue. America, always keep your faith in God, and and just maybe someone, or please don' t be surprised by the he will keep you protected, hopefully a bunch of someones, damage and devastating effects sheltered and fed. He will make a will start rallying the voters and that eventually will be reaped by way for you to be delivered from shout, "DO YOUR JOB !" not taking care of our own all of that! If Taft doesn" t soon [do his American born and bred family. Also I was wondering by job] who is going to pay for all the We, as Americans, have chance that I may be able to red ink in our government? It sure become our worst enemy. We receive one or two of your won' t be he and his rich friends!!! have ilJusion ourselves about magazines and could you put me in Kenneth D. Smith attacks from other countries. to find a pen pal? P. 0. Box 511-305504 I thank you and pray to God Columbus, Ohio 43216 Thus crippling us in our readiness that you al1 continue to grow and to prevent and defend ourselves provide for the homeless people ­ against attacks. We must (Ed. Note: We feel it is don't give up on them. remember that Go<:l created all important to provide a voice for Billy Joe Harper including good and evil, heaven those persons in jail, and the FM980 and hell. Everything that exists Prisoners News page is devoted to Huntsville, TX 77343 serves a purpose and people serve doing just that. Because of the to choose a cause. People will volume of mail we receive f rom (Ed. Note: Regretfully, it prisoners, we are not always able adhere and follow a cause over would be economically impossible truth. The truth doesn ' t serve to publish all ofthe prisoners for us to provide free subscriptions writings. Also, we will try to their purpose but the cause does. rotate writers on this page so that We as Americans must pursue the to all the persons who are incarcerated in our nations jails. there is always a different truth behind the cause or the There are over two million perspective. cause behind the truth. individuals locked up in our If readers would like a If you would like to write prisons. copy of Mr. Smith '.s latest article me concerning the things I have We encourage our readers submission please contact the written here, you can contact me to sponsor a person "on the Streetvibes office.) at; inside" by purchasing a Streetvibes Leonard Walker subscription for them.) Ohio State Prison 878 Coitsville-Hubbard Road While we make every effort to provide a forum for those Youngstown, Ohio 44505 without a voice, STREETVIBES and the staff of THE GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS, is not respon­ sible for statements, and do not endorse the opinions of the prisoners who's writings are represented here. �STREETVIBES November 2001 Page 9 meeting ground for his followers. He Jost a civil rights lawsuit last year, which resulted in a declaration of bankruptcy and the sale of the compound. Butler has since been living in a home­ paid for by a supporter - in nearby Hayden. "The headquarter~ will stay here," Butler said by telephone Wednesday. By Nich1oas K. Geranios The Pennsylvanfa property will be a branch of the group, Butler said. SPOKANE, Wash Ray Redfeairn of Dayton, The white supremacist Aryan Nations want to establish a Ohio, was recently named the branch in Pennsylvania where group's new national director and supporters can gather after the loss will succeed Butler upon the latter's death. Redfeairn has said of the white supremacist group's he will move to the Pennsylvania Idaho compound. property soon. The The Aryan Nations is part new location in of the so-called Christian Identity movement, whose followers Ulysses, believe white people are the lost Pa., will tribe of Israel. Members of the allow members to movement are anti-Semitic and "gather and anti-minority. worship without Copyright (c) 2001, The interference Associated Press of the "South Asia is a region of extreme media and so-called authorities," contrasts. While Taliban restricts August B. Kreis III, the group's director of information, wrote in an · women's rights, almost all other South Asia countries had women e-mail to The Associated Press. as head of state, and Sri Lanka Aryan Nations founder Richard Butler, 83, long maintained elected the world's first female head of state in 1960."- T. Kumar, a 20,..acre compound near Hayden Amnesty International USA Lake, Idaho, that was a home and Can the New York Times Aryan Count- or ·Quote- Peace Nations to Open Pa. Activists? Outpost Since the September 11 terrorist attacks, the New York Times has downplayed and distorted peace rallies and demonstrations against a military response. After thousands of anti­ war activists gathered in Washington, DC on September 29, the Times responded with ·a I 0­ sentence story, under the headline "Protesters in Washington Urge Peace with Terrorists." Given that a call for bringing terrorists to justice through non-military means was central to the rallies, the headline is a gross mischaracterization of the protesters' message. The Times also misreported other basic facts, like the size of the crowd in Washington. The Times estimated that a "few hundred protesters" were on hand, while the official police estimate was 7 ,000 (Washington Post, 9/30/01). One only had to watch the live coverage on C-SPAN to know the Times was way off. The next day, the Times ran a slightly longer story about the second day of protests on page B7. A sign held by one of the counter-demonstrators, however, dominated the photo that accompanied the story, "Osama thanks fellow cowards for your support." The rallies held in Washington were not the first time the paper downplayed peace activism. On September 21, the paper reported on the protests that were held on about 150 campuses across the country. But the perspectives of the thousands of students who participated in the day of action were almost entirely absent. Of the 11 students quoted in the article, only one voiced an anti-war opinion. Instead, the article was dominated by students who supported going to war, or those who could not recall seeing any anti-war sentiment on campus. Camping" ordjnance when he wrote, " ... the petitioners have shown on behalf of their class of homeless that the portion of the City of Austin, TX ordinance which relates to Passes No Sitting/ No sleeping in public or making preparations to sleep is a violation Lying Down of due process." We believe that Ordinance "making preparations to sleep includes first sitting down and by Richard R. Troxell then lying down. We know that one of the major reasons we are Members of House the sleeping (sitting and lying down) . Homeless in Austin, Texas vow to on the streets is because there are fight back against all repressive no adequate alternatives and laws targeting homeless citizens! because the business community Following a 4-3 City uses our labor but won't pay us a Council vote, five months of fair wage .for our work that would debate and numerous protests, · afford us alternatives. They hide House the Homeless has armed its behind the federa] minimum wage members in the next level of fight of $5.15 per hour and everyone in the on-going street wars of the knows you can't get basic housing "haves" and "have nots." House in Austin or any other city in the Homeless contends that the America at that pay level. "No Sitting/ No Lyin.g Down" Everyone knows that $5.15 per Ordinance i.s a thinly veiled hour is slave wages and a theft of attempt to make an end run around our labor. Magistrate Jim Coronado's and Jim, one of the protesters other judges rulings that sleeping said, " if they just pay a fair wage, and making preparations to sleep we could get our own housing and are constitutionally protected life get off these streets." Its clear to sustaining acts. Magistrate Jim the homeless arid advocates that Coronado had deflated the "No this is just one more mean spirited Fight On! effort to rid the streets of Austin of the visibly homeless. But House the Ho meless observes that the ordinance excludes anyone involved in a "Demonstration." So activists have launched a petition drive, a national campaign and an o n-going "Demonstration" to protest these low wages not just in Austin but nationwide. House the Homeless is arming all homeless citizens with a plastic card that reads: "This is a constitutionally protected 1st Amendment, free speech demonstration whereby I am preparing to sleep. I will continue in this expression of free speech/demonstration until all employers pay all minimum wage employees a Universal Living Wage which will allow me to afford basic living faci lities of my own choosing." ' When confronted by a police officer about sitting or lying down, homeless citizens will have the opportunity to express their l.st Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution and explain that they are "demonstrating" for a Universal Living Wage. The University of Texas Criminal Defense Clinic has agreed to defend these tickets on constitutional grounds. The UT Criminal Defense Clinic has agreed to waive the $30.00 defense clinic fee for all members of House the Homeless (all homeless and formerly homeless persons are automatically members of the HTH). House the Homeless meets @ the ARCH on the 1st Wednesday of each month from 2:00-3:00 PM. The Universal Living Wage formula can be seen at www.UniversalLivingWage.org. Job Opening; Child Care Staff Peaslee Child Care Center 2 15 East 14•• Street Over-the-Rhine Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 Peaslee's brand new child care center is looking for staff persons who want to build a quality child care program serving the children of Over-the­ Rhine. Full and part-time .positions available. For more information, call Laura Goodell at Peaslee, 621-5514 �STREETV lBE S November 2001 FEATURES buddy gray REMEMBERED Friends and co-workers of buddy (from an article written for The share their memories .... Ci ncinnati Enquirer) buddy had always been a friendly and inclusive person to me - always seeking to invo.lve people from the neighborhood with the goings on, and how we needed to know what tactics were being used to change the neighborhood. Re challenged me to become the Secretary of the Over-the-Rhine Community Council and I did the best I could through his encouragement. But the thing that struck me the most was how he took the time out of his busy schedule to come to my mothers funeral - now mind you, he didn't know my mother from Adam. I think that I was hurt when I couldn't go to his funeral as I was in South. Carolina at that time. I found myself in tears not being there! I appreciate the opportunity of saying just a little of the impact he had on me. Pam McBride I never had the opportunity to meet buddy gray face to face. Buddy's untimely death had ruri ved before I came to the Queen City. I never had the chance to shake his hand, or swing a hammer next to him, but I encounter his enduring spirit all around me. I see buddy in the beautiful urban gardens that burst with color each spring and that beru· life sustaining fruit in the summer. I meet buddy each time I'm i.n one of the many housing units he rehabbed with his sweat, blood, and tears. And I see buddy every time I walk the halls of the Drop Inn Center, where so much of his time was spent tendjng to the needs of others. As we take pause to celebrate buddy's life, take a look around ....buddy's still here. Alicia Beck As a product of the sixties, I found Buddy Gray a quantity that I could identify with. He looked like many white, socially conscious activists of that time. The problem for many is that he still looked and talked like them in the eighties and nineties. He was a throwback to another time and place. Buddy was unique in that he had the unique talent and ability to put his foot up the City's butt, and his hand in their pocket (for his causes) at the same time. Buddy believed in something in the sixties when it was cool, and in the nineties when it was passe. He was an agent for change. He was the consc~ence that many politicians needed. The tireless uncorruptable advocate. I didn't like him, but I always respected him. Mister Lee by Krista Ramsey Steve Elliot was visiting as a_class assignment for a course at Miami University. He boldly knocked at the door [of the Drop Inn Center]. Buddy Gray, the . founder, opened it with, "What do you want?" 'Tm here to observe," Steve told him. "What do you think this is, the Cincinnati zoo?" Buddy barked, and shut the door. In that moment, the door to Steve's second life opened. "My teaching changed ! Buddy was right," Steve says in little more than a whisper. "He knew something abou~ those people that I didn't. I couldn't get his question out of my mind." So Steve went back to knock at Buddy Gray 's door again and again. He wanted to know about those other lives, so unlike bis own. He started volunteering. And then he started inviting rus students. They talked about what they saw. "My teaching changed," he says. "I started teaching American history from a social justice angle. It made me a better teacher." So .good, in fact, that he developed a class devoted to communjty service. Soon the small high school was offe1ing five sections of it. Eventually, Steve was released from some teaching duties to coordinate the high school's service program. Whatever reputation he had earned as a coach - the winner of five sectional tournaments and four league championships - he was ·a bout to top as a service-learning teacher. Page 10 I guess the greatest gift I received from buddy was his wiUingness to let others share a "hug". Before buddy, I was extremely uncomfortable with people I didn' t know well giving me a hug. I was always trying to avoid buddy when meeting him because he always wanted a hug. I stopped trying to avoid the "hug" because you couldn 't avoid buddy. Even now, there's not a day that goes by that he's not in my thoughts. A hug from buddy was like a gift of joy, and I can still feel the j oy and I try to pass it on. Fannie Johnson Sometimes when I'm in my office and I feel a little overwhelmed I turn around in my chair and 1 look at the picture on my wall of me and buddy. It's almost as if it was yesterday when buddy walked up to me and engaged me in a conversation which he ended with four simple words ''I'm glad you' re here". Those four words made me bel ieve that maybe, just maybe, I was still a part of society. Nothing good had happened for me for a long time and I didn 't stand out in any way - I was just another homeless guy, but buddy was glad I was there. We would spend a lot of time together after that and I realized that buddy had a gift that is very rare, a gift that very few have - the ability to make people believe in your vision. Many people have vision, but few have the ability to convince others to share that vision; buddy was one of those people. I remember the many Saturday's at ReSTOC or the nights at the Recovery Hotel where buddy worked side by side with the "live-ins", displaying the true qualities of a leader. I have many fond memories of buddy. What I most remember about buddy was his ability to see the good in everyone he met. Regardless of how a person was dressed, suit and tie or raggedy jeans, buddy was still glad they were there. Donald Whitehead �STREETVIBES November 2001 I worked with buddy at the Drop Inn Center from 1990-1995. During that time, I saw many different sides to his life. Many are familiar with the public voice at City Hall anq other places. However, the bulk of buddy's time was spent on more day-to-day matters: taking care of the area's largest shelter he helped create, acting as volunteer construction manager on some of the area's most neglected buildings, as well as being a personal friend and counselor to many who came into the Shelter and our treatment programs. I was struck right after buddy's death how many people, now liv ing clean and sober lives, said that the ~fast helping hand offered to them was buddy 's. Whether it was wor]\ing late at the Drop Inn Center or working side by side with them on a ReSTOC volunteer crew, he knew how to see the potential in people who didn't see it in themselves. Whether you agreed with buddy or not, you could not say that he was not consistent. He would have the same passion for change whether talking to an individual about his or her own recovery or arguing with a city bureaucrat to save an abandoned building from the wrecking ball. I remember a time when buddy and I were coming back from City Hall in the early '90s. We had just been in a moderately confrontational meeting about something to do with homelessness, I forget exactly what. But, it was one of those meetings that you talk about for some time afterward-processing your feelings and thoughts. We came back into the main office of the shelter. Right away, a different chain of events started to happen. A resident, in front of our eyes, downed a whole bottle of his medication, trying to commit suicide. Immediately, buddy transferred his full energy and passion to saving this person's life, urging him strongly to cooperate with us in helping him, holding him steady until the ambulance arTived. I was still somewhat in shock, being a newer worker in a somewhat deer-in-the-headlights situation. But, buddy didn't miss a beat. He told the man that if he "did himself in" that it would be letting the negative forces win, let them have the last say. He said that he could get through this and beat thi s thing. Then I real ized something. He was using the same passionate voice I had hear·d in the meeting not 30 minutes before, but in a different context. It was all the same to him. FEATURES director. Donald often tells the Buddy has frequently been story of buddy's first words to him seen as what he was opposed to: when he was still homeless. gentrification, displacement, Buddy ended their first injustice, war, greed. However, conversation together with the buddy was buddy because h.e was words: "We're glad you're here." more than that. He had a The board and staff of contagious sense of hope that spread to all around him. Hope for NCH are glad to have Donald here · in DC heading up the movement to our neighborhood, homeless individuals and our entire end hqmelessness in America. And to buddy, "we're glad you community. were once with us." I regret that buddy is gone, especially i n a situation like the Michael Stoops unrest in April. Buddy was at his best duri ng events and crises like In the early l 970's, when that. I know that, if he was here, some of us began our work in Over­ his strong leadership might have the-Rhine, we were emerging from made a big difference in how the various chrysalides of school or events unfolded. Buddy would borne, with little or no disposable never hesitate putting himself income. We survived personally on personally in any situation. as little as possible to have as much However, when I talk every day to the people still worki ng for justice time to Spend On OUT efforts in Over-the-Rhine, I know that the attempting to address the .injustices of poverty and racism. We shared a hope he offered is still there. lot of th ings; our homes, our food, Pat Clifford OUT vehicles, our gardens, and ideas about anything and everything. A small example from sharing ideas on survival that I learned from Buddy, was egg cups. One day, while walking through the neighborhood together, we entered one of the smaller stores on the fringe of Findlay Mar·ket. In those days you could buy eggs by the egg, as well as by the dozen. I discovered that Buddy would buy his eggs by the cup! Many of the small markets in Over-The-Rhine would rescue broken eggs by emptying them into cups and As I continue to meet with selling a cupful for just pennies. local homeless advocates/providers My usual contribution to our in all regions of the country, I'm regularly scheduled Sunday amazed at to the number of lives brunches on Peet~ Street was to that buddy gray touched, and the make a skillet full of scrambled impact buddy had on these people, eggs laden with sausage. from college students, service Thanks to Buddy, I was able providers, homeless advocates to to provide more, for less, to feed homeless/formerly homeless our hungry bodies as we fed our people. While buddy probably hungry hearts and souls with our never wanted to be a role model to camaraderie. anyone, he ended up being just that Michael Flood as he fought so long, hard and passionately for the rights of low buddy and Rev. Maurice McCrackin income people in Cincinnati and nationwide. He really did pass the torch of activism on to countless people. Even for folks who never knew buddy personally or professi0nally, his long activism for homeless people in Ohio and the nation continues to inspire people to action when they hear· about the life and times of buddy. buddy gray would be extremely pleased about Donald Whitehead being the new executive director of NCH. As a homeless person, Donald was welcomed and mentored by buddy. Donald is now the first homeless/ fom1erly homeless and African­ American to serve as NCH 's Page 11 I had the great honor of spendi ng quite a few Saturdays working with buddy rehabbing apartments. Back in the late 80's and early 90's, when I was working with junior high school kids, he would always welcome us to work on-site and really let the kids know he appreciated them coming to work. He was the consummate teacher, always trying to educate the kids and adults about the issues in Over-the-Rhine and how our work with ReSTOC and the Drop Inn Center was helping people. I remember one morning buddy and I were walking down Elm Street past Music Hall towards the Drop Inn Center. He was looking at the street in disgust, noting that the city had paid nearly $1 million to strip the perfectly good pavement off of the street to expose the old brick underneath. He was so disappointed knowing how much good that money cou ld have done to help develop affordable housing in OTR for the people who needed help ... buddy played an important role in my life and has helped shape the person I am today. He taught me how to love and value people, and his fire and passion live in many people today. He will never be forgotten. Todd Forman As I walk in Over-the­ Rhine, I know I walk on holy ground because of buddy gray's compassion for the less forunate of our brothers and sisters in our community. buddy's greeting, "Hi, Mary Grafe" had certain inflections in its tone that was special. It is amazing at times someone will say "Hi" with the same inflecti0n and I feel buddy's presense. I continue to keep feeling the challenge to continue the struggle for Justice and Peace. Sister Mary Grafe �STREETVIBES November 2001 What's Going ·On? by Ronita Smith Following the days of civil unrest in Cincinnati last April, I began to question the rioting that occurred after Timothy Thomas was killed by a Cincinnati Police officer. I wondered "what's the purpose?" Just because a white policeman shoots and kills a black man many people decide to riot and tear up their city. That's not the answer. Black men kill each other. Do we riot? If we are concerned about the killing of Black men, let's stop Black on Black crime. Many people get killed everyday. Too many of those killed are black men and they are killed at the hands of other black men. I'm tired of turning on the television and hearing of another black man getting killed. Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do about it by myself. We need to work together to stop the violence. Not only the violence against black men, but against children, women and al1 people regardless of their ethnicity, gender, religion or socioeconomic status. Violence haunts our world and tortures our souls. There are many people who are afraid to go outside. They fear that they will be the victims of a violent crime. God have mercy on those who live on the streets. They, probably more than others, have a right to be fearful. Anyone can potentially be a victim of crime. Let' s start working together to find solutions to issues of violence against the young, the old, women, children, men , ·the poor, the homeless, the innocent. Let's work together to free ourselves from violence. A01ericans uninfor01ed about the uninsured by Todd Zwillich WASHINGTON Popular myths are clouding the public's Page 12 understanding of the problem of community hospitals in caring for Americans who lack health people without coverage. insurance, according to an Committee member Institute of Medicine (IOM) Shoshanna Sofaer said that until a report. Americans remain largely fix is found, academic and private disengaged from the issue, despite hospitals, community health the fact that 14% of the centers, charities, and taxpayers population currently lacks will continue to bear the cost of coverage, according to the IOM. health care for uninsured Most analysts expect the ranks of individuals. "That is, however, a the uninsured-which current patchwork quilt that can easily number about 38.7 million .fall apart at the seams," said people-to grow as the economy Sofaer, a professor of healthcare slows and fewer employers can policy at Baruch College in New afford to subsidize coverage for York City. their workers. The problem is expected "Much of what Americans to worsen as a faltering economy think they know about the raises unemployment rates and uninsured is wrong," said Dr. dwindling profit margins strain Arthur Kellerman, a professor of employers' ability to subsidize emergency medicine who co­ coverage for workers. Even chaired the expert panel behind employer-sponsored coverage the document. may be out of reach for many full­ Many Americans believe time workers, Dr. Kellerman said. that uninsured individuals get "Does your job offer adequate health care through health insurance? If it does, can emergency rooms or charity care you afford 25% of the premium as at hospitals. The report cites a copay? I've got to pay rent. I've several studies to the contrary, got to buy groceries to feed my including one showing that kids," he said. uninsured people are less than The panel is expected to half as likely as insured make policy recommendations, individuals to get needed care for but not before its final report in summer 2003. IOM president Dr. serious medical condi~ions. Studies also show that the Kenneth Shine said lawmakers public perceives that most were unlikely to finish their long uninsured people are young and , struggle with the problem before healthy and lack coverage by then. choice. But only 3 million people "If the Congress will solve between the ages of 18 and 44 fit the problem of the uninsured that description, while 11 million within the next two years, we'll more go without insurance send up hosannas," he said. because their employers don't offer coverage or offer coverage that is too expensive to purchase on an individual basis, according to the report. Dr. Kellerman·stressed that recent immigrants comprise only a fraction of the uninsured population, and that 80% of uninsured people are employed or live in a house with someone who has a full-time job. · The reports will come as Congress continues to grapple with solutions to the problem. Some proposals involve tax credits to help uninsured workers by Carol Cunningham purchase coverage, while others give credits to employers to help Let us go back in time to them buy policies for their the Month of September, On .Qay employees. Many Democrats Eleven, The Year Of Two favor expanding access to Thousand and One ... government insurance programs While I watched the such as Medicaid and the State television screen Horrified!! as Children's Health Insurance the World Trade Center Twin Program. Towers were bombed and more Meanwhile, President than six thousand were dead. The Bush bas moved to expand the executive offices, more than one role of federally funded hundred stories tall; high up in In My Opinion... the sky toppled. Next, I observed the scene of people running, and running very quickly, as fast as they could, fleeing, with fear in their eyes and on their faces. There were people actually burning on fire!! Their clothes were all aflame as well as their flesh. People were jumping off ledges of the World Trade . Center to bring about a quickened or hastily death. Did the World Trade Center Twin Towers trade away our wealth from finance needed to support the population of the employed? Iri my opinion, America the beautiful is not so beautiful anymore. The American dream has turned into a nightmare. There are wars and rumors of war all across the world. The war against poverty The war against racism The war against drugs The war against terrorism. We have won none of the above of those listed. Neither the battles nor the war. Let us go back to the think-tank and think again. We the people, everyday people, within the United States need to reclaim our children; guide them to a greater understanding, knowledge and truth. Invest in our future. Education as well as gai nful employment, which should reflect what we benefit. Financial resources so that we too can enjoy and support om families above poverty level through occupation, however humble the employment, no matter what the task. The issue - "what is the cost" of quality of life? In my opinion, not everyone can become the CEO of a company, not everyone can become President of a corporation, and not everyone can become a physician or an attorney. I question again "what is the cost" for quality of life? Not for greed nor power. Write Us! We'd like to hear from iyou- .. Send letters or comments to: Streetvibes@Juno.com, or write the Coalition office attn: Streetvibes Letters, 506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 452 I 0 Streetvibes exists as a forum f or the expression ofthe views and opinions ofour readers and supp·orters. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those ofthe Streetvibes staff or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. �' , ,- r . STREETVIBES November 2001 Suitable for Framing.... "Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." - Albert Einstein (1879­ 1955) " Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein (1879­ 1955) "A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a · chance to get its pants on." - Sir Winston Churchill ( 1874-1965) ~ • • Memorial Service at Fountain Square I,; • ' • - - • , • - -.. l ' Page 1J . and djsplays of support for America took place. In Cincinnati, Fountain Square - our c ity's "living room" was the site of a show of support for America while remembering those who loss their lives when planes flew into the World Trade Center Towers. More than six thousand people died in the horrendous attack. Streetvibes reporter/ photographer Jerome Manigan captured on celluloid images of persons attending the Fountain Square Memorial Service. Following the September 11 bombing of the World Trade Center in New York City, all across the nation demonstrations Above - Raise.High Old Glory (Crowd gathered at Fountai n Square.) ' 'I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo"their use." - Galileo Galilei Left - Roger Bacon Marching Band stands attentively during memorial prayers. (Stage on Fountain Square.) "The a1·tist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work." - Emile Zola (1840-1902) Photo's by Jerome Manigan "The full use of your powers along lines of excellence." ­ definition of "happiness" by John F. Kennedy ( 1917-1963) Wish List Call for Young Writers and Artists Streetvibes newspaper is published monthly on a shoe-string budget from the offices of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. We depend heavily on the goodwm of many volunteers and donors. Can you help us with some of the following items? · Peaslee Neighborhood Center is seeking young people from the Cincinnati area, first grade through young adults (under age 25), who would like to do creative writing or re.p orting for STREETVIBES on issues such as homelessness, peace and justice, school, programs for youth, etc. A page will be devoted to making your voices heard. Visual images are welcome as well. Any youth who are interested should contact Brenda Zechmeister at Peaslee, 621-5514. o Electric Stapler - Heavy duty o Blank Zip Disks - For Streetvibes Archives o Advertisers - Classified and unclassified o Supplies for Vendor's Lounge (paper towels, cream and sugar, snacks, etc.) o Office and Gleaning Supplies o Computers/components for. Streetvibes story-writing, editing, research. o Free standing metal or wooden shelving If you ·can help!, contact us at: Stteetvibes, elo Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 452 10 (5 13) 421-7803 e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com Are you a dedicated · indMdual with a desire to educate the public about homelessness? Volunteer at Streetvibesf We need .writers, photograpers, editors, webpage updators, any help you can provide. Call 421-7803 for more infonnaHon., I buddy's place Permanent Housing for formerly homeless . individuals at 1300 Vine Street. For more information, call Connie Mattina or Agnes Mack at (513) 784-0800 �STREETVIBES November 2001 The poetry of Mike Henson honors the life and remembers the death ofbuddy gray.... A Teaching by Mike Henson I have been so often mute when I wanted most to have you hear me. · But I have studied speech with the mole and the crow and the unsilent dead who speak to us daily ,. with their mouths of clay and their tongues of grass, as they drill us in the old and necessary lessons. And wh~t do they teach? '· I have no ti;ick for telling you all of what I thin~ they say, but I believe it comes to this: There is no law but that of love. That takes courage and we often fail. Because we fai l forgiveness is basic as bread. We fail there too. And so the world is sad. If I could have the voice I wanted once, I would be your bard. I would bind you to me with firelight tales ofstruggle and discovery that would drive back yo\lr darkness for an hour. But I have only this small voice with which my father voiced me a voice with the reed and rasp of the crow. And I fear it is much too small. Even so, I tell you There is no law but the law of love. Take courage. Take courage. Song of the Bullet A Story of Ash by Mike Henson All that was left was a box of gray crumbs. A little box such as one might use for pencils or to save old letter. Such a small box to hold the remains of a man. On the day of the funeral, they strapped the box to his bicycle and it marched right with us through the streets Then, after the speeches, prayers, and song, . there was a quiet time · when those who loved him most closely took the box of ash and spooned the granules of cinder into the places he most favored, the park, the alley, the garden, and the yard of the homeless shelter. And I imagine that, among those who most closely loved him, one had a thought to place a pinch of cinder on her tongue. What a power that might give! But ash is bitter. I do not think she did so. They scattered the ash into the grass of each place, and it drifted down to the hardened earth to rest among the broken glass dried blood bones of moles lost buttons fragments of torn letters the roots of the grass and the hidden bones of the uncasketed poor. by Mike Henson The Fear of Death Such a small thing! to be so common and so deadly Such a small thing to take so large a thing as my friend 1s life. The little leaden egg in its nest of brass. It hatches so quickly and learns so much in only one lesson! It is born with a click and a thunder. It fluffs out its smoky wings and takes its only flight, and spins so straight and true (no straighter thing do we know) straight into the heart and muscle and lung of our brother by Mike Henson My friend who seemed so fearless did fear death. This is no surprise. Death rode shotgun in his pickup truck. Death passed with him down streets and alleys. Death knocked-how many times?- at his office door. He would not alter by an inch his course But he made no secret of his fear. And who would not fear death? It is the country of no map. Dimensionless, vast, all­ swallowing Amazon ­ We know nothing of its contours not how the people live there. ART & POETRY It may be the place of dark Fundamentalist threat, a theme park designed by Falwell. It may be empty as a galaxy. Or it may be what was promised that we all embrace there as when we had each other1s love. But ~hat is just one story. And there are many others. We enter Death with no Vigil, no sure guide. Refugees, we carry no provisions, not even the clothing on our backs. Death is where we are most naked. The Work of the Dead by Mike Hen~ttn In every life cut short, so many things are left undone. The dishes stacked and crusting in the sink. The dogs unfed. Three new strings on the guitar, the others still in their wrappers. The bedroom half-painted, one side fresh and glossy, the other a map of patchinK plaster islands. ­ And the oil that really ought to be changed. And the letter unsent: it only needs a stamp and someone to walk it to the mailbox. And all the work of love: words and gestures still bundled in their little proud houses and the keys lay right on the table where we left them. And even the nation, this sprawling, addled nation: Such a tangle of dropped threads, interrupted projects, failed promises. Who will beat down the hammers of greed? Who will untangle the knots of deceit? Those whose lives have been cut short are crowded into their darkened theater where they watch us bawling ·and arguing like actors in an ancient drama. They watch us closely, for they want to know who will take on the unfinished work of the dead. P age 14 Elegy by Mike Henson And so, the winter rains have done. In the park, and on the hillside, buds force out their chalice­ light leaves. The grass, flag and parable of the dead, crowds up and into every marble chink. The mole humps and groans; he thrusts up his sod chapels. And in the tabernacle of an empty building men stretch, grasp. their heads, and think of bread and wine. This is the season of sacrifice and resurrection. I cannot help but think of you ·my friend. Your death, at the thunder of nine in the morning, closed on my heart like a stone on a tomb. I lay beneath it, blind and mute, for three days and three days and three days and many three days more. Still nothing lifted. But now, the winter rains have done; ., so is this season of despair. The rain of dollars falls steadily, for it knows no season. And the liar is at home with his lie. T he earth is paved with asphalt and cluttered with subdivisions. The armies of children march with their god-sized guns. And a man - he is driven by madness ­ mutters and stalks in a room he will never leave. The world is wrong beyond reason. But I think you knew that is not the only story we can tell. The world shudders with a great work of redemption and I am done with this season of despair. The knife of Abraham cuts the boy away from the stone and the ram of sacrifice struggles in the brush. We are in the gears of something great and fine and there is no reason for despair. You know and I know, there is much to do but we labor by Lazarus-light with a blind, improbable j oy. �STREETVIBES November 2001 Song of a Cold White Room by Mike Henson He lies beneath a sheet of snow, covered to the shoulders so we cannot see the wounds. He is clean and composed, his face is placid as the face of Jesus, his mouth is twined into half a smile, and his hair spreads across the head of the gurney, and he could be sleeping. But . there is no rise and fall at the chest, no flare at the nostrils. And what are these blue rings, pale as moon, about the eyes? His body, under the snowy sheet is like a line of distant mountains. And I want to leave him in that distance. But Wf; are crowded close, several of us, in a small white room, and he is the center of all this attention. I have never touched the dead and I am not so brave as the friend who pats his hair and leaves her kiss upon his cheek. But when it is my tum, I stand close by and listen, as if he might yet breathe. A Few of the Things that God is Not; Reflections on "God Bless America" "first writing since" ART & POETRY Maybe Tomorrow Page 15 My Sweet Queen by suheir hammad there have been no words. i have not written one word. no poetry in the ashes south of canal street. no prose in the refrigerated . trucks driving debris and dna. not one word. today is a week, and seven is of heavens, gods, science. evident out my kitchen window is an abstract reality. sky where once was steel. smoke where once was flesh. fire in the city air and i feared for my sister's life in a way never before. and then, and now, i fear for the rest of us. fust, please god, let it be a mistake, the pilot's heart failed, . the · .. -~ plane's engine died. then please god, let it be a ni~tmare, wake me now. please god, after the second plane, please, don't let it be anyone who looks like my brothers. i do not know how bad a life has to break in order to kill. i have never been so hungry that i willed hunger i have never been so angry as to want to control a gun over a pen. not really. even as a woman, as a palestinian, as a broken human being. never this broken. more than ever, i believe there is no difference. the most privileged nation, most americans do not know the difference between indians, afghanis, syrians, muslims, sikbs, bindus. more than ever, there is no difference. The gentle caress of someone who loves me, ...but I don't feel it. A lovely song being sung to a listening audience, ... but I can't hear it. A cool summer breeze blowing through the trees, ... but I can't feel it. The sweet refreshing taste of a glass of cold lemonade, ... but I can't taste it. A continuous thought within the world of my mind, ...but I can't think it. A feeling that I need to express, ...but I can't say it. A message that I need to give, ...but I can't give it. A beautiful dream lost in a sea of despair~ ... but I can't find it. Hope for a better life, ...but I can't hope it. Feelings, hopes, thoughts, dreams ... Not today, maybe tomorrow. by Mister Lee Black as Steel by Anthony Watkins My sweet queen, the woman of my dreams We'll go far, guided by the glistening star So I will always know where you are Sweet queen, come with me trust in me, feel me, believe in me. We' ll stick together through all types of bad weather! I love you girl, yqu shine like a pearl That's why I say, You go girl That's why you forever will be My sweet baby girl, sweet woman· of my world W4ether Winter, Spring or Fall We'll make I through it all That's why our game is so tight like glue I thought you knew, boo How much I love and adore you You' re my Asian Queen, my Nubian Black Dream, My American Dream That's why you will always be my sweet queen by Anthony Watkins Black as steel, I know what it means to keep it real. Fake not when entering my gate. See, like a piece of the rock, you cannot shake me, nor can you break me. You may even hate me, but you will never take me alive without a fight. Like a burning star burning bright in this dark night. So I will continue to right the fire, fight even if I die tonight. Black as steel, that's what i~ means to keep it real. Standing Tall by Anthony Watkins Stand tall, wall to wall, never bend or fall. Face it everyday you can, male it in your own best way, even if you cry, always knowing that will get by, so when the wall gets thick an~ makes you sick, stand tall, don' t fall, face it wall to wall. by Jimmy Heath God is not a boy's name Nor a stern but loving parent nor the firm foundation of our national pride nor the infinite source of our national pride George is a boy's name . my mother was a stern but loving parent greed is the firm foun dation of our national pride arrogance is the infinite source of our national pride Steve Daugherty October 13, 2001 buddy gray and Bonnie Neumeier .... �STREETV I BES Novemb er 2001 VEGGIE VIBES TALKING 'BOUT A Foon- flavor" is, s/he is often given the standard excuse of "trade secrets". So it is very difficult, or sometimes virtually impossible to find out the ingredients used in a product. McDonald's can hide beef fat in their French fries because the term "natural flavor" in their ingredient list is in full compliance with, and permitted by, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). When Monsanto injects cows with rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone), the same • FDA tells us that the milk and milk products are "substantially equivalent" to non-genetically engineered foods and therefore need not be labeled. These governmental regulations are pandering to corporate interests, with consumer health, safety and the basic right to know what we are eating being taken away from us. The lawsuit against McDonald's will hopefully spark "Consumer Right to Know" laws, that will protect consumers from hidden ingredients in our food supply. These corporate deceptions not only apply to the hiding of the actual ingredients in the food but to the way in which the food is grown, how animals are raised and killed and the many dangers existing in the meat ptotessing industry. The ultimate deception is that our government actually promotes animal foods and assists REVOumON by Susan Hueskin Two McDonald's French fry eating, Hindu vegetarians recently brought a McDonald's . Beef Fries lawsuit, to court. They did this because of their outrage when they found out that McDonald's fries contained beef fat and that the company had claimed for years that their fries were not cooked in animal fats. On investigation they found that the animal ingredient was hidden in the "natural flavor" listed on the package. The code of Federal Regulations, required for all packaged goods, allows food companies not to disclose flavor additives that are consider~ by the agency to be "generally recognize.d as safe"; unfortunately they . , consider extracts from meat products " safe';. Even when a consumer calls up and questions a company as to what exactly the " natural Veggie Vibes the animal based industries into brainwashing the nation into believe that these foods are healthy and necessary. These animal industries have also maintained that the animals are treated well, and the meat and foods produced are safe and wholesome. But through a recent series of TV and newspaper exposes, the American people are finally being told the actual realities. The Washington Post has published at least three lengthy front-page stories on the downside of the meat industry in the last few months, one of which was in a co­ production with, and aired on Dateline NBC. I believe that many Americans are becoming very alarmed at what has been happening with our food supply because of this mainstream media coverage and with information presented in books like Eric Schlosser's Fast Food Nation, and in a new book just released by John Robins, called The Food Revolution. Hopefully, with this information they will become inspired to shift toward a plant based diet. The Food Revolution is John Robbins' sequel to his 1987 classic, Diet for a New America. This bppk. ~s}.~p~k Qf . i i • begiqn~ng to this food revolution that 'is starting to occur. Rohbins said that lie wrote his new book "to provide so1id and reliable Page 16 information for the struggle to achieve a world where the health of people and the earth community is more important than the profit margins of any industry, where basic human needs take precedence over corporate greed". His book is a well-researched counter to the misinformation that the animal industries have leveled toward vegetarianism since Diet for a New America was released. The Food Revolution is a call for a deeper understanding of the links between what we eat and many of the problems of our world ­ hunger, global warming, animal and human rights, deforestation, rampant violence, cancer and heart disease, corporate control of our food supply, limitation of resources, pollution and more. If you would like to be a part of this new "food revolution", you can start by coming to a monthly EarthSave Cincinnati vegetarian Potluck and Program. This is an organization that was started by John Robbins. Its goal is to educate people on bow our food choices affect the health of the planet and its people. You can also get Robbins' new book "The Food Revolution" and "Diet for a New America" for a discount from them. If interested caJ I 5 13-929­ 2500 oi: email fueJll at ' t • ,, t;i .. .. cincin nati@earthsave.org or visit their web site at http:// cincinnati.earthsave.org Annual Dinner Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless December 8, 2001, 6:00 - 9:00PM Mt. Auburn Presbyteria.n Church Come join us f~r a night of Hope. a.n d Unity. Please bring the family! If you cannot attend, please sponsor a homeless person. Tickets are $15-$30 (sliding scale) proceeds benefit the GCCH. Call the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless to RSVP or for more information: GCCH, 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 (513) 421 -7803 ~ �STREETVIBES November 2001 A letter to Mister Crack Mr. Crack, I must say you is a bad mister, mister. See, I put a handle to your name for one reason - 'you do not give a damn about nobody and how you treat people. You rujned many people's lives young and old to the fullest. T~ey are weak to let it get that far out of hand. You make them run the streets alJ light long; you make them steaJ to keep that high going. Mr. Crack, you said you do not need a passport - how true. But, deep down inside my heart I am glad I never tried you. And I hope and pray that day will never come that I would try you. Mr. Crack, you know something? I watch you work each and every. day. And it's a shame how people run to get you. They even remove the things from their homes for you. The sleepless nights to get you. Yes, Mr. Crack, you is a bad mister, mister. I had a child who was runling after you for seven years. Mr. Crack, you blow's some peoples minds. I hate you from the bottom of my heart to the top of my head. The ones who buys you on a daily basis, they have gone to jail for you, but you do not care, so long as they buy you. Who are whom ever discovered you and brought you here you have destroyed many people lives. And you are still going strong. You still have people coming for you each and every day; so many young people are dying because of you. Mr. Crack, you have no shame in your game, and that's for real. Mr. Crack, I hope and pray that one day they will open their eyes and see the monster that you really is. Mr. Crack, you know I have a problem of my own. I am a ·alcoholic, and you and I don't mix. Mr. Crack, I watch people roam up and down the streets searching for you. Mr. Crack and Ms. Alcohol, you have ruined many people's lives, you and alcohol have shattered lots of dreams. Me as an alcoholic I try to sit down and count how much money I spent on it (I cannot). You have lots of friends when you and alcohol are a,roµnd. I}ut .. once it's ~11 gone, there goes your so-called friends. The crackheads gets the big head always thinking they I . can rule somebody, beating. up on the alcoholics. The same goes for them - they steal from each other, there's no real big difference. The difference between an alcoholic and crack is that alcohol is legal and you are not. I can go to the store and buy you; they have to sneak around comers to get you. I can keep food, keep some clothes. If I have to lie, it's to save my own ass. Maybe during that day or light, I may get drunk and have a hangover, but I do wake up with a few dollars. But ~· Crack, the ones who smoke you always be broke and some are too damn lazy to get a job. Always looking for handouts, looking or plotting to hurt someone to buy you. See, Mr. Crack, that's ·some of the difference between you and alcohol. I had friends who used to hold conversation, now they just hold up one finger and say I will be back. See, they are in a rush to smoke you. Yes, Mister, Mister - you is a bad mother - - ­ Life is so precious, but since you came everything is so damn different. You is a Gig Monster, White Ghost, Pretty Lady - you have so many names. Crackhead crawling on the floor looking for crumbs, anything looks like you they pick up. The End. by Clara Morris Page 17 claiming a wrong digit was entered as the target's coordinates, killing at least four civilians, injuring dozens others and razing at least six houses to the ground, forcing their inhabitants to join the scores of already homeless people in a city where hundreds of thousands already rely on foreign aid just to eat. Thus far, U.S. bombs have killed a reported 400 civilians. Tne such report confirmed that at least 160 people, mainly Islam Online women and children, were killed , in a village earlier this week when Only,the poorest of the a U.S. missile fell on a poor in the desperately neighborhood destroying impoverished Afghan capital • everything in sight, including a remain in the city as constant U.S. thousand head of livestock in the air raids spread fe~ and palic farming community. · among a normally stoic people. Instead of hiqirlg a military "Believe me, whenever helicopter at Kabul airport, about a there's a raid my children start mile (1.6 kilometers) from the. crying. Last night, even I cried residential area, it landed in an with them," Mohammad Nabi, 41, an auto spare parts salesman in the area of traditional Afghan mud Qwaee Markaz area of Kabul, was houses. "I do not know whether quoted by Agence France~Presse they are going to eliminate the (AFP) as saying. terrorists or create them. We are "When women and not terrorists, they have been children scream in the middle of forcing us to become terrorists," the night, that is terrifying enough said auto parts salesman Nabi, who in itself." used to be a schoolteacher. As U.S. jets buzzed ''There could be other overhead night and day, whether alternatives. Bombardments won't on bombing runs or surveillance be the sole solution. They should· missions to identify fresh targets, those who could not afford to leave view other options." The U.S.-led strikes are were trying to find shelter designed to force the Taliban to wherever they could. Shopkeepers hand over their "guest", Saudi have moved their stocks to the dissident Osama bin Laden, countryside or boarded up their blamed for the September 11th windows. terrorist attacks in New York and "We fear our goods could Washington which killed more be footed if there is anarchy," said than 6,000 people. But the Taliban one merchant who did not want to leadership says it will never be named. Taxi drivers said the deliver him to his enemies unless city was becoming a ghost town. s~lid evidence linking him to the "No one remains in the attacks is prpvided. whole of Kabul to hire a taxi. I After another light of have been m.oving around the city heavy bombardment, residents of all day to find a client but it has Kabul were seen moving from one become very difficult," said 38­ comer of the city to another with year-old Mushtaba as he sat in his their belongings stacked in lorries, rusty cab. "Only those people who get trucks or wheelbarrows. "Our relatives live in Shari Naw. So we around on foot or bicycle remain will also join them just to be close in the city. After a month you to our relatives," said won't see anybody in the city. Hekmatullab, 22, who was pushing They may die or leave." a barrow full of his belongings. The Pentagon recently "We used to live in Bi Bi confirmed that a 2,000-pound Mabro area ... This is the fifth time (900-kiJogram) bomb struck a I have moved between our home residential area near Kabul, and our cousins' home." As he spoke, Taliban anti­ aircraft gunners opened fire on a U.S. jet circling the city in the bright afternoon sunshine. Clearly visible, it made two or three runs before disappearing over the ne~spapers surrounding mountains. By late afternoon, there was a sense of urgency among those still on the streets, as they rushed to find a place to settle before nightfall and the next round of bombings. Kabul's Poorest Have No Escape froDI U.S. BoDibs '5treefvibes: A pro.ud member of the North AmeriGan ·45treet Ne~spaper. AssoGiation '4presentin9 over ?o street throughout the United '&tates and t:anada ~~~.spea\(eas1.or9/nasna �STREETVIBES November 2001 Freedom by Benjamin Britton " If a man harbored in his house a fugitive slave or bondmaid belonging to the state or to a private citizen, and has not brought him out at the summons of the public crier, the master of that house shall be slain." - The Law Code of Hammurabi, 1750 BCE Since the days of Hammurabi, people have been struggling with how to treat human being~ fai.rly. Even in those early days of civilization though, people made slaves of one another and treated other people as less human than themselves. Morality, the treatment of people by others, has remained central to civilized life and has directed the development of human culture; it is the center of human existence, the essential nature of being human, living with other people. . Morality has a dark and a light side. Self-righteousness walks hand in hand with self­ sacrifice, each action driven by a moral decision, each step a semblance of destiny by the choices each h uman being makes. As we grow, we l~am that we do affect others for our sake and for the sake of others. We become enmeshed in the play of morality on the stage of life called Planet Earth. We decide every day in practically every moment what we will do and how it will affect others. Being human in a world of humans, we discover that we are connected b)I abstractions in a metaphysical way to each other. Our society is based on shared perceptions and shared beliefs about how to treat each other, and on this small planet with its burgeoning population, straining to burst its bounds and explode into the infinitude of outer space, we seek ways to codify right and wrong, we struggle to understand how we should treat each other ­ we refine human moral standards. Since agriculture first forced large groups of people to live in close proximity, we have struggled to balance respect and ' consideration with the need to control access to resources. Better to kill the stranger who would eat our grai n, rather than to chain him and force him to work to make more? Slavery is a product of people crowding each other for resources, and our life on Earth makes this issue every year more pressing. Contemporary morality holds that slavery is wrong; it is illegal in almost every country in the world. We sense that life should be lived without shackles, that happiness is attained by making one's own choices. We appreciate respectful and considerate treatment by others, and we sense it is appreciated in return. We live in awareness that others are a lot like ourselves, Oo you find yourself on the outside of the job market, looking in? Do you want a self-motivated, low-pressure job? Sell Streetvibesl . The monthly newspaper with news from the street: homelessness, poor people's issues, poetry, prose, and articles with their feet on the ground. Vendors buv the pafH!r for ZO cents and sell it for a $1 donation. First 10 copies free to new vendors! Come In today to sign upl The Greater Onclnnatl Coalition for the Homeless 1506 Elm Street Qn~1n11•1, Olfto 4.5210 (5l3) 4Zl-7ll03 Page 18 seeking happiness, chained to each other by existence on Earth. Yet, we are the children of slaves and of slave-owners, living with a legacy of cruel oppression for gain, saddled with traditions of business, self-interest and exclusive rights of citizenship. We learn to maniR_ulate others for our sake and for other's sake. Pursuing happiness, we affect and interact with each other. Observing the effects of our actions on others, we learn more. In the field of art, post scientific civilization's remaining bastion of the human spirit, the realm where the public finds expression of pure sou\to understand the nature of their community, we swim in a sea of morality. All art is about morality; even when artists ignore this, the public interprets their art in moral terms. Contemporary audiences seek to understand their world by exploring representations of life in the forms of new media, and artists using these tools reach audiences with ideas about life. My work in art is about people and our shared existence. In 1990, I created "je sius (un readymade)", a touchscreen installation, to explore the relationship of individuals to mass­ media. In 1995, I created "LASCAUX'', a virtual reality recreation of the ancient, painted French cave, designed to connect contemporary audiences to human culture from the prehistoric past to our most distant future. In 1999, I created ''The MOON Project", a multimedia Web-DVD project that explored how people worked together to accomplish the 1969 lan9ing on the moon. Now, I am working to create ''The Underground Railroad", a multi­ user virtual reality experience in which viewers any experience the affects of their actions on others. "The Underground Railroad" is a fine art project exploring human morality by using interactive multi-user vrrtual reality to immerse audiences in a dramatic narrative about slavery in 1850's America. Viewers choose to be a white person or a black person, a man or woman, and then they become immersed in a networked virtual reality interpretation of a real historical event - one whose outcome they can, now as participants, virtually determine, change, affect and decide - the tragic escape attempt of a black woman with her children across the Ohio River from Kentucky to Ohio. In real life she was surrounded by police in a cabin, and in the subsequent capture she killed one of her children, so that the child would not have to live as a slave. In this virtual reality reconstruction, based on the audience's decision, she may escape. At the finish, viewers learn that this drama actually took place in the 1850's, and they learn how the vents actually unfolded in real life, giving them as opportunity to reflect on how it may have felt to have been the people actually involved, hoe their decisions, values and beliefs affected events in the real world, and how all of our actions affect the lives of each other in reality. My hope for this work, as an artist, is that it may bring viewers to consider their relationship with each other as individuals, their human rights and responsibilities. I hope it will connect viewers meaningfully to their community. The author is interested in comments about this project from STREETVIBES readers. Write the STREETVTBES office. Food is a Huntan Right, Not a Charity Anuradha Mittal President Bush, in a commencement speech at the University of Notre Dame, renewed his call for a war.on poverty. Once again, he linked this call to his tax cut initiative. The idea is that tax benefits for the rich will stimulate charitable giving and create a type of altruistic market dynamic that will eventually trickle down to the poor. Of course, the historical record flatly defeats this logic, and policies such as these have proven to be the fertile soil in which poverty and hunger flourish. Feeding each American must certainly be considered a necessity, one more pressing than enriching the top l 0 percent of the population with nearly three fifths of the tax cut benefits. For a nation endowed with the world's greatest acreage of arable land, the United States is plagued by hunger and poverty. According to USDA estimates, 10.5 mi llion American households (one o ut of ten) did not have adequate access to food in 1998. A survey of 25 cities. conducted in December 2000 by the U.S. Conference of Mayors showed an increase of 17 percent in.requests �f Calendar STREETVIBES November 2001 · Page 19 National Coalition for the Homeless News and Calendar December 21, 2001: for emergency food assistance, the highest increase since 1992. To respond to this crisis, President Bush said in his acceptance speech at the National Coalition for the Homeless 1012 14th St. NW, Washington DC Republican National Convention, 20005-3406 Tel: 2021737-6444 •Fax: 737-6445 Email: "In the next bold step of welfare info @nationalhomeless.org •Website: http://www.nationalhomeless.org reform, we will support the heroic work of homeless shelters and October 18-21, 2001: The November 14, 200~: Day of food pantries. Government cannot 14th Annual Conference of Action for the National do this work. My administration the national Student Housing Trust Fund will give taxpayers new incentives Campaign Against Hunger to donate to charity." December 3-5, 20Ql: The Fall and Homelessness will be held But relying on charity is at Rhodes College in Memphis, Community Action Agency simply not enough. The growth of TN. The students at Rhodes Executive Trai~g Seminar private sector food programs is a . College are prepared to show you will be held in Orlando, Florida. sign not of success, but of political a GREAT TIME and an amazing NACAA offers this three-day fai lure - the failure of American Conference! For more seminar annually to help policy makers to join other nations onformation, go to http:// Community Action Agency that long ago adopted the human www.nscahh.org/, e-mail professionals hone their leadership right to feed oneself. nscah@aol.com, or caII (800) NO­ and management skills and Implicit in the idea of HUNGR. enhance their agencies' capacity. human rig~ts is that these rights Topics, presented by prominent are guaranteed to all, not November 8-11, 2001: Women trainers, include advocacy charitably bestowed on some by strategies and resource as Catalysts for Social the patronage of others. Human development. Opportunities for Change, McAuley Institutt:'s rights belong to the realm of sharing best practices and success government, not the discretion of 7th.National Women and stories are also featurnd. This the wealthiest citizens. With the Housing Conference, will be event is sponsored by the National United States losing seat at the held in Washington, DC at the Association of Community Action United Nations Human Rights Washington Marriott. The Commission, it's time to conference offers people dedicated Agencies. For more information, strengthen our human rights record to the economic security of women call 202-265-7546, visit NACAA's Web site, www.nacaa.org, .or email at home and implement every and their families a forum to Avril Weisman, American 's right to feed oneself. develop skills, share ideas, and aweisman@nacaa.org Seeking sol.u tions thrqugh celebrate women who are charitable handouts fa ils to address rebuilding and revitalizing December 5-8, 2001: "We can the loss of human dignity communities throughout the do this! Ending homelessness associated with the inability to country. Breakout sessions are house, feed, and clothe oneself and clustered in five program areas: for people with mental one's family. Of the thitty-six illnesses and/or substance Women's Leadership, Asset million food-insecure individuals Development, Housing abuse disorders: A National living in America in 1998 (40 Development, Policy, and Training Conference" will be percent of which were children Technology. In addition, a held at the Omni Shoreham Hotel under the age of 18), half belong to reception to celebrate the creation in Washington, DC. The households with at least one full­ of a new network for women conference will feature whole and time worker. The leading cause of leaders will include a keynote half-day training institutes and growi ng food insecurity is not address by Representative Marcy workshops focusing on the simply joblessness, it is poverty, Kaptur (D-OH). housing, treatment and support low-paying jobs, high housing needs of people with mental costs, food stamp cuts, and welfare November 11-17, 2001: Each illnesses and/or substance abuse reform. disorders who are experiencing year, one week before Leaving responsibility for homelessness. For more Thanksgiving, the Nfltional human rights to the private sector information, contact the National Coalition for the Homeless is unacceptable. Private sector Resource Center on Homelessness and the National Student programs cannot displace the and Mental Illnesses at 800-444­ responsibility of government to the Campaign Against Hunger 74l5 or check out the website at and Homelessness co-sponsor basic social and economic human http://www.prainc.com/nrc. National Hunger and rights for its people. In the age of Homelessness Awareness "personal responsibility," does it not follow that we each have a Week. During this week, a responsibility to hold our elected number of schools, communities government accountable to the and cjties take part in the universal standards it holds other nationwide effort to bring greater nations to? Which of the awareness to the problems of following best stands for the hunger and homelessness. It may values espoused by Americans ­ be that your community has a broad and sturdy safety net for all already joined this effort. In that members of our society, or one of case, this guide may prove to be an five children hungry and poor in evaluator for past efforts, as well the richest nation on earth? as possibly offering some fresh Anuradha Mittal is the co-director ideas for the future. If this is your of Oakland-based Food First, visit first time participating, this guide www. foodfirst. o rg. will explain how your community can get involved! Call the NCH@ (202) 737-6444. Each year since 1990, on or near the first day of winter and the longest night of the year, the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) has sponsored National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day to bring· . attention to the tragedy of homelessness and to remember. our homeless friends who have paid the ultimate price for our nation's failure to address this issue. In an effort to maximize the impact of the day, NCH encourages local and statewide groups, to join the effort Last year, over 100 cities across the nation, from Detroit to Seattle, sponsored memorial events to honor those who have died and to recommit ourselves to the task of ending homelessness. An organizing manual for this year's Memorial Day can be found on the website. A hard copy can also be sent to organizations. Faces of Homelessness Video NCH's highly regarded "Faces of Homelessness" multi-media slide show (seen last year by at least 12,000 people nationwide) featurfog images of America's homeless people is now available on VHS video. This 13­ minute video is a great resource to begin a group.discussion about homelessness in America. This video features images taken by award-winning photographers from around the country. These photographs are accompanied with powerful music that enables the viewer to see the many men, women and children of America who experience homelessness everyday. Cost: $25 + $3 shipping & handling. Pre-pay by check or call/email Nick at NCH (202)737­ 6444 x 11 , to bill to your credit card. Email: nphillips@ nationalhomeless.org. We accept VISA , Master Card, and American Express. ~WTh L.fFT YoJIRSfJ..F UP 6'/ '/oWR.OWN 6001 SlAAPS. Make sure your parents can afford Guccis. ' • .. .. • .. " • ~ , - • .. .. • _. _,,. • • # JI • ... ._ ......... .L ~ -- ~ - _. ... • _. lo. .. ... .. • ... • .. • • • ..... - - • .. _ -' �Need Help or Want to Help? SHELTERS: Women and Children YWCA Battered Women's Shelter 872-9259 (Toll Free) 1-888-872-9259 Bethany House 557-2873 Salvation Army 762-5660 Welcome House 859-431-8717 SHELTER: Men City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Garden St. House 241-0490 Joseph House . (Veterans) 241-2965 St. Francis/St.Joseph House 381-4941 Mt. Airy Center 661 -4620 Volunteers of Amer. 381-1954 SHELTER: Both Caracole (AIDS) 761-1480 821-5650 Chabad House 381-5432 Friars g1ub Drop Inn Center 721-0643 Haven House 863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teens) 961-4080 St. John's Housing 651 -6446 HOUSING: CMHA Excel Development Miami Purchase OTA Housing Net. 721 -4580 632-7149 241-0504 369-0004 ReSTOC Tender Mercies Tom Geiger House 381-1171 639-7056 961 -4555 TREATMENT: Women First Step Home 961-4663 TREATMENT: Men Charlie's 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Over 784-1853 921-1613 751-3260 °TREATMENT: Both N .A. Hopeline 820-2947 A.A. Hotline 861-9966 C.C.A.T 381-6660 Talbert House 684-7956 Transitions, Inc. 859-491-4435 VA Domiciliary 859-559-5011 OTHER SERVICES: Al OS Volunteers of 421-2437 Cincinnati Appalachian Identity Center 621-5991 Beech Acres 231 -6630 Center for Independent Living Options 241-2600 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 Cincinnati Health Network I 961-0600 Community Action Agency 569-1840 ROHS HARDWARE Help is Just ' flround the Corner ~ ~ '$)0 0~~~~ ~ ~O)~ ~rr.q j Fleece-Lined Suede Leather Gloves 0 -v :;S & 1403 Vine Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 (513) 421-0700 2.99 2 Pc. Knife Set 7.88 Adjustable Workbench $19.99 Contact Center 381-4242 Emanuel Center 241-2563 Freestore/Foodbank 241-1064 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 G.C. Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 Hamilton Co. Mental Health Board 621-7149 Hamilton Co. TB Control 632-7186 Health Rsrc. Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van 352-2902 House of Refuge Mission 221-3619 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Madisonville Ed. & Assis. Center 271-5501 M$lry Magdalen House 721-4811 Oral Health Council 621 -0248 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 Peaslee Neighborhood 621 -5514 Center 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's Crisis Center 859-491 -3335 Women Helping Women 872-9259 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2001 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 2001 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Five Years After His Death the Day We Lost Buddy Gray Pg 2: The Loss of Buddy Gray Remembered Pg 3: Lighthouse Youth Services Awarded Johnson & Johnson’s Community Health Care Crystal Award Pg 4: Buddy… An Anchor Pg 5: Terrorism Pg 6: Housing Discrimination Pg 7: Mental Health Crisis in America? Pg 8: Prisoners’ News Pg 9: National News Pg 10: Buddy Gray Remembered Pg 11: Buddy Gray Remembered Continued Pg 12: Editorials Pg 13: Memorial Service at Fountain Square Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 16: Talking ‘Bout a Food Revolution Pg 17: A Letter to Mister Crack Pg 18: Freedom Pg 19: National Coalition for News and Calendar Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 2001 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Alicia Beck Susan Knight Mary Taylor Molly Lyons John Halpin Jimmy Heath Jerome Manigan Benjamin Britton Carol Cunningham Steve Daugherty Nichloas K. Geranios Mike Henson Susan Heusken Mr. Lee Molly Lyons Anuradha Mittal Clara Morris Bonnie Neumeier Ronita Smith Riccardo Taylor Richard Troxell Anthony Watkins Todd Zwillich Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Activists Alicia Beck Anthony Watkins Anuradha Mittal Arts & Poetry Benjamin Britton Bonnie Neumeier buddy gray Carol Cunningham Clara Morris Editorials Human Rights Jerome Manigan Jimmy Heath John Halpin Mary Taylor mental health Mike Henson Molly Lyons Mr. Lee National Coalition for the Homeless National News New York Times Nichloas K. Geranios prisoners news Remember Buddy Gray Riccardo Taylor Richard Troxell Ronita Smith Steve Daugherty Street Views Susan Heusken Susan Knight Todd Zwillich https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/1429853b05c1b70a4d15ea16d8f4282d.pdf 0311bbbb734bdbace4d52258bafdd928 PDF Text Text 1 ST tEET IBES Your Progressive News Source B UY FROM BADGED VENDORS 0NLY JANUARY 2002 Greater Cincinnati coalition for the Homeless �,,._ I . Cover Story No Dimes to Spare vendors is attacking anything but the reaJ issues. If panhandlers aren't the City Council is at it again. reason that no one's going Six years after passing two downtown, what is? I'd suggest a ordinances which limited riot, a panhandling activity and summer of prohibited sitting on downtown shootings sidewalks during certain hours, in and thrne years after these two . neighboring laws were overturned as Over-the­ unconstitutional in United States District Court, the mayor has asked Rhine, the the City Solicitor's office to draft a September 11 terrorist new anti-panhandling ordinance. attacks, a Panhandlers and slowing Streetvibes vendors were economy, practically labeled as terrorists at and a the December 4 meeting of boycott, Council's law committee. The not to mayor went as far.as accusing mention Streetvibes of destroying expensive downtown. Downtown business parking owners ominously warned that and less panhandlers were permanently retail scaring tourists and suburbanites opportunities away from the city. Jim Tarbell than a called Homeless Coalition suburban executive director Alicia Beck a "Hyde Park bureaucrat" and ranted mall. So why blame the that she and homeless service homeless? Because most of the providers were the root cause of problems facing Cincinnati, this grave crisis facing downtown. especially th.is city's racial issues Anyone with a bit of sense which we seem particularly inept could see these charades of policy­ making for what they really are: an at solving, have no easy solutions. So when you can't do anything attempt to pretend something, about the real problem, find anything, is being done about the fact that downtown Cincinnati is in somebody to bully - in th.is case the homeless. trouble. Unfortunately, attacking I'm not sayin_g that there panhandlers and Streetvibes by John Halpin as might be the case. The world of the &treet is one of "do or die" for the most part. Most often you react to the situation as it comes along, doing what is necessary at 'that moment. The harsh reality of the street life helps to prepare the street person for "come what may" in a sense of speaking. So there are no real resolutions as one might declare in a New Year. Life tends to go on in the world of the street by Riccardo M. Taylor person - changes are few and far in between. The reality of the street With the coming of the stays with the street person New Year there are of course new constantly, without recess or hopes and new roads to travel. restraint. The hardships are real and the toll a territorial fact. The For the homeless this may not be the case in light of their situation, winter is perhaps the hardest at least from a positive or season for the street person with its constructive sense. In the world cold and snow causing for the most part discomfort and unavailability of the homeless there is not a lot of room for conjecture or planning for the many resources that help to Street View aren't valid concerns about aggressive panhandlers in the downtown area. We already have ·an ordinance that makes aggressive panhandling illegal, and no one should be harassed for money. .And I'm not saying that downtown business owners shouldn 't be concerned about the viability of the central business district. But the current debate goes further than that. It's not just the aggressive panhandlers that are a problem , it's any panhandler, the very presence of the poor and marginalized on our sidewalks and streets. In th.is situation· any low-income person, especially the homeless, are being marketed as a threat to public safety so that when they are removed from the streets - poqf! ­ the danger is gone. If we want a viable downtown, we need to work on the myriad issues that affect Cincinnati's future, from the simple issues of parking to the complex issues of racism and discrimination. And if we don ' t make life a bit easier for the street person. Often it's harder to get around so that many opportunities are missed, or there may be closings which effect the immediate needs of the street person, this due to weather conditions, etc. So in my opinion, one has to make some reservations for their successful passing through the winter and eventual change in status. Again for ~e street person there is no planning, however there are areas that have to be formulated in order to ultimately reach that status change if one desires to go there. This would in fact have to be accomplished through some sort of goal setting. The street person needs to create some short-term goal which is reasonable within his or hers n;ieans or time allotment. That want homeless people on the streets - which none of us do - the only way to get people off the streets is to provide them with affordable housing, supportive · services, health care, living wage jobs, and adequate public assistance. Criminalizing their very presence and their status as homeless people only pushes the problem out of sight. In Clark v. Cincinnati, the case which overturned Cincinnatj's last anti-panhandling ordinance, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jack Sherman, Jr., cited another district court dealing with a simiJar issue and addressed the fundamental right of the poor and homeless to exist on our streets, particularly when exercising their First Amendment rights through panhandling. "City streets are a ; public forum, one of the few remaining democratic spaces where the conventioneer, the gawking tourist, the eager consumer, the city resident, and the needy may mingle freely. Under these ordinances, city authorities claim the power to remove from this public forum those that through the exercise of their First Amendment rights .. .make the rest of us uncomfortable. The speech of the needy around us may well be subjectively felt as an unwelcome intrusion by some, but the expressive freedom guaranteed by the Constitution has never been costless." The courts have spoken. But is City Council listening? would be the initial step, and of course fortitude in carrying out the necessary task for realizing those goals would come next. A lot would depend on the person's willingness and perseverance in View.... Cont. on page 3 Inside Streetvibes GREATER CiNCINNATI CO~LITION PORTH ·HOMILISS �• STREETVIBES January 2002 STREETVIBES T he Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Streetvibes, the Tri-State's Homeless Gra~vioe, is a newspa­ ~r written byt for, and aJ;pot homelessness, social justice, and poverty-related issues__ 'It:is putilished onee a month by the Greater ~ti Coalition for ._Hom~. ,. Becomqrg as~ , Vendor is~ grea\ way for home­ 1~ ind odler10w-mcome people to pt back·on (or stay oli) their feet. Str.eeJv.ibn 'Vendors.are. given1JQ orient:ation and sign a code-of co~ct · being ~i~~IPa Stte~~ · tbad#~ Greltter Cmcinnati CoW;tjOn/qr tht Homeless·is a group of shelters, agencies and ·"m individuals committed to ending homelessness in Cincinnati through coordinating services, educating the public ano grassroot~ organizing>~ GCCHStatT Executive Director Alicia Beck Mary Taylor Receptionist John Hatpin Ameri~2res* Vista Molly Lyons Amerie9rps* :Vi~ta Streetvibes Staff Jimmy Heath Page 2 Streetvibes : A H uITian InvestITient The History of Streetvibes: Streetvibes began in 1996, as a one page insert in the Cleveland Grapevine, Cleveland's street newspaper. Then in 1997, with a grant from the SC Ministries Foundation, Streetvibes began its own independent publication. The initial printing was 500. Currently, the paper distributes 6­ 8,000 Streetvibes monthly. In addition to the vendors, Streetvibes has a subscription base of 300, and many are given away to schools and civic".organizations. Streetvibes is now active member (and an original founding member) of the North American Street Newspaper Association (NASNA) that includes street newspapers from all over the United States, Canada, Mexico and Nova Scotia. There is also a large street newspaper .!'°ovement in Europe which maintains connections with NASNA. How Streetvibes works: Streetvibes has one part-time, formerly homeless staff member, the editor. The editor, with contributions from vendors, staff an and community people, prod uces the monthly 20 page publication. The physical layout of the paper is done on a computer in the Coalition office and the copy is sent to a local printer for printing. The vendors buy the paper from The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless for twenty cents each. The twenty cents helps to cover printing costs, editor's salary, photography and supplies. There are two donated computers available to the vendors in the ·Coalition office so that they may write stories, access the internet, and work on their resumes. Streetvibes is subsidized by donations and general funds from the Homeless Coalition. The vendors in tum, distribute the paper on the streets of Cincinnati, requesting a $1 donation in return. How the vending program works: People are referred to the Streetvibes vending program from area shelters but most often come through the Homeless Coalition's doors because of word of mouth. · The Coalition has specific times and days when new vendor • Editor-in-Chief Writers Alicia Beck Cm:nelius Douglas Diane Oriffin David Goins Jim.my Heath John Halpin Vendor: 80 cents .l!bo~hers Jimmy Neath, Jerop:i.eiMl)nigan, Ken Skirtz ·· ' Streetvibes accepts letters, poems, stories, essays, original graphics, photos.... We will give prefer­ ence to those who &re homeless or vendors. Subscriptions to Streetvibes can be purchased for .$15 per year. do Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 . (513) 421-7803 fax (513) 421-7813; e-mail: streetvibes@j uno.com web page: http ://cinci.com/gcch Where ·Your Dollcir Goes Mike Henson Derrick Johnson Rabbi Michael Lerner Molly Lyons Robert Manassa JeromeJ. Manigan Marc Mauer Jordan M . Pleasant Delia Sizler Kenneth D. Smith Ian Stevenson Shelby Stone Rodney Sutton Riccardo Taylor Kathy Y. Wilson BrendaZechmeister oriehtation is provided and the potential vendor must make an appointment to sign up for the program. This orientation includes a discussion of sales methods, the vendor code of conduct, (that the vendor must agree to and sign) and an overview of incentives, encouraging vendors to contribute to the newspaper. The Vendors have a monthly meeting to discuss concerns/issues of the vendors and the staff. The meeting is generally held the first day of the month when the new issue of Streetvibes is released. The meeting provides a forum for vendors to help direct and provide input for the content of the paper. In addition, the vendor program helps homeless and low-income people connect with services that they may need - housing, treatment, assistance with bill$, counseling and encouragement. For some people living on the streets, the Homeless Coalition and the Streetvibes program provides a first point of contact to services and assistance. Printing and Production: 20 cents The Streetvibesprogram 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 informa­ tion about the program. Many thanks for your support. Streetvibes Vendor Code Each vendor has to sign the following code to be able to sell the paper. 1. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $ 1 voluntary collecting for the "homeless" in general. I will be donation . I agree not to ask for donations of more honest in stating that all the profits from the sale of Streetvibes.will go to the individual vendor. than $ 1. I also understand th at I will be able to 8. I will always p~esent my badge when purchasing keep 80 cents of each dollar collected . Future papers, and I will display my badge at all times issues of Streetvibes will be purchased from the while vending. Replacement badges are $ 1 each. H omeless Coalition for 20 cents. 9. There a; e no territories. I agree that I will not 2. Streetvibes may only be p urchased from the contest territories with other distributors. I will GCCH . Purchasing or selling unauthorized not sell on private property without permission. papers, or from other vendors, will result in termi­ 10. I understand chat Streetvibes strives to be a self­ nation from the program. supporcing paper created by people who are 3. I agree th at I will not ask for donations or attemp t homeless or formerly homeless. To help in this ro vend after 12 midnight. effort, I will try to spread the word and write 4 . I agree to treat others with respect - other vendors, stories if possible. customers, and GCCH p ersonnel. 5. l will n ot sell Streetvibes while un.der the influence. 11. I understand that failure to com ply wi th any of the 6. I will not give a "hard sell" or make someone feel above statemen ts w ill result in termination from the Streecvibes vendor program. GCCH reserves threatened. the right to terminate a vendor at any time as 7 . I agree n ot to deceive the p ublic by saying that I am collecting for a not-for-profit charity or c_tiac I am deemed appropriate: �Local News STREETVIBES January 2002 Page 3 Cincinnati a "disservice" by "arming" homeless folks witb newspapers. He's referring to Streetvibes, the monthly paper published by the GCCH covering homelessness and poverty-related issues sold by trained, badge­ wearing homeless people (or a o ne dollar donation. Vendors get tq k;eep ~O. cents of each gollar they bring in. The re&Lgoes to the. pa,pe(s admini~tratj,v ~ c.o sts apd ptber . overhead. . . .' Tp ~ exis~enpe. an.st selling o(S,rreet)!ibes i~ the manifestation the A.m e.Gean ~ork eth~c t:\1£!t, ironicajl)';,,~ti-homeless an.9 anti­ panhandling n~ysayers accuse .the ~fote)TI~-qtioned of neing withouJ. It speaks to professional -. disposition,.entreP.reneurslµp and a real bootstrap mentality that are the collective antithesis of what we think homelessness is. For my (literal) money, I'd rather be hit up by someone with wares to sell. For the panhandled, exchanging a buck for a tangible item makes the quandary of "whatare theydoinwithmymoney?" easier to swallow. For vendors selling Streetvibes, "panhandling" is a job. In this respect they're no different than hot dog vendors and the people s~lling all that loud, garish stuff during Jazz Festival weekend. For Luken to say newspaper vendors are "armed'" and doing us a "disservice" is a revelation of his shortsightedness and cultural alienation. Why not leave it up to Joe '\pd Jane Schmoe as to whether they'd like to purchase a paper? Or is the idea that a " working" citizen just might have a conversation with a "panhandler" frightening to our public officials? I buy Streetvibes when I can, just like a whole bunch of other people. And when I can't, I look a vendor In the face and say either1 " No, thank you,'.' or, "I' ve got .o ne already." How difficult is that exactly? Between the lines of all this brouhaha over the "panhandler qu~s~on" is the subliminal picture painted.by d.eµ~<;:: tors that panhandlers love,wh~t they do .and that.there's glamour in.beggii;ig .all · daY, long. True, there are pan'1andlers who are sane, able-bodied, free from addiction and might very well be drawing some -type of monthly assistance. For them, panhandling is a way to get over. But even to that extreme, think about just how much they' re getting over financially. Oh, the motherload of coins they dump onto their beds at night boggles the mind! They probably get naked and roll around on them until every penny s·ticks to their skin! Let's get real. Panhandling in Cincinnati comes down to what every other issue in Cincinnati comes down to - class. Panhandling is classless, it's dirty, it's degrading, it's humiliating and it's uncomfortable. And I haven' t even gotten to what it mus~ be like for panhandlers. Ridding city streets of panhandlers has little to do with business fallout or safety and everything to do with aesthetics and how uncomfortable many people feel about dirty people asking for money. I'll admit it's hard for me to ignore a panhandler as I clutch a frothy $3 coffee drink and a $7 bag of lunch or after I've just paid $5 to $7Jo,park my car. See, those are all amenities and not . necessities. I'm not trying to guilt anyone into anything. When it comes down to you and the panhand!~r,.Jhink ab.o ut your own coqifort _ l~vel and give up the coinage ·or don ), .Ii you don' t, try not .to V?!ilk .aw~y b.ad-mouthing the homeless for .somethin-g the mayor is trying to. socialize you into believing. Hey, if we real.ly gave this some thought, we'd all go down to Saks Fifth Avenue and panhandle them for some designer gear by Ralph Lauren, Prada, Gucci, Calvin Klein or Tommy Hilfiger. And maybe we'd get hair done for free, too. Oh, never mind. Saks already panhandled us for $6.6 million. I understand if you don't have any spare change for the homeless. This article originally appeared in City Beat magazine, December 13 -17. Special thanks to John Fox and Kathy Y. Wilson for granting permission to reprint. Also many thanks to the City Beat stafffor putting together gift packages for our vendors. of the community. The idea that a New Year is upo·n us brings about new hopes, as well as, new challenges. · Personally, I would just hope that the sense that they wish to make the network which helps the street change. person expands or becomes Of course, there is no stronger (as more people become absolute guarant~e that one will be involveq or give their support in successful even at this, yet success · tangible ways). This is a very is counted in striving as well as essential component in the gain. What I'd like to project in resource area for the street person presenting that idea is that even if who bas to grow and otherwise one does not reach his full become more substantiated. potential or object outcome from I would suggest that each their endeavor, they have the individual pers.o n in our necessary experience from the community do their part in helping endeavor which may be just the to realize this ache of homelessness key to future attempts in that that effects us all in some way. I direction. believe that there can be a change My overall point is that one in· the whole arena of the homeless has to put themselves in a positi.on situation if we as a community put for change or growth if there is to our efforts toward changing the be any hope for change to occur. way things are. It takes a lot, yet Then there is still that cruc ial not so much if our hearts are in it. component whic h is essential to So for the New Year let us all any success for the street person gather together and make some who is trying to help themselves or realistic contribution for those who otherwise change. That are less fortunate. To give of component is the outside support oneself for the betterment of all is the resolution we all need to make for the New Year. I wou ld like to give thanks for all who have assisted me this last past year. In recent months I have made some very important . transitions. I have come from living on the streets to permanent housing, and I have to give both thanks and appreciation for al~ who have been of help. I have been told that for the most part it was I who made the necessary steps in realizing this transition. However, I know that without the encouragement and support of those who believe in me or otherwise gave me the opportunity to make things happen in my life, I would not have been able to get to where I am. Last but not least I have to give thanks to our readers who like the other people who have lent me their support have been a corner stone in my newly created world, much thanks to you all. May this be a glorious New Year for all. Street Life By Kathy Y. Wilson, City Beat Magazine Panhandlers are a nuisance. Panhandlers are necessary. It's that time again when people are debating the very presence of panhanqlers. In doing so, the lifeline of downtown's . economic pulse always seems to come into question. If I come . downtown, will I be harassed? . Should I make eye contaqt or.:keep walking? If l pull ·mo(ley qut,. will I be robbed? Why,can~t they ju~t get a job? " . ·, ... To some politicifills, {, pencilnecks and business owners alike, the answer to all panhandling-related questions is: They're killing business, so get rid of 'em. Mayor Charlie Luken himself has drafted one of his infamously terse one-liners to the City Solicitor's Office: "I move that the Solicitor 's Office draft an anti-panhandling ordinance that sets panhandling restrictions as strict as possible, consistent with constitutional guarantees." I read that as: Wear down the dirty little buggers with as much harassment as possible without blatantly stepping on their constitutional rights. The mayor sends another bouquet of love to the homeless at Christmas time, claiming the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) is doing Street View... Cont. from page 1 1 of om Deadline for the February, 2002 edition of STREETVIBES is Monday, Januay 14th. OISC .JOCKEY SEl "VlCE Cli£.ford Jones (513) 761-3464 0£fice t ~\>0\.ne ~-mail: jonesaCV (513) 230-6353 • ww-.._ ry·c· Voicemail ~C'ilJ c:P. '>91 ticxchang,e- �Reader Mail STREETVIBES January 2002 The Lighting of Washington Park Reader Mail We would lllce to hear from you - please address letters and comments to by Diane Griffin, GED student, and Mark Fries, tutor, Urban Appalachian Council Street'11bes, 1506 Elm Street, Onclnnatl Ohio 45210 (or) email to: Street'11bes@Juno.com Dear Streetvibes, Panhandllng is still alive and well in downtown Dayton since last year when they passed a city ordinance again~t panhandling and requiring a registration card. It seems it is increasing since I've been asked several ti mes in the last two months. I got registered for a panhandling card just in case I was going to be asking for donations for the Streetvibes newspapers early this year and fo r anyone else who may ask. They check your record (which takes a hal f hour), give you the rul es and policies (which is similar to the Streetvibes Vendor Code o f Conduct and fingerprint you (which I felt made you feel like a criminal!). I don ' t think they should fingerprint you thinking · that part of "registering" is necessary. They definately don't ask or state if you have a choice. Your name and social security number and birthdate and description are on the back of the card. On the front is your picture (they take good pictures) with a notice that this card is not to be used of identification purposes. Funny thing is, last month, I couldn ' t find my d1ivers license right away (misplaced) and this social worker accepted the panhandling card when I asked her if the card would help. So something good came out of registering. See you later., Carla The lighting of Washington Park was a Christmas light-up event held Saturday evening December 8••. It represented the people of Cincinnati coming together for Over-the-Rhine (OTR) and the city at large. There were about 400 glowing white bags along the pathways of the park. The trees glistened with what seemed like thousands of twinkling white lights clipped to every twig of the 40-foot tall trees. As a working mother raising my 10 year-old son, Derrick in OTR, the luminary show held several meanings for me. First, we must be reminded of the homeless people w ho sleep in th e park each night. We need to help them in tangible ways each day. Then we must be reminded of our need for love, emotional support and food even if we are not homeless . In the spirit of Christmas, we are always thankful that people who have more give to those with less. But what of us who make small incomes? We can give to each other from what we have also. Small kindnesses are just as important as large gifts. Remember that it is very good to receive. But like Jes us said, "It is better to give". My final reflection is on the children who play in Washington Park. Their innocent . fun brings out the feelings of God 's love through an innocent baby, Jesus. When the playground at the school in Washington Park is full of acti vity, it's a symphony that will make you smile and laugh. The children's co mbined laugh, the children's combined yelling, screaming and laughter creates one pleasurable song that lifts my soul. On December 8, I was happy to have my two grandchildren with me too, Rick and Shawntay. The lighting of the park was the most beautiful community thing we had ever been a part of. It really moved us. It was fun filling the white bags with sand and the candles. It was something the adults and children could do together. We got involved accidentally. We attended a Christmas program at M usic Hall compliments of St. Joseph 's School, D errick's school. Then we were walking through the park to the Cincinnati Museum Center to see the train display. A lady told me about the lighting of Page 4 Washington Park. So we started helping. We filled, carried, and lit bags throughout the park. So many people were there helping. It was encouraging to see. A newswoman from Channel 5 wanted to interview Derrick but he wou ld not keep still. She told him he could be on TV but he told her he had to finj sh fi}Jjng his bags. That wru·med me. It was so cute. The newswoman did interview me and it aired the next morning on Channel S's Sunday Morning News. Among other things, I told her, the lights represented the people in our neighborhoods. They were not only beautiful in the trees but they symbolized the beautiful things we have in our hearts that we can give to one another. Merry Christmas. Write Us! . ~ We'd like to hear from IJOU•••• Send letters or comments to: Streetvibes@Juno.com, or· write the Coalition office attn: Streetvibes Letters, 506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 452 I 0 ·"But we do.love the poor. ·we plan to create millions more ofthem." Social Security/SS! Denied? Call John M. Keegan Attorney at Law Pr~ctice The GCCH would like to thank this Starbucks 1ocation for their generous donation of coffee and pastries. " concentrated in Social Security/SSI Disability Law 3366 Erie Avenue NO FEE UNLESS WE WIN ~ (513) 651-9222 FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION 4l "You must be the change you wish to see in the world."­ Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869 - 1948) �STREETVIBES January 2002 Challenging the Contradictions r over whether mere thousands ar6 worthwhile for homeless shelters and sweeping those wpo are without off the street through threats of new laws and prosecution of people engaged in Text of Remarks to the Greater prosperity. In fact, in some ways nothing other than the sale of the Cincinnati Coalition for the we even seem to have taken message anc;:l story of the plight of Homeless Annual Dinner by several steps back. the homeless through Streetvibes. And of that I am not just Hamilton County Commissioner, What a crazy world we live Todd Portune speaking of events that swirl in. In addition, we constantly try around us across our nation or to make sense of the same. internationally, but I speak too of This past Sunday, the It is difficult to ignore the events in our own backyard. pastor in my church said contradictions at this time of year. Evef1:tS that while seemingly We are such a land of plenty, and disparate or disconnected are very something that struck home. It is a message and an observation that is yet there are so many who have so much related. most likely a constant with all little. We are a people of great For whether you are African-American and face fa iths and with those whose faith is generosity and yet we can be a people whose hearts are hardened simply in humanity. discrimination in employment, or He was struck by a study ~nd unmoved by the human whether you are unemployed and that pointed out that while in the suffering all around us. We can seeking to make ends meet, or buiJd great things and monuments United States a majority of persons whether you have been unable to identified themselves as religious, to our past, and to our greed, yet find justice in "the courts, or we seem unable to build the the same study reflected no compassion in the hearts of public greatest monument of all - the difference in the percentage of officials, or whether you are people who lived their daily lives human potential within each of us. . homeless, with no place to go, no And in this season of shelter for the night, no caring face in ways devoid of religious concepts compared to those who giving, those selfless acts of public to say goodnight - all share a had no religious bent whatsoever! compassion and aid are common plight, a common In other words, despite the basic condemned by talk show hosts, concern and ultimately a common editorial wri ters and elected principles of faith and the call to fight. officials as being wasteful social improve the human condition, to It is a fight worth fi ghting. spending. A cause worth supporting. And an love one another as we would love Charles Dickens saw it all ourselves - those.messages are left ideal worth seeking. almost two centuries ago. The But make no mistake about in the pews of the churches and synagogues and mosques and other classic tale of Ebeneezer Scrooge it - these are, days and purposes houses of worship as people go on confronting his past, present and made all the more difficult by the possible fu tures in the form of about their lives - oblivious to the people and events of our times, three ghostly visitors, brought with the contradictions in approach call that humanity is our business here on earth. home the message in blunt if not and public policy so thick and parabol ic form. My message tonight, confusing as if to make your head His youthful experiences however, is not a message of swim. presented choices that yielded the gloom. Instead, it is truly a Officials will fail to make potential for two possible futures. sure that all of our citizens receive message in line with the season. It Ebeneezer had chosen, as we all is a message of the promise of an ~ducation and when forced to know, one path - a path of material do so they will take it out through better things to come, the message gains. A path of business, wealth of glad tidings! massive budget cuts on the backs and economy. A narrow, For tonight, here we of those who can least afford it. shortsighted, hard-hearted path They will call for massive celebrate. We celebrate the goodness that is in each of you. that ignored the only constant in tax cuts and breaks and handouts We celebrate the years of growth, his life and in our life that makes for companies already making any of ljfe worthwhile - the basic record profits yet will look the of determination and of success humanity, dignity and promise that other way when workers lose their that you have accomplished in all of God's children have jobs,or when those whQ are creating a network of organizations and people who have done great received. struggling to enter the workforce And when he protested to things for our community. and make ends meet need as his erstwhile business partner · helping hand. And we celebrate the lives Jacob M arley, saddled with the you have touched and have saved They will prosecute a chains of bondage fashloned link murder case 38 years-old to send a and who are all a part of us and the by Jjnk of a life not well lived, rich and diverse fabric of our message that no one who kills can protested with the types of get away with it but yet will fail to community. arguments and justifications we The Greater Cincinnati try again a case when an unarmed have heard too often and know young man is killed after taken Coalition for the Homeless has only too well, Marley dismissed into custody. provided necessary emergency him and declared the well known shelter to thousands of individuals They will violate civil and families who have graced our phrase that Humanity is our . rights to protect conferees who business. seek the elimination of restrictions community. You have steered How true. How true then. How that protect the interest of families people to resources that they true today. needed to grapple with whatever and working people yet prosecute It is amazing to me that in obstacle they faced. to the fullest extent those engaged And you, in the face of almost two centuries since Dickens in civil disobedience to protest that spun his classic tale how little in officials or opinion shapers, have very same conference. terms of spirit we have advanced stood strong. have shown great And they will offer despite incredible gains in courage, have done great things millions to upscale spops and technology, knowledge and and have been a vocal and visible shoppers, all the whlle agonizing I Page 51 conscience for a community that prides itself on community values ­ but is in sore need of being reminded to act out those values that respect, support; encourage and love, without reservation, aU of our people in the way any parent would care for a child. Yes, we do have much to celebrate. And so f will close, being mindful of the season. And recall the tale of the young couple and child in a stable. The stable being their temporary shelter from the elements because no other housing was available to them. And whether you share the faith or not, we all can appreciate the story. Because it reminds us that from humble beginnings great things can happen. It reminds us that the common hu man dignity that binds us all is not dependent on status or wealth. And we remember, as we pray for peace, and for justice, and for opportunity for all , that humanity is our business and there is no greater pursuit than that. Thank you, happy holidays and may God bless you all. The choice before us is chaos or community. ­ Martin Luther King There is more to Iife than increasing its speed. ­ Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869 - 1948) Peace is not a relationship of nations. It is a condition of mind brought about by a serenity of soul. Peace is not merely an absence of war. It is also a state of mind. Lasting peace can come only to peaceful people. - Jawaharla/ Nehru Job Opening; Child Care Staff Peaslee Child Care Center 215 East 14u. Street Over-the-Rhine Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 Peaslee's brand new child care center is looking for staff persons who want to build a quality child care program serving the children of Over­ the-Rhine. Full and part-time positions available. For more information, call Laura Goodell at Peaslee, 621-5514 �STREETVIBES January 2002 Page 6 Know Your Rights: Cincinnati Reopens Panhandling Debate by Molly Lyons Every month we will be highlighting.a Jaw or ordinance that affects homeless people in Cincinnati. This column does nothing to replace sound legal advice from an accredited lawyer, but seeks to empower and educate people in dealing with the criminal justice system and their lawyers. There have been recent debates in City Council over whether to strengthen the current ordinances relating to panhandling. q'he current laws follow: calculated to frighten or to cause alarm ot intimidation. In order to be citedfor this law you must first have received a written warning to stop engaging in the conduct from a police officer. communication is offensive, operator or occupant of a motor unwelcome or should cease. vehicle, from a person entering or exiting a motor vehicle, within six feet of the face any building, or within twenty feet of a crosswalk or after 8:00 PM. These particular restrictions have been found to pl ace undue restrictions on free speech and are therefore unconstitutional. A ny other . restrictions that operate along the same lines as these would-probably also be found unconstitutional. City Council is attempting to deal with the problems of downtown and the issues of homelessness by leg islating against panhandling. Thi s is an attempt to criminalize and hide the problems of poverty. Furthermore, it is ineffective because it does nothing to address the root causes of homelessness or the my1iad issues facing downtown. If we want a thriving viable city, we need to take the time to come up with. a comprehensive plan for making our city a good place for all that live here. Another law just isn' t going to cut it. If you are unjustly warned, cited or arrested for panhandling you have the right to fight against your conviction in court. Please contact us i~ this occu~s. Call Molly Lyons or John Halpin at 421-7803. Both of these ordinances target activities referred to as aggressive panhandling. Section 910-12 was changed to its current form after a Sixth District Federal Court case (Clark v. Cincinnati) found it ' unconstitutional on the grounds that it limited free speech. The· new ordinance helps to articulate what aggressive panhandling is but does not make any substantial changes to the law. Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken recently wrote a memo asking for the city's solicitor to "draft an anti-panhandling ordinance that sets panhandling restrictions as strict as possible, consistent with constitutional guarantees." This memo will probably result in some stricter rnles about aggressive panhandHng and maybe some different ways of enforcing the laws we have. The law coming from City Council will not mean that people are not allowed to panhandle at all. The panhandling ordinance that was overturned by Clark v. Cincinnati includes prohibitions against things such as soliciting within ten feet of an automatic · ,.___ ' . ' teller, in a public transportation vehicle or at a bus stop, from an Sidewalk Bubblegum by clay sutler ~~ · Cincinnati Municipal Code §910­ 73 Interference with or improper solicitation of pedestrian or \1E'{ iuwv, COOL;~ 'IC>U vehicular traffic. ~~ MESOME pu;JJC. No person shall recklessly }.ANl> rOR GAA"Z.lt"G interfere with pedestrian or ,\Htl LOGG'N' ?... I vehicular traffic in a public place. swe.1.1~ l'Ll. ?~'l YOlJ This means to: $AC~. • Walk, sit, stand, lie or grab, Cincinnati Municipal Code §910­ touch or approach another 12 Improper Solicitation person in a public place, so as It is unlawful for any person to to block, interfe-re with, or solicit in a public place in a impede the passage ofany manner which recklessly interferes person or any vehicle, or to with vehicular or pedestrian cause any person or any driver traffic. This includes but is not of any vehicle to alter his or limited to her intended direction of • Soliciting in a manner which travel. impedes access to orfrom, or • Make a request, solicitation or use of an automatic teller demand for money or o.t her machine, the front ofa thing of value in manner which · building or right of way to the would alarm, intimidate, building, any bus stop, any threaten, menace, harass or crosswalk, a person exiting or coerce a reasonable person. entering a motor vehicle • Force oneself upon the • Soliciting in any public company of another by transportation vehicle, continuing to communicate a • Soliciting from any operator or request, solicitation, or occupant of a moving motor demand for money or other vehicle; thing ofvalue, to another • Soliciting after 8:00 p.m., in person after the person gives an area designated for notice or demonstrates by word commerce, in a manner or action that such From STREET SPIRIT newspaper ~OH'"f GlVf "THEM Ai-rf1'H11'J().•. ~'f Su CREATES ACYCLE Of 'PEPiNl>E1'fC'i �STREETVIBES January 2002 . KEEP ON TELLING THE TRUTH, DAMON by Jerome J. Manigan Charlie Luken, the Mayor of Cincinnati, at long last, did what most everyone thought he would eventuallx get around to doing: Dismiss the Reverend Damon Lynch 3rd from the CAN (Cincinnati Action Now) Commission. Lynch's dismissal came as no·real surprise to anyone. However the tone of the mayor's letter informing Lynch of his persona non grata status did sound paternalistic. To dismiss Reverend Lynch from CAN does not, can not, and will not dismiss the fact that Cincinnati is a deeply troubled city. And, au of its problems are not racial. It was interesting to learn that, in spite of his counseling sessions, the Reverend Lynch persisted in his determination to speak the issues and concerns of the downtrodden. Reverend · Lynch's voice increasingly has become the voice of those whom the system would prefer not to hear: homeless individuals and families, panhandlers, Page 7 marginalized persons, poor whites· and African American males, many of whom have a legitimate fear of lethal encounters with the police. It would be very wrong for the mayor to think, even for one Peaslee Neighborhood Center and the Art . second, that the Reverend Lynch Academy invite Over-the-Rhine residents to stands alone in the ideas he offers help design a park bench to be placed in or the concerns he raises. He Washington Park by the end of summer, 2002. voices the ideas and concerns of many educated, affluent, The bench will be large, and have ceramic tile successful African American and designs of your neighborhood. Children and progressive whites living in adults from various community cente~s have Cincinnati. already sent us their pictures; but we need To.paraphrase Hamlet: Something is rotten in Cincinnati. your help in creating a design using those Too many Black men have died at pictures. the hands of the police. And many, many people wonder why the court Please come to Peaslee Neighborhood Center, system failed to win convictions of the officers charges with minor 215 East 14th Street (at the corner of offences in the deaths qf Timothy Syq:imore) on Wednesday evenings, 1/9 and 1/ Thomas and Roger Owensby. 16, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. and Thursday The events of the past year mornings, 1/10 and 1/17, from 10:00 a.m. ­ only brought into sharper focus the many issues and concerns which 12:00 noon. No experience necessary! This will have long be talked about by be a fun way to get to know your neighbors and people from across the city. The make new friends. deaths of Michael Carpenter, Roger Owensby and Timothy Thomas and the subsequent failure Call Brenda Z. at Peaslee, 621-5514, for of the prosecutor to win further information. convictions in two of the cases, confirmed for many the belief that "concerns and complaints from the African-Americans, especially the surrounding neighborhood." males, ar~ despised, rejected and .. City officials said the notice people without value. came as a surprise. Homeless 0 The Reverend Lynch is. not advocate Ortiz y Pino said no one at the author of the message. He is the city or Albuquerque Rescue only the messenger. To dismiss Mission was told of the him accomplishes absolutely neighborhoods' complaints. nothing. It only widens the chasm And Mayor Jim Baca, who of distrust and sadly. the belief that asked the commission in a letter last The State Fair we have indeed returned to Commission heard pleas Friday to week to reconsider, said the city "business as usuaL" wasn't given timely notice. "Just keep dormitories available to giv_e us another year,'~he said at a homeless men for one more winter but didn't reverse its news conference before the decision to end a lease· commission meeting. "Let us get arrangement with the city. throu,gh this season." Finding out "two months Members of the Homeless before cold weather hits leaves us Advocacy Coalition asked the with our hands tied,'' Ortiz y Pino commission to continue to aUow told the commission. "It's very Albuquerque Rescue Mission to difficult to locate that many people bring clients to the vacant 4-H Club dormitories this year, to buy in a neighborhood without getting repercussions." time to find more permanent "We obviously sympathize shelter space. Meanwhile, the city is with your situation," said Mr. considering space at the West Tinnin, representative from the State Side jail near Double Eagle Fair Commission. Airport, which can hold 700 "Rather than chastise us, you people. Its inmates will be should be down at City Hall, at the mayor's office, chastising him." The among the first to be transferred to the new jail that's scheduled to city has had "over one month to do something about it," Tinnin said. open this winter, jail director 'fAn entire month has passed," he John Dantis said Friday. said, without the city having taken On Aug. 8, fair officials notified the city, which pays action. "There is a limit of what the $4,000 a year so Albuquerque Rescue Mission clients can sleep State Fair can and should do for the in the fair's dormitories, that the city of Albuquerque .... " You should dorms are no longer available. congratulate us for what we've The letter to the city cited done. We' ve made this an issue they have to address, and you should increased numbers of homeless thank us for that." people in the fair area and Streetvibes vendor Takleab Gumtessa confers with Santa Claus ... Calling all Over-the-Rhine Artists~ New Mexico Commission Insists: N Shelter for Homeless �- STREETVIBES January 2002 Page 8 Lima or Chillicothe Correctional prisons housing nearly one too! There are unneeded prisons thousand more prisoners. A.nyone who has been following the system whose staffs could be out in the real world working and paying knows that right now there are contains news about the justice system and the about 5,000 empty beds throughout taxes for a change. This would writings of persons incarcerated in our free up $100,000,000 for the the system! The whole affair nation's jails and prisons. schools. Something Governor Taft smelled of politics. This state We are seeking subscribers who are willing to sponsor a would rather pull its own teeth is trying hard to ignore. Guess prisoner so ttiey can receive STREETVIBES behind the walls. than close one of its unneeded what, people? The State of Ohio is Please sponsor someone on the inside. prisons - yet they were not only BANKRUPT! It cannot meet its A year's subscription costs $15. closing one, they were rushing to financial obligations to our Send your comments and questions to streetvibes@juno.com do so! Then the truth came out! children, yet they insist orr keeping mail : STREETVIBES, 1506 Elm Street At 9:00 A.M. in Thursday, prisoners locked up who should be Cincinnati, Ohio 4521O home working and paying taxes December 13, National Public too! They also insist on keeping Radi,o carried a story - a very unneeded prisons open to protect interesting story. Two state 0 senators admitted that Orient was Voinivich's promise of "recession 1 proof jobs"! Yet, the recession is 0 here, the schools need to work" pay valued at minimum-security prison! $1,240,000,000 to operate by Kenneth D. Smith Now·think about this for $19,000,000 and they had refused. properly, and the state i.gnores that! just a second. In November, The interesting part is the guards Let's stop Ustening to the The seventh of Dece.rb.ber Reginald Will<inson announces he bad nerve heard of this request. political rhetoric because it is all is a day that will live forever in Reggie is going to lies and start getting serious. The infamy in the framework of our close TWO and the old law prisoners need to be sent national history. It wil1 also stand union prisons and 20 home. If any of them screw up as a beacon highlighting the dormitories. president again, well, we do have plenty of hypocrisy, lies, and deceit This will had prisons. In the meantime the vast practiced by our state government talked. amount to majority will be working and at all levels. At 10 A.M. on The 3,000 beds. adding to the tax ba5e. Next, we Friday the seventh of December, union Note that the need to close not one but 10 2001, .Reginald Wilkinson, long 10 dormitories president prisons, permanently. If the Feds refused lililmm.__..________liiliilliii&ilmiilllll will be closed time Director of the Ohio want a site, we have professionals, Department of Rehabilitation and to give up the $21,900,,000 but it is in addition to the moving of the right? Then they should have no Correction (DORC), announced rumored, countered by offering populations of the two prisons into problems getti1;1g tax paying jobs, the closing of Orient Correctional one free day of work each month. already ~mpty beds in other right? The result would be a Institution. The announced Thi~ would have gener~ted the prisons. That totals up to an saving of $800,000,000 tax do1lars. reason for the closing was that the $19,000,000 needed. Reggie immediate 4,000 empty beds Nearly two-thirds of what the guard's union refused to give up refused the offer and ordered already in the system. Orient schools need. their one half hour "come to Orient closed. At no point were Correctional currently has around But there is an interesting work" pay, which was paid to the guards consulted. 500 empty beds. Add this to the footnote to all of this. On the them at time and a half. The truth The result was t1:uly 4,000 and you get 4,500 empty \evening of 13 December, Mr. is a completely different critter interesting. The morning of beds within Ohio's prisons. Note Keyes of the Department of altogether! December 7 everyone waited in that the state said nothing about Rehabilitation and Corrections Over two months ago anticipation of the announcement. releasing anyone to make room. stood before a group of inmates in Governor Taft ordered Reginald The Ohio National Guard and They didn't have to. Yet on Orient's chapel building and stated Wilkinson to cut his budget by State Highway Patrol were on December 7, the prisons are that since the announced closing of $38,000,000, immediately. alert. Why? I guess the governor dangerously overcrowded! Orient Correctional Institution Reggie, as he is affectionately thought the guards would riot! As Someone thinks the taxpayers are there had been several staff known by those humble souJs who the time for the official STUPID! attempts to commit suicide and provide the state's recession proof announcement neared staff Let's look at some there had been several additional jobs, refused! He told the members from Freeway Drive, or verifiable facts. In 1995, wheµ the threats! This is very enlightening governor he would only give him new sentencing code came into Central Office as it is officially as it highlights the type of people $19,000,000. Then the games known, appeared within Orient and law, there were 28 prisons and who are charges with protecting started. First, the talk started 49,300 prisoners. The DORC cruised the dorms talking to our society. These people are about closing the two private prisoners. Lies flew like snow in a budget was $920,000,000. The allowed to carry firearms! prisons in northeast Ohio as well blizzard! From the prisoners point DORC claimed the prisons were at MentaHy unstable people are being as 10 dormitories within ten of view it was just another day of 126% of capacity. Today we have paid very large salaries to protect institutions. This was discussed DORC garbage. It was the guards 34 prisons, a prison population society when they themselves rieed for weeks as if it took a great deal who were the ones who were really UINDER 46,000, and a DORC protection. Maybe we should of work and planning to close two upset and they bad a right to be. budget of $1,230,000,000! . The reserve just one of the TEN closed small prisons, one of the state's They were being treated to the DORC STILL claims the prisons prisons for housing terminated drunk tanks, and shut the doors on same games the prisoners have are at 126% of capacity! We are staff members. We wouldn ' t want l 0 already nearly empty dorms. tolerated for years, and they didn't paying hundreds of millions to be responsible for turning these The Columbus Dispatch carried MORE for prisons that are only like it! . mentally unbalanced people out an article which quoted officials partially ful l! There are well over The Columbus Dispatch into the work force. as saying there were many in the system 5,000 empty beds and Columbus' Channel 10 News Let's get serious about "political considerations". that we are paying guards to repeatedly stated that closing · making the people we elected to On December 6' it is watch! Why?. I fully agree with Orient would cause dangerous represent us to start doing their rumored that Orient will be closed overcrowding in the state's closing Orient Correctional, but job. Let's free the old law people, and the two private prisons will be "already overcrowded prison spared. No mention is made of system". This was interesting While we make every effort to provide a forum for those shutting the doors on the nearly since just three weeks earlier the without a voice, STREETVIBES and the staff of THE GREATER empty dorms. The reason stated DORC was stating it would be CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS, is not was that Reggie had asked the closing 10 dormitories containing responsible for statements, and do not necessarily endorse the guards for their half-hour "come about-2,000 beds, and 2 private opinions of the prisoners.who's writings are represented here. Prisoners' News . f O r1en • t Correct•1onal T h e Clos1ng a Glaring Symbol of Deception? ~:~~;~~!~~ ~~ ::tF~~ f~~: d · ~.-~-. �STREETVIBES January 2002 P age 9 Where is this? people do and prison is where bad by Jerome Manigan people go. And that's why crime has plummeted over the last Where and what is this public landmark? Send decade." As the pro-prison idea your correct guess along with your name and has gained ascendance over the address to STREETVIBES, 1506 Elm Street, past thirty years, the number of people incarcerated in the United Cincinnati, Ohio 45210. A single winner will be States bas increased by a factor of selected randomly from the correct guesses. six. Winner will receive a one-time use camera and Race to Incarcerate, by free developing. U.se your camera to submit a. Marc Mauer. offers a complex yet accessible counter-argument to future WHERE IS THIS? photo! current criminal justice policy in the United States. Marc Mauer is the assistant director ofT~e Sentencing Project, an organization that promotes criminal justice reform. His discussion covered a variety of topics:mandatory minimum sentencing, racial disparities in sentencing, alternatives to prison for drug offenders, and prison reform activism. Both his organization and his book are valuable resources for those ~~o wish to work for criminal justice reform in the current pro-prison environment. Contact Information: Marc Mauer The Sen·tencing Project Way 514 10th Street Mv, #1000 Washington, DC 20004 Phone: (202) 628-0871 Fax: (202) 628-1091 remember the many homeless Email: people who have died this past sta(f@sentencingproject.org http:!/ When a person dies, family and year in Cincinnati. The list of by Marc Mauer www.sentencingproject.org friends gather to remember and names read aloud included honor that person's life. But for formerly homeless activists, shelter In the United States today, many of the homeless, life and residents, street-persons, and a four many people seem to take it for death are sometimes both month-oid baby. The Annual granted that putting more people in It is only forgotten. Friday, December 21, Homeless Memorial is held prison automatically results in less imperfection that of people gathered in Over­ dozens simultaneously in cities across the crime. Jonah Goldberg, writing in the-Rhine's Washington Park to country on the Winter Solstice. complains of what is his "G-File" column for the imperfect. . National Review; expresses a ~ ~ ~~ fi -cm~ The more perfect typical sentiment: "Thanks to a sustained conservative effort, we are, the more crime is no longer the romantic gentle and quiet we rebellion depicted in Norman become towards the Mailer's The White Negro, and defects of others. ·prisons aren't denounced as -Joseph. Addsion political gulags. Once again, we recognize that crime is what bad close the unneeded prisons, and apply that money to the schools. With a graduation rate of 28% in Cuyahoga County and 45% in Franklin Coun~y (the home of our state government) we had better start doing something soon, and I don 't mean more talking. The Ohio Supreme Court has reneged on its order to fund the schools. The state prefers imprisoning people to educating them. Enough is enough. Maybe we should dis­ elect every last one of them and start over. Do you know where we can find some honest people? Politics as usual has sent us into bankruptcy. Do we really ·want to listen to the lies anymore? Do we re~lly want to see our children illiterate cannon fodder for the state's prisons? Do w_e really want to continue to get robbed blind while our hard-earned money is squandered? I don't! Do you? Race to Incarcerate Another of Looking at Criminal Justice in America 2001 Homeless Memorial held in Washington Park . Extra! Extra! Advertise to Socially Conscious Readers ! Advertise in Streetvibes! . Reach thousands of downtown workers each month! Call 421-7803 for more information about how advertising in Streetvibes will work for your business Low Rates Custom Sizes Available! �STREETV IBES January 20~ 2 FEATURES · Page 10 Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless Hosts Annual Holiday. Dinner Recipients of Advocacy Awards Honored ·-~ by Alicia Beck photos by Ken Skirtz December 8th brought homeless, advocates, and Coalition supporters together to celebrate the year's accomplishments of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. After enjoying great food, participants took pause to listen to the vocal gifts of Ron Carter. Following dinner, Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune addressed the audjence, bringing words of encouragement and praise for the Coalition's struggles and work on behalf of the homeless. Several people were honored during the evenings festivities, as the Coalition recognized those who made significant contributions to ending homelessness in Cincinnati. Ruby McDonald was the recipient of the Jimmy Render Awa.rd for her work as an advocate at the Drop Inn Center. The Jimmy Render Award is given to a homeless or formerly homeless person that has continued to advocate for the needs of those who are still experiencing homelessness. The Coalition awarded the Service Provider of the Year Award to Theresa Adair for her work on behalf of homeless women leaving abusive relationships. Ms. Adair currently works at the YWCA Battered Women's Shelter. Kevin Pease was chosen as the Volunteer of the Year for his tireless work for the Coalition, providing his professional graphic design skills for a myriad of projects. Kevin is the owner of Serendipity Design, a grap.hic arts design firm. The Buddy Gray Lifetime Activist Achievement award was received by Linda Howell-Perrin. Ms. Howell-Perrin has ceaselessly worked for the rights and services for the homeless in our Community. She has been an activist for over 15 years, providing leadership through volunteerism as well as through her work at local homeless shelters. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a unified, social action group, fully committed to eradicating Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune gives keynote address homelessness. The Coalition performs three areas of work: coordinating services, educating the public, and grassroots organizing/advocacy. The Coalition is a membership organization comprised of indivictuals, anc;I agencies serving the homeless through emergency shelter, transitional liviQg facilities, permanent'housing, medical services, social service~, soup kitchens, and mental health/ addiction services. Members of the Coalition celebrated several key accomplishments at this year's Annual Dinner. The Coalition works to mobilize t)le community around issues directly affecting our homeless population. Among its many projects, the Coalition counts the saving of Mt. Airy Shelter and the establishment of the local Homeless Civil Rights Program among its major achievements for the year. Educating a public audience with no experience with homelessness, about the truth behind homelessness is an iml?ortant part of the Coalition 's efforts. This year, the Coalition completed a comprehensive Homeless Study that exami nes the root causes of homelessness, the demographics of the local homeless, and solutions to ending homelessness. The · Coalition also hosted several successful forums and discussions surrounding the study. Streetvibes, the monthly newspaper published by the Coalition and sold by homeless and low-income vendors, celebrated its 5·• Anniversary this year. Streetvibes continues to increase in circulation and has reached a peak of 8000 copies The Coalition awarded the Service Provider of the Year Award to Theresa Adair for her work on behalf of homeless women leaving abusive relationships. �FEATURES STREETVIB·E S January 2002 monthly. The Coalition also gives service providers the opportunity to come together for effective communication, to help coordinate funding opportunities, and to ensure that all shelters are up to standard. During 2001, the Coalition successfully completed its bi-annual Minimum Standards Shelter Review Process. The Homeless Coalition continues to work closely with local advocates, agencies, and government to develop a homeless information system that will allow our homeless shelter to better meet the needs of our homeless children, women, and men. The Coalition is working to ensure that the privacy and rights of the homeless are respected in this process. To find out more about the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, or to become a member of the Coalition, please contact our office at (5 13) 421­ 7803. Page 11 Suitable for Framing J "Streetvibes is contributing to the downfall of the City of Cincinnati"­ Mayor Charlie Luken, December 4fh; 2001. *** "You can't hold a man down without staying down with him."­ Booker T. Washington Peaslee Neighborhood Center 215 East 14th Street Over-the-Rhine Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 Ron Carter provides live entertainment at Coalition Dinner (513) 621-5514 Empowering our neighborhood children through peace and education ATTENTION: . HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT.S AND YOUNG ADULTS. .. NOW IS THE TIME FOR YOUR VOICE TO BE HEARDI Voice for Youth is a new writing group at Peaslee Neighborhood Center in Over-the-Rhine for teenagers and young adults . Empower yourself and share your views on social justice, homelessness, and poverty-related ·issues through writing. Writin§ gatherings are held every Thursday at 4 :30 ana 7 :00 p.m. starting January 10 at Peasle·e , 215 East 14th Street. The atmosphere is casual. Opportunities for publication in Streetvibes newspaper, your progressive news source. Call Brenda Z. at 621-5514 for more info, or. e-mail at peaslee_bz@hotrnail.com. . Streetvibes newspaper is puhlishcd monthly on a shoe-string budget from thC' offices of the Crearer Cincinnati Co.1lition for rbe Homeless. We depend hcaYily on the good\\ ill of many volunteers and donors. Can yot1help us with some of the foll?wing ite1ns? o Electric Stapler - Heavy duty o Blank Zip Disks - For Streetvibes :Ar<::hives o Supplies for Vendor's Lounge (paper towels, cream cmd su.gar, snacks, etc.) o Office and Cleaning. Supplies o Computers/components for Streewibes story-writing, edit­ ing, research. lf you can help~ lYHUact ta ttr: StreetJtibes, clo Greater Cincinnati Coalition fo~ Homeless 1506 Elm Street, Cindnuatl, OH 45210 (5 13) 42 1 ~7803 the �STREETVIBES January 2002 Reaffir01ing Affirmative Action Shelby Stone, 17 years old, High School Senior The political.issue that concerns me is the dismissal of affirmative action. Affirmative action is the nation's most ambitious attempt to redress its long history of racial and sexual discrimination, buJ: currently affirmative action is under increasing debate and causing great tension amongst Americans. Since the birth of this nation, Blacks have been enslaved, dominated, and oppressed. Blacks have been pushed down so far in society, many were left to dwell in poverty and powerlessness, this is a result of white male supremacy in .America. In order for Blacks to have a level competing ground in corporate America, strong actions were needed to · deconstruct white privilege and power. Affirmative action is not a means of giving blacks or women advantage and authority, but a means to create a equal opportunity. Affirmative action is a way to ensure blacks and women merely the opportunity, to gain clout and authority, in America. Without Affirmative Action white males will remain in complete hegemony in America. A popular argument against affirmative action is that it creates an environment where blacks question whether they truly deserve the job. People believe chat affirmative actions makes the general public question whether the position was given for meri t or the law. Affirmative action gives the minorities and woman the chance to defy the stereotypes and prove to their co­ workers, boss, and most importantly themselves that they are suitable and exceptional for their position. Affirmative action is a system to get blacks more involved in corporate America, in order to dismiss the stereotypes of ignorant and ghetto black men and women. · Since the age of nine, I have attended, predominately white schools. I learned first hand about racism, stereotypes, and white dominance. During my grade school years, I began to EDITORIAL SECTION Ariel Sharon has never hidden his contempt for the Oslo Accord precisely because it aimed to create a Palestinian state in the · pre-67 borders of the West Bank and Gaza. Although in the elections he presented himself as the strong military man who could play the role of peacemaker, he always reassured his own right-wing constituents that he had no intention of ceding any land to Palestinians. Ari·t~l Sharon was the inventor of the strategy of filling the West Bank with settlements in the 1980s to prevent any possibility of Palestinians creating their own state, and his fondest dream would be to find th~ political excuses that could allow Israel to reoccupy the entire West Bank and establish another hundred settlements. ' Arafat represented a thorn in his side, because Arafat kept insisting on returning to· n~gotiations and on building the Palestinian state promised in the treaty Israel had signed in the White House garden in 1993. Moreover, the United States has made it clear that it wants Arafat and negotiations as a way of giving the elites of Arab countries ~ way to say to their own populations: "See, our cooperation with the United States against Bin Laden has produced a return to the peace process." The Arab elites are able to displace resentment against the injustices of their own society onto anger at Israel, so they seek a balance-negotfations ai1d an endless peace process, but not the creation of a viable Palestinian state and certainly not one controlled by Hamas. But when the U.S. became preoccupied with the war against terror, Sharon fe]t free to increase the violence and repression of the Occupation and to accelerate the level of assassinations of people "suspected" of being directly or indirectly connected to acts of terror. Those assassinations, primarily directed against Hamas leaders, ensured that Hamas By Rabbi Michael urner would strike back in retaliatory blows against civilian targets The strategies of Ariel within Israel. Sharon and B arnas are far less B arnas has inuch to gain irrational than they are often as well. Convinced in any event portrayed in the American media. that the peace process is leading Both have been cooperating in only to the giving away of Islamic what amounts to a tacit alliance to rights to Palestine, Hamas would achieve a shared goal: the be willing to wait another 30 or elimination of Arafat and the 40 years till Israel tires of enct.tess Palestinian Authority and its war and terror-if it could be sure replacement by Hamas. that when Israel tired, it would be receive my calling from God to confront and attack the issue of ignorance, but it was not until my sophomore year in high school, that I completely understood how to accomplish my task. I am the president of the African American women club at Ursula, and I began to write a newspaper caJlel. FUBU (For Us By Us), for the black students at Ursula. In this club, I stress the issue of_learning about different methods that are made to help the progression of blacks and women. This positions ensures a way to educate the women about fighting the stereotypes, by.fighting for our rights and th~ rights of others. In order to guarantee affin:native -action will not be dismissed, we as black women should be educated in the subject and be willing to mentally fight for our rights. Currently I am helping to rally against the dismissal of affirmative action, with college students, from all over the nation. My objective.is to get the leaders of the movement to come and educate the young women of · Ursula about their mission. As of now, I atten9 meetings and take petitions. I am also a published writer for Streetvibes a newspaper that helps the homele$S-gain. money for their shelter. The newspaper focuses on justice, homelessness, ·and discrimination. Not only is it essential to rally, and fight for affirmative action, but in addition it is signifi cant to educate oneself and work hard to gain respect and accomplish a beneficial reputation in the business world. Ariel Sharon's Alliance · with Ha01as Page 12 the fundamentalists who came to power. Hamas despises the secular forces around Arafat, worries that if the Pal~stinian Authority is not destroyed that it might become the government of a secular Palestinian state, and is openly contemptuous of the many Christian Palestinians who influence the P.A. So it is hard to resist the open invitation from Ariel Sharon: Israel will do the dirty work of destroying tp.e Palestinian-Authority and· rejecting any peace process if_ Hamas does its part by blowing up innocent Israeli civilians. Sharon refuses to negotiate unless there is a period of non-violence, thereby signaling the Hamas forces that all they have to do to block negotiations is to escalate their violence. And if the violence gets intense enough, Sharon will find himself "with no alternative" but to kill Arafat and wipe out the Pa\estinian Authority. This position, of course, creates an overwhelming incentive for Hamas to engage in acts of terror. The U.S. could break this cycle by threaten.lng economic sanctions until Israel ends the Occupation. More likely it will demand new negotiations which will drag· on endlessly and give a new facelift to endless perpetuation of the Occupation and the suffering. of the Palestinian people. There is only one way for Arafat and the moderates to protect themselves from this invidious alliance; unequivocally reject the fan tasy of ar~ed struggle againsdsrael, coi;ivert to the principled non-violence of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi, and make it impossible for anyone to believe that they support or condone any form of violence. Instead, engage in massive non-violent demonstrations, punish rock­ throwers, and show th~t they are unwilling to respond to the ongoing violence of the Israeli occupation with violence of their own. Otherwise, they may soon find themselves the victims of the all-too-clever path that 1inks fundamentalists on both sides. Michael urner is editor of TIKKUN Magazine, a bimonthly Jewish Criti.que of Politics, Culture and Society, author of Spirit Matters: Globa7' Healing , and the Wisdom ofthe Soul, and rabbi of Beyt Tikkun synagogue in San Francisco. RabbtLerner@tikkun.org Streetvibes exists as a forum for ihe expression ofthe views and opinions of our readers and supporters. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those ofthe Streetvibes staff or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. �STREETVIBES January 2002 Page 13 News from the National Coalition for the Homeless the final FMR figures for 2002. Submitted by Ian Stevenson Homeless Grants Released by HUD Fall Short of Need The National Coalition for the Homeless [NCH] recognizes the critical role that HUD Homeless Assistance Programs play in meeting the emergency shelter, housing, and service needs of people experiencing homelessness throughout the nation. Toward this end, we are pleased with HUD and the Bush Administration's announcement today that $1 billion in grants will be awarded to more than 2,500 individual projects. However, the current funding level for HUD Homeless Assistance programs ­ essentially the same as the 1995 level - falls far short of the amount necessary to meet emergency needs. Last year, 23 percent of families and individuals seeking shelter were turned away for lack of room, and the average length ~f ho1J1elessness increased to ten months. Moreover, the impact of the recent economic downturn is only beginning to be felt across the nation, with some communities reporting post­ September 11th surges in homelessness. As the gap between wages, income, and the cost of housing - already at an all-time high - continues to grow, more people are likely to experience homelessness and need emergency services. While the HUD Homeless Assistance Grants are a necessary public· policy response to emergency needs, they are insufficient in and of themselves to ultimately end and prevent homelessness. NCH calls upon Congress and the Administration to enact public policies to increase affordable housing, livable incomes, and comprehensive health care for all Americans. For a complete listing of grant amounts by state and commun1ty, please visit the HUD web page, http://www.hud.gov/ news/release.cfm ?content=prO 1­ 11 7 .cfm National Housing Trust Fund HR 2349 now counts 110 co-sponsors. Coi:igressman Bernie Sanders relayed to NCH and other Campaign members his thanks for the field and lobby work being done by the Campaign and committed to making the bill's passage one.of his priorities. S. 1248 cUrFently has 19 co-sponsors, including VA-HUD subcommittee chair, Barbara Mikulski. On Nov. 14th students, labor and community gtoups held a National Day of Housing Action. For a summary of the over 40 events please see http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/ housingactfon & http://www.nationalhomeless.org/ housingaction.htrnl Also, let's not forget the great work Chuck Currie is doing in Oregon: http://www.oregonlive.com/ portland/oregonian/index.ssf?/ xml/story Day Labor Three million people a year work as Temporary or Day Laborers. Many of these people are either homeless or at risk of · becoming so. They work in an industry that is characterized by low wages, no benefits, long hours, and many violations of Civil and Workers Rights. The day labor industry is one of the fastest growing in the US, having · grown threefold in the last 15 years. More and more people, finding thems~l ves denied access to the benefits of mainstream America, work as Day Laborers in order to lift themselves and their families out of Poverty. One of the tenets of democracy is that individuals have the right to use the value of their labor to achieve a chosen quality of life, and that those who choose to do so may use the value of that labor to achieve economic advancement.·For day laborers this is clearly not the case. NCH is planning on partnering with other organizations in order to bring some justice to the lives of many, by helping organize, and providing assistance to, the nascent day labor movement. Universal Living Wage Please visit www.universallivingwage.org for more on the Universal Living Wage Campaig~ According to The Mayor's 16th Annual Survey on "Hunger and Homelessness in American Cities" dated December 14, 2000, the leading cause of hunger and homelessness is low-paying jobs. It was reported that "Despite being in a period of _ unprecedented economic expansion, low-income wage workers and their families are finding it increasingly difficult to locate decent affordable housing; increasingly, they find themselves among a growing population of homeless (citizens)." Also in a previous year's Conference of Mayors report, it was asserted that "in every state, more than the minimum wage is required to afford a one or two bedroom apartment at 30% of earned income." Our Goal Here is to adjust the current federal minimum wage of $5.15 per hour (we feel that one size does NOT fit all) using the Universal Living Wage Formula. As we say, this will ensure that all 40 hour a week workers will be able to afford housing wherever they do that work. Realize that we will continue to support a national wage level ~elow which no workers shall be paid. "No business which depends for existence on paying less than living wages to its workers has any right to continue in this country. By ~usiness I mean the whole of commerce as well as the whole of industry; by workers I mean all workers- the white-collar class as well as the man in <;>veralls; and by living wages I mean more than a bare · subsistence level- I mean the wages of decent living." -Franklin D. Roosevelt, statement, Jun_e 16, 1933. ,----------------------------------------------------.. Are you a dedicated indMdual with a desire to educate the public about homelessness? Volunteer at Streetvibe.sf What's New at the We need ·wnters, photograpers,· Universal Living Wage editors, webpage updators, any Campaign The Fair Market Rents help you can provide. (FMRs) for 2002 are coming! Call 421-7803 for more information. The Department of Housing and Urban Development has released We've started converting them, and hope to have the new batch completely up before New Year's Eve. In the meantime, our sampler table has been recalculated. You'll find that the cost of housing is not standing still. There have been slight increases in places like Bangor, ME and Baltimore, MD, while Boston, MA and Santa Cruz­ Watsonville, CA continue to skyrocket. (And yet, an efficiency apartment in Newark, NJ actually became slightly cheaper!) You needed a $3.69 per hour raise just to maintain your efficiency apartment in Boston, MA. You needed $4.17 per hour more to afford that same one bedroom apartment. We' ll be adjusting figures in our web site over the next few weeks, and we'll try to tell you every time we change a section to the 2002 estimated figures. We've added 2002 North Carolina, Washington D.C., Texas (once again 4 different web pages) and the Virgin Islands this week. Keep watching the Universal Living Wage Campaign L Faces of Homelessness Video NCH's highly regarded "Faces of Homelessness" multi­ media slide show (seen last year by at least 12,000 people nationwide) featuring images of America's homeless people is now available on VHS video. This 13­ minute video is a great resource to begin a group discussion about homelessness in America. This video features images taken by award-winning photographers from around the country. These photographs are accompanied ·with powerful music that enables the viewer to see the many men, women and children of America who experience homelessness everyday. Cost: $25 + $3 shipping & handling. Pre-pay by check or call/email Kirby at NCH (202)737-6444 x 11 , to bill to your credit card. Email: info@nationalhomeless.org. We accept VISA, Master Card, and American Express. National Coalition for the Homeless, 1012 14th Street NW, Washington DC 20005-3406 Tel: 2021737-6444 · Fax: 737­ 6445 Email: info @nationalhomeless.org · Website: http:// www.nationalhomeless.org �I STREETVIBES January 2002 Wanting by Delia Sizler Why do I plod along focusing only on what has to be done and fail to appreciate what all T' ve accomplished? I'm an American child, a "baby Boomer," an early phase with "baby boomer." The affluence of America came right after I arrived. The boys were home again and life was going on. Everyone was busy, making babies, making love, making home$, making goods to feather the new nests. Gradually prosperity happened to ordinary people, well, to some of them ... the white ones especially. What happened to the overflow of emotion then? Where did the trauma memory go? Fif ty plus years later we are awakened emotionally, thrown out of our post war stupor, our denial that memories matter, our man made euphoria is interrupted. I'm a " baby boomer," what do I know? Five decades to grow up focusing on what's yet to be done, missing memories and the connections they have with the other "more" of life, more than growing, building, making, buying, economy fixated thinking. What else to be accomplished? We have wanted to ask that, but later, too busy now, more to do. Don't pause lest the economy slump. One day the comfortable shell that insulated us was cracked open. Terrorists attacked. I The activity stopped. We "baby boomers" and all brew a collected breath, sensing something new erupting from inside the shell, hope and a glimpse of enduring freedom. Some "old-timers" remember when freedom was won. I don' t want to lose it now. not after paying so much for it with human life. I want freedom to endure and memories to surface. emotions expressed and real connections to deepen. I want to pause to experience what I've accomplished in these growing up times. I want all of us to trust the freedom we've been blessed with, so much that we want to share it generously with t11e world. I want an economy of peace and justice that has a face of freedom for all. DECEMBER 7th by Cornelius Douglas Pearl of beauty, pearl of life Within your channel deep. Rest the men and tools of war For you and God to keep. From northern skies Fell death and strife As history wrote by early light. A tearful memory tale. What valor is there to be found In tragic human toss? Man must begin to live as one no matter what the cost. For all who died that Sunday mom We bow our heads and pray. For them, Please grant them Peace. , For us ....a better way!! The Emptiness Inside by Robert Manassa When I was a young lad I oft times felt sad Crying myself to sleep at nite Asking the Lord to make my day's brite . I felt so all alone Trying so hard to be strong no matter how hard I tried The more I cried Now that I' m older People around me are more bolder The world much colder I wish I could lean on a shoulder I wish to God to be on an even keel To erase the way I feel Not knowing what the next day will bring I'm not a puppet on a string Tonight I'll send up a special prayer Asking God to send people who care I know he answers prayers and such I'm sitting here wondering, am I being too much? ART & POETRY Derrick Johnson, age 21, lives in the West End. Derrick is involved in making a difference, not only through his writing, but through his involvement as an AmeriCorps volunteer with Clearcorps. He is also a talented musician, having played in the Over-the-Rhine Steel Drum Band for 10 years. Currently, he makes music in his in-home recording studio. Derrick is helping direct the new writing program for young adults at Peaslee Neighborhood Center. E -mail him at · mr_mansandthem@hotmail.com for further information about writing. by Derrick Johnson: For moments I thought of words to say, througl} sunsets AND SUNRISES. Many times as I rose and rocked myself to wake. For moments I thought of words to say. So I pray. For a winter wonderland. While wandering over lost and forgotten lands, over the streets of the trodden. Lost and forgotten through woods where there are no trees, just buildings. . And words, mostly truth. Metaphors, similes taken to extremities. When I am gone I hope you remember these words. If I am gone I hope you remember these words. If I am gone, I hope you remember these images. Not by the statistics or percentages. Right at this moment someone is living, someone is loving. Someone is smiling. Someone is nothing more than themselves. Loved by all. Living with all. Loving, without, within this world even through _mass destruction and dysfunction and hate and fear. I am glad to see us together for moments in time, Here. Daddy's Quivering Knees by Jordan M. Pleasant Her purse snapped closed. The receipt was torn, crumbled and tossed into a nearby garbage can. Our codependent landlady/ his guru of monetary support/ my unintentionally oppressive Page 14 stepmother conjured up all her strength and heaved Daddy 's new box-springs and mattress, silken sheets and pillow cases upon her sore back to transport them home through the dark, poverty-stricken streets, cluttered and offensive with the baying of rottweilers. She worked, sweat sliding down her forehead to prepare tbe double ki ng-sized bed: stretched the silk spread over the corners of the mattress, spread the silk sheets over the silk spread, stuffed the plump feather pillows in their silk cases, then covered the perfected heap with a perfumed down comforter. "For you, your Majesty," she directed to the other side of the room. Sitting on the other side of the room, his head hung in shame, is Daddy, eyes focused on the rise and fall of a coin -a coin congratulating one month of supposed sobriety. He was letting the coin make the decision for him. ''Triangle I take the bed. Serenity prayer I don't." Up down. Up down. "Best two out of three, best three out of five, best four out of seven..." and so on and so on until he tired himself with the truth and righteo~sness of the coin. He flipped the coin one last time into a garbage can at the foot of his new bed, then climbed up into the soft palace to be greeted by_the reality in dreams. He still lay in that·bed day and night, letting a tossed coin, -a coin congratulating six months of supposed sobriety­ make his decision for him. "Triangle I take the bed. Serenity prayer I don' t." The coin will eventually end up in the garbage can at the foot of his bed. Meanwhile the landlady brings him breakfast, and he tells himself she's helping cure his q uivering knees, when they both know she's steadily breaking them. �- STREETVIBES January 2002 In This Deadend by Mike Henson submitted by Revoluti_onary Association ofthe Women ofAfghanistan the many little lies we use, like nails, to tack in place a shelter for the self, and which are merely sad. But other lies are fierce; they raise up fear and rage. Lies for theft and massing dollars. Lies that dress us in hatred. Cattle-prod lies that teach the soul to cower. Lies designed to do what the fist cannot. These are lies most terrible. But I fear most the blind, cruel lies of politicians., Word, by word, the politicians lie hems in the poor from left and right. Told long enough and well, by a Clinton or a Milosevic, a single lie can raze a vilJage. Broadcast lies, spread by the nets of television, fill quickly with air and mount the skies of policy. In Washington, in every statehouse, they hold hands with their think-tank brothers. Quick and confident, in their crisp black suits, they stride the marble corridors. They always take express; no need to trudge the stairs, and glide to the peak of t!fe tallest of towers to beam out proposals and projects and status reports. Into the neighborhoods, the suburbs, the farm country the lie, airborne, slips over every transom and under every door. It hides in the closets of the cell to infect us with madness and the will to condemn. They sm ell your breath. You better not have said, "I love you." They smell your heart. These are s_trange times, darlin:g ... And they flog love at the roadblock. We had better hide love in the closet. .. In this crooked dead encl and twisting chill, they feed the fire with the kindling of song and poetry. Do not risk a thought. These are strange times, darling... He who knocks on the door at midnight has come to kill the light. We had better hide light in the closet... Those there are butchers stationed at the crossroads With bloody clubs and cleavers. These are strange times, darling .. _ and they excise smiles from lips and songs from mouths. We had better hide joy in the closet... Canaries barbecued on a fire of lilies and jasmine, these are strange times, darling ... Satan drunk with victory sits at our funeral feast. · We had better hide God in the closet. Justice is for the rights.Of Humanity. Not for the Justice of Your own Creation. You say sit back and ever:ything will be OK. But when I look around, you just killed another one. Justice can be a very good thing for all people of all colors. But you people, you judged your own people each and every day_ Just as they sit there thinking the same way_ People, you can't see what's going on around you. If you don' t get up, justice will stay the same way. Anonymous Shutter Speed Ah, the glossy, go-eyerywhere electron lie! What does he care about the little weed of truth? Life by David Goins, Urban ~ppalachian Council, GED Student Life is bitter. Life is sweet. Sometimes life is unique. Life is easy. Life is hard_ · Life is not always about going to malls. Life has pain. Life has joy. Life is what you make it. For it is not a toy. , ART & POETRY Song of Anger Against the Lie I do not like a lie, not one. Not even my own, most protective lie. Not even the lie that shelters what I most want hidden. N~t even the lie that bandages a wound. But who can live without a lie? It seems too much to bare our naked selves without the dressing of prevarication. The sleet world chills us quickly if we cannot wrap ourselves in walls and glass , The Pentagon, Washington, DC Page 15 From Catholic School to Persona Cool by Jordan M. Pleasant Poor young lady, with or without the white button-down and blue skirt. Her Clothes aren't plain tmtle necks and stockings no More, but bright mini-tops and mini-skirts. Instructors aren't ruler-snapping celibate slugs no More, but cursing nervous-breakdown sucker systahs. Home's not the comfort-zone to study all evening in no More, but the fake worn-out persona-place that sounds so cold. Now Mom's the raving rosary-wearing god­ freak daughter-punishing wttch, Not the subconscious abuser or idolized nurturing leader. Now friends are adventure-seeking trouble­ making drinking smoking haiardous teens, Not study partners or charade partners or dinner guests or fluttery straights. Now the after-school·event's not bible-study; when she lets the father fondle her for an 'A' . It's when she's so drunk her boyfriend takes the chance to rape her without her even knowing. She's a poor, poor young lady, with or without the white button-down and blue skirt. by J immy Heath �STREE.T VIBES January 2002 P age 16 WORDS FROM THE EVANGELIST... .,........._..,,____ _ _ which some would not have bet on. From pneumatic fever as a chjJd to p1ison as a young adult my life expectancy as an African-American male \ was less than forty. And even when one classified as high-risk does reach \ forty; it is e ither in the criminal justice system or the unemployment line. I have beaten the odds. The ) question is: how? M any of you know that in 1993 prior ro my release from prison God Last year this time I was gave me a ten-( l 0) year plan. This talking to you about the 727 plan included education, family, families we served in Cranks and employment. I have followed Creek, Kentucky; giving them thls plan. Only occasionally food, clothing, and gifts for straying briefly off course, but Christmas. And thls year I could because God is my Navigator f tell you about Washington United have always come back to the Church of Ch1ist servi ng almost mark. 200 families, and giving almost I am now forty, with two 350 paiTS of shoes to children. years of the plan remaining; However, as I go into thi s nonetheless, I do not feel forty and year I find myself reflecting on as r reflect on what has brought me what has brought me to this to this point in my bfe I realize it is particular point in my life, time to seek God for the next stage especially since on January 3.. I ofthe plan. Whether it be another will celebrate forty years of life ten year plan or longer, because upon this earth. Forty years of life everything within the fiTst plan has been accomplished save the earning of my Masters in Divinity. So the answer to the above question is by the grace of God. Now of course_! feel compelled to tell you what I mean by the grace of God. We first find the word grace in Genesis 6:8 where Noah found grace in the eyes of God. In this instance grace means.fa vor, because God at this time was contemplati ng destroying the whole earth and all mankind due to the wickedness which abounded. The word grace appears 148 times in the Ki ng James version of the Bible. In every instance, you can replace it with the word.favor, and each instance is an occasion where God has demonstrated His care for mankind. Therefore, I have come to this point in my life because God has according to His word given me hope and a future (For l kn.ow the thoughts that I t~ink toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jet: 29:11) and Have the Russians Gained in this War? by Eric Margolis, TORONTO SUN When Pakistan ditched its ally, the Taliban, in September, and sjded with the U.S., Islamabad and Washington fully expected to implant a pro-American regime in Kabul and open the way for the Pak-American pipeline. But this was not to be. In a dazzling coup, Russian President Vladimir Putin stole a march on the Bush administration, which was so busy trying to tear apart Afghanjstan to find bin Laden it failed to notice the Russians were taking over half the country. K vashnin outfoxed the U.S. by seizing Pristina's airfield, thus assuring a permanent Russian role The wily Russians achieved in Kosovo. Now, he's done it this victory through their proxy again . To the fury ofWasrungton Afghan force, the Northern and Islamabad, Kvashnin rushed Alliance. Moscow, which has the Northern Alliance into Kabul, sustained the Arna.nee since 1990, in direct contravention of Bush's re-armed it after Sept. 11 with new dictates ... tanks, armored vehicles, artillery, The Russians have helicopters and trucks. The regained influence over Alliance's two military leaders, Afghanistan, revenged their defeat Gen. Rashid Dostam and Gen. by the U.S. in the 1980s' war, and Muhammed Fahim, were stalwarts neatly checkmated the Bush of the old Communist regime with administration which, for all its dose links to the KGB . Putin put high-tech military power, .the chief of the Russian general · understood little about staff, Viktor K vashnin, and the Afghanistan. America's ouster of deputy director of the KGB, in the Taliban regime meant Pakistan charge of the Alliance. lost its former influence over During the Balkan fighting Afghanistan and is now cut off in 1999, the hard-charging from Central Asia's resources. Doing the Right Thing; 10 Paradoxes Doing the right thing won't always win you the prize - life is full of compromise and even disappointment. True leaders know that the right thing is reward in itself, and eventually other rewards and recognition will follow. 1. People are sometimes illogical, unreasonable, and self­ centered. Love them anyway. 2. If you do good, people might accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Do good anyway. 3. If you are successful, you can win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway. 4. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. 5. Honesty and frankness can make you vulnerable. Be honest anyway. 6. The biggest people with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest people with the smallest ideas. Think big anyway. 7. People favor underdogs but follow top dogs. Fight for the underdogs anyway. 8. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway. 9. People who need help may attack you if you help them. Help them anyway. 10. Give the world the best you have and you may get kicked in the teeth. Give your best anyway. He has done this according to His grace. This grace is available to all that choose to receive it. Since God has planned to give us a future and a hope all we need do is learn what that future and hope entails. According to scripture it first entails our receiving Christ as Lord and Savior, and when we do: through prayer God will give us a plan for our life; because His Spirit will guide and lead us in all truth (John 16: 13). So this New Year, do not make resolutions which you shall surely break; seek God and Hi s plan for your life and I promise His grace will be sufficient for you as it has been for me. I am off to Seminary, and I'm still in need of someone who . has a heart for the downtrodden to maintain the operations of AWOL Ministries; so please call (513) 349-5119 or send your resume to: P.O. Box 36065, Cincinnati, Ohio 45236. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all this New Year. His Humble Servant, Rodney L. Sutton, Sr. The Evangelist So long as the Alliance holds power, the U.S. i~ equally denied access to the much coveted Caspian Basin. Russia has regained control of the best potential pipeline routes. The " new Silk Road" will become a Russian energy superhighway. By charging like an enraged bull into the South Asian china shop, the U.S. handed a stunning geopolitical victory to the Russians and severely damaged its own great power ambitions. Moscow is now free to continue plans to dominate South and Central Asia in concert with its strategic allies, India and Iran. The Bush administration does not appear to understand its enormous blunder, and keeps insisting the Russians are now our friends. Write Us .. • • We'd like to hear from youI Send letters or comments to: Streetvibes@Juno.com, or write the Coalition office attn: Streetvibes Letters 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 • �P~ge STRE ETVIB E S January 2002 Fierce Clashes Erupt in Argentina police appeared intent on clamping down with force as the violence escalated December 20th. There were also reports of growing unrest elsewhere in this vast South American nation of 36 million people. Looters attacked supermarkets in major cities and ransacked homes. Eight of those killed were in outlying provinces, and many died of gunshot wounds. The dead included a 15­ year-old boy reportedly shot reports of supermarket lootings and att~cks on country estates. Popular anger boiled over as a result of four years of bitter recession that has dragged the country to the brink of economic collapse and a possible default on its $132 bi llion public debt. Unemployment has spiraled to near record levels of over 18 percent and industrial production has plummeted. The government has enacted eight austerity plans and is seeking even further cuts in 17 kicked me out 10 times but I will come back," said AJicia Fernanez, a 51-year-old jobless woman who was beating a metal saucepan. "This is terrible. Where's our democracy gone?" Demonstrator Jose Luis Anicas, 41, who has four children and has been jobless for.six . months, said: "People are fed up. They don 't want De ~a Rua anymore. They don't want any of these politicians anymore." Authorities said more than 350 people have been arrested since the unrest began, inc.luding many hauled kicking and screaming from Plaza de Mayo, in front of the Government House. Elsewhere in the capital and in other major cities, anti-government protesters banged pots and pans, while motorists honked horns and snarled traffic in opposition to De la Rua's austerity plans. But many businesses began closing .-..,--- amid fears the violence could escalate. After the resignation of Cavallo, the economy minister, a federal judge ~~~i!i~Z~~~if:~~~~2~;;;;::=:::::~ issued an order prohibiting him from leaving the during disturbances in western public spending. country. The judge, Juljo Santa Fe province. Others In the capital Thursday, some 300 Speroru, is investigating an arms among the dead included people demonstrators taunted riot police trafficking scandal from the reportedly shot by merchants and shouted anti-government 1990s when Cavallo served in the defending their stores with slogans, demanding the president government of then-president weapons. step down: "Go! Go!" they Carlos Menem. The judge did In the Buenos Aires suburb of shouted as riot police and not explain the reasons for the Quilmes, a 23-year-old man was mounted cavalry officers charged. order. shot and killed during a Chanting "Come out! Austerity measures supermarket raid by looters Come out! " others called for De introduced by Cavallo, including before dawn. In southern Rio la Rua to step onto the balcony of a partial freeze on bank Negro province, a 46-year-old the ornate government palace and withdrawals designed to prop up woman was shot during face the people. But the shutters the financial system, have sparked confrontations between police remained firmly closed, the widespread anger, especially in and supermarket raiders. palace surrounded by iron poorer areas. More supermarket attacks barricades and .scores of riot In a televised address the were reported in the north-central police. The president's offices are previous Wednesday night, De la province of Tucuman, and at the palace, also called the Rua said he was imposing a 30­ Government House. vandals reportedly ransacked day state of emergency, or state of family homes in the northeastern Protesters refused to budge, siege, which gives authorities the province of ColTientes. North of despite repeated police efforts. right to make arrests without Buenos Aires on the "A people united will never be court order and forbids Panamerican highway that defeated!" they chanted. "I'm not unauthorized public gatherings. It crosses the country, there were leaving here! They've already was the first time in 11 years an Argentine president has enforced such a decree. Sick for years, the economy has nose-dived during De la Rua's two years in office. Until Tuesday, December 11 18 \ Cavallo had been working newspaper~ on enacting another punishjng austerity plan, pushing a belt­ tightening 2002 budget through Congress and staving off a default on Argentina's staggering debt. '5treefvibes: A proud, member of the North Amerie-an '5treet Newspaper Assoc.iafion ll-epresenting over s·o strut throughout the United '5tates and l-anada www.t.pea\Ceas1.orglnasna �STREETVI BES January 2002 Page 18 It's a total violation of civil liberties and human rights." A REDEFINED ISSUE I see him get on the plane," she by Michael Conlon "Let's be blunt," says New said. A previous promise of CHICAGO (Reuters) Jersey Attorney General John release did not materialize. Farmerhe. "How can law El Far was held because he The telephone call came enforcement not consider ethnicity was in the country illegally on an from a jail in Missouri . in investigating these crimes when expired student visa. The "They came to my job," that identifier is an essential colleague who informed on bis said Osama El Far, an aircraft characteristic of the hijackers and also alleged he had praised Osama mechanic from Alexandria, Egypt. their supposed confederates and bin Laden, accused of "They got a call from a co­ sponsors? masterminding the Sept. 11 attacks worker who said I was a Muslim "Racial profiling ... was with access to the airport. They tell that killed about 3,900 people, as a always more complex than most role model - something he me somebody in Washington is cared to admit, not reducible to denies. still interested in me. They won't magic percentages ·or easy He also likely became a· tell me who." definition on either ·side. El Far is one of hundreds of suspect becau'Se he attended flight "But its solution ... has training school in Florida ih 1996­ Arabs and other foreigners always been and remains simple: 97. Some of the suicide airline detained in U.S. jails at a time Accountability. We must establish hijackers had attended Florida when the American public seems within the police mechanisms of flight schools, though much more to have turned a blind eye to the accountability to ensure that law recently. once-volatile issue of race-based enforcement's conduct is But be said the FBI had law enforcement. commensurate with the threats it assured him he had been cleared. , ' Black leaders for whom faces." His frustration was that nothing racial profiling - police action Robert Sampson, a 50-year­ seemed to be moving although he based on race and suspicion rather old black who lives in Bellwood had booked a flight and was ready than evidence or probable cause ­ near Chicago, .is a meat cutter and to leave. was a top issue have had little to a Gulf War Army veteran who His and other cases seem say about foreigners snared in the supports the current detentions. to be drawing little sympathy. racially defined dragnet tossed out Asked if it would make any "The poJJs show that . after the attacks on New York and difference if all those detained African-Americans, those most Washington. were bl ack, he said: "If they were vocal in complaining about racial The 30-year-old El Far, suspected terrorists, I wouldn't profiling, are saying it's OK as who has spent more than two have any problem with that." long as those being profiled aren't months in a county jail in "I look at them (the us," says Earl Ofari Hutchinson, southeast Missouri, may be one of government) as doing what they president of the National Alliance the lucky ones. His lawyer, have to do," he said. " If they are for Positive Action and author of Dorothy Harper, said Friday she suspected terrorists, until they can "The Disappearance of Black had j ust received word that he will prove different, they should be be allowed to leave the country for Leadership." held." ''That's because we're Egypt next Tuesday. But Marvin Jones, a 42­ "B ut I won' t believe it until scared too. We're willing to year-old black truck driver from Chicago, had doubts. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - " " - \ said. "It's similar to what happened to Added Ako Abdul-Samad Do you find yourself on the outside of the of Des Moines, founder of an inner the Japanese, because they were job marlcet, loolcing in? city program for children and considered guilty until proven imam of a Des Moines, Iowa innocent," he said. "No one cares, because there is so much hatred. mosque: "We can' t condemn a race Do you want a self-motivated, low-pressure These people have. a right to live of people because of individuals job? like anyone else, unless you have . and we can't make that race of some proof. If you don ' t, let them people pay for those individuals. go ... I don't think it's fair." tolerate the same thing that two months ago we were loudly complaining about. There bas been a sea change in public opinion because of September 11 ," be added, that has placed the profiling issue "way on the back burner, and there is a huge danger here ... if the public says it's OK now, where do we qraw the line after the danger has passed, are we able to stop on a dime and reverse.gears?"' NOT SINCE-WORLD WAR II The arrests that have put nearly 600 people in j ail aod the . I plans to question hundreds of other · people are on a scale cinseen since the start of World War Two when 100,000 Japanes'e immigrants and Japanese-'Ariiericans' were interned at interi'or locations far from · strategic coastal a,reas. But while p ublic opinion polls may not show it, some are disturbed. by the parallels. ''The profiling of people from the Middle East is just a carry-over of an inbred inability to see people other than ourselves as being OK," said 81-year-old Marian Spencer, a former · Cincinnati city councilwoman and longtime civil rights leader in that city's black community. "If they don ' t act and look like us, then there must be something wrong with them. Those people who are being detained by the government should be let go as quickly as possible once the authorities have determined they have no connection with terrorism," she Arabs Detained in US Jails Sell Streetvibesl The monthly newspaper with news from the street: homelessness, poor people's Issues, poetry, prose, and articles with their feet on the ground. Vendors buy the paper for 20 cents and sell It for a $1 donation. _ First 10 copies free to new vendors! . Come in today to sign upl The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 (513) 421-7803 "Hanson... these are American-made flags. Didn 't I tell you we 're on a budget." �STREETVIBES January 2002 Page 19 HOMELESSNESS AND POLITICAL REPRESSION THE GREEN PARTY FAILS THE TEST IN SANTA CRUZ editorial in the Santa Cruz Sentinel for their participation in the November 12th demonstration. After facing that criticism Krohn and Green Party_ City Council Sugar shut their mouths about police Person Tim Fitzmaurice and brutality, including in the cases of "progressive" Democrats John Dine and myself. Christopher Krohn and Keith Sugar I, on the other hand, were swept into office out of a ground swell of opposition to plans knowing that freedoms have to be fought for, was back out on the street for expansion of the Santa Cruz se11ing newspapers immediately after Beach Boardwalk in 1998. my release from jail. I also spoke At that time many had the out on the radio, TV, anain the ilJusion that these three were going newspapers for freedom of press. to over turn the cities sleeping ban As a result of my actions and other (a city law making it illegal for the activists publicizing the case, the homeless to sleep at night), and confront the repressive nature of the police have, for the. most part, stopped violating the right of people Santa Cruz Police Department. Those illusions were soon shattered. to buy and sell newspapers in the City of Santa Cruz. The one During Tim Fitzmaurice's past three years in office he has exception I know of was in 2000 when I was once again threatened opposed lifting the sleeping ban. In with arrest for seJling newspapers. I 1998 the City Council was under refused to back down and eventually public pressure to end the sleeping the police backed down instead. ban. At that time, Fitzmaurice did support a successful measure that A Federal Judge has ruled lowered the fine for sleeping outside that not only was my arrest a clear violation of constitutional rights, but or in a vehicle from $162 to $54. that the way the City is trying to But Fitzmaurice voted with the defend its actions now shows that it majority on .the council against is City policy to violate lifting the sleeping ban. The vote was Sugar and Krohn for lifting the constitutional rights. The City attorney's office, again under the sleeping ban, Fitzmaurice, Biers, control of the Green I Democrat City Rotkin, and He~-nandez against. Fitzmaurice's st&nd against Council, is appealing the ruling .and the rights of the homeless is in clear continuing to argue against the First violation of the platform of the Amendment Constitutional right to freedom of press. The silence of the Green Party, which opposes anti­ City Council only helped to promote homeJess laws. It is the obligation of any poUtical party to bold those this repressive atmosphere. they elect to power to the position of Other activists for the rights the membership of the party. If a of the homeless have bad their rights political party does oot do so its trampled by the police under the past political platform is only worth so three years of Green Party I much toilet paper. Democrat Party rule in Santa Cruz as Sandy Loranger did jail time well. These have included James for feeding soup to the homeless. Nay who was arrested for writing • The judge was trying to get Sandy to things in chalk on the sidewalk accept probation instead of going to opposing the sleeping ban, and David Silva who was arrested and jail (aU of the other defendants had accepted probation). Sandy then given a psychiatric evaluation for politely inquired of the judge if asking City Council, "What's it being on probation meant she had to going to take, self emollition to end obey all laws. When the judge the sleeping ban?" responded in the affirmative, Sandy Activist for the homeless, said "If it is a crime to feed my Robert Norse, was illegally arrested brother when he is hungry, then I am on September 19th and on October beyond rehabilitation." 3rd for circulating a petition at the Up until November of 1998 Farmer's Market asking for an end to police harassment of musicians, the police regularly harassed and at times ticketed those who distributed artisans, and activists by the Santa more truthful news than can be Cruz Police at the Farmer's Market. found in the corporate media. Those The Farmer's Market is held in a papers include the newspaper Street publicly owned parking lot and as a Spirit which advocates numan rights public gathering space courts have for the homeless. ruled even on private property such as mal ls,. that the First Amendment I was released without still applies. The need for the charges after four days in jail and after being brutalized by arresting petition was partially inspired by the officers on the street, and also being t~eat of police to arrest peace activist John Theilking for a beaten by sheriffs in the county jail. literature table he had set up on In addition Christopher Krohn and Keith Sugar were criticized in an September 5th. · By Steve Argue 1 Judge Stevens later dropped the charges against Robert Norse in comt along with dismissing the attempt at an injunction against him, but the arrests were another clear violation of the free speech rights of the people of Santa Cruz. These arrests have been coupled with the Green/Democrat City Government's blatant fencing ~ff of most of the· areas that used to be used for free speech tables at the Farmer's Market. As the police often say to their victims, ''This is Santa Cruz, we can find a law for anything." In 2000 Robert Norse was ticketed for sitting at the base of Tom Scribner's Statue. Charges were later dropped when he produced a photo of City Council members doing the same thing. K.C., who has attended a number of demonstrations, was ticketed for blowing bubbles, which the officer claimed were projectiles being thrown into traffic. That charge was dropped when it made the national news. When dealing with the homeless the police often illegally steal backpacks, vehicles, and identification. The police confiscation's of identification have now become especially serious with the Cities emergency shelter program now requiring ID as a result of the National Guard Armory, who's building provides the shelter, now requiring identification to be admitted into emergency winter shelter. This is being done under the pretext of the "war ·on terror". There is no Santa Cruz emergency shelter in the summer except that which takes months to get into and only lasts one month. The new rule gives the police one more opportunity to victimize the homeless in the winter. The new rule also victimizes undocumented immigrants who may need emergency shelter. Emboldened by years of repression and harassment against the homeless and activists dealing with local issues, the Santa Cruz Police attacked anti-war protesters on May 22, 1999. By Sgt. MacMahon's own admission it was a lawful protest until the police intervened. The protest was against the US bombing of Yugoslavia. Police brutalized protesters and five were arrested. Will the Green Party be hi­ jacked nation wide by opportunist career politicians who protect the status quo while the majority of mem~rship is unwilling to make any significant moves to bold them accountable? The experience in Sant~ Cruz suggests it will. The unwillingness of the Green Party to seriously take on police abuses and anti-poor laws with their position of power reflects a petty bourgeois reformist outlook, rather than a revolutionary outlook of the poor and working class. The program of the Green Party sees the owners of small businesses as the counter weight to evil multi-national corporations and see their maximum progra~ as one where small businesses are the base of the economy. The reality in Santa Cruz is that most of these small business owners are the biggest proponents of anti-homeless laws and the culprits in paying some of the lowest.wages that cause homelessness. On my platform I ran for office while being homeless in 2000 and received close to 3,000 votes, and it is on this platform I may run again in 2002. This was very respectable given the fact that 3 of the winners only got around 8,000 votes and did it with much more money. But whether I run or not, and whether I win or not, change will only come through all who are fed up with the system taking an active role in making change. SIJBSCRIB£ TO STR££TVIB£S! • ~-~~~~~ ~~ ~ ~ .... ~ ~ ~~ ~ for only $15 per year you can receive Streetvibes. delivered right to your home. To begin your one year subscription send payment to: Streetvibes/GCCH. 1506 Elm Street. Cincinnati. Ohio 45210 or for more information coll 421-7803 _... I ' • a 1 • _. "" ~ .r.. _.. • k I , J> ... .a !. I - " -11 .I _, .._ ... A ._ 6 .a.- • L - -- M • .... • _a - ~ a a. • • _. • • • ._ • .,. �Need Help or Want to Help? 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 House 859-431-8717 Women's Crisis Center 859-491-3335 SHELTER : Men City Gospel Mission Garden St. House Joseph House 241-5525 241-0490 (Veterans) 241-2965 St. Francis/St.Joseph House 381-4941 Mt. 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VA Domiciliary 820-2947 861-9966 381-6660 684-7956 859-491-4435 859-559-501 1 OTHER SERVICES: AIDS Volunteers of 421-2437 Cincinnati Appalachian Identity Center 621-5991 Beech Acres 231-6630 Center tor 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 Freestore/Foodbank 241-1064 771-4800 Goodwill Industries G.C. Coalition for the Homeles,s 421-7803 Hamilton Co. Mental 621-7149 Health Board Hamilton· Co. 632-7186 TB Control Health Rsrc. Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile 352-2902 Health Van House of Refuge Mission 221-3619 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Madisonville Ed. & Assis. Center 271-5501 Mary Magdalen 721-4811 House Oral Health Council 621-0248 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 Project Connect ­ Homeless Kids 357-5720 St. Vincent De Paul 562-8841 The Emergency 471 -4357 Food Center 721-7660 Travelers Aid 721-7900 United Way VA Homeless 859-572-6226 Women Helping 872-9259 Women ROHS HARDWARE 12" Outdor Thermometer 3.99 62-Qt. Storage Crate 4.97 Art by AnthonyWatkins & Michelle � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2002 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource January 2002 Subject The topic of the resource Homeslessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: No Dimes to Spare Pg 2: A Human Investment Pg 3: Street Life Pg 4: Reader Mail Pg 5: Challenging the Contradictions Pg 6: Know Your Rights: Cincinnati Reopens Panhandling Debate Pg 7: Keep on Telling the Truth, Damon Pg 8: Prisoners News Pg 9: Race to Incarcerate Pg 10: Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless Hosts Annual Holiday Dinner Pg 11: Features Pg 12: Editorials Pg 13: News from the National Coalition for the Homeless Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 16: Words from the Evangelist Pg 17: Fierce Clashes Erupt in Argentina Pg 18: Arabs Detained in US Jails Pg 19: Homelessness and Political Repression Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource January 2002 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Alicia Beck Mary Taylor John Halpin Molly Lyons Jimmy Heath Jerome Manigan Ken Skirtz Cornelius Douglas Diane Griffin David Goins Mike Henson Derrick Johnson Robert Manassa Marc Mauer Jordan M. Pleasant Delia Sizler Kenneth D. Smith Ian Stevenson Shelby Stone Rodney Sutton Riccardo Taylor Kathy Y. Wilson Brenda Zechmeister Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Affirmative Actions Alicia Beck Arabs Argentina Arts & Poetry Brenda Zechmeister Cincinnati civil rights Cornelius Douglas David Goins Delia Sizler Derrick Johnson Diane Griffin Dinner Editorials Evangelist GCCH History Holidays Ian Stevenson jail Jerome Manigan Jimmy Heath John Halpin Jordan M. Pleasant Kathy Y. Wilson Ken Skirtz Kenneth D. Smith Marc Mauer Mary Taylor Mike Henson Molly Lyons Nation Coalition for the Homeless New Mexico Over-the-Rhine panhandling prisoners news Reader Mail Repression Riccardo Taylor Robert Manassa Rodney Sutton Russians Shelby Stone Street Life Street View Washington Park https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/68ed8aae51e4aa0af0de77c3632ae6ea.pdf 17df6dd5c2a3f6de1369d3c6927d7ab0 PDF Text Text St Donation ST t££T IBES · Your News Source Progres~ive BUY FROM BADGED VENDORS ONLY FEBRUARY 2002 �~ ~ FEBRUARY 2002 PANHANDLING FOR JUSTICE by John Halpin On January 15, over forty people took to the streets of downtown Cincinnati during lunch hour to "panhandle for justice." The volunteers - people experiencing homelessness, Streetvibes vendors, advocates, and allies - were raising awareness about an increasing number of civil rights violations against the homeless throughout the country and here in Cincinnati. Volunteers passed out nearly 2000 flyers, standing on the co ld sidewalks with cardboard signs, much like those held by many panhandlers. Instead of the usual "Homeless, Please Help," these signs had such facts written on them as "There were 25,000 homeless people in Cincinnati in 2000" and "The cost of arresting, processing and jailing a homeless person is more than providing them with affordable housing." The educational campaign took a panhandling slant to raise particular attention to Mayor CharJie Luken's recent motion for a new anti-panhandli ng ordinance, "as st1i ct as possible within constitutional standards." No ordinance has been drafted yet, but many fear that it will go beyond Cincinnati's current law which prohibits only "aggressive" panhandling. Many be]jeve that a peaceful panhandler's right to ask for money - part of the First £ .._........,..,,__.... Amendment right to free speech ­ downtown. Streetvibes was should not be inte1fered with. actually started as an aItem ati ve to panhandlfog, a chance for The action also raised awareness of the Mayor's attack on homeless and low-income people to have Streetvibes. meaningful At the employme nt December 4 and has meeting of enabled Counci l's • • many Law and Public vendors to Safety get back on Gf;eQter ~ Committee, their feet. Cincinnati Coolltfon For Luken Many in the city feel spared no kindness for Luken has the paper, gone one step too far with his saying its vendors were attack on Streetvibes, and an "panhandlers armed with independent group of activists and newspapers" and stated that vendors have started a group called vendors were aggressive and "Friends of the Homeless." They scaring people away from are raising awareness about the ~~. · · g;;,..-------------- Street View by Riccardo M. Taylor In light of the view from the strnet, I believe that the season of winter which is upon us needs to be related in tenns of what the street person has to deal with. The winter season is usually the hardest season for the street person in terms of survival. The cold temperatures along w ith the need for more materials, such as clothing and/or health materials in order to fight colds, etc, becomes a challenge for many street people in the sense that these materials are often harder to come by or are needed more often than in the other warmer seasons. The added burden of obtaining some of these needed materials for survival during the IAT c many positive things the paper does and e ncouraging Mayor Luken to refrain from enacting any policies that would harm the paper. Friends of the Homeless is currently launching a postcard writing campaign to the Mayor, allowing Cincinnatians from all walks of life to express support for the newspaper. The January 15 action, on the 73rd anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was one of many actions across the country in conjunction with the release of the report Illegal to be ~Homeless . The report is the most .§.comprehensive study to date of the mcriminalization of homelessness ~and civil rights violations against E "' the homeless. Illegal to be Homeless was the result of over a year of work that included interviewing homeless people and advocates in 80 communities across the United States. The report was compiled by the National Homeless Civil Rights Organizing Project of the National Coaljtion for the Homeless and the National Law Center on Homelessness and Pove1ty. The findings of the report were disturbing: Cities across the country are passing laws to push homeless people out of sight, rather than focussing on permanent solutions to homelessness itself. The laws criminalize many of the actions homeless people must do winter can be devastating to the street person, sometimes even becoming a matter of life or death. The street person is more vulnerable during the wi nter season than any other in terms of survival from the elements. Often, donations or other forms of support are not available or not as plentiful during this time of the year, thus causing pressure to those who have to survive on their wits or by the training which comes from street knowledge. One has to depend on others for resQurces, which are not readily available as they .are during the other seasons. One cannot easily sleep on a park bench in temperatures below zero! Nor can one go without shoes, a coat, or other wrap, which can adequately protect them from the elements. The harshness of winter can be the detennination of one's survival or their demise. The sure capacity of this possibility is in itself a factor, which in a sense of sane thinking should appeal to the street person as reason enough to make changes in their lifestyles. However, if it were that simple then it's almost an assurance that the street person would make those c~anges. This brings about the sense of reality that there is more than just the will, or desire to change TO FOR Panhandling... Cont. On Page 10 which must,_effect the street person. I cannot put e nough emphasis on the fact that one needs more than just the desire to change, and as in the case of most street people, there has to be some sort of support e I V1ew•... Cont. on page 3 I Inside Streetvibes �Streetvibes: A Human Investlllent The History of Streetvibes: and community people, produces Streetvibes began in 1996, as a one the monthly 20 page publication. page insert in the Cleveland The physical layout of the paper is Grapevine, Cleveland's street done on a computer in the · newspaper. Then in 1997, with a Coalition office and the copy is grant from the SC Ministries sent to a local printer for printing. Foundation, Streetvibes began its The vendors buy the paper from own independent publication. The The Greater Cincinnati Coalition initial printing was 500. for the Homeless for twenty cents Currently, the paper distributes 6­ each. The twenty cents helps to 8,000 Streetvibes monthly. In cover printing costs, editor's addition to the vendors, salary, photography and supplies. Streetvibes has a subscription base There are two donated computer~ of 300, and many are given away available to the vendors in the to schools and civic organizations. Coalition office so that they may Streetvibes is now an active write stories, access the internet, member (and an original founding and work on their resumes. member) of the North American Streetvibes is subsidized by Street Newspaper Association donations and general funds from (NASNA) that includes street the Homeless Coalition. The newspapers from all over the vendors in tum, distribute the United States, Canada, Mexico paper on the streets of Cincinnati, and Nova Scotia. There is also a requesting a $1 donation in return. large street newspaper movement "' How the vendina: proa:Fam in Europe which maintains works: People are referred to the connections with NASNA. Streetvibes vending program from How Streetvibes works: area shelters but most often come Streetvibes. has one part-time, through the Homeless Coalition's formerly homeless staff member, doors because of word of mouth. the editor. The editor, with The Coalition has specifi c times contributions from vendors, staff and days when new vendor orientation is provided and the potential vendor must make an appointment to sign up for the program. This orientation includes a discussion of sales methods, the vendor code of conduct, (that the vendor must agree to and sign) and an overview of incentives, encouraging vendors to contribute to the newspaper. The Vendors have a monthly meeting to discuss concerns/issues of the vendors and the staff. The meeting is generally held the first day of the month when the new issue of Streetvibes is released. The meeting provides a forum for vendors to help direct and provide input for the content of the paper. In addition, the vendor program helps homeless and low-income people connect with services that they may need - housing, treatment, assistance with bills, counseling and encouragement. For some people living on the streets, the Homeless Coalition and the Streetvibes program provides a first point of contact to services and assistance. Where Vendor: 80 cents Your Dollar Goes Printing and Production : 20 cents The Streetvibes program maintains a minimaloverhead cost so that our vendors can keep as much of the proceeds as possible. Please call our office at 421-7803 for more informa­ tion about the program. Many thanks for your support. Streetvibes Vendor Code Each vendor has to sign the following code to be able to sell the paper. 1. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $1 voluntary collecting for the "homeless" in general. I will be donation. I agree not to ask for donations of more honest in stating that all the profits from the sale of than $1 . I also understand that I will be able to Streetvibes will go to the individual vendor: keep 80 cents of each dollar collected. Future 8. I will always present my badge when purchasing issues of Streetvibes will be pmchased from the papers, and I will display my badge at all times Homeless Coalition for 20 cents. while vending. Replacement badges are $5 each. 2. Streervibes may only be purchased from the 9. There are no territories. I agree that I will not GCCH. Purchasing or selling unauthorized cO"ntest territories with other distributors. I will papers, or from other vendors, will result in termi­ not sell on private property without permission. nation from the program. 10. I understand that Streetvibes strives to be a self3. I agree that I will not ask for donations or attempt supporting paper _created,by people w~o .are to vend after 12 midnight. homeless or formerly homele.ss: to nelp 1n this eff~r"t, I will cry to· spre~d the word and write 4. I agree to treat others with respect - Ot~er vendors, stories if possible. customers, and GCCH personnel. 5. l will not sell Streervibes while under the)nflu~nce. · 11... r t!tl.d~rS!?-nd that failµre .to. comply.with' a_ny of the 6. I will no"t give a "hard sell'' or make someone feel .. · -.above st~terp.encs will ~es~t in termination from · threatened. · . · . · th.e-Stteervibes vendo~· program, <;;CCH re~erv~§ 7. ! :agree not to·deceive rl).e public I~~ sayjng_fKat r~~- . -~ ch:!~~~~ ~~ ter~inat~.}~~~:':~~~ a~_::ni rfme ·a~ ..... collecting for a not-for-profit charity or that I am deemed appropriate. �Local News STREETVIBES February 2002_ Page 3 ReSTOC Leads Development on Vine Street off-street parking. "We are working to Through long politiGal revitalize Vine [in Over-the­ ReSTOC is a community battles and rising costs of driven nop·-profit organi ~ation Rhine] but we want to revitai ize it construction, ReSTOC' s .Vir:ie based on the co-operatiye model. with something besides bar.~ and S~r~et Community Projeq in nightClubs,," said.Summers. The; majority of ReSTOC board Over-the-Rhiny is set to st?.r t · In ad~Utiop to hou~ing, members are residents who make construction by tqe end of tbis day.-·to' day operating decisior;s the there ~re plans to develqp l}eW winter. for the co-op. ReSTOC us.e s g~een spaces. for rieighborhood M ayor Charlie Lµken ha.s volunteer labor, private n1nding residents and four new storefronts called Vine Street in Over-the- · fo~ community businesses. For and ha~ low operating c9sts so Rhine "the most important street. these businesses to thrive the they are able to ke~p their rents in the city" ~ec.ause it is ~t the economic health of the affordal:)le. geographical center of downtown The Vine Stree~ area and n~ighborhood is a crucial part of Cincinnati. Vine Street al.so the ReSTOC vision for Vine serves as a connector to do.wntown Over-the-Rhine in general bas Street. between Clifton, the Univ.ersity of been.an area of focus for developers for years. Advocates The main _funding source Cinci nnati and su rr~ounding for the working-class poor and of the development came' from the communities. low-inc.ome people also want Ohio Housing Finance Agen_cy Re.STOC has so far been development the largest investor on Vine Street ~ but want to bringing in nearly six mi llion. £ make sure dollars of investment through Cl! .1!_ tha~ there is Ohio's tax credit program and _ [ ReSTOC private funds. The Vine decent, "> affordable Street Community Project will ·be housing and one of the first projects on Vine econor,nic Street, bringing a new wave of opportunity economic development and for everyone, opportunities to Over-the-Rhine including and city residents. long-time The housing project Over-the­ follows Mayor Luken's, City Rhine Council's and the city residents. administration's vision for "We developing the half-mile stretch of Vine Street in Over-the-Rhine. want to create more The groundbreaking for the 30­ quality unit housing development will occur in March. All buildings will family-sized units in the be fi n.ished by spring 2003. Seven buildings on or around Vine community that are Street are going to be rehabbed available to provjd ing multi-bedroom units to neighborhood work~g_ class people in the people and their .families. The .n.eighborhood;· ~ " maj ority of apartments are in a ·said Jennifer This building at 15th and Republic Street in Over-thetownhouse.style with an· interiO'r ­ B ~immers of Rhine is scheduled for rehab as part of the Vine Street Community Project. staircase, and 17 uni ts will have -· ReSTOC. 0 I I Q. View.. ~. Cont. from page 1 system. It goes without saying that a lot of the leg work has to be carried out by the individual, yet there are some gray areas which one must get some outside help with, otherwise they will find themselves likely back in the position in which they are trying to escape. Again, outside support from the community at large has to be invested in this "scenario if the situation is to be changed. As a community we all need. to put fo1th an effort to eradicate the homeless problem and to help reinstate our fellow citizens (those in the . situation of homelessn·ess, etc,) back into the mainstream of the social fabric. Often, it's just the oppo1tunity to make a difference in one's own life that can bring about this instance of change. So it can be said that it is everyone's responsibility to do his or her part OlSC .JOCKEY SEl,VlCE Cli.f.ford Jon.es (5 13) 230-635 3 WW-i.v Voicemail ·C~ # <-141> °'ticxchange­ in altering the situation as it stands. I personally believe that we as a community are willing to take steps to help to eradicate thi s social blight and bring about both unity and respect for our fellow citizens and to make our city a model for the cause of humanity. Of course we have a long way to go, yet I am convinced that we can accomplish this feat if our hearts are put into it. I also realize that it is something that cannot be done overnight, perhaps maybe not in just one year. However, as long as we just stand by I am sure that it can never happen at all. So maybe it can be said that the ball is in each individual's own court and it's up to the individual to produce from his or her part that which they would like to see for the future of our community. Perhaps it is only the simplest of things which can make (OJ:lFA) as tax credits, but ReSTOC needed partial fu nding fyqm City HaJL- When the vote came·up in the summer of 2000, City Council did not approve ReSTOC's request of 770,000 dollars, and the over 3 million dollars awarded by OHFA was in jeopardy. After negotiations, City Council approved the money in November 2000. In January 2002, the contract was signed. At the negotiating table, the city wanted ReSTOC to sell its building at 12 14 Vine Street, in exchange for the city funding. ReSTOC complied, and the project was cut down from eight buildings to seven. "It was a tough struggle," said Summers, but our board was committed to providing 30 units for the neighborhood instead of none." ReSTOC has been attacked by City Hall and local media for this development on Vine Street. Out of more than 120 buildings on Vine Street, ReSTOC owns eleven, ten of which are occupied or under development. ReSTOC has put more money and sweat equity into rehabilitating housing on Vine than any other owner on the street. Seventy-two percent of the development budgets come from non-city and private sources. The non-profit group has been a leader in neighborhood development for nearly thirty years using private fu nding sources and tens-of thousands of volunteer hours per year to rehab affordable housing. ResTOC is the largest developer on Vine Street not onl y in buildings, but in neighbors and community. " ­ the difference in one person's life - the challenge is, are we willing to give that simple thing? Are we willing to help with the change, which ultimately would affect us all? These are questions which each individual needs to ask themselves if we are not satisfied with the way things are. Most importantly, the street person has to take responsibility for themselves. The rest of us have to be supportive of those efforts. I would like to conclude by adding we all are responsible for each other to some degree and no one is above the possibility of falling into the trap of the street person. So let's hope that things in this New Year will be different than those of the past, and each of us will be accountable for his or her part in making that difference. �Reader Mail STREETVIBES February 2002 Page 4 Reader Mail We would lllfe to hear from you - please address letters and comments to Streett1lbes, 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati Ohio 4.sztO (or) email to: Streett1lbes@juno.com . Dear Mayor Luken As a Streetvibes Vendor in the Dayton area fo r the past year,• I've been able to pay my bills and get by from this wonderful, blessed newspaper. So much so that I'm encouraging all the agencies that he!p the needy to encourage a needy or homeless person to become a vendor as well as to subscribe to the paper. Several (Dayton, Ohio) people are now regular readers. Countless times, th is street newspaper has supported my fam ily with a few dollars to get by for the month, if not just for the day, and has probably kept me out of trouble as well as made my life (of many issues) a bit easier (not too embarrassed to say). Can't think of anything better when I'm doing three things at once: the needy helping the nee'dy, and I'm helping myself and my family at the same time! What a godsend! Thank you!! Sincerely, Carla Pitsinger 6040 Cotillion Court Clayton, Ohio 45315 Write Us! IL ~ We'd like to hear ~m IJOU•••• Send letters or comments to: Streetvibes@Juno.com, or write the Coalition office attn: Streetvibes Letters, 506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 452 I 0 left in the wake of so-called present day economic vitality and are stuck in low wage jobs and . poverty and homelessness. The goods and services that allow products to be affordable to the beneficiaries of today's economic blessings rely on the cheap labor of many ill-paid by Jimmy Heath Many people know that the struggle that eventually took King's life still goes on today. The challenges facing human rights advocates are even greater than ever before. Even as we move into a new millennium, racism and bigotry is alive and well in this country. We conti nue to , go to war with countries against people who are not like us. The rise of hate crimes against citizens of our country and those who are presumably different continue to provide a testimonial to the new bigotry. We continue to fight for fair and livable wages and affordable housing and opportunites for our children. These challenges pose new moral an~ philosophical dilemmas every day for all citizens in thi s great . ... ""' country. Martm Luther '* • ~ :-" King kwo~doon~~ ...: ~ to be fighting these Continued next page , ~~,~~ ~ - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ .,:.;.,,.,.,;,:~~"" injustices. it ~e were alive today. King 1s remembered as the voice of justice for the rights of Social Security/SS! Denied? Call John M. Keegan The GCCH would like to thank this . Starbucks location for their generous donation of coffee and pastries. 3366 Erie Avenue East Hyde Park (513) 533-3402 Attorney at Law Practice concentrated in Social Security/SSI Disability Law NO FEE UNLESS WE WIN ~ (513) 651-9222 LP FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION �STREETVIBES February 2002 wage earners. Then there is the qujet hate - the bigotry and racism that goes on behind the closed doors of corporate boardrooms and in our nation's living rooms. The simple and insidious kind of racism and classism that grovels in the dark because we all know that it is wrong and cowardly. A malice that seeks to blame someone less fortunate and removed. As a baby boomer, I feel the yearning to succeed and feel the pull of selfishness that drives my generation. We know bow to take care of ourselves and we close our eyes to the pain of others - and we blame. Ki ngs strength of character taught us thjngs about the spirit and the inherent goodness of human nature. During the holidays and the winter months, most people recogni ze the struggles of the homeless and the poor and the spirit of giving is fo und. But the struggles continue long after the holidays. Sometimes hope can not be found during the warm and friendly s ummer months. The battle for human j ustice needs to be fought every day through th e generosity of our spidts, our hands and our hearts. [t takes a commitment and patience to realize thi s calling of the hum an spirit. As the holidays pass, will the spiri t of g iving fade away? Will we forget about the sufferi ng beyond our own walls? Will we learn to ho nestly confront our own intolerance? In 1963 , King said at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom; "Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of Gods children." Thirty-five years later, the struggle continues. Originally appeared in Streetvibes, January 1999. I was struck by how it fit the p resent cire urn.stances - even three years later. Job Opening!!! Child Care Staff Page 5 Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Honteless welco01es new staff 01e01bers (/) .9 _g iii Q) :x: Meghan Clarke Greetings AJI ! I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the Streetvibes Communjty - readers and vendors alike. My name is Meghan Clarke and I recently jO"ined the Greater Cinc.innati Coalition for the Homeless' team as Administrative Coordinator. I am looking forward to getti ng to know the interworkings of the Coalition as well as the peopl e in the community. It is my pleasure to be a part of such a great team of people. My door is always open to anyone ­ whether it be for conversation or any suggestions on how we can better serve the community.... My door is always open to anyone - whether it be for conversation or any suggestions on how we can better serve the community. This is a great oppo1tunity for growth as we find our city as well as our nation being continually chaUe nged. Cheryl Ware I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Cheryl Ware and I am the new Vendor Coordinator for the Streetvibes newspaper program . I am also responsible for coordinating speakers for the Speakers Bureau. This newly created positio n is responsible for the intake of new vendors and coordinating services and support for them, and finding competent speakers to reach out to schools and community groups with the message and personal stor ies of the homeless experience. We often receive requests from schools, churches and community organizations for home less speakers. I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know the vendors responsible for selling Streetvibes. I also look fo rward to becoming involved in support over the recent move by City Hall that threatens to restrict the work of our Stre~tvibes vendors. I wi11 be attending council meetings, writing articles in Streetvibes, and advocating in support of the Streetvibes program. I encourage all current and any new prospective vendors to Extra! Extra! Advertise to Socially Conscious Readers l Peaslee Child Care Center 215 East 14•h Street Over-the-Rhine Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 Peaslee's brand new child care center is looking for staff persons who want to build a quality child care program ser ving the children of Over­ tbe-Rhine. Full and part-time positions available. Must be High School Graduate. For more information, call Laura Goodell at Peaslee, stop by the office at 1506 Elm ~ Street in Over-the-Rhine to discuss Advertise in Streetvibesl Reach thousands of downtown workers each monthl Call 421-7803 for more information about how advertising in Streetvibes will work for your business Low Rates Custom Sizes Available! 621-5514 ~ . ....... .. .... "''"II• ..... , their views, concerns or needs with ·me. If you are experiencing difficulty selling your papers, or would like to make suggestions about improvements, please stop by. . I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know the vendors responsible for selling Streetvibes .... I do ask for yom· patience as I am learning my new responsibilities, vendors and the community. I foresee so me changes being made and they will be introduced and discussed duri ng upcoming vendors meetings . A little about me. I have worked in Social services for ten years serving families and children. Over the years I have met many illteresting and diverse people. I have gathered and made many contacts in the community and hope to share this info rmati on in my new position. My previous positio n was with Ohio Valley Goodwill prov iding case management assisting low- income individuals fi nd employment. I have one daughter and live in the Kennedy Heights area. I still believe that one day mankind will bow before the altars of God and be crowned triumphant over war and bloodshed, and non violent redemptive goodwill will proclaim the rule of the land. Most of these people will never make the headlines and their names will not appear in Who's Who. Yet when years have rolled past and when the blazing lig ht of truth is focused on this marvelous age in which we live men and women will know and children will be taught that we have a finer land, a better people, a more no ble civilizat ion - because these humble children of God were willing to suffer fo r righteousness' sake . Martin Luther King Jr., Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech (Dec 1964) �STREETVIBES February 2002 Know Your Rights - Do the poor have the right to free kind of speech Council is talking speech? about is speech that happens in by Molly Lyons Every month we will be highlighting a law or ordinance that affects homeless people in Cincinnati. This column does nothing to replace sound legal advice from an accredited lawyer, but seeks to empower and educate people in dealing with the criminal justice system and their lawyers. U.S. Constitution Bill of Rights: First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or ofthe . press, or the right of people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the government for a redress ofgrievances. When I was in the third grade I took a social studies class where we learned about the U.S. Constitution and the First Amendment. I used to assume that every middle school student in the United States had similar experiences. Recent actions by our city council regarding panhandJing leads me to believe that some people do not know that we have a First Amendment and that it applies equally to all people regardless of race or class. The Supreme Court has designated that speech can be regulated on public property. There are three categories of public property. The first of these is "traditional public forums," where most panhandling takes place, including streets, sidewalks and parks. The next category is "designated public forums" where the government says that certain areas can be used for certain kinds of speech; an example of a designated public forum would be Fountain Square. Finally there are "nonpublic forums" which are areas such as post offices that the government says are restricted from many different kinds of speech so that they can carry out their function effectively. The traditional public forums. Kent S. Scheidegger, the Legal Director of the Criminal Justice Legal Foundation, has written a pamphlet called A Guide to Regulating Panhandling. The author, while stating that he supports civil liberties, also states that the reason he is opposed to ordinances that completely ban panhandling is because they usualJy do not stand up to Constitutional challenges. Does this mean that if the author was not forced to respect a poor person's First Amendment rights he would not? The sam ple law that Scheidegger suggests was implemented almost verbatim by the City of Dayton. This law requires, among other things, that anyone who panhandles on five or more days in a single calendar year must have a permit issued by the police department. If the person's permit has been revoked, they cannot panhandle for two years. In order to receive a permit, a person has to go to the police station, give his name, and be fingerprinted and photographed. If in the last five years a person has been convicted of two or more offenses involving aggress ive panhandling, they are ineligible for the permit. Scheidegger says, "With a permit system, a conviction of aggressive or fraudulent panhandling leads to ineligibility or revocation of the permit. From that point, the police can arrest that person for panhandling alone." While Dayton's ordinance is supposedly only to address aggressive and fraudu lent panhandling, it will punish people who have aggressively panhandled but are not engaged in aggressive panhandling actions at the present time. This law violates the rights to due process of law that maintain that "no state shall deprive any person of life, liberty or property, without du~ process of law." Panhandling is legally protected speech. To punish someone who is not breaking a law simply because they have previously broken a law is absurd. For many poor people, being on the street is the onJy avenue they have for getting across their message. While pol_iticians and business people Page 6 have financial backing that allow them to use newspapers, television campaigns, and any other number of media to get across their messages, the venues avai lable to the poor are limited. Furthermore, the poor cannot afford to hire media consultants who will assist them in making their message palatable to the general public. Many cases dealing with the First Amendment have continued to relay the message that just because we are uncomfortable with the message does not mean we can place unfair restrictions on the message. A truly free country for all would not try to eliminate the ways that the poor have to communicate with us. Freedom of speech should not be determined by how much money a person has or does not have but should be equally accessible to all people. When business interests and elected officials try to limit harmless speech, they have violated the beliefs on which this country is based. Know Your Rights Brochure Available! The Know Your Rights Brochure is now avai lable at the Coalition's office. Tbe brochure is a legal guide for Cincinnati's homeless and covers a person's basic rights when interacting with the police, as well as some local laws that might be of interest to the homeless population. If you are a ; homeless person or if you work with homeless people a:nd would like to obtai n free copies of the . brochure for yourse lf or yo ur agency, please call John or Molly at 421-7803. Garry Fisher, STREETVIBES Vendor National Homeless Civil Rights Organizin Project (NHCROP) Molly Lyons and John Halpin 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 homelesscivilrights@yahoo.com (513) 421-7803 �STREETVIBES February 2002 · Page 7 Santa Cruz & San Fransisco among ''meanest'' to homeless Welcome to Cincinnati, What other way can it Ms. LemDlie ofbe?people. If we continue to do what we Neither Norse nor Johnson was available for comment Tuesday. The report called Santa Cruz's sleeping ban "the most by Jerome J. Manigan controversial and contested anti­ homeless law" in the city. The Cinci nnati newspapers and decades-old law bans sleeping broadcast media have announced from 11 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. in that Mayor Charlie "Luken picks vehicles and on streets. Le mmie as new city manager. " Belcher said the camping Ms. Lemmie cunently serves as ban is enforced fairly and mostly City cries Foul the city manager of Dayton Ohio. through citizen complaints. If all goes as expected, she will In 200 I , he said, the become the first woman ever by Ken McLaughlin and Renee department received 1,032 "calls Koury for service" regarding the camping responsible for the management of Cincinnati. Mercury News ban. Of those, 935 calJs were Ms. Lemmje is an African initiated by citizens, not officers, Santa Cruz and Sao American. She is much admired, he said. Francisco are among the not only in Dayton, but also Police said just 169 people "meanest" cities in the nation nationalJy and internationally. A were cited the entire year, about toward poor and homeless people city in England has talked with her three dozen of them at Camp according to a recent report, about becoming the city manager Paradise in August after the city Illegal to be Homeless, released there. Obviously, her credentials, council gave officers the green recently by the National Coalition degrees, experience and all other light. Camp Paradise was the for the Homeless. requisites for such an important Santa Cruz ranked seventh, name given to an illegal and high profi le position are in campground set up on an oak­ and San Francisco was third ­ order. From what has been said shaded bank of the San Lorenzo just behind New York and Atlanta and written, Ci ncinnati will benefit River. - in the intensity of their tremendously if ~he decides to "Santa Cruz is not a mean crackdowns against beggars and accept the offered position. city," said attorney Paul Sanford, street dwellers, public drunks and Without a doubt, if she who until recently represented loiterers, said the report by the comes to Cincinnati, she will Camp Paradise residents. "In my National Law Center on quickly discover that her work has Homelessness and Poverty and the dealings with city officials last year, I thought they were making a been cut out for her. Police­ National Coalition for the community relations, downtown good-faith effort confronting a Homeless. Both groups are based problem that many residents see as development, neighborhood in Washington, D.C. concerns, and questions about the intractable." The report said cities city's proper response to issues of Sanford said he thought it across the nation are increasingly homelessness, privatization, and was absurd that the report did not passing and vigorously enforcing "beggars" roaming the streets of account for how much each city more laws aimed at making it a downtown Cincinnati are among spends on providing resources for crime to panhandle, sleep on the the many items awaiting her the homeless. streets and camp in parks. attention. Ken Cole, executive The report does not rank I'm not clairvoyant; director of the Homeless Services the cities surveyed beyond the however, I would like to offer Center, said the city of Santa Cruz worst dozen, nor does it list which some personal thoughts about what gives about $300,000 annually to of the 80 cities it surveyed are the Ms. Lemmie and the residents of the center. " best." Cincinnati and sutTounding areas Cole, who worked on Cities were evaluated based can expect in the year 2002. And, homeless issues in Seattle until on the number of "anti-homeless" my thoughts about the year 2002 two years ago, said the spending ordinances they' ve enacted, such are applicable not only locally, but was sizable for a small city. as those barring public sleeping, also nationally and internationally. In San Frandsco, the label begging and loitering - and how We will experience more of also rankled officials, w)lo noted vigorously they are enforced. what we have already experienced, that the city spent $104 million last According to the report, cities unless there is a major shift in year on homeless seryices, more were also judged on the numbers consciousness by a large number than most cities in the nation. of citations and arrests issued and the "general political climate" surrounding the issue of homelessness. In Santa Cruz, city officials as well as many people who work on homeless issues were both outraged and amused by the report. "I think it's a bunch of malarkey,... said Police Chief Steve Belcher, a frequent target of a small but determined group of Santa Cruz homeless advocates. Officials noted that the entire Santa Cruz section of the report was attributed to Robert Norse and Becky Johnson of Homeless United in FrieRdship,and Freedom, the city council' ~ two 1 · "Keep me informed. But not TOO informed/' •" .! most vociferdus critics on tfie i ,. '.s. ,\ issue. · - 1.... . .. have always done we can only get what we have always gotten. It's just that simple. And you don't need to be a rocket scientist to understand the logic of that statement. It seems to me that some in the African American community complain a bit too much about racism. Racism exists. Its negative impact and influence have caused a lot of pain and suffering for many, many people. Still , I'm beginning to wonder if many complaints alleging racism are nothing more than excuses for choosing to not take responsibility for self. At the same time, it seems to me that some in the white community are unwilling to even consider that some things are really in need of change. Every problem faced by African Americans is not the result of racism nor are things fine just as they are. There is much room on both sides for changes in perceptions, attitudes and behaviors. I'll admit that it is easy to identify what needs to be done and much more difficult to put into action those things that we know need to be done. After all, there is comfort in maintaining the status quo. Everybody prefers the known to the unknown, even when we know that the known is not necessarily what is best for us. I hope that among those things in the cards for 2002 are: 1.) open, honest, frank and even, when necessary, brutal dialogue about the state of affairs locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally; 2) commitments from people who truly understand the serious conditions in which we find ourselves to dedicate themselves to personal change, which has the potential to result in collective change; 3) less name­ calling, finger pointing, and inflammatory speech about each other, and 4) the realization that collectively we.can overcome any and all challenges with which we are faced. Respect and trust are the keys. Let's use them to open the doors to a new and improved 2002, not only here in Cincinnati but also regionally, nationally, and intemationally. Welcome to Cincinnati, Ms. Lemmie. Hopefully, you will be an effective leader and under your watch maybe Cincinnati will heal and eventually become the wqdd cl~ss city many would like for i.~ to be. �STREETVIBES February 2002 Page 8 Prisoners' News Facility at Lucasville into the write attorneys and they would residential treatment unit there. intervene. There they get treatment instead of My medical treatment was contains news about the justice system and the punishment by the Supermax cut off the day after the suit was writings of persons incarcerated in our guards. filed, and a new doctor, who nation's jails and prisons. However, after all of this, replaced the defendant doctor told We are seeking subscribers who are willing to sponsor a for myself, and the prisoners at the me that due to my involvement in prisoner so they can receive STREETVIBES behind the walls. the lawsuit my medications would Supermax here who aren't named Please sponsor someone on the inside. class plaintiffs and not allowed to be discontinued. When I sought A year's subscription costs $15. attend anY, attorney meetings, were help from the class action Send your comments and questions to streetvibes@juno.com disrespected by the attorneys who attorneys on thi s, they refused. mail : STREETVIBES, 1506 Elm Street sold the settlement to the named Sold me out! The unnamed class Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 class plaintiffs - on a promise and plaintiffs agreed to a settlement. a dream. The state knew we could So prisoners who are still of won the case on the medical, being denied or given inadequate So it had been the mental health care and lack of medical and mental health care, jailhouse lawyers and prison outside recreation issues. Also we and don' t want to wait a year and writers who have usually created have case law and good facts on a half to go to outside recreation the changes by filing civil rights our side. should write to: suits, as well as prison uprisings ­ So a proposed settlement Judge Gwin though lives are often lost this on those issues (which attorneys US Courthouse by John Perotti way. promoted by convincing the Federal Bldg. Over the past few years, it plaintiff who are unlettered in law) Rm368 Over the last 24 years I has become politicaJJy correct for that this was the best prisoners 2 South Main Street have either personally litigated or prisoner support groups to litigate could get and they could spend the Akron, Ohio 44308 assisted in litigation or legislation large class rest of their RE: Austin v. Wilkerson, for over 300 prisoner 's rights action suits time 4:01CV071 challenging suits. One of these was a human focusi ng on rights violation petition drafted for prison redasfilfication conditions. Amnesty International seeking _rl!";:;f>., issue While some Dear Streetvibes, assistance on the placement of changes, mentaJJ y ill in isolation, guard on of these have (an issue helped prisoner brutality, macings, I would like to say thank you that has firehosings, nepotism and other immensely, for the information your publica­ been tried human tights violations. often !bese ~iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii-=-iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii~and tion gives the prisoners of this litigations take on a life of their Well before our so-cal1ea New Slave Plantation. defeated by every Federal District "politically correct" ci vii rights own and the prisoners involved Also, I would like to bring to Court). have little to no input. Also, groups, i.e.: C. U. R. E. - OHIO, of all of your readers the attention In fact, class counsel won't Justice Watch, P.R. A. C. ­ liberal attorneys often substitute the need to bring a long and even show prisoners or tell Cincinnati, etc., acted on these their ideology for what prisoners meaningful boycott of the entire prisoners all the terms of the should be contributing. I say all of issues. phone system within the Depart­ settlement, other than to say a this because I am a plaintiff in a As a result, we were doctor had to work one more hour ment of Corrections (DOC). punished by prisoncrats for these pending class action suit. I only Our families are being charged at the Supermax here. Also an activities. However, even after joined out of interest in the outrageous prices while the DOC unnamed mental health monitor prisoner support attorneys for the successfully winning many civil receives kickbacks in the millions would be sometime in 2002, and Supermax prisoners - I have a rights suits, I've come to the from the phone company. I would prisoners would be allowed to realization that the prisoncrats just prima facie set of facts that could like to ask that a year-long an­ purchase tennis shoes in the don't care. They (the win damages had I litigated on my nouncement be placed in your commissary store for use in the "prisoncrats") use the Attorney own. publication concerning this and, if outside recreation cages the General to represent them with I had a major heart attack possible, any related publication Supermax promised to build. If taxpayers money when judgment and was left in a Supermax cell for the OSP gets the funds to build by pending a date, maybe within that eight days before numerous phone is obtained against them. The year. the middle of 2003. taxpayer pays it. And this all calls to the Supermax from We need more affordable Sadly enough, the fact that seems to be a badge of honor attorneys, family and supporters in prices for our family members, tennis shoes would be sold to Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio amongst their peers. The losing prisoners one day seemed to be the some who are single parents with prisoncrat often gets promoted. sought assistance for me. They children, who are struggling with focal point of most of the I spent years in Lucas ville got the prison doctor to finally a national recession. And while plaintiffs. When I .tried to get the supermax cells in the early '80's, perform an EKG to prove I had a attorneys to be more specific as to other states use debit cards, Ohio under conditions worse than heart attack. This is what is still stuck in the "stone age." recommendations made by today's supermax at Lucas ville. prisoners would call slam dunk But if enough support and atten­ medical expert witnesses, the Also we believed that the lawsuiting in that it couldn't be tion is given to this there can be attorneys wouldn ' t, but they told lost at the trial. I waived damages politically correct groups rarely change. another prisoner that if the answered our letters. Yet when a and let the lawyers use my case, Thank you in advance for your Supermax denies prisoners thinking they would do the right situation developed, such as a time and consideration in these medical care and after we exhaust thing by the prisoners. I spent a hostage taking to illustrate these matters: the denial via the useless lot of time recruiting co-plaintiffs atrocities committed upon, these Cordially, R. Q. grievance system, prisoners could groups (PAN - Ohio, Justice who have suffered similar case Watch, CURE, etc.,) were the first scenarios and organized a mass While we make every effort to provide a forum for those ones to hold press conferences rolling hunger strike among without a voice, STREETVIBES and the staff of THE prisoners on the cell block here. I telling the media that "yes, those GREATER prisoners have been living like referred. six mental1y ill prisoners CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS, is not to these lawyers and the plaintiff's animals, so you should expect responsible for statements, and do not necessarily endorse them to react the same" in support psychiatrist which resulted in the opinions of the prisoners of the prisoners position. these brothers getting transferred whose writings are represented here. They are media hounds. to Southern Ohio Correctional Is It Really Worth It? .. �ST R EETVI B ES February 2002 P age 9 Michael Henson Receives Kerouac Prize for Poetry Where is this? byJerom·~· Manigan Where and what is this ublic art? Send or bring nswer along with your name and address to STR TVIB S 1506 I Street Cincinnati Ohi 5210. A single winner will be selected randomly ~ from the responses. Winner will receive a one­ ~ time use camera and free developing. Use your tE camera to submit a future WHERE IS THIS? ~ photo! J(i 1'erh. , , ,·-·· Pr Michael Henson (left) is awarded the Kerouac Prize by Dennis Kurlas Michael Henson, a long­ time Streetvibes supporter and Over-the-Rhine activist and writer, was recently awarded the Jack Kerouac Prize for Poetry by the Red Crow Journal. The presentation was made at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts in Hamilton, Ohio, during the monthly poetry reading session of the Riverbank Poetry Project. Henson has had a long association and history with the Cincinnati activist community. Much of his writing revolves around his experiences working with the homeless and his work on poverty and human rights issues. These themes are common to his poetry and other writings. He has written several books including Ransack. Ransack features the Over-the-Rhine community in Cincinnati as a backdrop for the story in this novel. Henson also is a friend and frequent contributor to the poetry pages in Streetvibes. See this month '.s poetry pages f or more of Michael Henson '.s writings. Cincinnati groups serve Park Ineals at Washington .,,.. .. Answer to last month's WHERE IS IT? - Mural on building wall near 14th and Vine in Over-the-Rhine. "Every time a person stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, they send forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other form a million different centers of energy and daring, these ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and ·resistance." Robert F. Kennedy Calling all Over-the-Rhine Artists~ Peaslee Neighborhood Center and the Ar t Academy invit e Over-t he-Rhine residents to help design a park bench t o be placed in Washington Park by the ~nd of summer, 2002. The bench will be large, and have ceramic tile designs of your neighborhood. Children and adults from various community centers have already sent us their pictures; but we need your help in creating a design using those pictures. Pat Mitchell and many volunteers from area agencies and religious organizations serve holiday meals to the homeless in Washington Park u y's o ace Permanent Housing for formerly homeless · individuals at 1300 Vine Street. For more information, call Agnes Mack at (513) 784-0800 Please come to Peaslee Neighborhood Center, 215 East 14th Street (at the corner of . Sycamore) on Wednesday evenings, 1/~ and 1/ 16, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. and Thursday mornings, 1/10 and .1/17, from 10:00 a.m. ­ · 12:00 noon. No experience necessary! This will be a fun way to get to know your neighbors and make new friends. Call Br enda Z. at Peaslee, 621-5514, for further information. �STREETVIBES February 2002 Panhandling... are not as well funded as they should be, many homeless people Cont. from page 1 with mental illnesses are incarcerated instead of receiving in public for lack of private spaces the treatment that they need. of their own, including such · Nationally, 16% of inmates have a harmless actions as sleeping in diagnosed mental illness. public or sitting on sidewalks. The report found that vast There have also been numerous amounts of money are being spent attempts to push homeless people across the country to criminalize out of sight by regulating or trying homelessness, diverting scarce to prohibit panhandling. The resources from real solutions, such report found that Jaws which as affordable housing, health care, attempt to move homeless people and other resources. Interestingly, out of the public view are the report found that the cost of ineffective in their goal. Rather arresting, prqcessing, and jailing than enabling people to leave hom~less p~ople is higher than the homelessness, the laws result in cost of pr9vidi.ng housing. jail time and lengthy police · The report included a records, significant obstacles to section on how Cincinnati obtaining housing and · / criminalizciJ h~~elessness and employment, thus exacerbating the poverty. Cincinnati was problem. mentioned for its attempt to pass The report also found that an anti-panhandling law in 1995, in 100% of the communities which the· c0urts overturned as surveyed there were not enough unconstitutional. Several shelter beds to meet demand, thus homeless .pe.o ple interviewed in people end up on the streets Cincinnati relayed incidents of involuntarily. How can we police harassment. In addition, criminalize involuntary behavior? Cincinnati was noted for City Here in Cincinnati, demand for Council's reluctance to commit emergency shelter has risen federal dollars earmarked for low­ sharply, especially in the past income housing development to several months ;•~· ,, ... ,., ·- · · ~ , sticn poq)oses. Councilman Jim and there simply are not enough Tarbell was quoted saying, "Do we shelter beds to meet demand on really want the poor, the people many nights. Another alarming with the most problems, as the first finding is that people w!ttvmen.~al ; thiag you see when you come to health problems are \ this;ciJy:,?$'. disproportionately affected by \ ~1~-fJJ'ojQeless people and criminalization. Because advocates liope "Panhandling for 1 community mental health systems Justice" raised awareness among the public that there are better ways to deal with homelessness than criminalizing it. Streetvibes editor Jimmy • Heath said "To focus on panhandlers and other poor folk as the reason for the decline of downtown Cincinnati is an act of cowardice by City Hall. Today 's action showed that people in Cincinnati won't stand for that kind of STREETVIBES supporters Meghan scapegoating. We need to address Clarke (top) and Brenda the root causes of these issues, not Zechmeister (bottom photo) dis­ the symptoms." tribute informatiqnal flyers on Vine Street in Downtown Cincinnati. .. _,;,c;-..... _ ,.. ..... FEATURES Page 10 National Release of Criminalization Report return to normalcy." My response to this is to quote Martin L uther King, Jr. , writing a letter from a jail in Birmingham where he had received similar critiques. "We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must .be demanded by the oppressed. Frankly, I have yet to engage in a direct-action campaign that was 'well timed' in the view of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease Martin Luther King, Jr. of segregation. For years now I have heard the word 'Wait! ' It by Molly Lyons rings in the ear of every Negro On January 15, 2002 (Martin with piercing familiarity. This Luther King's Birthday) The 'Wait' has almost always meant National Homeless Civil Rights 'Never,' We must come to see, Organizing Project (NHCROP) with one of our distinguished released its study Illegal to be jurists, that 'justice too long Homeless, The Criminalization of delayed is justice denied." Homelessness in the United Our country deals with civil States. rights as a past event, a struggle The study was a result of a that happened and is now over. coordinated effort involving over The same institutions that 50 cities dqcumenting civil rights champion civil rights struggles of abuses committed against the yesteryear, now that they are in the homeless. past, are denying the basic civil The Civil Rights Work Group rights of many homeless and poor of the National Coalition for the people today. If the elected Homeless is comprised of forty leaders of this city truly believe in people nationwide who have the movement Martin Luther worked for over a year to collect King, Jr., spoke for, they will heed the data that makes up the study. his words, not just speak them. King's birthday was chosen They will realize that the for the day the study was released movement did not end with the because the Work Group wanted passage of the Civil Rights Act to draw connections between the and it did not end with King 's fight begun so many years ago that death. still needs to continue today if If we credit Dr. King but deny King's dream is ever to be the movement he struggled for, we fulfilled. are betraying his legacy. King knew that without looking at the connections Peaslee Neighborhood between race and class and Center without dealing with issues of 215 East 14th Street poverty, civil and human rights could not be fully achieved. Over-the-Rhine In November of 1967, he Cincihnat i, Oh io 45210 began the Poor People 's (513) 621-5514 Campaign, which was a movement to urge the nation 's leaders to deal with the issues of poverty. Our elected leaders have failed to take up that charge and instead have declared war on the poor. Nationwide, the trend bas been to push the homeless out of the view, limit their speech and criminalize thi ngs that they must do in public to survive. Locally, advocates who try to Empowering our come up with solutions to deal neighborhood children with the issues of poverty and racism are told that they are t hrough peace and "contributing to the downfall of education the city" and that "we need a �STREETVIBES February 20Q2 Ursuline Student talks about her positive Streetvibes encounter A Letter about a FEATURES Page 11 weekend. Now Streetvibes has be affected by a program like inviting Streetvibes vendors into another loyal patron in my our high school, it's a pretty boyfriend, who promised me to always buy the newspaper when he amazing thing. saw a vendor. I imagine that if I Thanks for opening that had an experience like this, a lot of door for me and for so many other other UA alumnae must have had people. It really does make a similar experiences as well. If you difference ! think about all the people who can Christy Bell visited our school on Fridays and the brief conversations I'd had Streetvibes Vendor to Todd with them. He apologized, and Forman. headed to the cash register with the Mr. Forman, a teacher at batteries he'd needed. Ursuline Academy, brings I had walked into Streetvibes Vendors to his Walgreens with every intention of school to speak to his students buying the new Cosmo to read on the car ride up to Athens, but about the vendor program instead I pulled two dollars out of and issues surrounding pov­ , , , . , . ,·*'µ1 ~~, 111# 'f'rf.,.fiff#6'.~ /iQllltJ/t§§ tJf'!Ql.~, i~ ~lllbr~ .i!:I my wallet and handed one of them erty and homelessness JJfJ/I ~f.$9/Yj IPllh to Mike, deciding Streetvibes was a publication much more worthy of Mr. Forman, "IJll##, IJJ!"Ml~illtl.~ /!I# pwit/!4 11 1,.nl..<¥1 fur -.w~ m> ~ ~/1)~#*1//I J/y~i~Jl!ll~il!.1'!/, I thought of you this my money. When we walked back weekend and was really grateful to out of the store, we· purchased two , , , . , . , §/~/~§)!fl,$ ;M/~81/ .$.~~~~/I) you, so I wanted to email you to copies of Streetvibes. . 11/!#f!ml IM~PirP.ll!M!IWll§ !Ml llYNi IO ~MM; !WI say thanks. Sunday night my The vendor called us , , , . , . , §lrt!MPI,$ 1111§ ~ N pJlbM ~ !ll{ljlJ!' i:MNM /llGillR boyfriend and I stopped at the Romeo and Juliet, and asked what ~~ fll'Ofl/li l!ml Walgreens by his apartment in had changed our minds. I told him Clifton on our way back up to OU. I had talked Mike into it, and I ,,,,,,,., §lru!YIP!.~ INI:$ ~it/14 ~ will! W/.JH.MI 19 If~ Wtl /Ml.W~~i 111111, As we walked inside, we think Mike was a little shocked were approached by aStreetvibes when instead of walking straight to ,,,.,.,,fitmlri!JH Ml JMpir!J~IO l91RW/WI! IP m9 lw!N.e.l!~ In (j~r {!Wimlf#J.. vendor. Politely, Mike shook his the car with him I paused and head and told the vendor he wasn't talked with the vendor for a few interested in buying the newspaper. minutes. He suggested. that I check out the poetry section of the The second we got inside, I asked him why he had refused the man. newspaper (you know, since I was . He made some comment about supposed to be Juliet) and told me getting hit up for money that if I got inspired I could send everywhere around UC, and my own poetry in by the 15th. alluded in a very condescending He was very friendly, and I manner to my not understanding remembered how much I missed being exposed to new and different how things were down there. Needless to say, I got a people. In the car, I read excerpts llttle ticked. I asked him if he of Streetvibes to Mike, and even knew what Streetvibes was, counted my blessings for alJ of the and he responded that he did not. I unique opportunities I had at explained to him who sponsored Ursuline. Streetvibes; and who its vendors Thank you so much for were, and what it attempts to exposing me to people and accomplish. I told him about the conditions I wouldn't normally Mayor Charlie Luken's Proclamation honoring STREETVIBES Streetvibes vendors who had have encountered. It paid off this Procla m ation -·l'!m!W \ ATTENTl!Ofl'J: . HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADlillTS.. ~ tsJQW IS lrH6 TIME FOR YQ~R VOID€& 1i0 BE IHEARt>I Voice for Youth is a new writing group at Peaslee Neighborhood Center in Over-the-Rhine for teenagers and young adults. Empower yourself and share your:- views on social justice, homelessness, and poveri-fy-related issues through writing. Writing gatherings are helcf every Thursdax at 4 ~ 30 ana 7 :00 p.m. s:tarting January 10 at Peaslee, 215 East 1A-th Street. The atmosphere is casua·I. Opporfuniti·e s for pub(icat'ion in Stree~ibes newspaper., youll' pnogri-essiv~ news source,,. a€ ll Bnenda ~- at 621-5514 iToF mo~ info, or e-mail at peaslee_b~@l\ottnail. eom. - Wish List Str~etvibe$ 11ewspaper .is published monthly on t=t sho_e.,.-suing bu.dget fr-0m th~ ,off~ -0f m.e G1.eare.r ·Ci1J.cia°'4ti CoaJition for the Homeless. We d~nd h~4vjly on the gpodwiU of many volunteers an<l donors. Can you help us with some o the followiflg items? o Electric Stapler - Heayy duty o Blank Zip Disks - For Streetvibes Archives o Supplies for Vendor's Lounge (paper towels, cream and sugar, snacks, etc.) o Office and Cleaning Supplies o Computers/ components for Streetvibes story-writing, edit­ ing, research. If you can help, contact us at: Streetvibes, clo Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45210 (513) 421-7803 �STREETVIBES February 2002 EDITORIAL SECTION Labor, Bush's War, And The Democrat Party By Steve Argue In a recent speech in Billings, Montana, Bill Clinton argued that Americans have a patriotic duty to "shout down" criti cs of U.S. government actions: "When you hear somebody doing it, you ought to stand up and double up your fist and stick it in the sky and shout them down." This should come as no surprise from a president whose first act in office was the bombing of Iraq and who later bombed Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, and Sudan. While war is bad for workers, Clinton and Gore were just as bad on direct union issues as well. As a 1:ailroad conductor and a member of the UTU I struck for 47 days against the Soo Line I Canadian Pacific Railroad under Clinton. That strike was ended by orders from Bill Clinton to return to work. With a union leadership too timid to challenge the president we went back to work and were given a contract that eliminated jobs and made our j obs more dangerous. In fact, while Clinton and Gore got a Jot of support from the labor movement, they gave us nothing but anti-worker policies in return. The UTU was no exception. After Clinton's attacks on UTU workers the UTU leadership gave an early endorsement to Clinton in the next election. This betrayal of the membership included giving our hard earned dues to the anti-worker Democrats. Authorization for Bush's war on the world, with current target being Afghanistan, was passed by both the Democrats and Republicans with only one · dissenting vote. T he one exception to the war came from Democrat Barbara Lee. The Democrats, as usual, continue to be one of the twin parties of war. Today AFL-CIO President John Sweeney endorses Bush's war while a number of local unions have passed resolutions saying they oppose the war. A very significant resolution was passed by the Oakland teachers union who are not only saying they are against the war, they are also going to hold a teach-in against the war. The Oakland event will be supporting their local congressional representative Barbara Lee as well. Politically in the national arena, however, we must address the problem of the Democrats. They aren 't with labor and they are for war. More meaningful labor resolutions on the war would point out these facts and call for an end to political and financ ial support by the unions to the Democrats and Republicans. Instead of supporting Democrats the unions should be supporting the workers with better strike funds when we gQ out on strike. There are better political parties trying to emerge that do support workers and who do oppose U.S. wars. With such movements trying to emerge, the labor movement doesn' t need to keep shooting itself in the foot by supporting our strike breaking pro-war enemies. LA Joint Terrorism Task Force raids website An interview with "Sherman," formerly of RaiseTheFist.com and LAAnarchists.org, whose home was raided by the LA Joint Terrorism Task Force on Jan. 24, 2002 Was there any warning that investigation of your website was heating up? Yes. I have been monitoring government agencies connecting to the site for a long time. I'd been noticing more frequency with them coming back to the site. They had also started intercepting all packets on my DSL line, and seized one of my older AIM screen names for 12 days, so I knew something was going to happen - soon. It was really obvious. I even saw them outside my house at times. They have been monitoring the site very, very extensively LONG before the "incriminating content" which they were "concerned" about was posted onto the site. They simply used this content as an excuse to obtain a warrant for the raid. As a victim of one of the first post-Patriot Act anti­ "terrorism" raids, why do you think the Feds chose you? Simply because Raisethefist was effective in what I was doing. It's the same reason why Feds raid other activist organizations. They' re effective. And effectiveness within our movement scares them. They're afraid. And they' re going to try and silence us any way they can. Any idea how many agents/officers participated in · the raid? Yep, there was about 25-30 of them. They surrounded my house with guns. Blocked off the garage door with a big bench, had a door hammer, had cars all up and down the streets, then 2 agents knocked at my door, pulled me outside, and the FBI came in and raided. Can you remember any exact quotes that the agents told you - what prec~sely did they say about 9-11, your web site, what they were looking for, etc. They told me the main reason for the raid was because of the content on the site, and they wanted to see who was looking at it. This was not the main reason. It was an excuse. The alleged content which they claim they were so concerned about is from the Reclaim Guide. It's posted on thousands of other web sites around the internet. Why didn't they raid those? Why did they only come after Raisethefist.com? Again, they've been watching the site for a long time, long before the Reclaim Guide was even posted onto the site. They used this as an excuse to get a warrant for the raid and seize all computer equipment. One of the first things one of the head agents conducting the raid asked me was, "why did you grow your hair out?" The picture they have of me is a bit older when I had short hair. They were acting as if I was trying to "hide my appearance" from them. They then sat me down, started asking me questions, etc. All this while the FBI was in my house with guns drawn, and seizing aU computer equipment. The FBI, Secret Service, LAPD and LASD · Page 12 (Sheriffs Dept.) participated in the raid. The Secret Service person kept asking me if I'd like to see Bush killed. They were asking me a lot of loaded questions. Why do you think the FBI raided RaiseTheF ist.com? Do you think they were out to shutdown something unique to your site, such as the photos of undercover cops? They raided it simply because it was effective. It had a lot of potential, and was really moving, not just as a web site, but essentially as an anarchist/activist collective - kids were starting to set up clubs in their schools called "Raisethefist" - we were also beginning to put together an anarchist collective for Los Angeles, amongst other things. I believe one of the main things that got them scared about the site, is that we called for an actual change. Raisethefist was a bit more radical than other web sites, and seeing how it was getting so popular, they wanted to shut it down. Based on what the agents told you, and your suspicions, do you have any idea if other participants or contributors to the website, or other websites, are also under investigation? Yes. Those whose web sites I was hosting on the server will most likely be under investigation. How soon, or how much, I don ' t know. It could be going on right now. But I can't confim1. A webposting states that you are "a kid" who lives with his parents. Any comment as to whether you are under or over 18, and who you live with? I'm 18 years old, almost 19. I currently live with my mom. The computers were also used for my job. I've been supporting myself through them doing independent programming. So not only is Raisethefist.com gone, but I'm out of a job for the time being.By the way, there are a lot of stupid-a$* rumors going on out there. I th ink r heard one about someone saying I was making "weapons of mass destruction" or something. Just shows the ignorance amongst a lot of people out there. Do you think the .Bush Administration is just trying to see what it can get away with? What would you predict will be the outcome of this epi~ode? They're going to try and get away with anything, and everything. What does the future hold ? Nothing but a barcode. Streetvibes exists as a forum·for the expression of the views and opinions ofour readers and supporters. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those ofthe Streetvibes staff or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. �Page 13 STRE E TVIBES February 2002 Postage Stamps a Measure of Patriotism? by Matthew Rothschild Even an innocuous trip to the Post Office can you get you into trouble these days. Daniel Mu ller, is the co­ coordinator of Voices in the Wilderness, a group dedicated to nonviolence and a leading opponent of U.S. sanctions against Iraq. On November 9, Muller and his colleague Andrew Mandell went to pick up stamps at the Chicago post office they regularly visit. They were paying with cash. "We needed 4,000 stamps for a mailing we were doing, and I asked for ones not with the American flag on them," says Mu JIer. The woman asked if Statute of L iberty stamps were OK. "Yes, we love liberty," said Andrew Mandell. "She asked us to step aside from the counter, and she went to the back, out of view," recalls Muller. "I knew something was up because this was a bit out of the ordinary. And Andrew said, 'She's calling the cops,' but I didn ' t believe him." "No one said anything to us for about twenty minutes, and then two cops came in and asked for our IDs. They asked if we had any outstanding warrants. They ran a check on us. They asked us why we had asked for stamps without American flags on them. I said we' re very rooted in nonviolent activities, and we would rather have the Statue of Liberty than the American flag." The Post Office told Muller and Mandell that they would have to come back the next morning for stamps. Mandell got his stamps the next day, but he also was asked to meet with a federal postal inspector for more than a half-hour. The postal inspector, says Mandell, asked: "Why are you paying with cash? Where do you get your money?" Afterwards, the group was permitted to send out its mailing. "The fact that they did ask for anything but flag stamps did raise a question for the clerk," says Silvia Carrier, a public relations officer for the U.S. Postal Inspector in Chicago. Plus, says Carrier, "They were buying postage with a large amount of cash, and usually a company will use a meter or a business check. Right now, since September 1l , clerks have been told to be cautious, to be looking out for anything suspicious." A force for peace or war? IN THE COLOMBIAN jungle, government and guerrilla negotiators restarted peace talks yesterday in an attempt to end their nation's 39-year-old war. The stakes are high ­ not only for Colombia, which has been ripped apart by bloodshed for way too long, but for the United States, which cannot hope to stop the huge flow of cocaine and heroin to U.S. streets without a peace agreement. So, why is Washington undermining the peace process rather than supporting it? Answer: narcotics, the Cold War and terrorism. Under the guise of the war on drugs, the United States has spent billions of dollars ­ including $625 milli0n for 2002 - to help the Colombian army fight drug traffickers and leftist guerrillas. This aid has worsened the conflict; meanwhile, Washington has given only lip-service to supporting the peace talks. U.S. culpability in the civil war has been discreetly obscured by the fig leaf of fi ghting drugs. American military advisers and equipment are limited to counternarcotics activities - a pointless distinction, given that U.S. and Colombian officials view the rebels as indistinguishable from drug traffickers and fight them equally. But in the next few weeks, the Bush administration is expected to announce a major shift in policy, discarding the fig leaf of merely fighting drugs and giving the U.S. military a direct role in helping the Colombian army fight the guerrillas. For example, U.S. military "advisers" reportedly will help Colombian troops defend drilling rigs and pipelines used by U.S. oil companies such as Occidental Petroleum Corporation of Los Angeles. The administration 's position combines Cold War­ style antipathy for leftist guerrillas with modem anti­ terrorism. Officials claim that because the two rebel groups are on the U.S. list of terrorist groups, they should be treated no more leniently than Osama bin Laden. Such rhetoric is hypoc1itical. The net effect of the new aid will be to further tighten the army's covert aJliance with the worst band of drug traffickers - the rightist paramilitary death squads, who also are on the terrorist list ­ while deepening the war. Now, in the peace talks, the government and guerrillas are racing to meet an April deadline for a cease-fire. The two sides are still far apart on the issues on the talks agenda, and hard-liners in each camp are known to be itching to resume all-out war. The cause of peace has few allies - notably the United Nations, which has played an admirable role in rescuing the talks from collapse. Instead of undermining the peace talks, the Bush administration should actively support them. Noam Chomsky, linguistics professor, MIT When the U.S. launched a murderous terrorist war against Nicaragua, Nicaragua did not set off bombs in Washington but took the matter to the World Court, which ordered the U.S. to cease its "unlawful use of force" and to pay substantial reparations. The U.S. responded by escalating the terrorist attack. Nicaragua approached the Security Council, which called on all states to observe international law (vetoed by the U.S.), and then went to the General Assembly, which passed a similar resolution (again vetoed by the U.S.). No one will stop the U.S. if it follows the procedures that it blocked in the case of Nicaragua. Suitable for Framing "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Letter from a Birmingham Jail. ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~~~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~ Story, Editorial and Art Submission Deadline for the March,2002 edition of STREETVIBES is Friday, February 15th. indMdual * < fcp,r more· infonnatian. �STREETVIBES February 2002 Saint Francis of the Entrepreneurs On December 24th, I was going to get together with a good friend and her mother. That morning, her mother had a heart attack and died. In memory of her mother and in recognition of the feelings and thoughts her (Ruth Jones) triggered in me, I wrote the following. by Mike Henson To Say Our Last Goodbye I feed the birds outside my window. My father made a bird feeder of cedar. It is small, square, and humble. The birds don 1t care. It is battered: the lid blew off the hinges in a storm years ago. The birds don 1t care. The nifty plastic shield that held up the seed in a stack and dropped it into a feeding tray­ that1s gone too. The birds don 1t care. The feeder is nothing more than a three-sided box screwed to the window frame. The birds don 1t care. the sides of the feeder and the windowsill are white with bird shit. but the birds don't care a bit. they perch in a row, waiting for the bonanzaThey scrap and chatter and argue over their placessparrows, doves, an occasional pigeon and a jay -regular as the meter manwho calls, sharp and piercing if he is not fed when he demands. Probably the hardest thing we have to do So very painful for me and you Done by each individual in their own way The human need to say...Our . Last Goodbye. Who knew when this day would come The Holy Father is the only one. The last day this day will make To say our last goodbye. That pain so deeply felt­ Those tears, the heart to melt. The spirit to bid farewell To say our last goodbye. Didn't get to say it all Tried to forget the fall Amazed to see you standing tall To say my last goodbye. Petit Bourgeois Blues by Mike Henson There1s a wino on my doorstep, got·me feelin down Half-dead wino on my doorstep, now Pm feelin down. Cause my customers don1t like it, brother gonna have to move uptown. Got these micro-brewery blues, up-scale restaurant just the same Got these art gallery blues, coffeehouse just the same You know I love that local color, but these crackheads ~~nt my game. J ;· Goodbye Mrs. Jones. I love you and will miss you. I miss your laughter, your smile. That deadpan expression while the laughter was in yo~r eyes. I miss "telling" on Gilda and Gilda "telling" on me. I miss visiting you, especially on Free Popcorn Tuesday. I miss you laughing at my bad jokes, and not getting offended by my bad language. You lifted my spirits because we lifted yours. Your courage and dignity I admired. You gave me much joy, without even knowing it! You did your job. The children were raised. The grandchildren grandma' ed. You ran the race and fought the good fight. You deserve the rest and a place in the house of the Father. You lost your legs, but so very much more you gained. Mister Lee ART & POETRY Page 14 Soldiers A Man for Song all Seasons by Gary Lehmann A so1dier's eyes slam open interrupting the dead of night like a bayonet in the belly. by Bill Tinker Here is to the man all tattered and worn Could have been PREZ instead he is dehomed Free as as a bird to fly this ol'coop, remembering the War an.d how he was seen. Ancient fears, forgotten features. His lady brings him water. "It' ll be all right now, honey." SNAKE by Anthony Watkins Makes for this Vet to feel rather mean, its not who you are but what you can dream . Living thru flash backs of death all around, this man deserves better than a park bench called home. So if you as americans really give a damn reach out and give this brother,or sister who is homeless a hand. And never forget just how close we all have drifted to seeing the holy ghost Yes its quite clear to me, homelessness is near to thee. I ask not your pity Nor handouts of pain, I only ask that you consider me a homeless man, Not a being from beyond! For today I work for my meal, as is the deal tomorrow I move on to places unknown,but if possible I too might find a place I can call Home! i For information on submitting your poetry to STREETVIBES call 421 -7803 ., I j' t ,.._, Let me tell you about this girl named Sweet and Petite From heavens above you would think She is a precious gift. But in reality, she makes me sick. See, in her mind, she says she's a witch. But down on earth we know her as a trick. Like fire and thunder, she often makes em wonder. You know, like Stevie Wonder Calling herself Queen Bee But in reality she lied to me. She's the devil's child, running wild makes herself an angel to light You know, smooth, like Dolomite. But it's out of date, she's always late Or, her name might be Gail, she'll put You in living hell. Post with no bail. She's too fat, she might break her back. Thinks she goes lovey-dovey, she' a tell-o-tubby She'll cut you up with her eyes. You got a date with cake and can't be late. No, in reality, she's just a snake. Thinking that her heart is made of steel. That girl needs to chill before somebody breaks her grill. She's bad for your health. Get that poison off your chest and leave her to rest. �. STREETVIBES February 2002 The Work of the Dead .. - . . . . ·A:RT &.- POETRY . .-·.-:. .. . . . ' . ' ·'- .._ -~ - ~- - Shutter Speed . ·_.· Page 15 by Jimmy Heath by Mike Henson In every life cut short, so many things are left undone. The dishes stacked and crusting in the sink. The dogs unfed. Three new strings on the guitar, the others still in their wrappers. The bedroom half-painted, . one side fresh and glossy, the other a map of patching plaster islands. And the oil that really ought to be changed. And the Jetter unsent it o nl y needs a s tamp and someone to walk it to the mailbox. And all the work of love: words and gestures still bundled in their little proud houses and the keys lay right on the table where we left them. And even the nation, this sprawling, addled nation: Such a tangle of dropped threads, inten-upted projects, failed promises. W ho will beat down the hanuners of greed? Who wi11 untangle the knots of deceit? Those whose lives have been cut short are crowded into their darkened theater where they watch us bawling and arguing like actors in an ancient drama. They watch us closely, for they want to know who will take on the unfinished work of the dead. (Ed. Note: this is one of the poems that won the Kerouac Prize for Mike Henson) Bush is my Shepherd Bush is my Shepherd, I am in want, He maketh me to lie down on park benches, He leadeth me by still factories, He restoreth my doubt in the Republican Pa1ty He guideth me in the path of the Unemployed for his party 's sake, Yea, though I walk through the valley of soup kitchens, I am hungry. I do fear ev il, for thou a1t against me; Thy Cabinet and thy Senate, they do discomfort me; Tho didst prepare a reductit m in my wages; In the presence of my creditors thou anointed my income with taxes, So my expense overruneth my income. Surely poverty and hard times wil1 follow me All the days of the Republican administration. And I shall dwell in a rented house forever. Martin Luther King Day march - January 20th, 2002 LORD WHY? by Anthony Watkins Lord, why did you put me here to die, to burn, to learn? Lord, why did you put me here to die, in a world full with pain? What is there to gain in this wicked game? What is there to gain when your back is against the waJI , and you constantly fall, when everytime you try to get by you fall on your face? What's left to save the human race? The Crack Attack is Over by P. J. I-'m a quitter, that's right I quit Geekin' & Seekin' 4 my next hit 4 awhile I thought that crack was my friend Now I'm in a cycle where there's no end. All I wanted was something 2 do But day after day my addiction grew At l st I didn 't know that it was a habit Until I realized I just had 2 have ·it Sometime I realized I just had 2 have it I'd do anything 2 suck the pipe 1 What is there to gain when hope is gone and you are standing all alone? To burn in hell or die in a jail cell? When pain and sorrow, and it seems like no tomorrow, th.inking back to the goodness we once had. It seems to me that the worlds is so sad when everybotly professes to keep it so real when it comes down face to face. They hold their head down in disgrace in this wicked place. When everybody's puffing on so much chronic smoke, it seems that life is one big joke. When kids play with guns thinking that this is a game of fun , and money rules the world, and its war and tears, and its man that they fear. Don't they know the Savior is near? A nd the heavens open up and I heard a voice say "My son, what I said will be, so always keep your faith in me." Then I said to the Lord, "Will I drown in the sea or weaken like a willow tree?" Then in reply, the Lord said to me, "Stay strong even if you stand alone." So my brothers and sisters, we must have hearts like steel to keep it real, looking up to Gods beautiful grace in surrounding this wicked place. When I hit the dipper 4 the very 1st time I beamed up 2 Scotty - past cloud nine That's when I knew that there wasn't enough I had 2 get more of this "redi roe" stuff On the street they call me a runner But mostly I was a cocaine hunter Search all day 4 that rush_2 my head And get mad cause my money was dead Yeah, the higher I got the lower my paper But I always managed 2 pull off a caper I know that's it 's low-down 2 steal It didn' t matter, I had a crack deal I still get a hooter around if I want it I have 2 stop my own way when l part it Sometimes on purpose I even get broke That's also part of my strength, and it works! Now I can s mile as I walk past the dealers Cause I know dope boys R nothing but killers When I walk past the "dope fiend" puppets I laugh Cause I quit, I'm a quitter I put crack in my past. �STRE E TVIBES February 2002 Dignity by Beth Lake, Student, College of Mount St. Joseph "Our first task in approaching another people, another culture, another religion, is to take offour shoes, for the place we are approaching is holy. Else we may find ourselves treading on another's dream. More serious still, we may forget... that God was here before our arrival." - Author Unknown This quote perfectly explains my time as an Americorps volunteer in Floyd County, Kentucky. I was a Housing Counselor for the Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky. My daily "job" was to he lp people fin d the resources, money, or labor to repair their homes. However, on a daily basis I felt more like I was the student, learning valuable life skills and how to see the good in each person. I was immersed in a beautiful culture filled with rich traditions and strong family ties. The Appalachian people I worked with were true to their families and always hospjtab]e to me ... offering a drink or a place to sit for a long chat This experience taught me to listen. I learned to truly open myself to the experiences and people that lay before me. It taught me how to step out of " my shoes" and be open to another's experiences. It taught me the importance of looking each person in the eyes and giving them the dignity that society thinks they do not deserve. It taught me to realize that my ways are not aJways the right ways to do th ings. The homelessness and poverty that exist in F loyd County, KY are extreme and devastating. The living conditions for some people are scarce and meager. However, the culture is rich and beautiful. The people hospitable and loving. The Appalachians, my teacher. Beth Lake in Appalachia Selling out Native Americans, • once again Norton sees no harm in Letting miningfirm destroy sacred lands for foreign profit by Charles Levendosky International mining conglomerates think they have an unfettered right to mine on the public lands that belong to Native Americans, no matter what is destroyed in the process. And so does Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton. Armed with the outdated and industry-hyped 1872 Mining Law, mining companies prevail over other public interests and multiple uses of the public lands - even on those pubJic lands that Congress has set aside to give them greater protection. Seven years ago, Glamis Gold, Ltd., a Canadian-based mining corporation, proposed to carve an 880-foot-deep, mile­ wide, cyanide heap-leach, open­ pit gold mine out of J ,600 acres of a fragile desert ecosystem at Quechan Indian Pass in the Californ ia Desert Conservation Area. After exhaustive review, a permit for the mine was denied by outgoi ng Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt on Jan. 17, 2001. On Nov. 23, Norton withdrew the decision to deny Glamis a mining permit in the area. Norton's action makes the approval of the mine almost inevitable. Apparently, it doesn "t matter to Norton that the proposed mine would destroy American Indian sacred sites, cultural artifacts, trail networks, petroglyphs, ancestral grounds and 55 archaeological sites eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The 3,000­ member Quechan Tribe, which has lived in this area of the desert for thousands of years, will witness the obliteration of their cultural heritage. Willa Scott, a member of the Quechan Tribe's Culture Co mmittee, has stated, "If these sites are destroyed, we will lose our ability to pass down om beliefs'. .. We will have lost our cultural gatherings, funeral rituals, singing, story-telling and teachings. Without these practices, our people will lose the most imp01tant prut of who we are." Quechan Tribal Council President Mike Jackson Sr., was Page 16 quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Dec. 28, as saying, "The Bush administration is laughing at us. They're saying, 'We don 't give a damn about your history. ' " Apparently, it doesn' t matter that California's two U.S. senators and more than half of the state's congressional delegation sent a letter to Norton urging her to deny the mining permit. The delegation 's letter concludes: "Regardless of the standard that you chose to apply to the proposed mine, the unmitigable environmental and cultural impacts require denial." When the mine was first proposed in the mid- 1990s, Imperial County officials were against the Glamis gold mine, which would be located in their county. Eru·ly in her tenure as interior secretary, Norton criticized Babbitt for not listening to the people in the West who were affected by his Land management decisions and the creation of numerous national monuments. In overturning the denial of the Glamis mine permit, Norton did not consult with the Quechan T1ibe, the California congressional delegation or local officials. T his mine has nothing to do with extracting minerals that are vital to our national security. It has to do with profit - foreign profit. The 25-million acre CDCA was created by Congress in 1976 to protect significant scen ic and biologically important areas in the southeastern corner of the state, including lands in Imperial, San Diego and Los Angeles counties. The conservation area extends from the Mexican border north to Death Valley and the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. The 20-yeru· old management plan for the Desert Conservation Area was created after one of the most extensive public participatory processes in the history of federal land management. The plan protects the conservation ru·ea with a Limited Use designation. The proposed gold mine is inconsistent wi th that pl an. The conservation area is divided into three federal regions mru1aged by the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the Department of Defense, respectively. The BLM's management portion of the COCA falls under the agency's Office of National Landscape Conservation System, which was created during the Clinton administration and was supposed to guarantee greater management attention and protection. The focus of the office was to have been conservation. That goal has been subverted under the new administration . A report released in November by two conservation groups, the National Wildlife Federation and the Natural Resources Defense Council, concludes that the BLM is fai ling to protect the long-term health of the 264 mHlion acres of public lands under the agency's management. Some agency critics say that the BLM considers mining the highest use of public land. The Department of the Interior's "Manual on Sacred Sites" establishes the "policy, responsibilities, and procedures to accommodate access to and ceremonial use of Indian sacred sites and to protect the physical integrity of such sites." The manual also states that "each bureau or office shall undertake a pe1iodic review of its policies, procedures, rules and regulations to ensure consistency" wi th the above stated purposes and "make any changes necessary to avoid adversely affecting the physical integrity of sacred sites." The department's own policy manual is clear. It forbids the destruction of the Quechan Tribe's sacred lands by the proposed gold mine. Accordi ng to the Record of Decision which denied the mine permit, the proposed project "would encompass a mine and processing area, including open pits, waste rock and topsoil stockpiles, haul roads, an electrical substation, distribution lines and associated facilities. Up to 150 million tons of ore would be mined and leached, and an additional 300 million tons of waste rock would be deposited on the site." The gold ore that Glamis wants to mine is low grade. It would require the excavation and processing of 422 tons of rock to produce one ounce of gold. The project would leave behind mounds of toxic mine tailings, up to 30 stories high. The mi.ne's deepest pit, at 880 feet, would never be backfilled. Precious American Indian cultural and religious artifacts would be ravaged beyond any mitigation ­ vandalized for gold. Once these cultural-religious sites are gone, they are gone forever. And what would the Ame1ican people get in return ; if the gold mine were allowed? Nothing. No royalties go into the U.S. Treasury from this foreign exploitation of our public lands. The only beneficiaries of this travesty would be the mine owners. Charles Levendosky is editorial page editor ofthe Casper (ll\ryo.) Star-Tribune. �STRE E TVIB E S F eb ru ary 2002 VEGGIE VIBES SOY MILK 'S POPULARITY INCREASES By Susan Huesken Twenty-eight percent of the U.S. population now drinks soy milk, up from 18% in 1999. according to the U aited Soybean Board. Some of the " reasons" for thi s increase (I believe) are 1) the recent interest in the health promoting benefits of.soy 2) some health problems that have been associated with drinking cows' mi lk 3) questioning of deceptive dairy industries' ads 4) The improved taste and quality of the soy milk products available. "Soy miJk", is the accepted word for a beverage made from soaked, ground soybeans, and I will use it for the rest of the article. But the dairy industry has attempted to make it illegal to identify it on packaging as soy milk, so it most often labeled soy "beverage," or soy "drink". It is interesting that the dairy industry does not have to identify their milk as coming from a cow. It is also funny that coconut milk can be labeled "milk", but the dairy industry probably does not feel threatened that it will take away thejr business. He.a lth Benefits of Soy Milk and Soy In 1999, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a claim that soy products (which includes soy mil k) can help lower the risk of heart disease, a find ing that appeared in a 1995 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. The study found that diets rich in soy protein could reduce cholesterol levels by 20%. In 2000 the Nutrition Committee of the American Heart Association publi shed a major statement in the peer-reviewed journal Circulation, officially recommending the inclusion of 25 grams or more of soy protej n, with Perfect Food" and "Milk, Does a Body Good" have undoubtedly caused much suffering for many Americans with lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is the inability of the body to breakdown the lactose s ugar in milk because of insufficient production of an enzyme called lactase, which diminishes after childhood. Another recent concern over the safety of milk is the use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) or commonly called bovine growth hormone (BGH) in the dairy industry. The U.S. allows this controversial hormone to be used in our milk supply with no required labeling. In fact it is even illegal to say "BGH free milk" . Milk from cows treated with BGH have increased levels of IGH-1, one of the most powerful growth factors ever identified. Also, the use of BGH increases infections in cows' udders, so more antibiotics are given, and this causes higher traces of these drugs, as well as pus and bacteria from infected udders to be in the milk. There are cun-ently 80 antibiotics allowed in cows ' milk. By US Here are a few more health federal law, Grade A milk is benefits of soy milk allowed to have over a drop of pus Soy beverages provide more than 10 times as per glass of milk - almost twice much essential fatty acids the international standard. as cows' mi lk, and so Milk products are high on provide a far healthier the food chain and thus may contain high levels of quality of fat. Soy beverages are environmental contaminants. cholesterol-free, while Milk contains more than 25 cows' milk con tains 34 mg proteins that can lead to allergies. While he was chief of Pediatrics at of cholesterol per cup. Soy beverages lower both John Hopkins School of Medicine, total and LDL ("bad") Frank Oski MD said evidence cholesterol levels, while suggests that around 50% of all cows' milk raises both total U.S. chi ldren are allergic to cows' and LDL cholesterol levels. milk, most of these allergies are undiagnosed. Some milk allergy Soy beverages contain numerous protective symptoms include sinus problems, phytochemicals that may diaIThea, constipation, and fatigue protect against cpronic (milk allergies are equally diseases, such as heart common in adults). Milk allergies disease and osteoporosis. are a leading cause of chronic ear infections. Even childhood Cows' milk contains no phytochemicals. authority Dr. Benjamin Spock, Health P roblems Associated with changed his recommendations in his later years and discouraged Cows' Milk and Deceptive Advertising giving children milk; thi s The dairy industries' catchy recommendation is included in his slogans like "Milk, Nature's most recently updated book. its associated phytochemicals intact (i.e., not in the form of an isol ated soy protein supplemen t), in the daily diet as a means of promoting heart health. Soy also shows promise in the prevention and treatment of hormone-related cancers, especiall y prostate cancer. Men who consume one to two servings of soymilk per day are 70 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer than men who don· t. Although the mechanism by which soy may reduce cancer risk is unknown, soy isoflavones, which are weak estrogens, can sup press the actio n of the more potent human form of estrogen. These isoflavones also inhibit an enzyme linked to tumor growth. Soy has also been shown to inhibit bone deterioration and favorab ly affects calcium metabolism, thus reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Many premenopausal women are also consuming soy milk because of its phytoestrogens, which can mimic estrogen and may help lessen such symptoms as hot flashes. '5treefvibes: A proud member of the North Amerit:.an 45treet Newspaper AssoGiation '2-epresentin9 over ?o street newspapers throughout the United 't>tates and C.anada www. spea~eas1 .orglnasna P age 17 How many times in your life have your heard that you need to drink milk to build strong bones? The dairy industry has constantly bombarded us with these types of ads and presently they are claiming that you need to drink milk to prevent osteoporosis. B ut you never see such claims on a carton of milk because the FDA won't allow it. Only statements backed up by facts are allowed. You might be surprised to learn that most Asian countries, until recently, consumed little or no dairy products, and yet have had a much lower incidence of osteoporosis than people in the United States. Al so that only 35% of the adult population worldwide drinks cows' milk. The countries that have the highest consumption of dairy products: Finland, Sweden, U nited States and England, have the highest rates of osteoporosis and that the daily calcium intake for African Americans is more than l ,OOOmg compared to only 196mg for Sou th Africans, but African Americans have 9 times greater hip fracture rates than do South Africans. G reat Tasting Soy Milks Soy milks have really improved in taste from their early days and many of the brands sold are fortified with caJcium, vitamins A, D and other nutrients such as B 12, which is important if you eat a vegan diet. According to Marilyn Gordon, registered dietitian at Memorial Regional Hospital, if you use soy milk as a milk substitu te you should read the label carefully and make sure it's been fortified and contains 30% of the daily requirement for calcium. You should also follow the recommended 2 or 3 servings per day. If you are using it to get some of the benefits of soy, being fortified is not as important. lnstead of opting for a plain g lass of soy milk, many are turning toward flavored soy milk: Coffee with mocha-flavored soy milk, cereal with vanilla flavored soy milk, pancakes with almond flavored, smoothies with the strawberry flavored. Peaches, bluebe1Ty, orange and banana... the list of flavored soy milk goes on. But be aware that these flavored soy milk usually contain more calories and sugar Remember there are many brands to choose from and each have different nutritional values and taste and that whenever a new food is introduced it may take some time to adjust to the different taste. Psychologists have shown that trying a new food ten times can actually make your taste buds crave it. So drink up ...and enjoy! �STREETVIBES February 2092 an effect of "teaching to the test." In Texas, students are also under the gun to. pass a basic skills test that is first administered in the 8th grade. Student who don't pass tl)e test don 't get a diploma. However, neariy all of the students by Doug Mann · who stay in ·school through their With massive bipartisan . ' senior ye~r eventually pass the test. support, Congress passed the Bush A sim ilar high stakes Education Plan, which will require testing program was introduced !n public schools to administer basic Minnesota in the 1995-1996 school ski lls tests in math and reading to '. year, the Minnesota Basic students in grades 3 to 8 by the Standards Test. As happened in 2005-2006 school year. Poor Texas, the percentage of students performing schools that don't who passed.this high stakes test on show improvement will face the first try increased from year.:.to­ sanctions, including the Joss of year, u·p to a certain point. And federal funding in some cases. high school push-out rates and Congress also increased scores on academic aptitude tests funding for the Title I program changed very little. from $18.5 billion this year to A FRANKENSTEIN MONSTER $26.5 billion next year. Title I CREATED BY POST-1983 money follows students who SCHOOL REFORMS qualify for free and reduced price In the Minneapolis (MN) lunches. The average subsidy, now Public Schools, the high school about $2,000 per student should increase to about $3,000 next year. push-out rate has been about 50% Private schools may receive Title I for all students entering the 9th grade, and well over 60% for funds. Poor performing public African-American and American schools almost invariably have a high concentration of students who Indian students. The push.:.out rate for poor whites is closer to 50%. are eligible for free and reduced­ An analysis of data reported to the price lunches. Minnesota Department of In.some cases, the Bush Children, Families and Learning Education Plan calls for the suspension of tenure rights at poor indicates that for students excluded from college preparatory tracks in performing schools, i.e., teachers the Minneapolis Public Schools, may be fired for cause without the right of appeal (due process). This the on-time graduation rate is less than 20% and the push-out rate is enhancement of management close to 70 per cent. Here I assume rights is known as 'fresh sta11' that over 90% of the college authority. However, many of these preparatory students graduate on schools are already run like banana time and pass the MBST on the republics precisely because most first try (On time graduation rates of the teachers are inexperienced and initial MBST pass rates are and do not have tenure rights. Teachers employed long enough to that high in many school districts). About 25% of all students entering acquire tenure rights (typically 3 the 9th grade in 1995, and over years) ordinarily do not stay at or 50% of those who received their bid into such schools, especially if diploma in 1998 were on a coJlege they run the risk of being "fresh preparatory curriculum track. started" by doing so. That the Minneapolis Bush's Education Plan is Public Schools went too far in part of a school reform program dumbing down the c;urriculum for designed to better meet the needs its work readiness students is of employers. reflected by the fact that nearly Bush's plan to fix poor 25% of African-American students performing schools has already are diagnosed with some type of been tried in Texas and other Emotional-Behavioral Disorder states, with mixed results. Scores and enrolled in a special education on the basic skills tests almost program (The national average is invariably improve, but generally without raising scores on academic less than 3%). Ordinarily, special aptitude tests and without lowering education students with a EBD diagnosis are at least two years high-sc~ool dropout /push-out behind academically, e.g., a rates. The Houston branch of the nonreader in the third grade. NAACP (National Association for Typically the treatment for the Advancement of Colored EBD consists of psychoactive People) reports a high school "dropout" rate of 40% for African­ drugs and home interventions by social workers. Uncooperative American students, presumably in the Houston area (source: Houston parents ai·e frequently stripped of their parental rights. NAACP branch web site). The THE POST-1983 SCHOOL high school push-out rate for REFORM MOVEMENT African-American students The Minneapolis Public nationwide is about 20%. These School system is a Frankenstein mixed results can be explained as BUSH'S EDUCATION AGENDA Page 18 monster created by the school reform movement spearheaded by the Reagan and Bush administrations during the 1980s. Their propaganda offensive was launched with a 1983 report caJled "A Nation at Risk," which claimed that the educational establishment had lowered the bar for high achievers .in orqer to dose the aca9emic ac.hjevement gap betweeq. ~tudents . Many school districts that differentiated the curriculum througli ~l?iUty­ grouping (tracking) during the 1960s began to eliminate their nonacademic tracks in· the 1970s and early 1980s, especially in the elementary school s. Evidently, the first Bush administ~·ation believed its own propaganda about 'a rising tide of mediocrity' in America's public schools. It commissioned the Sandia National. Laboratories to .. do . an intensive review of educational data collected by the National Center for Education Statistics of the US Department of Education. It was a very auth01itative study. The Sandia Report flatly contradicted the premise of "A Nation at Risk." High achievers actually made significant gains during the 1970s and early 1980s. Desegregation and the elimination of nonacademic curricul~m tracks had improved outcomes for all classes of students, especially poor and nonwhite students. T he Sandia Report was completed in 1990 and suppressed by the first Bush administration. It was eventually released by the Clinton administration, and largely ignored. (Berliner and Biddle, 1995, The Manufactured Crisis, page 26.) To improve educational outcomes for a majority of public school students, it will be necessary to undo some of the "reforms" can"ied out during the Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Bush IT administrations, especially tracking students into nonacademic programs. However, the capitalist class will not approve of such a counter-reform movement. Once set in motion, it would be hard to stop. It would destroy a number of myths about the presumed stupidity of most workers, especially black workers. WHY VOUCHERS ARE NOT THE ANSWER I think that a huge majority of parents want their kids to get an education that prepares them for college. However, in most urban school districts, academic/college preparatory programs are reserved for a fairly small minority of children who are designated as academically gifted and talented. That's why urban school districts are losing their "market share" of students to private school and public schools in the suburbs. G.W. Bush, like his father before him, says he wants to give parents greater freedom to chose the school their childfen attend. That's where vouchers come in. Vouchers make it possible for many poor and " middle class" kids to attend private, college preparatory schools. It's a means of escape from the public school system. Naturally,' vouchers have a strong appeal to parents who want to pull theiT kids from the public schools or have already done so. However, with a voucher program, what you end up with is an even Jess equitable distribution of educational resources than you ordinarily have in the public school system. For example, in Cleveland, many of the best private schools don't accept vouchers because very few of the parents who are eligible to use them can affqrd the tuition. The best schools that are accessible to students frotn low-income famil ies are generally religious schools, the bulk of which are run by the Roman Catholic Church. The schools that were set up to accommodate many of the students who are fleeing the public schools, also known as 'voucher schools,' are usually pretty revenue-challenged. 'Disadvantaged' students may actually be worse off in most of the 'voucher schools' than they were in the public schools. With a voucher program, the units of government that pay for the public schools are actually shifting some of the educational costs to parents. That leaves more tax dollars for corporate welfare programs, like giving away baseball stadiums to billionaires. CONCLUSION The public school system is stratified in order to prepare children for their future roles in the work force or prison system. It is in the interests of the capitalist class to keep it that way because a large pool of undereducated workers competing for low-wage jobs gives employers a means to bid down wages across-the-board. The fight for a quality, public education for all can only be ca~ried through to the end by the working class organized through a labor party with a socialist program. The working class has no interest in preserving the capitalist system, which is based on economic exploitation and nourished by racism, sexism, and heterosexism. And a fundamental change in the social order will require a fundamental change in the educational system. �STREETVIBES February 2002 Page 19 News From the National Coalition for the Homeless National Coalition for the Homeless 1012 14th St. Nw, Washington DC 20005-3406 Tel: 2021737-6444 Fax: 737-6445 Email: info@nationalhomeless.org · Website: http:// www.nationalhomeless.org Nominations Sought­ Buddy Gray Award for Homeless Activism This annual award is given to an individual or group who has been most effective io advocating on behalf of people who are home.less or living in poverty. The individual or group must have been involved in advocacy for at least five years. The award honors the late Buddy Gray who was a tirel~ss homeless activist in Cincinnati for many years, aJong with serving on the NCH board of dfrectors. Who Was Buddy Gray? Buddy began working with low income and homeless people in the Over-the-Rhine area in Cincinnati in the early 1970's. He developed a number of non-profit organizations focusi ng on emergency shelter, supportive services, and permanent housing. He was the key person who stood up for the rights of low income people in conservative Cincinnati. He was a mentor to a number of homeless/formerly homeless people (including Donald Whitehead, executive director of NCH). He died in 1996. The people he mentored are now leaders continuing on with the work and programs that Buddy Gray started. He was also a founding board member of the National Coalition for the Homeless and his influence is felt on the organization even in 2002. The National Coalition for the Homeless gives this annual award at its spring national board meeting in Washington, D.C. Please take the time to nominate an individual or group for the Buddy Gray Award for Homeless Activism. Self­ nominations are allowed. Send a cover letter (regular mail, fax or email) along with supporting documentation (e.g. news clippings) to: National Coalition for the Homeless, Attn: Michael Stoops 1012 14th St., NW; #600 Washington, DC 20005-3471 Fax: 202-737-6445; Email: mstoops@ nationalhomeless.org For questions about the award, call (202) 737-6444 x19 In your cover letter, please answer the following questions. 1. Why is this individual or group being nominated for the Buddy Gray Award? Please detail the nominee's personal and professional history, volunteer work, work with homeless/low income-people and homeless advocacy groups. You may submit up to three news clippings about the nominee. No resumes please. 2. How does this individual or group's work exemplify the legacy of Buddy Gray? Deadline: Postmarked March I , 2002 The recipient will receive a plaque, $100 honorarium, and travel expenses to attend the award ceremony in Washington, DC Education Update Congress Passed Final FY 2002 Labor, HHS, Education Appropriations Bill both the House of Representatives and the Senate approved the FY 2002 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations bill on December l 91h and 20th, respectively. The bill calls.for $950 million in adult training funds and $ 1.549 billion in dislocated worker funds under the Workforce !!)vestment Act (WIA). These funding levels exceed funding requests made by the Bush Adminjstratioo earlier this year. The Administration recommended reducing adult training funds to $900 million, and dislocated worker funds to $1.38 billion dollars. In FY 2001 , adult training was funded at $950 mi1lion, and dislocated workers at $1.59 billion, prior to the rescission of $110 million in FY 2001 dislocated worker funds. None of this is to say that this sufficient funding. The final bill did not include a repeal of that rescission of dislocated worker funds passed by Congress in July. A hoped-for inclusion in a Senate bill of additional WIA funds, primarily targeted to dislocated workers, did not occur. Congress may revisit economic stimulus legislation when they return in January. U.S. Conference of Mayors Report Point to Sharp Increase in Homelessness You may access this report online at the following url: http://usmayors.org/uscmlnewsl press_releasesldocuments/ hunger_121 /OJ.asp Election Day 2002 Just A Year Away Yes, another election will soon be here. The National Coalition for the Homeless is gearing up for the November,. 2002 elections with the "You Don't Need A Home To Vote" national voter rights and nonpartisan registration campaign. The campaign seeks to protect and promote a homeless person's right to' vote, and ensuring that people who are homeless maintain an active role and voice in shaping their future. The campaign uses a five­ pronged strategy of registration, education, get-out the-vote, state and federal legislation, and litigation. Dates to remembers in 2002: Sept. 22-28-NationaJ Homeless Voter Registration Week October:-Local candidate forums on homelessness, housing, hunger and poverty issues Nov. 5-Election Day-get-out­ the-vote drives Since the inception of the campaign in 1992, thousands of homeless citizens have been registered to vote. To receive the 2002 campaign packet (complete with a new poster), send $12 (covers shipping and handling) to NCH. Questions about the campaign, contact: Michael Stoops (202) 737-6444 x 19 mstoops@nationalhomeless.org Write Us .... We'd like to hear from you I Send letters or comments to: Streetvibes@Juno.com, or write the Coalition office attn : Streetvibes Letters, 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 "Think globally... but fire locally." �= Need Help or Want to Help? If you need help or would like to help please call one of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless members listed below. If you need more information, ca/1421 :7803 SHELTERS: Women and Children YWCA Battered Women's Shelter 872-9259 1-888-872-9259 (Toll Free) Bethany House 557-2873 Salvation Army 762-5660 Welcome House 859-431-8717 Women's Crisis Center 859-491-3335 SHELTER: Men City Gospel Mission Garden St. House Joseph House (Veterans) St. Francis/St.Joseph House Mt. Airy Center Volunteers of Amer. SHELTER: Both Caracole (AIDS) 241-5525 241-0490 241-2965 381-4941 661-4620 381-1954 761-1480 Chabad House 821-5650 Friars Club 381-5432 Drop Inn Center 721-0643 Haven House 863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teens) 961-4080 St. John's Housing 651-6446 HOUSING: CMHA Excel Development Miami Purchase OTA Housing Net. ReSTOC Tender Mercies Tom Geiger House 721-4580 632-7149 241-0504 369-0004 381-1171 639-7056 961-4555 TREAIME~T; WQm~a First Step Home 961-4663 TREATMENT: M~n Charlie's 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Over 784-1853 921-1613 751-3260 TREATMENT: BQth 820-2947 N.A. Hopeline A.A. Hotline 861-9966 381-6660 C.C.A.T. Talbert House 684-7956 Transitions, Inc. 859-491-4435 VA Domiciliary 859-559-5011 ROHS HARDWARE Help . is Just 2.99 Rround the Corner 2" x 60 Yds. ~~ 0 Duct Tape ~ ·~ !$' «~ ~~~& Pledge Grab-It Q;)ftj ~ $81ess$8 ~~ 0 Mail-In Rebate 1403 Vine Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 - "" - ~..,04.""7 ,....l / ~ '~{ -t; - . u.. ;,_/ ·:. ....y : ; ~ ~ . .,. ;,· / .. ··, : ~· 9Jf7 : \~ ,:,~ ~ • 8pieceScrew­ driver Set OTHER SERVICES: AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati 421-2437 Appalachian Identity 621-5991 Center 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 241 -2563 Emanuel Center Freestore/Foodbank 241-1064 771-4800 Goodwill Industries G.C. Coalition for the Homeless 421 -7803 Hamilton Co. Mental 621-7149 Health Board Hamilton Co. TB Control 632-7186 Health Rsrc. Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van 352-2902 House of Refuge Mission 221-3619 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 Advertise il STREETVIBESI Call 421-7803 fer rates ard infcrrootial � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2002 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource February 2002 Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Panhandling for Justice Pg 2: A Human Investment Pg 3: ReSTOC Leads Development on Vine Street Pg 4: Reader Mail Pg 5: Greater Cincinnati coalition for the Homeless Welcomes New Staff Members Pg 6: Know Your Rights- Do the Poor have the Right to Free Speech? Pg 7: Welcome to Cincinnati, Ms. Lemmie Pg 8: Prisoners News Pg 9: Michael Henson Receives Kerouac Prize for Poetry Pg 10: National Release of Criminalization Report Pg 11: Ursuline Student Talks About Her Positive Streetvibes Encounter Pg 12: Editorials Pg 13: Postage Stamps a Measure of Patriotism Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 16: Dignity Selling Out Native Americans, Once Again Pg 17: Veggie Vibes Pg 18: Bush’s Education Agenda Pg 19: News from the National Coalition for the Homeless Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 2002 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Alicia Beck Meghan Clarke Molly Lyons Mary Taylor John Halpin Cheryl Ware Jimmy Heath Jerome Manigan Mike Henson Susan Huesken P.J. Beth Lake Mr. Lee Gary Lehman John Perrotti Riccardo Taylor Bill Tinker Anthony Watkins Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Alicia Beck Anthony Watkins Arts & Poetry Beth Lake Bill Tinker Bush Cheryl Ware Cincinnati Criminalization Democrat Editorials education Evangelist Free Speech Gary Lehman GCCH Human Investment Jerome Manigan Jimmy Heath John Halpin John Perrotti Justice LA Martin Luther King Jr. Mary Taylor Meghan Clarke Michael Henson Mike Henson MLK Molly Lyons Mr. Lee Ms. Lemmie National Coalition for the Homeless Native American P.J. panhandling prisoners news Reader Mail ReSTOC Riccardo Taylor San Francisco Santa Cruz Street View Susan Huesken Veggie Vibes Vine Street Washington Park https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/d5ac60bca99624c6f34cc57f1a612cb8.pdf c2342640c83873a53aee2af1cffd9d47 PDF Text Text ~ \ ~ C) first was held last June, Rally at Fountain Square Marks ~The drawing several thousand activists from around the city and from Anniversar of Cincinnati's Unrest across the country. Over a dozen speakers spoke on Sunday for two hours, then the crowd proceeded down Vine and Court streets to City Hall 1 where a bell was chimed 12 times for the 12 months people have been waiting for their voices to be , heard, justice to be done and peace !r:e ~ to come to the area. • 1 ~ Afterwards, 400 U • - ~ ~l ~ participants continued a silent --=-""- _g march to the Cincinnati Police ~Department's District 1 ::;_ headquarters. From there a .~ smaller group dispersed at the ..... alley located at 13th and Republic to death by a police officer in Streets where Roach shot Thomas by Andria Y. Carter Over-the-Rhine. last year. The Cincinnati Herald "Here we are a year later Throughout the march, the Approximately 1,000 and not much has changed," Sister Cincinnati Police and Hamilton people turned out to honor the Victoria Straughn of Concerned County Sheriffs Department kept a death of Timothy Thomas at the Citizens for Justice told the crowd respectful distance from the April 7, 2002 March for Justice on on Fountain Square. groups, but remained watchful. Fountain Square, one year after the Participants held signs March for Justice 19-year-old unarmed man was shot saying, "No Justice, No Peace," participants represented the vast "Cry Out for Justice," "Justice for diversity within Cincinnati; All," and "Food not Bombs," African Americans, Whites, expressing a variety of emotions Hispanics and Native Americans, and feelings. all gathered on Fountain Square Former Cincinnati Police promoting peace, justice and unity. Each speaker was well recieved Officer Stephen Roach was acquitted of all charges in Thomas' but many participants came to hear death. Roach left the Cincinnati and support Angela Leisure on the police force in January to join the anniversary of her son's death. Leisure spoke about how Evendale, Ohio police force. ...,; the day was very trying for her and This is the second "March Rev. Damon Lynch Ill, addresses her fam ily; how Thomas' 11-yearfor Justice" held in Cincinnati. rally gathered at Fountain Square Q. Street Life by Riccardo Taylor In the street life everything is serious. Mastering the art of seeing with your ears and hearing with your eyes is essential for your survival. The continous hustle and bustle of each day in the world as the street person endeavors to encounter the neccessities of life, is an ever changing reality which depends on the honing of these skills. The challenge ofsurvival is based at times on the willingness to sacrifice one's morality and civility as taught from the lessons of social upbringing. This sacrifice means compormising one's integrity, dignity, and often even one' s life. Relief from the dregs of survival comes in the form of prison cells or a stint in the local jail, in most cases. However, the ( ,..:r•illll ' \' • I .:: '~ \~ Angela Leisure addresses Fountain Square Rally old sister continues to wake crying for her brother; and how it is still difficult for her family to come to an understanding of why Thomas Rally.... Cont. Page 3 t"~ Marchers gather at City Hall ~In the street world, this is not some it. So the question is why? No dream floating in limbo. It is in one lives this life for the sake of fact a reality that has no real basis, Q~~-flei:efore, the question , sh uld be•w can be done so that yet, it is the truth in waiting in the mind of the street person. You just no o live this way? The have to keep surviving until your answer lies in CHANGE. Change tum comes. In the life, you have in a macro sense. Change that to get down like you live - nothing affects the entire society. Change comes to a sleeper but a dream. that affects every individual. Living on the philosophy of Change that comt through policy. self The belief that the world Change that can only be brought owes you something, and in order about by the fo e of the people. bottom line for the street person is to collect on that debt, you have to Change that for most part has to be that ultimatley you have to make stay in the game if you want to initiated by the individual. receive it. This keeps the street changes or you Jose! How ironic! Without further ado the street person must, without Every street person kn~w person's hopes of a future alive. down inside that they e detined The real problem is that one has to hesitation, start the wheels twning for loss, ye~ey hang o live by more than just hopes. You for the survival of their existence. belief, or better stated, the illusion, have to invest effort and time in They must take a stand in their order to get any benefit. The name own circumstances, eraditcating that they can get away with artful of the game is that if you don't tactics of survival without change. the "bull", and replacing it with work, you don't eat. Hopes and Motivated and driven by the things that will make their lives dreams are a thing of make believe more siutable for themselves. hopes that things can or will be different, with just one grand for the street person. There is no complaint without "lick.,, The one opportunity to Reality says that one must Life .... relieve all of one's troubles and do what they have to do. It's a problems with one magical stroke. hard life and not everyone can live Cont. on page 3 �. REETVIBES May 2002 STREETVIBES The Tr i -State's Homeless Grapevine Streetvibes, the Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine, is a newspa­ per written by, for, and about the homeless, social justice, and poverty-related issues. It is published once a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Becoming a Streetvibes Vendor is a great way for home­ less 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. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition/or the Homeless is a group ofshelters, agencies and individuals cot1lmitted to ending homelessness in Cincinnati through coordinating services, educating the public and grassroots organizing. GCCBStaff Alicia Beck Executive Director Meghan Clarke Administrative Coordinator Americorps• Vista John Halpin Molly Lyons Americorps* Vista Mary Taylor Receptionist Cheryl Ware Educational Out­ reach Coordinator Streetvibes Staff Jimmy Heath Editor Writen Carter Camp Paul Lawrence Dunbar BrianOany Laura Grace LAH \~ 'IJ John Halpin George Herrell Mike Henson ~ FanniJ. t\' Steven Paul Lansky Robert Lederman ~ Mr. Lee ~ \ ~ Molly Lyons Jerome J. Manigan Robert Mannassa Carol Rainey Edna Smith Riccardo Taylor Cheryl Ware Edward (Sonny) Williams Looking Outside for Answers to give from our hearts and minds by Jimmy Heath and our pockets. I also recognize local government, and sometimes Earlier this year I had the that this is not a reason to hide not even in our everyday lives. behind bad foreign policy. As opportunity to once again visit This is modem society, Central America, as a where things move for the good of good Americans, we have a moral photographer and a delegate for responsibility for our world everyone, and the sense of the Witness For Peace, a Washington neighbors and how we treat them individual seems to be lost in the through these policies. DC based human rights shuffle. As our country grows in When I speak to groups organization. The trip took me to population, we become even more about my experiences, I always Nicaragua; the second most isolated, even in our own homes. impoverished nation in the find a willing audience. People The windows are closed tight, the Western Hemisphere. (Haiti is the doors locked, and information is want to hear about what is going first). Our delegation met with on, and they want to know how to piped in through wires and cables. community organizers, How much of the outside world do help. I tell people that gathering government officials, and union information is the first step and we really know, unless we cross from there your heart will tell you leaders. the borders and take a look for what you need to do. In spite of general ourselves? disagreement with US policies, This month's Streetvibes I was not surprised at some every Nicaraguan we met liked looks at the struggles ofthe people of the things I saw and heard and admired the people of of Nicaragua and how American during my trip to Central America. America. Our hosts found fault, I saw many of the same things and policy affects thier lives. Nicaragua, by Jon Gambrell not with us, but our government experienced many of the same and its policies. How did we, as (Features, page I 0) shows us the attitudes when I visited El country from a people's citizens, become something Salvador five years ago. My separate from our own government ignorance makes me helpless, yet perspective. Jennifer DeLury, a in the eyes of these Central I'm happy to be recognized, not as Witness for Peace Nicaraguan Team Leader, discusses the impact American people? Aren't we the a repressive government force of our own government? of free trade and Presidents Bush's representative in a foreign land, economic policies, in Bush~\' Isn't our government for the but as a generous American. The Central American Free Trade people, by the people? This irony of all of this is that I Agreement Exploits the Poor, disconnection seems to reflect recognize the irreppressible Benefits the Rich, starting on page attitudes shared by citizens of capacity of the American people to many countries, not just the 12. be generous. We are always ready Nicaraguans. How many times, in recent months, have we heard foreign policy discussions about the Middle East and other international "hot spots" that included praise for the American "people" but disdain for our system? Our democratic system is supposed to reflect the desires and attitudes of its people. However, I think most of us feel that we do not have control of anything outside of our own lives. Maybe there is a better view from outside our borders. Sure, we vote our leaders into positions of power. But we don't feel the force of this power ourselves, not in.our Folks Dancers, El Regadio, Nicaragua Streetvibes Vendor Code Each vendor has to sign the following code to be able to sell the paper. 1. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $1 voluntary Photographen Jimmy Heath, Jerome J. Manigan Streetvibes accepts letters, poems, stories, essays, original graphics, photos.... We will give prefer­ ence to those who are homeless or vendors. Subscriptions to Streetvibes can be purchased for $15 per year. c/o Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCB) 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OB 45210 (513) 421-7803 fax (513) 421-7813; e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com web page: http://cinci.com/2cch Page 2 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. collecting for the "homeless" in general. I will be donation. I agree not to ask for donations of more honest in stating that all the profits from the sale of than $1. I also understand that I will be able to Streewibes will go to the individual vendor. keep 80 cents of each dollar collected. Future 8. I will always present my badge when purchasing issues of Streewibes will be purchased from the papers, and I will display my badge at all times Homeless Coalition for 20 cents. while vending. Replacement badges are $5 each. Srreervibes may only be purchased from the 9. There are no territories. I agree that I will not GCCH. Purchasing or selling unauthorized contest territories with other distributors. I will papers, or from other vendors, will result in termi­ not sell on private property without permission. nation from the program. 10. I understand that Streewibes strives to be a self­ I agree that I will not ask for donations or attempt supporting paper created by people who are to vend after 12 midnight. homeless or formerly homeless. To help in this I agree to treat others with respect - other vendors, effort, I will try to spread the word and write customers, and GCCH personnel. stories if possible. l will not sell Streervibes while under the influence. 11. I understand that failure to comply with any of the I will not give a "hard sell" or make someone feel above statements will result in termination from threatened. the Srreervibes vendor program. GCCH reserves I agree not to deceive the public by saying that I am the right to terminate a vendor at any time as collectine: for a not-for-orofit charitv or that I am deemed aoorooriate. �~ REETVIBES May 2002 Rally... Cont. From Page 1 was killed. She urged all to work together - the community and the police - to foster a sense of unity and peace. She added under these conditions there will be justice. "I do not advocate violence of any kind. Nor do I have malice, hate or vengeance in my heart," Leisure told the crowd regarding the actions surrounding her son's death. She said she could not bring her son back to life, but is working for justice for the sake of her son. The Women's chorus sang " We Who Believe in Freedom Cannot Rest," a song written and recorded by Sweet Honey and the Rock. Sweet Honey had performed the song earlier this year during their January performance at the Aronoff Center. Life.... Cont. from page 1 struggle. One has to get with the program. There is no waiting for the magical wand. One has to make their way through sacrfice and effort. Egos don't fly, they are a product of one's efforts, resulting in self-satisfaction and happiness, as it may be. The street life is a short life, a life that is surrounded Local News I Rev. Damon Lynch ill, leader of the Cincinnati Black United Front, urged all to remember those who remain in jail and are responsible for moving Cincinnati forward to change the racial injustices in the city. Lynch continued the call for amnesty for the young men and women who were arrested during the three day civil unrest. He said that the reason why the Department of Justice came to Cincinnati was because of April 9-11 , 2001 . He said Cincinnati's history changed during those three days. Lynch emphasized that healing could not take place in Cincinnati until amnesty takes place. He said that those convicted during the unrest and the city-wide curfew, must have their criminal records expunged. Lynch added, "Justice is not an event. The March for Justice is a lifelong pursuit." by chaos and despair, a life that has no reward, only misery. A life that needs improving. Still, I know for a fact that saying these things are conceptually easy. However, actualizing them is another thing. I wouldn't want to be the pot talking about the kettle. Making the changes is one thing, living them is another. Often I find myselfjust short of what I say or believe, yet I Clif.ford Jones 0 (513) 761-3464 Office l!'-IJ'>ail: t. • :'j)O\.~C jonesa~ (5 13) 230-6353 ~ Voicemail # · c~c· %°'tiexchange- Vendor: 80 cents The Life by Riccardo Taylor In the life there are many paths a person can embark on. None with the intent of success, none with the objective of security, each just for the moment. Meandering along the high­ ways and byways of what they call the game. Never winning, never losing, just making a show, placing is the best hand. Trying to stay ahead of the game, using what means necessary. Living on the edge, never getting ahead. Wits and luck, the tools of the trade. Playing the game with­ out the goal of winning, casting one's lot for the sake of the game. Wins and losses are all the same - they say they hate the game, not the player. Absurdity, the way of life in the fast lane. Keeping it real, lying and conniving, to stay ahead of the continue my struggle with the belief that things can change. Those of us who live on the idea of pretense have to keep a little extra energy, so that we can make that transition. What this means is that you have to learn humility, shamefulness, and a sense of guilt. When you have to lie about yourself, avoiding the real, you have to learn to become humble in your personage. One has to come to grips with their shortcomings, admit that they are short and that they need some correction. This is in my opinion the first step to putting their lives back in order. We must keep in mind that things didn't always look this way and that they can return to days gone by. Again, saying these things are conceptually easy, or are they really? When I came to the sense that this is not so easy, to say I ~ ~~Where Your Dollar Goes Printing and Production: 20 cents 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. Page 3 game. Blind reality. Insanity, the stepping stone to a sense of sanity. Never winning, never losing, just playing the game. Living lies, convinced that everything that one does is right. Living without moral bounds, without rules, owing nothing, existing on your wits, feeding off the fat of the land. Story, Editorial and Art Submission Deadline for the June,2002 edition of STREETVIBES is Monday, MAY 13th. when one is not living them, I concluded that doing those things weren't as easy as they seem to be. I have learned to have hope, yet I know without my effort I have no real hope. It is up to the individual to make the effort for change if they want to realize change. Write Us! _ ... We'd like to hear .". from 'JOU­ a _..., Send letters or comments to: Streetvibes@Juno.com~ , or write the Coalition office attn: Streetvibes Letters, 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 Peace is the work of justice indirectly, in so far as justice removes the obstacles to peace; but it is the work of charity (love) directly, since charity, according to its very notion, causes peace. Thomas Aquinas No matter bow big a nation is, it is no stronger that its weakest people, and as long as you keep a person down, some part of you has to be down there to hold him down, so it means you cannot soar as you might otherwise. Marian Anderson �,/ R EETVIB E S M ay 2002 Reader Reader Mail Dear Editor, I am one of the homeless people who were moved by Covington (Kentucky) city officials on Monday, April 15 (4 We would like to hear from you days after my birthday). First, I - please address letters and would like to thank them for the comments to; birthday present, first time I ever Streetvibes, got one like that, only it was the 1506 Elm Street, wrong size. Not all people are out here Cincinnati Ohio 45210 because they want to be, everyone (or) email to: has a different story about why or Streetvibes@juno.com how we got here. Everyone should realize that they are only a Dea r Streetvibes, paycheck away from being in the I am temporarily working same situation. in the Provident Bank Building In September, I hitchhiked (Downtown Cincinnati). I really up to New York to try and help appreciate the gentleman that sells out, injured my hand and had to his Streetvibes magazine in front return home and eventually have of Wendy's on Vine Street. He surgery on it. I couldn't work for brings a smile to my face approximately a month so I lost whenever I hear his voice. You my apartment and got thrown out see, at first I would just ignore him on the street. I still have problems and chalk it up as some crazy guy with my hand (as a matter of fact, bothering people. Boy, I was I'm going to a doctor's wrong. This man has a great appointment right after I'm done attitude and whenever you get a writing this) and have difficulty Streetvibes from him or not, you working only a few hours at a still walk away, or by, smiling. I time. So as you can see, some of see it every day. us aren't out here for the fun of it. What also trips me out is Not a11 of us disrespect other's the white man that stands on the property by throwing garbage or comer with his sign and cup recieving money, not saying a word to people. I've even put change into this man's cup. Yesterday, I saw a little colored girl with four other girls and a lady stop and give the white man her change. For some reason, this touched and insighted me. He can be doing something just as productive your Streetvibes vendor. I appreciate Streetvibes and will continue to support it. Carla Smith, Cincinnati, Ohio Hail bottles around, and not all of the homeless drink alcohol. So I would just like to thank the City of Covington again for the funky birthday present and the thanks for trying to do my part to help after 9-11. There were some things in my stuff that I had brought back with me from New York that meant something special. Again THANKS Covington, for showing me and the rest of the country and other fellow Americans just how considerate and understanding you are. Even though I've been treated this way, I would still volunteer here for Covington as I did for New York. Please Covington, wake up and realize this is a situation that needs looking into. Not just the stealing and destroying of peoples' property, but also the fact that there is a homeless problem in this country. We're not just a bunch of drunks running around, littering the streets (ever see the cigarette butts outside City Hall?) and putting up homes where we can. Thanks again and God Bless America, "Hjppie" Ed. Note: See the Streetvibes Civil Rights News Report on page 6 for the story on the Covinton Sweeps. To w hom it may concern I saw Sonny Williams letter in the February issue of Streetvibes and I was inspired by his work and struggle to enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. Panhandling also should be the rights of all who are limited in resources and community ties. It may be necessary to provide their own adequate shelter. May God continue blessings to you aII Lee Crum Consumer advocate Ralph Nader visits wil:P Streetvibes vendor and community activist Berta Lambert 1.l \ Write Us! attn: Streetvibes Letters I 506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 FRIDAY, MAY 31 S-8'PM Over-the--Rhine) $10 ADULTS • Suitable for Framing " ... it is in the nature of imperialism that citizens of the imperial power are always among the last to know - or care - about circumstances in the colonies." Bertrand Russel (International War Crimes Tribunal, Nov. 1967) " Never in this world can hatred be stilled by hatred; it will be stilled only by non-hatred­ this is the law Eternal." Buddha (563?-483? B.C) "Skill to do comes of doing." Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) Society and Solitude "Ignorance once dispelled is difficult to re-establish." Laurence J. Peter "When you get to the end of all the light you know and it's time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: either you will be given something solid to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly." Edward Teller (1908-) Hungarian-US nuclear physicist "Some Scientists claim that hydrogen, because it is so plentiful, is the basic building block of the universe. I dispute that. I say there is more stupidity than hydrogen, and that is the basic building block of the universe." Frank Zappa OPSNHOUSS We'd 11/ul to hear ....-.!11~.x fmmgo11­ Send letters or 215 E.141'1{ STRSST comments to: (at the SW comer of Streetvibes@Juno.com, ~... J4ih &S~more, or write the Coalition oftice Page 4 $ SCHILDREN, 12 and under STOP BY P6.ASLE£ OR CALL 621-SS14 TO ORDER YOUR TICI<STS Story, Editorial and Art Submission Deadline for the June, 2002 edition of STREETVIBES is Monday, MAY 13th. �./REETVIBES May 2002 Boycott of Cincinnati Continues Despite Lawsuit The Coalition for a Just Cincinnati The Coalition for a Just Cincinnati will not call off the boycott on Cincinnati despite a pending lawsuit. The Cincinnati Arts Association, (CAA) which manages local government-owned venues, has filed a lawsuit in the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas against individuals active in the Coalition for a Just Cincinnati, alleging tortious interference with a contract. The suit comes in the wake Peaslee Neighborhood Center 215 East 14th Street Over-the-Rhine Cincinnati , Ohio 45210 of a string of national performers canceling their scheduled appearances in Cincinnati. The lawsuit asks for $88,850 in damages due to cancellations, and $500,000 in punitive damages. On February 28, the Coalition received a letter from the CAA, threatening to sue the organization and the individuals who have led a boycott of Cincinnati. In March, in United States District Court, the Coalition for a Just Cincinnati filed an action for declaratory relief pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2201. This action seeks a declaration that the letter (of 2/28/02), from the Cincinnati Arts Association, constitutes an impermissible restraint ofFirst Amendment rights. On March 18, 2002, the CAA followed through with its threat of suit. In April of last year, citizens of Cincinnati rose up following the killing of Timothy Thomas, an unarmed 19-year-old African American man, by a white police officer in Over-the-Rhine. Thomas was the 15th African- American man killed by the police in the last five years, a fact that highlights the lack of civilian control of the City,s police force, and a "battle-zone" approach to policing the City's inner-city neighborhoods. Conditions of extreme poverty exist in nine Cincinnati neighborhoods designated by HUD as "economic disaster areas." Basic human rights are denied citizens of Cincinnati, with an ordinance written into the City Charter that denies equal protection in housing and employment on the basis of sexual orientation. The boycott was enacted after calls to address these severe problems in our city continued to fall on deaf ears. The boycott calls for sanctions on tourism and conventions throughout Cincinnati, and urges people living in and near Cincinnati to avoid spending money in the downtown business district. In addition, in January of this year, the Coalition for a Just Cincinnati beJ n the " ists of Conscience" campaign, which calls for all Artists of Conscience to honor the boycott and to refuse to perform in Cincinnati. In recent months several artists including Bill Cosby, Whoopi Goldberg, Smokey Robinson, Wynton Marsalis and others have canceled their scheduled performances. The Coalition for a Just Cincinnati will stay its course until real change begins in Cincinnati. Solutions would include real advancement in the areas of economic equality, education and a local government responsive to the needs of the inner city. After fulfilling our civic duty of petitioning, voicing our opinions in city council meetings, and filing grievances, a boycott became necessary. It is our only viable, non-violent means of getting the city government's attention. Despite these efforts, local leaders seem to be digging in their heels, not only refusing to meet and negotiate with the boycott groups but calling them " economic terrorists". (513) 621-5514 Empowering our neighborhood children through peace, art and education . "And all do-gooders opposed... SHUT UPI" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~- The GCCH would like to thank this Starbucks location for their generous donation of coffee and pastries. 3366 Erie Avenue East Hyde Park (513) 533-3402 National Homeless Civil Rights Organizing Project (NHCROP) Molly Lyons and John Halpin 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 homelesscivi lrights@yahoo.com (513) 421-7803 ---~~~ (.7 --~-~ ~,· ~- CHRISTIAN HOME-BASED BUSINESS Finally . . . . . a Network-Marketing Company that has developed a unique Product Line and Marketing Plan especially for the Christian Community. Tens of thousands of members in all 50 states and GROWING!!! each and every m~nth. v-' t/ t/ t/ FREE Sign Up FREE Info Packs Conference Calling Auto-Ship Program • One-of-a-Kind ... Nutritional Products Hair Care Products Skin Care Products Rnd out how you can become part of this Home BHed Opportunity that will allow you tXJ join your felk:llN brothers & sista's in Christ and give you a real opporrunity to earn an honest residual monthly income. For a FREE 18 page Info Pack .•• Call Now!! 1-800-585-5873 Ext. 3 ~~st · leave- ID# 56026 with reply Sign up early to benefit from this ad! �/ REETVIBES May 2002 Know Your Rights by Molly Ly ons andJohn Halpin mental illness. As you may remember, interactions between Every month we mentally ill persons and the police will be highlighting a have taken tragic turns in the past, such as in the case of Lorenzo law or ordinance that Collins, who was fatally shot by affects homeless people police in 1997. in Cincinnati. This The racial profiling settlement makes a specific column does nothing to provision so that people without a replace sound legal fixed address will be included in a advice from an periodic evaluation of citizen satisfaction with the police. A accredited lawyer, but "probability sample,, of people seeks to empower and will be taken throughout the city, educate people in but since these samples typically miss people without a fixed dealing with the address, a non-probability sample criminal justice system will be specifically designed for and their lawyers. people who may be homeless. One of the most useful provisions in the racial profiling lawsuit is the mandate for officers to tell a person why she or he has been stopped or detained. People experiencing homelessness frequently report that police officers stop them for no apparent reason or stop them asking to see their identification. Requiring by John Halpin and Molly Lyons officers to explain their actions Last month's "collaborative will hopefully cut down on unnecessary questioning by the agreement,, actually settled two police, as well as to help people different issues, one being the understand why they were stopped Department of Justice's or detained when this was done so investigation into the Cincinnati for a legitimate reason. police, and the other being the Both agreements contain racial profiling lawsuit brought by provisions that make it easier for a the Cincinnati Black United Front citizen to make a complaint and the American Civil Liberties against an officer. The racial Union. The Civil Rights Project is profiling settlement mandates pleased with numerous provisions police officers display their badges of the agreements that may on request and that they must not improve relations between police retaliate or disapprove of citizen and the homeless community. recording their badge numbers. One substantial part of the The DOJ-City agreement requires agreement between the City and officers to carry information on the the Department of Justice will complaint process, as well as result in the Cincinnati Police actual complaint forms. Police Division (CPD) training a special will have to inform a citizen of his group of officers to respond to or her right to make a complaint if incidents involving persons who the citizen objects to an officer's are mentally ill. The officers will conduct. receive multi-disciplinary training The Department of Justice from mental health practitioners agreement contains a significant and substance abuse counselors, amount of changes that will be including training on how to de­ made to police use of force escalate conflicts. Mental health practitioners will also be available procedures. The proposed policy revisions will be made available to to respond to situations if they are the public via Community needed. The Greater Cincinnati Councils, other community groups, Coalition for the Homeless' 2000 and CPD's website. A few of the homeless study found that about 10% of the homeless population in changes include the following: Police will incorporate a use of Cincinnati have some form of Cincinnati's Racial Profiling Settlement Gives Homeless Rights a Boost u y's o ace Permanent Housing for formerly homeless individuals at 1300 Vine Street. For more information, call Agnes Mack at (513) 784..0800 Page 6 force .model which will describe what kinds of force may be appropriate for specific conduct. Officers will be advised that excessive use of force will subject them to discipline, possible criminal prosecution, and/or civil liability. The changes will also re­ enforce that individuals should be allowed to submit to arrest prior to the use of force. Significant changes were made to the department's chemical spray policy, as well. The new policy, among other things, will require officers to give a warning before using chemical spray. It will only be used if necessary to protect someone from physical harm, to arrest a person who is actively resisting, or to arrest someone who is trying to escape. The agreement will also require police to offer to decontaminate the person who has been sprayed within the twenty minutes after the incident. on the riverbank. The police in New Hampshire have stated that the fire was started by vandals not the homeless people living there. The mayor had stated that when the camps where evicted again people would be given notice and their personal belongings would not be thrown away. On Friday there were still camps up that the city workers took down against the objections of the almost 50 peopled gathered to protest the removal of the property. The police told advocates that personal property would be taken to 43rd street. This concern after the fact does not help the people who have already had all of their belongings, including a litter of six kittens, thrown away. The mayor handed out forms that listed different agencies where he said people could go. The only agency on the list that provides emergency shelter for single men in Covington is Fairhaven Rescue Mission. The reason for this is Fairhaven is the only shelter that does emergency shelter in the City of Covington. Fairhaven has only 24 bed half of those are long term beds, the other half you can only stay for 7days every three months. You have to be in by 6PM every evening, you have to pass a breathaJyzer to get in and you have to attend a church service. Evicting people from homeless encampments is a trend that happens around the country. by Molly Lyons and Mark Many times like in Covington, the Teegarden people living in the camps have little or no other housing options. On Friday April 12, 2002, Other times people stay in camps Captain Finan of the City of because of a desire for community Covington police put in a work order to clean the riverbank and to and autonomy that they can not get in a shelter. Lawsuits like get rid of Pottinger v. anything that Miami have looked liked held that it is housing or bedding. None THE CITY OF COVINGTON WILL illegal for cities to of the at least 17 RESUME CLEANUP OF THE throw out homeless people RIVERBANK ON FRIDAY APRIL people's (the majority of 19TR AT 10:00 A.M. property who work full without due time jobs) were *MAKE SURE TO REMOVE ALL warned in TEMPORARY HOUSING AND ALL process. The advance that this PERSONAL ITEMS BEFORE Tms people who have had was going to TIME. their occur. Covington sweeps riverbanks, Riverbank residents and homeless advocates respond. NOTICE *ANY ITEMS REMAINING ON THE property RIVERBANK AFTER 10:00 A.M. ON thrown out APRIL 191 H WILL BE DISCARDED h~ve met · with lawyers and are planning to file su1·t i·n .. d I te era court. '1'0 fi d t ANYONE NE.EDJNG ASSISTANCE WITH HOUSING AND OTHER HOMELESS ISSUES CAN CONTACT TB! FOLLOWING AGENCIES: *PARISRKITCKEN - 141 PlKEST., COVINGTON 531-7745 •WELCOME HOUS&-2-05 P£1(EST., COVINGTON 431-8717 •FAIR.HAVENRESCUE - 260PIKEST.,COVINGTON 491-1027 • tNTERFAITHROSPJTALlTY - 18E.9T11, NEWPORT Cl-6840 • HENRY HOSEA DOUSE - 901 YORK. NEWPORT 261·5857 •OROPlNNCENTER - 2l7 W. l2TM, CtNCINNATI 513-721.-0643 .1' lil OU �1 J. R E ETVIBES May 2002 The Library creates new anti-s I pol· y. Recently the board of The Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County agreed to a policy, under the respect for others clause, that would allow people to be removed from the library for "offensive and pervasive body odor that constitutes a nuisance to other customers and staff." This policy has not been implemented yet because the library is waiting to hear back from the prosecutor's office on it. The policy does not include people who have an offensive and pervasive odor that constitutes a nuisance because of perfume and other synthetic fragrances. Other libraries across the country have passed similar policies that have been taken to court for violating people's first and Fifth Amendment for being overbroad and violating due process laws. One of the cases in Washington DC, was decided in the plaintiffs favor because the court decided that there was no objective standard for what was objectionable appearance which included such things as being barefooted, bare­ chested, body odor, filthy clothing, etc. The standard applied to the policy says that the odor has to be a nuisance but there is not a universal library policy for what a nuisance is. The library has 40 different buildings and it would be up to the staff at each buildin etermine what is a nmsan . e told that there will be tra · ·ngto differen · staff and when people are rem ved it should be documented. 19~ The Natio~-H~meless Civil Rights Organizmg Project fears that this policy may be used to remove homeless people who have no control over their body odors from the library. We have specific concerns because the policy does not include people wearing synthetic chemicals so does not address people who smell bad but have an unnatural smell. The PR department at the library has assured us that the policy is not being put in place to find an excuse to discriminate, but many times policies that are not put in place to discriminate do it unintentionally. For more information or to report discrimination against homeless people )please call Molly Lyons or John Halpin at 421-7803. f Page 7 keeping tight schedules for appearance or convemence. Danny Glover has a most personable way about him that makes one feel as though they are spending time with a favorite relative more so than a famous by George Herrell personality, even though he was under great pressure and was being When I was first offered rushed about and was even behind, the opportunity to interview Danny pressed to end the interview Glover, a man who is one of quickly, he Hollywood's was even inost respected gracious leading men, enough to who is known, stop long for among other enough to things, his roles take pictures in movies such with me and as "Places In my associates The Heart", before "The Color continuing to Purple", and fulfill his "Lethal obligations as Weapon", I emcee. The knew there was final event of no way I could the evening pass up the just sort of chance to meet put such a versatile everything superstar! Mr. into Glover was in Streetvibes reporter Brian Garry interviews Danny Glover perspective the Tri-State to only individual city listed in it! because at the end of our emcee the Greater Cincinnati One can't help but wonder why interview, as my associates and YMCAs 2002 Annual Meeting myself were preparing to leave, which was held Tuesday, March 26 that was the case? When asked about the and the guests with their beautiful at the Northern Kentucky boycott cJothes were greeting each other Mr. Glover stated that he Convention Center. outside the banquet room of tables supports boycotts if their Upon arriving for our coordinators had exhausted all filled with elegant cuisine, Ms. scheduled interview (five minutes other options, and if the Hauser was gracious enough to early) we were informed by our provide us with two cans of Dr. communities supported them. I contact for the interview Ms. Pepper, and one can of caffeine must say that upon meeting and Barbara Hauser "Public Relations having had the chance to talk to free Pepsi with a courteous and Account Manager" for "Powers guiding "Thank you for coming" Mr. Glover, I now realize that he is and Associates" that the preceding as she pointed us to the elevators! not only an award winning actor, interviews and rehearsals had run Barbara, "chill out"! We only overtime and so " Danny" wouldn't producer, and director, Danny came for the interview, we weren't Glover is by far the most caring be available to grant us the humanitarian I have ever had the planning on crashing the party!! interview after all. What Ms. pleasure You of meeting, and a man could truly learn a lot from Hauser wasn't aware of however "Danny"!!! who understands that the was that onJy moments earlier Mr. Editorial assistance Glover had "personally" assured us community's needs should always provided by Brian Gany be put ahead of the importance of that he would be more than happy An Interview With Danny Glover to take the time to speak with us. Mr. Glover is a gational YMCA advocate. He stated that the YMCA has always had a positive affect on the community's youth and has always provided the community with an inexhaustible source of positive energy and assistance including helping the Write Us .... We'd like to hear from youI Send letters or comments to : Streetvibes@Juno.com, or write the Coalition office attn : Streetvibes Letters 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati . Ohio 45210 homeless find suitable housing. One thing I couldn't help but notice about Ms. Hauser's "News Release" packet was that even though the "Gala Event" was being held in Northern Kentucky, and was being held to praise the YMCA and its people for the positive things they've done for communities throughout the Tri­ State, Cincinnati was the first and Know Your Rights Brochure Available! The Know Your Rights Brochure is now available at the Coalition's office. The brochure is a legal guide for Cincinnati's homeless and covers a person's basic rights when interacting withf11~-.~~ the police, as well as some local laws that might be ofinterest to the homeless population. If you are a homeless person or if you work with homeless people and would like to obtain free copies of the brochure for yourself or your agency, please call John or Molly at 421-7803. �./REE T V IB E S May 2002 Page 8 House Moves Forward on in solitary for long lengths of time and often Welfare put on Thorazine. But he resisted prison treatment Reauthorization by educating himself and PRISONERS' NEWS - -~...._... ln April, two House trying to develop a rational understanding of subcommittees approved nearly liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii& i;;;iiiliilii;iii;;iiiii• the origins and effects of identical bills to reauthorize the violence. Abbott wrote Temporary Assistance to Needy to Mailer, "you do not understand Families (TANF) program. The the devastating nature of civilized bill was approved on a 6 to 4 violence ...The shah of Iran will party-line vote. Both chop off your hands, but he will subcommittee-approved bills not (because he cannot) take your closely mirror President Bush's by Carol Rainey soul from you. In America.. .if its TANF reauthorization proposal. prisons hold the slightest authority Each would require a greater For the last ten years I over you, it can and will destroy number of welfare recipients to have been teaching a course in the you - it can and will take your work longer hours while limiting soul. Evening College at UC on prison the number of activities they may literature and always begin with be engaged in for much of the Ab n the book by Jack Abbott, In the t? defy ~s brutalization. A short \' ~ k. Despite imposing these Belly of the Beast, a collection of tlmejc(fteiin the Belly of the Beast andates, neither bill contains letters he wrote to Norman Mailer was\published in 1981, Abbott got increased funding to provide child in the late sixties. It is a powerful out orprison, but totally book about prison conditions and unprepared for civilian life · ed care assistance or other work his refusal to adapt to the a waiter in a restauran only a few supports to families. Furthermore, like the President's plan, the brutalities which were a daily .,cu.<......_,_ eeks after · of his life. Abbott had s nt his ten~t:I~i~e · out J erger and .M cKeon proposals h was 1 entire life in what he cal d (state­ g role. sfwee~ nso would contmue to deny assistance run institutions," from th ime he m upstate ew York he committed to legal immigrants and would was put in a home for delinquent suicide in his cell. I doubt that grant sweeping authority to federal there will be many memorial cabinet secretaries to grant states' teenagers when he was 14. He services for him, but I want to requests to waive a variety of was imprisoned a few years later program rules (a provision known for writing a bad check, and when honor his memory here, and he was twenty killed another recommend that his brilliant book as the "super waiver"). ln inmate and was given an continue to be read by all those addition, Republican-backed indeterminate sentence. During struggling against our inhumane amendments were adopted in both subcommittees to impose tougher the next fifteen years he was put system of law and punishment. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~uoctionsonfamil~sforfailing~ comply with TANF program rules. While we make every effort to provide a forum for those The subcommittee also approved a without a voice, STREETVIBES and the staff of technical amendment offered by THE GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION Representative Nancy Johnson (R­ FOR THE HOMELESS, is not CT) to allow funds in the bill to be responsible for statements, and do not necessarily used for "relationship" education endorse the opinions of the prisoners and skills programs for nonwhose writings are represented here. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ married pregnant women and The Death of Jack Abbott ~==~~==============~~==='\ 1r expectant fathers. The bill already contains funds for programs that promote "healthy marriages." Among the Democratic amendments defeated by the contains news about the justice system and the Republican majority on the Ways writings of persons incarcerated in our and Means subcommittee were nation's jails and prisons. those to add $11.5 billion over five We are seeking subscribers who are willing to sponsor a years for child care services·, prisoner so they can receive STREETVIBES behind the walls. replace the caseload reduction Please sponsor someone on the Inside. credit under TANF with an A year's subscription costs $ 15. employment credit to reward states Send your comments and questions to streetvibes@juno.com for placing recipients in jobs; drop mall : STREETVIBES, 1506 Elm Street the 40-hour work requirement in Cincinnati, Ohio 4521 ~ the bill; and allow the transfer of Prisoners' News pr member of the North AmeriGan trut Ne"''paper Af,&oGiation '4pre,enti g over s;o &trut ne'la&papers throughout the United '5tate' and t:anada 5treefvibe · ----~"'"' . .:. . .!:. :. "'·'pea~ea&~.ora!_na,na . .!. ~~~.:..==.~~~~~~~~~- marriage promotion funds to programs that reduce poverty or provide child care services. Democratic amendments that failed in the Education and Workforce subcommittee include those to eliminate the "super waiver" provision from the bill; remove the legislation's 40-hour work requirement; count education and job skills training as work activities; and add an employment credit to reward states for lowering their welfare rolls and moving recipients into jobs. The Energy and Commerce Committee also took action on TANF reauthorization. On April 24, the full committee approved, by a 35 to 17 margin, legislation to extend for five years a $50 million­ per-year abstinence-only education program administered through TANF. Opponents of the legislation assert that there is no evidence to suggest that abstinence-only programs are more effective than those that include safe-sex instruction in reducing teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Democrats tried unsuccessfully to broaden the program to include safe sex instruction. The committee also approved, by voice vote, legislation to extend a provision in current welfare law that allows parents who have left TANF for work to retain their Medicaid eligibility for one year. Despite Democrats' desire to see the provision extended for five years (other provisions of the welfare law will be reauthorized for five years), the GOP-led committee approved just a one-year extension. The Energy and Commerce Committee-passed bills will be merged with legislation that comes out of the Ways and Means and Education and Workforce Committees. The committee's Social Security and Family Policy Subcommittee held a hearing on April 25 to examine how to best serve TANF recipients who face serious barriers to employment. At the hearing, Subcommittee Chair John Breaux (D-LA) expressed concerns about proposals to limit state flexibility and tighten TANF work requirements. Senators Evan Bayh (D-IN) and Tom Carper (D­ DE) are still planning to introduce a reauthorization bill that closely resembles the President's proposal. Anti-poverty advocates have been lobbying hard against the measure, which appears to have lost some momentum - the proposal has gained no new cosponsors in recent weeks. Senators Paul Wellstone (D-MN) and John Corzine (D-NJ) also plan to introduce a comprehensive TANF reauthorization bill in the next few weeks. �i R EE TVIBES M ay 2002 Increase Access to School Meals for Homeless Children from the FRAC website The USDA issued a memo updating 1992 guidance on homeless children's participation in the school meals programs. This update brings the school meals programs in line with recent changes in the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which expands eligibility for services to homeless children in the education system. USDA's definition of a homeless child has been updated to include not only children living in shelters, but also children whose family is "doubled up" with another family because of loss of housing, children living in motels or campgrounds because of lack of adequate housing, and children awaiting foster care placement. The guidance allows school Page 9 officials to determine a homeless child eligible for free school meals based on documentation from the local educational agency liaison that the child is homeless. This documentation is in lieu of the free and reduced price meal application with income information that is usually submitted by the child's parent or guardian. The changes in the guidance mean that many more homeless children will be eligible for free breakfasts and lunches. Community Will Celebrate Memory of Reverend Maurice ''Mac'' Mccrackin The fifth annual Reverand Maurice Mccrackin "Mac" Day will be held on Saturday, June 8th, 2002 from noon until 6pm at Laurel Park on Ezzard Charles Dr. (near Linn Street opposite Saint Joseph Church) in the West End. In case of rain, the event will be held inside Saint Joseph Church, 745 Ezzard Charles Drive. Featured activities will include video ofMac at 12:00 noon, an Interfaith gathering at 12:15, open mic sharing of memories of Mac at 3:30 p.m. , live music, and information tables homelessness to the death penalty, representing local social service nuclear waste and prisoners' agencies, political groups, and rights. Groups representing these religious organizations. Also, there issues and more will have will be children's games, art, and information tables at the event. food. "Mac Day" is dedicated to The park is handicapped the principles he lived by. accessible. For more information, or to Rev. Maurice McCrackin inquire about volunteer (Mac) was perhaps Cincinnati's opportunities or for information on most prominent civil disobedient how groups can get involved in for nearly a half century. He Mac Day, contact Brian Garry at followed his own conscience in 221-5537 or Reverand Phil Seher at Saint Joseph Church, 381-4526, causes ranging from anti-war demonstrations, civil rights and extension 13. ART, MUSIC, AND WRITING OPPORTUNITIES! Peaslee Neighborhood Center, 215 East 14th Street, hosts lots of arts opportunities for adults and children to learn skills such as playing a steel drum or piano, photography, making mosaic art, or writing. Any resident of Over­ the-Rhine or the West End is w e.b:m e ! AU sessions are FREE, including instruction and materials. No previous artistic experience necessary. Contact BrendaZ. at621-55 14, or peaslee_ bz@hotmail.com for more information. OTR Steel Drum Band Learn how to play the steel drums in a nine-week introductory series for adults. Parents may bring their children (age 9 and up) to learn together if they like. Participants will learn steel drum technique, rhythms, and how to read music. "I Dave A Dream": Community Mosaic Art Park Bench Project Community members are coming together to build a large mosaic art park bench to be placed in a neighborhood park. People of all ages may drop by buddy splace, 13th and Vine, Tuesday- Friday, 2­ 7 p.m., to try their hand at learning the mosaic tiling process. Photography Teenagers and young adults are invited to learn basic photography skills through introductory courses provided at Peaslee. Call the Writing Any young person in the Greater Cincinnati area may submit poems and/or articles via email at peaslee_bz@hotmail.com for publication in Streetvibes. Content should be related to homelessness, social justice, or poverty-related issues. Writing sessions are held Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. for young people wanting to learn journalism skilJs and at 7:00 p.m. for anyone wanting to open up creative chan­ nels in writing. "Rhyme-n-Cbat," an. informal group of young people, gathers on the first Friday ofeach month, 5:30 -7:00 p.m. Call For New Arts Advisory Committee Members! The Arts Advisory Committee is looking for representatives from the neighborhood and the arts and business community. This committee helps to formulate the direction and development of Peaslee's arts programs. Looking For New Staff Peaslee is also looking for new music instructors for the steel drum band and for the mallets program. This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved in teaching music in a fun and rewarding setting. Anyone interested in any of these opportunities, contact Brenda Z. at Peaslee, 215East14th Street, Writers Unlimited is looking for writings to display at the annual Over-The-Rhine Community Festival Saturday, August 31 2002 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. Washington Park Call Judi Mendriski for more information at Peaslee Neighborhood Center 513-621-5514 Deadline: July 10 A Woman Cursing by Mike H enson I see a woman cursing in the street. She has thrust herself into the crush of traffic and a car, to miss her, must cross lanes. The driver, wary, shrinks under her heat but she ignores him; she has other fish to fry. She curses loudly and without shame and the young men of the sidewalk tum to watch her. The prostitute eyes her from her comer perch. A clerk worries from the window of the Jordan Market and, in the schoolyard, a nun folds her arms and stares. Perhaps she mumbles a prayer for the woman who is large; she ripples with anger. I cannot hear her curses but they buzz against the glass of my car. I cannot see the target of her curses, but I see the hand she points and the firm set of her foot. I see the narrowed wince of her eyes and the path of the curses down her tongue and off her lips and into the street and into the solemn ears of children. I see the roped muscles tighten at her neck and the twine of the nerves beneath her hatchmark brows. And I am sad to see her so. Sad that the world can be so raw. Sad that the air of the street has filled with poison. Sad that the masters of television mock her poverty. Sad that the honey is leaving the combs of the earth. Sad that the milk of the world is tainted with salt. Sad that this path is cluttered with stones. Sad that there is so much pain ­ You, me, and this woman on the street. Ah, God, I cannot lift such sadness! �lREETVIBES May 2002 NICARAGUA :fighters funding and training resistance to take back power in By Jon Gambrell Oxford Press On top of a hill overlooking Managua, the capital city ofNicaragua, a silhouette of assassinated opposition leader Augusto Sandino looks down at a multi-million dollar hotel. If the silhouette could turn a little to the left, it would be looking down into Nicaragua. These Contras began hit­ and-run attacks into Nicaragua from Honduras. For the next ten years, shelling and fighting took the lives of many innocent people until finally, the FSLN lost power to the opposition party, the Partido Liberal Constitucionalista (PLC) during the 1990 elections. As soon as President Violeta Barrios de Chamorro took power, the United States formalized relations with Nicaragua and began funding disarmament programs. However, the economy of Nicaragua was in shambles from the ten years of war, coupled with the remaining loans the Samosa - family had taken out prior to their loss of power. "The debt that Nicaragua now has is more political than economic," said Carlos Pacheco, an economist for the Institute of the poor barrios, the heart of a country in shambles. 80 percent of the population is in poverty and rampant corruption has taken its toll on this small Central American country, which is now under the control of World Bank and International Monetary Fund (JMF) structural adjustment programs. This was the focus of a group from Miami University as they traveled to Nicaragua this Spring Break to study the effect World Bank and 1MF policies are having on the country. Under the sponsorship of "Witness for Peace," a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., the delegation examined the roots of the economic troubles in Nicaragua and the way United States' foreign policy influences Nicaragua. Miami University sophomore Ross Meyer led the delegation. "Going on a Witness for Peace trip to Guatemala last year really affected me," Meyer said, " and I wanted to bring that valuable and positive experience to more people." The first thing one notices upon arriving in Nicaragua is the revolution. It screams at you from murals, art work and the statue of a peasant farmer holding an AK-47 in one of the main squares. The inscription at the base of the statue reads: " Only the workers and farmers will go until the end." However, it appears that the revolution is over. After the fall of the Samosa family in 1979, the Frente Sandinista de Liberaci6n Nacional (FSLN) took power and began social benefit programs. Much to the ire ofthe United States, the FSLN accepted loans from the Soviet Union, which prompted President Ronald Reagan to begin FEATURES IMF and the World Bank. These plans call for a privatization of state-run companies and a shift from subsidence farming to export­ only crops. "All national sovereignty is being lost to an era of globalization," Pacheco said, " Our farmers began growing coffee as an export crop, in line with structural adjustment policies. However, when we tried to sell our crop this year, we found no buyers, since Vietnam (also under 1MF structural adjustment plans) had a better season. So our farmers were stuck with a crop they couldn't even eat." Page 10 government is simply not responsible for the poor." However, during the recent presidential election campaign in Nicaragua, the United States Ambassador made a campaign appearance with E nrique Bolanos Geyer, leader of the PLC. When asked about the FSLN, the The structural Don Augusto Castillo Obregon adjustment plans have also gutted the central government embassy response was simple. "The Sandinista ruling class did of Nicaragua. Nicaragua's health not represent the society," she said. indicators are now some of the The people ofNicaragua worst in the hemisphere. have a different opinion. Don More than half of all child Augusto Castillo Obregon is a deaths in Nicaragua are campesino, a farmer three hours caused by preventable away from the capital. He lives diseases. Nicaragua has simply, with his wife and children one ofthe highest rates of in a village called El Regadio. teen pregnancy in the While he does not have many of Americas. "All of this is a part the luxuries of city living, he is very active politically. Shot three of the debt agenda," he times during the Contra revolution, said, " Through Don Augusto now runs "La dehumanizing the market Union," a farmers ' cooperative in and placing a price on El Regadio. everything, there is no "I am a Sandinista," Don value on the environment Augusto said proudly, showing a or human life." mural of Sandino on the side of his The United States government has a different home, "I love and defend my party Carlos Pacheco. an economist for the opinion on the problems in and am thankful because now I Institute ofInternational Studies in have my land and my daughters are Nicaragua. "There is Nicaragua. incredible corruption in the studying in school." Under the Sandinista party, International Studies in Nicaragua, Nicaraguan government," Nicaragua was able to change the said Robin Meyer, the new «This power is held by the G-7 illiteracy rate from 70 percent political counselor at the United countries and is used as a means down to just 10 percent. Under the States Embassy in Managua, "Over for dominance." If the debt, which now is in $300 million of aid was lost due to structural adjustment plan, Nicaragua has cut that part of its outright fraud. Nicaragua's the neighborhood of $6.5 billion, was evenly distributed among the citizens of Nicaragua, each person would owe international lenders about $1,400. The average yearly wage of a Nicaraguan worker is $430. The Nicaraguan governrnent, on average, pays about $225 million in debt-service payments a year. In order to come up with the money, Nicaragua has started following . structural adjustment plans laid out by the A home in El Regadio, Nicaragua �.CREETVIBES May 2002 FEATURES debt service social spending and illiteracy is at before basic 30 percent and continuing to rise. needs of a In El Regadio, the spirit of people." the people surpasses many of the "As monetary disadvantages. Working U.S. citizens with locals, Don Augusto assisted in a program to bring electricity to we should be the village a few years ago, which better was a mammoth task in itself. The informed about community literally had to run the debt and trade rhetoric, as electric line from nearby Esteli all opposed to the way to El Regadio, which is being an 800 about thirty minutes away. The pound community is also working on bringing irrigation to all of the economic gorilla on top surrounding farmland. While this of the community has achieved much on Americas." its own, Don Augusto realizes the country will continue to need And so the silhouette foreign aid and investment. of Sandino still "If the IMF and the World Bank stopped loaning us money, sits at the top of the hill in our country would die," he said, School Children in El Regadio "But in my opinion, 1 would ask Managua, you to pressure the IMF to overlooking the great disparity in wealth. The silhouette used to be continue loaning us money, but without the structural adjustment backlit at night, but now it vanishes conditions." into the darkness as night falls As the delegation returned across a country tom from years of back to the United States, they had war and economic struggle. There more emotions than answers. " I is still light, though, from the was struck by the strength of the people. people," Randy Wilson, a junior "We don't want war," Don interdisciplinary studies major, Augusto said, "We are lovers of said, "Even though they went peace. That doesn't mean that we through revolution and 10 years of won't continue to struggle." Only war, they still have so much hop~·\ ~he workers and the farmers will go "The experience was , ~until the end. SIDEBAR: Miami University, in wonderful," Meyer said, " It was pretty emotionally devastating, but part ofthe $40 million it has still inspiring. I think a lot of invested in diversified bonds, owns people gained important World Bank bonds. The experiences out of it and are University, which has over $200 motivated to bring them back to million in a variety of endowments displayed disgust over the the campus." and investments, holds a small discovery. "I think it is our Miami University professor percentage in the World Bank. responsibility as students and people not to be supporting hurtful and Oxford resident Rick "Basically, the University has about 5/ 100 of one $750,000 fund, institutions that don't work for Momeyer shared the same which equals out to about $375 feel ings. "The warmth and development," said Miami student generosity of a people who have invested in the World Bank," said Randy Wilson. Nicaraguan Beverly Thomas, assistant treasurer delegation leader Ross Meyer suffered endlessly is incredible," echoed Wilson's response. "I Momeyer said, "From the opposite of Miami University. While this end of the spectrum, you have U.S. represents only a fraction of a think it is a very important issue and international policy placing holding in the World Bank, several for both students and parents," Meyer said, " We [Miami University] are investing in an institution contributing to flawed policies that exploit the . poor and it is our responsibility as investors to ..;.tgoiw.!l~t.;.a denounce this." The fund that ~~"'lilliiFN-";~i19'!"1: contains the holding in the World Bank is being managed by an investor independent from the • University. Phntn 1\ ' lrn limmv f..lpnfh Page 11 Witness for Peace is a politically independent, grassroots organization. We are people committed to nonviolence and led by faith and conscience. Our mission is to support peace, justice and sustainable economies in the Americas by changing US policies and corporate practices which contribute to poverty and oppression in Latin America and the Caribbean. We stand with people who seekjustice . For more information on Witness for Peace and upcoming delegationas to Central America and the Caribean, visit the website at: www.witnessforpeace.org �f REETVIBES May 2002 Page 12 Bush's Central American Free Trade Agreement Exploits the Poor, Benefits the Rich (NAFTA), which the United States signed with Mexico and Canada in 1994, CAFTA by Jennifer DeLury, Witness for prioritizes the profits of foreign Peace International Team, investors over labor rights, Nicaragua environmental standards, and "I will rise again in the other measures that would benefit people," said Salvadoran pacifist Central America's poor majority. Archbishop Oscar Romero before CAFTA requires member he was shot and killed. The man countries to use their who ordered his murder was " comparative advantage" to trained by U.S. taxpayer compete in the global market. dollars-at the U.S. Army's For poor Central American School of the Americas. This countries, as for most other poor countries around the world, the March 24, 2002, twenty-two only "comparative advantage" S) years after Romero's \~ as sasination, President Bush and they have to offer is a cheap, l, Secretary of State Colin Powell desperate labor force and l; ~till be in El Salvador, where they vulnerable natural resources. And -\'°"~ will see thfttthe Archbishop's just as NAFTA did in Mexico, R prophacy was true: his CAFTA will certainly lead to ? committment to standing with the more exploitation of poor workers ~<J.. poor and spealcing out against and the environment in Central inj ustice has risen again in the \.- America, while benefitting the ~ multinational corporations whose people of Central America. Thousands of protesters ~\J profit margin depends on cheap ~ from around the region wttttake labor and lax environmental standards. ~ to the streets in San Salvador Like NAFTA, and the :->-- ~e last week in March to celebrate the legacy of Romero hemisphere-wide Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), which is and oppose the signing of the Central America Free Trade also currently under negotiation, Agreement (CAFTA), an CAFTA's terms of trade are designed to prioritize export crops agreement designed to bring NAFTA-like trade rules to over local food production. This Central America,\Like the North destroys local markets for basic American Free Tfltde Agreement food goods and threatens the food security of small and impoverished nations like E l Salvador and Nicaragua. Although this transition to export­ oriented agriculture is already happening throughout Central America, CAFTA will help accelerate the process. Central American countries that further shift their agricultural production to export crops will be more dependent on food imports from the north, and more vulnerable to the fluctuating world market prices that they will receive for their export commodities. Central American small and medium-sized farmers do not have access to private financing or state subsidies, and therefore will not be able to compete with large corporate farms from the north. Unable to make a living on their land, these farmers will be forced to emigrate to cities or to other countries­ like the United States- in search of work. Those who oppose CAFTA also reject the undemocratic process through which "free trade" agreements are signed. In the aftermath of September 11, the House of Representatives narrowly voted to grant President Bush "Fast Track" authority, which would allow NPR senior correspondent Juan Williams interviewed conservative authors Bernard Goldberg and William McGowan, former journalists who argue that media tilt to the left. For the second part of the series, rather than featuring progressive media critics with an opposing view, NPR instead chose to interview two media veterans- former Time magazine editor aud columnist Jack White and former CBS News producer and executive Ed Fouhy- who were introduced with the observation that "most journalists reject the idea that their reporting is biased in any direction." Goldberg and McGowan offered examples from their books (Goldberg's "Bias: A CBS Insider Exposes How the Media Distort the News" and McGowan's " Coloring the News: How Crusading for Diversity Has Corrupted American Journalism"). McGowan argues that efforts to increase diversity in the newsroom have led " to racial and ethnic and gender hypersensitivity and to a kind of narrow political orthodoxy," while Goldberg offered his claim that mainstream media tend to label conservatives more often than liberals. The following day, White and Fouhy were asked to respond to Goldberg and McGowan's charges. But Fouhy's first statements suggested that he believed there was some truth to the conservative critique, offering his recollection of a staffer at CBS News who referred to gun owners as ''right­ wing nuts. " While the experience and insight of long­ time journalists is valuable, neither guest presented what would be described as a progressive alternative to the previous day's conservative voices. White explained that public opinion about affirmative action was much more complicated than simple "pro" and "con" labels often assigned ~ NPR's One­ Sided "Liberal Media" Debate Reprinted with permission from FAIR-L National Public Radio's Morning Edition recently devoted two segments (3/20/02, 3/21/02) to allegations ofmedia bias. Morning Edition host Bob Edwards explained that "one of the most common complaints about major news media, including NPR, is that they' re not objective- that they either lean too far to the right or too far to the left." Though the program cited a poll suggesting that both complaints are believed by substantial numbers of Americans (36 percent see a rightward slant, vs. 46 percent who see a tilt to the left), only one of those points of view got a ful l hearing on NPR. In the first installment, Bush to negotiate trade agreements such as CAFTA without consulting the general population or considering input from Congress. The Senate is expected to follow suit as soon as next month. Under pressure from leaders representing the most powerful government to the north, Central American heads of state have little choice but to become accomplices in an agreement­ signing process that is anything but transparent. The inherently undemocratic "Fast Track" authority would help further a trade negotiation process that takes place behind closed doors, where corporate interests triumph over the needs of the world's poor. Labor, environmental and citizen/consumer groups will be barred from the negotiations, while the door is open to corporations and lobbyists. The Bush administration has declared that the signing of CAFTA within the next year and a half is a top priority, and Bush will take advantage of his "Fast Track" authority, if it is granted, to further this goal. By creating a Central-North American "free trade" bloc, the Bush administration hopes to have more clout with which to Free Trade.... cont. on page 17 by the media, while Fouhy recalled that over the last 30 years, "the most controversial issue was abortion, and it was generally seen as either a pro­ choice or a pro-life point of view. The fact is, of course, that many Americans are profoundly troubled by either point of view, but I never heard that expressed in the newsroom." These recollections do little to answer the claims of liberal media bias offered by McGowan and Goldberg. At one point, White did offer the beginnings of a progressive media critique when he explained that the main media bias " is toward the status q uo. It tends to downplay the complaints made by people who are seen as being on the fringe of the political spectrum, especially those on the left." Unfortunately, National Public Radio's truncated debate over media bias was a good example of that problem. Streetvibes exists as a forum for the expression ofthe views and opinions ofour readers and supporters. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those ofthe Streetvibes staff or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. �lREETVIBES EL) ITO RIAL SECTl()N May 2002 Local Housing Response to Trust Fund: proposed The Solution to settlement of racial profiling Cincinnati's Housing Crisis lawsuit The Coalition for a Just Cincinnati wishes to congratulate all those involved in the collaborative process used to draft a resol ution to the racial profiling lawsuit. We emphasize, however, to the community of Cincinnati and to the local and national media, that the boycott called by the Coalition for a Just Cincinnati continues. We urge community leaders to take immediate steps to address all areas of our demands - to end social and economic apartheid, to support and enforce civil and human Rights, and to enact City government and election reform, as well as to restore public accountability of the police. The Coalition for a Just Cincinnati will be studying in detail the following documents to determine, should the recommendations contained therein be successfully implemented and sustained over time, whether or not any of our demands will in fact be met Proposed Agreement on Cincinnati Police Division Operations: City of Cincinnati & United States Department of Justice Collaborative Agreement: City of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Black United Front, American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, Fraternal Order of Police We would like to point out that the immediate situation in Cincinnati remains that the current Citizens Police Review Panel is not meeting, and there is no effective discipline system in place to deal with police misconduct. We stand by our demand for the resignation of the Chief of the Cincinnati Police, Thomas Streicher. We also point out that several lawsuits against the city have not yet been resolved, and that the families of the victims of police violence of recent years have yet to be compensated or offered any justice. The Mayor of Cincinnati still refuses to meet with any of the organizations calling for boycotts and sanctions to resolve these issues. by Meghan Clarke The gap between the number of affordable housing units and the number of people needing them has created a housing crisis for the low-income people across the United States. According to the 2000 Census, owning an affordable home or even finding a safe and affordable rental unit is financially unattainable for close to half of American families. A lack of safe affordable housing has an enormous impact on American families, especially in Cincinnati where 25,000 unduplicated cases of homeless individuals were reported in 2000. Families with high housing costs are forced to choose between paying for housing and putting food on the table. Low-income families seeking stable housing have not benefited from the expanding U.S. economy. Inadequate wages, high living costs, and housing shortages have made it extremely difficult for low-income and working families to purchase homes. According to the Center for Community Change, in Cincinnati, an extremely low­ income household, earning 30% of the Area Median Income of $61 ,000 can afford monthly rent of no more than $458, while the Fair Market Rent for a two­ bedroom unit is $576. To make matters worse a worker in our area earning a Minimum Wage, $5. 15, must work 86 hours per week in order to afford a two­ bedroom unit at the area's Fair Market Rent. In fact, the Housing Wage in Cincinnati is $11.08, 215% of the present Minimum wage. In today's economy the leading solution for the affordable housing crisis is the establishment and implementation of Housing Trust Funds. Housing Trust Funds are public funds established by legislation, ordinance or resolution to receive specific revenues, which can only be spent on housing. The key characteristic of a Housing Trust Fund is that it receives on-going revenues from dedicated sources of funding such as taxes, fees or loan repayments. Housing Trust Funds have demonstrated that when government makes a commitment to address critical housing needs, the on-going dedicated source ofrevenue allows for more intelligent planning to address housing needs and for improved proposals submitted by the housing industry in an effort to effectively use existing resources. Having funds that are committed to housing over time is crucial because housing advocates have long had to compete with numerous social causes to secure dwindling public resources for affordable housing. A Hamilton County Housing Trust Fund will make Page 13 monies available to communities to rehabilitate existing substandard housing, allowing parents to raise happy, healthy chi ldren and giving children the opportunity to reach their full potential. Housing Trust Funds do more than build new homes: they help communities create new jobs in the construction industry and increase the property tax base. By using a U.S. Department of Commerce model, it is estimated that investing $5 billion directly into housing construction would result in 184,300 new jobs. Local Housing Trust Funds leverage an average of $9 from private, non-profit, and governmental sources for every $1 spent by the Housing Trust Fund. Housing Trust Funds are so important because without more financial resources, the need for safe affordable housing will not go away anytime soon. For many private developers, building affordable units without some type of low-interest loan or grant is not financially feasible. Housing Trust Funds help by providing the funds housing developers need to make their projects affordable. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is undertaking an initiative to advocate for a countywide housing trust fund as a means of creating affordable housing opportunities in desperately needed in Cincinnati. This will be done in conjunction with the Center for Community Change and the National Coalition for the Homeless and in cooperation with the County Commissioners. "This company is awash in cash precisely because you CAN'T afford shoes for y our kids." �fR EE TVIBES May 2002 Page 14 We Are Here by George Herrell It has never ceased to amaze me, That our existence could be ignored by so many. Or perhaps it's disbelief, That within the graffiti covered buildings of "Over-the-Rhine" Any goodness could exist! - --===--­ Or is it doubt hat God - loving, good - ~ hearted people, ) streers­ Could share these trash stre with those Filled with such clearly apparent evil and those who Only for now have fallen by the wayside. But the God we love, The same God you praise each Sunday in your "Multi-Million Dollar Temples" Teachings tell us not to discriminate! He has told us not to judge others who are plagued by misfortunes. But instead to make the way clear so that they may someday, Repent the wages of their sins. For the precious blood that was shed on "Calvary" Forgives ALL of them. Yes, We Are Here.... Dying To Live and Living To Die by James Hardison Some people live and some people die never knowing the reason why some people are always ready to take but never willing to give that's just the way it goes in this world on which we live sometimes you have to be willing to make a few sacrifices · when you want something really bad even though giving up something you love might make you sad once it's all over, when everything is said and done and there's nothing left to say you realize it was worth the price you had to pay sometimes life can be so unfair and sometimes life can be really great filled with things you love and things you hate the things that are on sale are not always what you want to buy when you' re dying to live and living to die Cincinnati Riot a-k-a ''Civil Unrest 2001'' by George Herrell ace" but if that is true, Is it the neighborhoods in which we live? Would simple relocation solve the problem? Is it the seasons? Do the seasons in this city differ so much from any other? Could leaving it barren and desolate be the answer? Would that be fair to everyone? To entirely elimminate the existance of a city? The Military Few and the Civilian Many by Eric Edward Johansson Democracy crumbles in a military world From top-down do the orders trickle But when upon military duty Did we create a democratic process for the men: The Grunt Council Hated we were to rise up and equal the soldier many to the officer few In democracy we talk much about the people But to their disservice do the orders come To obey and conform with rules from above The people's voice obscured by unquestioning obedience Policies ill-reflective of American principles; ashamed of my leaders am I For if we are truly a people imbued with compassion Then why act only in the interest of elites? As the many suffer only to guard lavish pinnacles of power Principles ignored, deconstructed to make room for profit As cities crumble, prisons flourish, liberty diminishes and wars abound The laws are clear. They were created by the state And are enforced by every city within its boundaries. And yet unlike any other to the youth who must Why must we pay such high a price live here, It's swiftly becomming known as "The City Of So only the military and elite may prosper? For if truly a compassionate nation then Death" Why not strive to care for the civilian many? For it is by their sweat that elites ravage global Fathers are locked away for minor crimes, fruit Mothers are denied adequate assistance, Forcing them g hours, Perpetual people of poverty, malnourished and Destroying th' familys s cture. under-educated Leaving children to children for Some without shelter to protect; some without companionship, and guidance to survive within this " Concrete medicine to cure And all our nation has come to represent in the Jungle" world Is a continuation of dominance Those who claim to "Protect and Serve" are T he prosperous few over the downtrodden nurtured with the words, many "ZERO TOLERANCE" Many takin~ it the step beyond to, If all men were created equal ZERO UNDERSTANDING! , and ZERO Then why are the fruits of the world distributed COMPASSION! so unequally Serving only to draw their paychecks! How about a fresh perspective in equality? And Protecting only their pensions! Knowing only the brotherhoods of "Them" and For if the top 3 percent control 70 percent of resources "Us". Then they should be responsible for 70 percent And yet the leaders claim no knowledge of the of revenue problems, Why only the few, the military few, while Which so obviously exist. civilians are neglected and No one could be so blind! jailed American principles failing the many, and Simply count the years on our headstones succeeding only those on top between "Born" and " Died" Restore Am.e rican principles: Of the people, Put away your foolish pride. For the People, By the People Let's heal our wounds. Before the judgement day in this city comes too To rise up the civilian many to equal the military few soon!!!!!!! Awaken, unify, rise and take America back, back to the people!! �fREETVIBES May 2002 A Parable for Our Time by Charles Schott Said the First World to the Third World: "Give me you land, your water, and your natural resources, and 1 will develop you." "But we don't want to be developed," answered the rainforest Native. "We love our lands and waters, and the forests are our homes." " Ah," replied the East Coast investment banker, "you're just ignorant Indians. You don't n he value of a dollar. Why, i the ace of your jungles we' ll giv ou shopping malls, high-rise buildings, automobiles, maybe even a mi litary base if you're good." "No, no," replied the Native. " Our lands and waters are precious to us. The Earth is our Mother. To destroy Her is to destroy us. " " Umph, we have ways to deal with you then, you stubborn Indians. We'll come in and take your lands, and we'll make you slaves in our government factories, on our pl tations, and in our Prepare Page 15 The Honor Of A Man by George Herrell by Edna Smith I am a black man who bas been It's true, we are all governed ~by other black men, through laws made by man ~t I should be proud of my When the truth is known African" heritage. there's one ultimate plan. I do not dispute that. But my "sooner" blood contains True, we have earthly parents that of several races. yet we' re all fathered by one And words of the only true book Do I disclaim all but that of the are coming to pass, it has begun. "Dark Continent"? What of my "Native American" Daughters turning on their Mothers ancestors? friends hurting one another Were they any less honorable? coveting neighbors possessions Should I deny that part of me? a man killing his brothers. Are they any less a part of who I am? The Earth falling steadily apart rivers and oceans unclean If I should have "Colonial" Mankind getting lazier ancestors, :::: ::::~Ys::~dm~~';; ,if I~::~dn::::1 : f b e ~e.} we must answer for our wrongs ( Many of us will be too Late to hear the golden song. We must deny the temptation that will lead us to hell Give in completely to our Father He will make us well. Learn that true compassion is truly heaven sent And using it very wisely to go where Jesus went. " we w d rather die than give u omes and see our Mother Earth destroyed," said the Native. "The Creator made our .. Let go of the worldly goods lands, and His Spirit is in the you can't take with you anyway animals of the forest, and these Don't sweat the small stuff animals are our brothers and Up to the Lord always pray. sisters. The plants and trees give us shelter and provide our food and He' ll always keep providing medicine. No, these things were exactly what we need given to us, and we cannot sell Quench you when you're thirsty them away. They are our children, When you're hungry, he~ ll feed. ands our children's children." "Enough of this," growled Start now this very minute the investment banker. "Out of the for our Father gives us a soul way! You can't stand in the way of It is now time to prepare progress. " to let him take control. Just then , a cloud enveloped the banker, and his It may happen tomorrow bank, and the building it was It may happen tonight standing in. It was a mushroom So lets ask our father cloud, and it turned the city into to help make us right. windy, howling crater as set off by a Third World Spirit that bandoned placed a device in building. This was the spirit of the ancient Earth and her children, the For information Spirit of the primeval forests, of on submitting the timeless mountains, and of the your poetry to deep, dark flowing waters with STREETVIBES their reflected stars. This is the Spirit that call 421 -7803 speaks to us now. When will we learn? Ghetto Life (part 2) by George Herrell "The Woman" A night of pleasure, nine months of pain, four days in the hospital with so much shame. You regret that night, but it's just too late, you've grown to hate. As he starts growing, and you're too tired to think, you run to the bar to get a quick drink. You stay at this place most of the night, and then you come home to argue and fight. You beat your son because of his father 's half, and you say you are a woman, " Ha", that's a laugh. Wo that make their blood any less a part of my own? Can I then claim "Purity" to any one race? More pride in one over the other? I was born in America, not Africa, not England! I am a Man born of Mankind. Nationalities are unimportant to me. Night/Bright The land to which you are born does not make you any more or less honorable. The color of your skin does not make you any more or less honorable. The hon.or of a man comes from within his heart!!! If I only walk about at night, Influence by Joseph Norris (submitted by Robert Mannasa) Drop a pebble in the water And it's ripples reach out far~ And the sunbeams dancing on them May reflect them to a star. Give a smile to someone passing, Thereby making his morning glad; It may greet you in the evening When your own heart may be sad. Do a deed of simple kindness; Though it's end you may not see. It may reach like widening ripples, Down a long eternity. by Mark Fries, G.E.D. Tutor ­ Urban Appalachian Council wear sunglasses even if it's not bright, or look too long into the blinding sun, 1' 11 have trouble seeing the good or bad I could have done. But if there are shadows and enough light, I can navigate the streets and choose to do what's right. I need shadows for my depth of fie ld, to understand the wisdom of what my thoughts can yield. To keep me from living in the panic of inky black, or blinded by too much light shed upon the facts, 1 need both light and dark. I need the contrast to make things clear. I need dark and light to see both far and near. �fREETVIBES May 2002 Page is a wonderful Palestinian man whose family lives in the occupied city ofRamallah, a Haitian man, a refugee and orphan whose parents were killed by police, an Indian Over-the-Jordan woman who became a human This has been a very tough rights attorney, and an Israeli year for our city, our country and woman who helps children with peace-loving, innocent people lost limbs from war. My beloved around the world. Right now we told me of her Masters thesis about have young Americans dying, Rwanda and the horrible genocide which I'm sure they don' t want to there. I've always considered do, and killing, which I'm equally myself rather a liberal and a sure they don't want to do. humanist until this angel of a Because some evil people could woman came into my life, willing somehow justify killing innocent to change the world, with the Americans who committed no heart, the drive, and the tools to do crime but to go to work one it. September morning. Tuesday evening, April 16 This same year we have all at approximately 8:00 p.m. my seen Israeli tanks destroying Palestinian villages. These attacks girlfriend was returning from work downtown to her home in Clifton. are in response to a people so Her only crime was to go to work desperate that not only the act of suicide is understood and accepted one April morning when she but even condoned. It is condoned became the victim of a hate crime herself While she was driving on by mothers and fathers of eighteen McMickenjust north of Liberty, year old girls whose only future as near the Free Store Food Bank an they see it, is martyrdom and their ' African American youth stepped only goal is to kill as many "oppressors" as they can in the act. off the curb in broad daylight and with his best impression of a major However we see it on television, few of us could point out on a map league pitcher, threw an object where the Golan Heights, the Gaza from close range directly at her unprotected bead. She ducked, as Strip or the West Bank are located. the object slammed not six inches Maybe half of us know simply its from where her head had been. some place Over the Jordan. Looking up and hearing shouts as I meet her during the civil eight to twelve youths began unrest last year here in Cincinnati. surrounding her car, she hit the We met at a mutual friend's house accelerator and ran through a red during the curfew. The party was light risking her life, in fear for her for my birthday because my local life. watering hole had to close at The object turned out to be 8:00p.m. We talked for hours as an egg. How ironic that the she shyly told me of recently universal symbol of fertility and getting her Masters degree in birth, a luxury food item in many International Relations after many of the world, should be used parts hard years ofstruggle. And I fell in as a weapon to destroy the liberal love. That week she went to ideas of such a beautiful person in Reverend Shuttlesworth's of the Free Store. front congregation in North Avondale to It is now both of our fears hear Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 's that from this day on we will see son speak of peace and to give her the color of someone's skin before support to the community there we see the true person. 'this morning the death of Timothy incident in Over-the-Rhine makes Thomas. Since then I have met many me pray that Over-the- Jordan did of her college friends. Among them not start with an egg. Death of Liberalism 1 2 3 4 California Struggles Over Open Air Shelter by Robert Norse Santa Cruz's Coral Street Open Air Shelter Campground bas been unfairly maligned and the record needs to be corrected. Ken Cole, the Homeless Services Center director of Santa Cruz ' who has abandoned a former activist role in Seattle in favor of grant-seeking service-provider in Santa Cruz was not present when the Open Air Shelter thrived (1994-5). It was open to all the homeless and not just a select few. It saved lives and, though crowded, noisy, underfunded, and treated like an undesireable dirt poor relative by the Homeless Community Resource Center next door, it was a relatively successful experiment, which received virtually no funding from the City. The Citizens Committee for the Homeless under Paul Lee Paul Pfotenhauer, Paul Merceau, and Deryl Darling essentially abandoned it. The CCH abandoned their promises to the campers organization, the Save Our Shelters group. Councilmembers Kennedy and Rotkin moved to close it after a heavy rain. It did collect overflow of homeless people driven out of San Francisco under the neo­ fascist "Matrix" policies of Mayor Frank Jordan. It did have folks who drank, took drugs, were loud, etc. But it served as an anchor for folks during the day, a place where they could keep their pets and belongings. NO ONE DIED THERE. But after Rotkin, Kennedy, and CCH ordered the camp dispersed, half ) 10 @ 25 a dozen to a dozen homeless people, forced to live in unsafe conditions, did die. Homeless activist Dan Hopkins called Rotkin and Kennedy "murderers" for their role in this suppression of homeless activism and self­ empowerment. It did not have the "clean image" that Camp Paradise had, but it served far more people. It is important that the false negative history of this camp be corrected. There are documentaries such as "Campground" and other videos as well as many hours of interviews and tapes from Free Radio Santa Cruz's Bathrobespierre's Broadsides show that attest to the value of Coral Street Open Air Shelter, in spite of all the lies spread by its critics-including the so-called service providers who watched it. The writer can be contacted at: rnorse@hotmail.com Story, Editorial and Art Submission Deadline for the JUNE,2002 edition of STREETVIBES is Monday, MAY 13th. Answers to April Crossword 5 Across 1. Sylvia Plath's The _ _ __. 9 7. Be Obliged. i - - . , . . - 4 - - 4 - - - - - - - 8. Costly Shirt Brand. 10. King's Jurisdiction. 12. Sing like Bing. 14. Dual Overhead Cam. 16. This Publication. 20. Big Bitter. 21. In Re: ---+----+----+--~--' 22. What Steve Roach could have done with bis gun. 23. Employ 24. Look out Below 7 16 5 Down 1. Enemy of Moose and Squirrel. 2. Ram's S.O. 3. Othello or Juliet. 4. Editor of 13 Down. 5. Arizona 6. Big Bird. 9. Emptied. 11. Wind-deposited silt. 13. Draft animals. 15. _ Scan - a medical image. 16. General chicken. 17. Unit of length (Hispanic) about a meter. 18. Units of a shelter's size. 19. Bait 22. Hebrew 3rd person pronoun �ti I J rl, fREETVIBES May 2002 my mother had a black boyfriend. Little did those people know that it was my mothers boyfriend who filled the role of father that a white coward left in his haste to abandon by Anonymous my mother, sister and me. No, Written during last years Civil they didn't see his goodness, only Unrest his skin. We eventually moved The curfew is a lonely from Norwood to Bond Hill where place for those of us who are I attended grade school. Living in spending it reflecting on what this Swifton, race never seemed an crisis means to us, to our issue to me. The common neighborhoods and to our was poverty, denomjnator relationships with members of generally speaking. My friends other races. This somber loneliness found me in search of a were not black or white~ they were simply friends. As my and my place to share my thoughts with sister's friendshlps developed, we other concerned citizens. When I regularly found ourselves in found the Cincinnati Enquirer Avondale, Evanston~ Walnut Hills, internet bulletin board, I thought and Roselawn. Ironically, perhaps someone would emerge we moved to Roselawn eventually who was seeking the meaning and healing that I find myself in search because I bad reported to my of tonight. Instead all I found there mother that I was uncomfortable in was more hate and finger pointing. school because I was the only white person in my fourth-grade Granted I did not read every entry. class at St. Agnes. Thus, I can still hope there are Tonight I feel guilty th~t at people out there that desire the age ofeight, I'd somehow the positive reassurance I know developed a sense of racial Cincinnati is capable of I grew up in many different differences. Was it my experience in Norwood? Was it due to some but integrated Cincinnati subliminal programming from neighborhoods during the 1970's. society? It certainly wasn't based As the Cincinnati police have continued their irresponsibility and on anything my mother taught me. racial brutality over the last several (I'm sure you are familiar with the argument that children are only years, I've found myself very grateful for the diverse experience able to develop racist ideas if their my mother provided my sister and I parents espouse them)! In fact, she encouraged me to continue with as we grew up. My attending St. Agnes and explained upbringing, I think, has thankfully me that skin color is to a11owed me to understand black meaningless. I recall that the first outrage and fear in this city. racially-motivated comment that I At the young age of five, ever heard was other from other Norwood taught me about racism. children calling me n--r lover. My family was harassed because Time to Start Healing Page 17 Despite my mother's efforts, we moved to Roselawn so I could change schools. Living in Roselawn was a great experience. The neighborhood was integrated and the school was good. I was also introduced to a new "ethnic" group there, Jews. Just as I had learned to love gospel music from spending time in black homes, I also found Jewish customs fascinating. Roselawn was a true melting pot. In those days, there wasn't racial tension there nor was there the endemic poverty of Swifton. Looking back, I am nostalgic for the diversity that thrived there in the late 1970s. Once reaching middle-school age, I attended Walnut Hills High School where I continued to thrive on the integrated nature of the school. Not surprisingly, my sister ultimately taught in South Africa during the final days of Apartheid and I earned a Masters in International Relations and developed an expertise in ethnic conflict in the Great Lakes region of Africa. These days my mother can rest assured knowing that her girls will always be part of the solution based on the values she instilled in us from my earliest memories. As the current crisis has unfolded, I've been so tempted to return to Avondale to hear the message of black leaders and offer my hand in helping to heal this community. While I'd like to believe that the black communitys protest is solely aimed at the police department, I worry that every day relations between blacks and whites will suffer. Currently, I live in Pleasant Ridge. I chose this neighborhood as an adult because I'm not comfortable in the segregated communities that characterize Cincinnati's suburbs. I believe Pleasant Ridge has a lot in common with the Roselawn of the 1970s ~ children of all races play with one another and our community council is active and integrated etc, etc. But as I ventured out just before the curfew Friday, I worried that perhaps Pleasant Ridge would suffer the tensions that have characterized so many other parts of the city this week. The sight of Everybodys Music store all boarded up seemed to symbolize the loss oftolerance and understanding that the city has suffered. My question to the black readership of this [newspaper] bulletin board is: Are you offended when whites participate in events currently taking place in the black community? Do you think its patronizing for whites to feel they understand your plight at all? I don't want to offend anyone, but I feel a duty to be a part of the healing in this city. The one thfog I am sure of is that I can't truly understand anything by sitting in my house and avoiding the debate. I hoped when I attended Mr. Thomas' funeral that you will greet me like any other caring citizen there. God Bless. Free Trade .... Photographs by Jimmy Heath and Siusan Durst May 31 - June 23, 2002 Opening Reception May 31, 6- lOPM BASE ART GALLERY 1225 MAIN SI REET OVER-THE-RHINE (513) nl-2273 WNW.baseart.org chorus opposing all "free trade" agreements that do not promote cont. from page 12 the social and economic welfare of human beings as their central pursuade South American objective. Economic growth is countries-especially Argentina otherwise meaningless. In the and Brazil, who have voiced name ofRomero, we must commit concerns about the terms of such ourselves to opposing "Fast Track" "free trade" agreements- into and workjng towards international joining the FTAA trade agreements that strengthen Over 22 years ago, workers rights, protect the Archbishop Oscar Romero also said, "Let those who have a voice environment, prioritize the needs ofthe poor majority over the speak for the voiceless." profits of a handful of As thousands of Central corporations, and that are created Americans gather in prayer and through a participatory, transparent protest in El Salvador, let us in the and democratic process. north use our voices to join the Are you a dedic ated individual with a desire to educate the public about homelessness? Volunteer at Streetvibesl We need writers, editors, webpage updaters - any help you can p r ovide. Call 421- 7803 for more in formation. --- �'I fREETVIBES May 2002 Page 18 The key here is "responsibility". The lock is apathy or Bread and Circuses. The result is crime ridden streets. When a mother and by Jane Humane her children cannot stand at a bus thousands of buildings stand Here's the bad news fust. vacant we continue to tear into the stop without being shooting virgin earth and destroy the victims of other children's drug We are a civilization in decline. habitats of other creatures. Just like Rome right before its wars we still need the police. fall, we have degraded into "bread In Irish folk lore, the elves Prior to the Ice Age and circuses". That is what the or nature spirits ofan area are humans found cities in the caves ancient Roman Empire gave the referred to as the "Good People". in order to better survive. We banded together to protect one It is the term used to describe the idle masses in order to appease another from wild animals and regenerative and healing nature of them. They created the first the planet. This concept appears welfare dole and when that wasn't share food and responsibility in caring for the youth and the elders. in all variety ofethnic fairy tales. enough they started throwing Humans have thrived and now we Well, this is no fairy tale. The Christians to the lions to provide a no cost spectacle for the masses. have cities where food is plentiful people of this city need to work (check your comer's Wendy's, Star together and economic extortion Eventually, that wasn 't enough. Bucks or Soup Kitchen), via boycott is not the answer. Any These free but poverty dangerous wild animals are in of the able bodied men and stricken citizens were distracted women who are unemployed (and check for the most part and we and government subsidized. It wasn't until much later that they now fear each other. even those who are not) are gained enough spiritual guidance That is the crux ofour valuable members of society. We and conscious to realize what was dilemma here in Cincinnati. Fear can use screwdrivers, hammers and modem machines and happening. It was a huge mass of and intimidation rule. On the technology to fix up the ruined peoples of all races and ethnic surface it appears to be a racial buildings for businesses and backgrounds. division but it goes much deeper. housing. We can teach our The people ofgood Some members of the community conscious took themselves and feel threatened by the police force. children to read. We can watch their children away from these By definition, the title of Police out for one another. If we can ever hope to live spectacles. We are approaching Officer is Officer of the Peace. this point here in Cincinnati and We have had far to little peace for in a society where we don' t need all over the country. They are Police, then we need to take better too long. If our citizens could leaving the urban centers to care of each other and stop the learn to live together peacefully escape the decay, and fleeing to violence. Every citizen needs to then we would have no ne~d for build newer and newer suburbs Police. Until that time, we tteed take responsibility for the farther away from the city's them and they don't have an easy condition of our society and for job to do either. They aren't center. These people of all races our situation here in Cincinnati. perfect, they are just human and religions are trying to avoid When all good people of our society's iIIs by moving away beings like the rest ofus. this city who are at its heart and from the hotbed of political Some ofour spiritual soul leave Downtown Cincinnati collusion. leaders continue to divide us to fall like the ruins of Rome, it We are experiencing urban according to race and say it is the will be too late for any sprawl all over this country and it basis of the problem. It is not. redemption. When the Good People Leave is destroying the very earth. While ---------------------------------------1 RECENT SUPREME COURT DECISION REMOVES LABOR other employees from the RIGHTS Hoffmand Plastic Compound in On March 27th, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that undocumented worke do not have the right to free association in unions nor protection against employers that violate their labor rights. This decision means that if a business fires a worker for union activities (or any other reason), the worker does not enjoy the legal protection established by law because of her/his illegal immigrant condition. Undocumented workers in farm fields, factories, restaurants, and hotels in the country from this point do not have the right to demand lost wages or any other restitution from employers that violate the law by firing or punishing them for exercising their basic rights. The Court made a divided decision, 5 to 4, resolving the case of undocumented worker Jose Castro, fired along with three Paramount, California, in 1989, for supporting efforts to unioJlize the plant. The National Labor Relations Board, the federal agency in charge of resolving violations oflabor law and that supposedly guarantees protections to workers against employer repercussions for union activities or protesting employment conditions, found the rights of Castro had been violated and ordered that he be paid his back wages. The lower courts upheld the NLRB ruling, but the Supreme Court ruling reversed those decisions. BRACERO PROGRAM ­ Dangerous for workers The Bush Administration favors a "bracero" worker visa program. Under this program, immigrant workers are assigned a boss by the federal government and they I) cannot change jobs legally, 2) do not have the right to vote or a means to gain citizenship, 3) do not have the right to form unions, and 4) can be deported and prevented from returning to this country at the will of their employer. Baldemar Velasquez, President of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee of the AFL­ CIO, wrote, "What's scary is the number ofgood-hearted people who have been sold on this idea. Without a mass movement of opposition, Congress will go for it. People see it as some "compromise" short of "blanket amnesty." "Isn't it better than not having papers at all?" they ask. NO, IT'S MUCH WORSE! This program *codifies into law* the intimidation and absolute power employers have over immigrant workers." (Information is provided by the National Coalition for Dignity and Amnestyfor Undocumented Workers, www. tepeyac. orgl amnistia/, Farm Labor Organizing Committee, www.jloc.com; and Mexico Solidarity Network, www. mexicosolidaritv. orfY) Santa Cruz Homeless Activist wins Lawsuit Against LAPD for excessive force at DNC. Los Angeles, Ca. _ HUFF activist, writer, and videographer, Becky Johnson was awarded an undisclosed sum in a federal lawsuit against the Los Angeles Police Department on April 11th when three cases represented by attorney James Fosbinder were settled. All cases stemmed from the LAPD police riot of the night of August l 4t~ 2000 when President Bill Clinton was speaking to the conventioneers~ the LAPD was shooting at the crowd outside with rubber bullets and clubbing everyone within 6 city blocks. Blocks away, on the night of August 14th, in the parking lot of the Shadow Convention at Pioneer Hall in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department prevented a live broadcast upload to satellite link claiming a suspected bomb in the parked van ofSanta Cruz Free Radio 96.3 FM programmer, the V-Man. After the riot, the sheriff's gave the aU clear. Becky Johnson and Robert Norse had been in the crowd across the street from the protest pit where the LAPD had just prematurely ended the series of speakers and bands that had been performing for the protesters. "They had permits until 9:00 PM," said Robert Norse. "But the police pulled the plug at 8:10PM" At 8:20PM, police began to advance on the dispersing crowd with biIIy clubs, firing dozens of rounds of rubber bullets, bean-bag guns, and stinger bullets. "I was almost trampled by the terrified crowd. I crouched behind a car wash sign so I wouldn't be hit by bullets," said Becky Johnson. "I pulled out my videocamera and began taping." Johnson turned to flee when an officer began clubbing a girl in front of her. "I never heard any warning to disperse from the area. I was not arrested. I was not threatened with arrest. I and three other people around me were just clubbed." Johnson sued in federal court for the Central District of California represented by attorneys Rhonda and James Fosbinder and Santa Cruz attorney, Kate Wells. On April 11th, 2002 Magistrate Judge Andrew J. Wistrich issued the order for settlement in Johnson's case, and that of two others. �May 2002 1TREETVIBES Page 19 Wal-Mart Faces Federal Charges for and harassment. Widespread Violations The Board complaint combined a year's worth of of Worker Rights violations into a consolidated Federal Labor Board Issues Complaint Against Wal-Mart for More than 45 Separate Incidents of Illegal Conduct From the UFCW web site Las Vegas, NV- The National Labor Relations Board charged Wal-Mart with violating federal law by coercing, intimidating and retaliating against its employees who were seeking a voice on the job with United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) Local Extreme Poverty Rising, Exsting Government Programs Could Do More The Urban Institute, April 2002 A recent Urban Institute policy briefconcludes that, "despite phenomenal growth in the U.S. economy in the late 1990s," extreme poverty (people with incomes below 50 percent of the federal poverty level) increased. More children lived in single­ parent, extremely poor families in 1998 than in 1996, an outcome that reflects an increase in very low-income families that are not receiving government support programs (including cash welfare and food stamps). 711. The Board complaint charges that Wal-Mart's illegal actions interfered with employees' right to hold a free and fair election at the Sam's Club store on Spring Mountain Road in Las Vegas. The Board blocked the union election that was scheduled for November 29th and 30th, 2001 due to the company's relentless, illegal activity to silence its workers, voices. After investigating the charges, the Board found ample evidence to prosecute Wal-Mart for denying workers their federal right to organize for union representation free from intimidation, coercion complaint. A hearing is set for June 25, 2002. Wal-Mart was on trial in Las Vegas before an Administrative Law Judge of the NLRB for massive labor law violations in both Wal-Mart stores, including illegal termination and discipline of pro-union employees. The Board cites Wal-Mart managers for: Illegally threatening workers with termination if they support the union; Illegally encouraging its employees to retaliate against co-workers who supported the union; Illegally interrogating workers about their union sympathies; IUegally threatening not to hire applicants and to fire employees based on their support for the union; Illegal surveillance of workers' activities to discover their union activities; Illegally attempting to silence workers' voices to discuss the union on Wal­ Mart property; Illegally denying workers' representation. "All we want is a fair and free election," said Sam's Club worker Alan Peto. "But the company refuses to take their chances on fair and free. They prefer to subvert the basic principle of American democracy, everyone's right to make up their own minds without threats, promises, or intimidation." The UFCW is the largest organization of retail workers in North America, with 1.4 million members. Workers at retail food industry leaders such as Kroger and Safeway are members of the UFCW. \ ­ Extremely poor children face especially high risks. Many families are not getting the assistance that they need. The report finds that, if the present government safety net Yellowstone spokeswoman were fully utilized for families Karen Cooper ofthe Marsha Karle said the National with children who qualified, Montana Department of Livestock Park Service did not protest DOL's poverty among children and their announced last montb yesterday decision to get kill untested bison. families would have been more that all wild buffalo roaming Yellowstone National than 20 percent lower and extreme outside Yellowstone National Park Park,s new supervisor is Suzanne poverty 70 percent lower in 1998. on their traditional grazing and Lewis. Her number is: These findings provide a calving grounds will be (307) 344-2002. Address is; P.O. strong rationale for improving slaughtered. Box 168, Yellowstone National existing programs to provide Cooper said she does not Park, WY 82190-0168. "family-friendly" delivery systems. know how long DOL will continue Montana's State vet is To link to the brief go to the FRAC killing animals without testing Arnold Gertonson. His number is: website: www.foodresearch.org them. They will no longer use the (406) 444-2043; Box 202201, facade of brucellosis testing to Helena, MT 59620; determine if buffalo exposed to the agertonson@mt.gov disease (& carrying theantibody) We'd like to hear A five minute call or 34 get the death sentence. All will be from 'JOUcent stamp could save a buffalo's killed Send letten or life! comments to: Streetvibes@Juno.com, .. .··.. . ,:. or write the Coalition office attn: Streetvibes Letten, Streetvibes newspaper is published monthly on a shoe-string budget I 506 Elm Street from the offices of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Cincinnati, Ohio 452 I 0 H omeless. Can you help us with some of the following items? Montana DOL ~o"' To Destroy Wild Buffalo Write Us! • Wish List Extra! Extra! o Electric Stapler - Heavy duty Advertise in Streetvibes! o Supplies for Vendor's Lounge (paper towels, cream and sugar, snacks, etc.) Reach thousands of downtown UXJrkers each month! Call 421-7803 for more information about how advertising in Streetvibes will work for your business.... o Blank Zip D isks - For Streetvibes Archives o Office and Cleaning Supplies o Computers/ components for Streetvibes story-writing, editing, research. If you can help, contact us at: Streetvibes, do Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45210 (513) 421-7803 e-mail: streetvibes@"uno.com � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2002 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2002 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Rally at Fountain Square Marks Anniversary of Cincinnati’s Unrest Pg 2: Looking Outside for Answers Pg 3: The Life Pg 4: Reader Mail Pg 5: Boycott of Cincinnati Continues Despite Lawsuit Pg 6: Know Your Rights Pg 7: The Library Creates New Anti-Smell Policy An Interview with Danny Glover Pg 8: Prisoners News Pg 9: Increase Access to School Meals for Homeless Children Pg 10: Nicaragua Pg 11: Nicaragua Continued Pg 12: Editorial Pg 13: Editorial Continued Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 16: Death of Liberalism California Struggles Over Open Air Shelter Pg 17: Time to Start Healing Pg 18: When the Good People Leave Recent Supreme Court Decision Remove Labor Rights Pg 19: Wal-Mart Faces Federal Charges for Widespread Violations of Worker Rights Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource May 2002 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Alicia Beck Meghan Clarke Molly Lyons Mary Taylor John Halpin Cheryl Ware Jimmy Heath Jerome Manigan Mike Henson Susan Huesken LAH George Herrell Mike Henson Fanni J. Mark Telgarden Beth Lake Steven Paul Lansky Robert Lederman Mr. Lee Riccardo Taylor Robert Mannassa Carol Rainey Edna Smith Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Alicia Beck anniversary Arts & Poetry Beth Lake Boycott Bush California Carol Rainey Cheryl Ware Cincinnati civil rights Covington Danny Glover Editorials Edna Smith Edward (Sonny) Williams Fanni J. Fountain Square Free Trade George Herrell Jack Abbott Jerome Manigan Jimmy Heath John Halpin LAH LAPD Lawsuit Liberalism Library Mark Telgarden Mary Taylor Maurice Mac McCrackin Meghan Clarke Mike Henson Molly Lyons Montana Mr. Lee Nicaragua NPR prisoners news Racial Profiling Rally Reader Mail Riccardo Taylor Rights Riverbank Robert Lederman Robert Mannassa Santa Cruz School Steven Paul Lansky Street Life Supreme Court Susan Huesken Wal-Mart welfare https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/9dfda125a4c1255d02f1c0b9f5bdf8b5.pdf b6689f1223e354af21f30e96b7246c85 PDF Text Text t ST REET IBES Your Progressive News Source SEPTEMBER 2002 BUY FROM BADGED VENDORS ONLY 1 Broken Homes · Cover Story Page 1 Also Inside This Month ~~- Interview with ·~• Valerie Lemmie, Cincinnati City Manager Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless J . ,• 3 ~ �~ c -o-ver-S~ w= ry==============~£PT£.MBER 2002-=======-------------­ Hundreds of Huntington Meadows Residents Face Eviction by Brian Garry photos by Jimmy Heath - As I grew up in Bond Hill and I went to Swifton Primary School, which was surrounded by Swifton Village, now Huntington Meadows, I had no idea who owned all those red-brick apartment buildings. I was surprised later, when my brother informed me that it was Donald Trump who owned Huntington Meadows. DonaJd put new doors and shutters on , and sold those red brick apartments for 15 million dolJars in 1974. This was his first business transaction and he made a profit of 10 million before going on to be one of the world 's super powers. Huntington Meadows, the largest housing complex in Cincinnati, was built 1952 and has 1, 165 uni ts of rent-controlled housing on 65 acres. It is prime real estate and so there is much at stake in this new controversy. In 1997, the P.M. Group became the behind-the-scenes owner of the complex. To protect themselves lega11y, the PM Group formed a limited paitnership and named it Huntington Meadows LTD, which now officia1ly owns the property. In December of 2001 the Huntington Meadows LTD mass­ evicted 345 families. The families fought the evictions but only 150 tenants had the evictions over­ turned and were aJlowed to stay. The other 235 were literally, left out in the cold. Later that year, Huntin.g ton Meadows LTD claimed that since they didn't have enough renters and they had to file bankruptcy. They went belly up. The mortgager, Fannie Mae, recommended that Habitat America become the ·new, court­ appointed receiver/manager. The "turn-around" company, Habitat America, came in and " restructured the rent". Habitat America illegally raised the late fee from $25 to $125. The tenants had signed leases, which stated that their fee for a late payment of rent is only $25. This illegal practice led to more evictions. In January, the new managers and Habitat Ame1ica owners created a panic~h ysteria G with rumors, calling Huntington Meadows an environmental disaster area. They went out and bought "Danger Asbestos" Signs and put them up everywhere. Neither the Cincinnati Health Department nor the EPA recommended this action. The asbestos were present since the structures were built. Putting up the "Danger" signs caused another wave of residents to vacate the premises. $400-$600 dollars. Huntington Meadows' problems amount to leaky pipes and asbestos. Asbestos can be wrapped or removed. Leaky pipes can be fi xed. According to Dr. Handy, Assistant Director of the Cincinnati Health Department, virtually every home in Cincinnati has asbestos in them. Many homes have a few leaky pipes. These problems are fixable. Council just approved an additional $77.50 per unit of assistance. Wow, $77.50. The people are being offered $500 by Fannie Mae, the mortgager, only if they sign away all of their legal rights of c1aims against the owner and banker. Fannie Mae is the largest source of mortgages/ financing in the country. The $500 is an Anita Ivery posted this sign on her Huntington Meadows enticement apartment window. "Worse comes to worse, I'll stay with or my mother. " entrapment In July of 2002, the if you will, to get them to sign complex sits ha1f-fu11 with only their rights away. Does this sound about 600 of the 1,200 units Like Coercion? Bribery? occupied. After kicking al1 these Extortion? Blackmail? The folks out the owner cries that he residents only get the money after has no money because there are they move out and, as such, they not enough apartments occupied can't use the money for rent, and paying rent. He c1aims he is deposit or moving costs. Legal loosing $150,000. If he hadn't Aid negotiated this agreement kicked everyone out he would have without the residents present. an income of over $500,000 per Additionally, since the agreement month. I smell a rat. Although the was not a class-action as the legal­ complex is considered, by some to aid lawyer portrayed it to be, it is be low-income, only about 150 of not binding on the rest of the 640 the residents are subsidized by families. Further, the five fami lies section 8. that the Legal Aid lawyer Most pay basic market represented, never signed papers rates. Most rents range between retaining any lawyer as their H0 MEL£5S HEL representative in this process. The tenants never even saw the agreement until four days after "their lawyer" had signed. The tenants never signed the agreement. Tbe residents were tricked and bum-rushed into signin g this agreement. They were given a deadline to sign three business days following the court order. At a pubUc meeting on July 3 1st, Legal Aid failed to mention that if they paid their August rent then they would have until September 3rd to sign. This would have given more time to decide and allow for time fo~ a legal appeal process. The residents are being pushed around, hoodwinked and bamboozled. C incinnati Mayor Charlie Luken has never visited this site where 3,000 of his constituents are being forced out. If they were white and rich he would have shown up the next day. The owner was given, yes given, $30,000,000. This covered the cost to purchase the property, $ 10,867,000, plus an extra 20 million for repairs, although not many repairs seem to have been made. Huntington Meadows LTD received 9 million dollai·s in tax credits from Ohio investors through Fannie Mae. Fannie Mae is the largest source of mortgage funding in the country. The owners also received 4 million from the Home Investment Partnership Act (the HOME Program). This is federal money dispersed by the Cincinnati City Council. In addition, the P.M. Group received 17.5 million dollars from the county, which issued bonds to cover the cost. Clayton Group, a company, Eviction.... cont. on page 3 Write Us! W•'W lllul lo bur f10m flOU.-­ ~J..--· --"' Send letters or comments to: . Streetvibes@Juno.com, t. or wrHe the Coalition office attn: Streetvibes Letters 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 H L �STREETVIBES September 2002 Page 2 . The Vine Street Festival... Oops! · Some of the busjnesses on Vine Street felt excluded from the Photos and Opinion by Jimmy Heath, Streetvibes Editor planning and implementation of the Festival. Some even felt ·disrespected. . "It was a failure, it was too hot, it was held in the wrong place," said Han·y Ashford, owner of Smitty's clothing store on Vine Street. "There didn't seem to be much media attention to it either. And we need the suburban people coming down here and taking a stake in Over-the-Rhine - we need them to spend money." Ashford donated money to the Viny Street Festival to help finance the event. "I don ' t mind it at all when the City tries to do something for the community," said Edward Williams, who rnns The Next Looking north on Vine near 13th Street during the Vine Street Festival Millennium, a music and audio in Over-the-Rhine store near 13th and Vine. "But this It can be an embarrassing neighbors didn't bother to walk a thing [the festival] is killing my thing, when no one shows up to block or two from their homes on business." During the Vine Street your party. Maybe it was bad neighboring Festival, police weather, or miscommunication or streets to see­ asked Williams even bad luck, but it would be hard what was going to turn down to explain what happened in early on over on Vine . the music that August on Vine Street in Over-the­ Street. An was coming Rhine, when the party was held infolmal survey from his and people stayed away in droves. of my neighbors storefront I received plenty of notice about on Republic bu siness. the Vine Street Festival - I got Street revealed Williams three postcards in the mail, and I'm that most always plays his sure m_y neighbors did too. The simply didn 't music to the ---.....--..-;, .,.. ___....,. entertainment showed up and the care. Everytme street whicli is requisite City Hall dignitaries came knew about the designed to by for an appearance. But Over­ Vine Street bring in the-Rhine residents were Festival, but no customers. His shockingly absent: Only a few of one really front door on the curious came by and the rest cared. What Vine Street is were on their way to somewhere was the point? always open. else. Thanks to the street closing, Wbo or what Over-the­ Vine Street business owner Edward it was interesting to stand in the was this for? Rhine continues Williarps middle of an empty Vine Stryet, The Festival to struggle for during what would normally be a had a serious an identity. traffic jam. At lPM, on a S unday identity crisis. To add to the Mayor Charlie Luken and City afternoon, it was like a ghost town confusion, on the previous day the Council have focused energy on except for a few booth vendors and Over-the-Rhine Community O ver-the-Rhine to develop their a lot of police. Festival was held in Washington personal vision of what the I'm not sure why my Park with record attendance. --­ --­ Streetvibes Vendor Code Each vendor has to sign the foil owing code to be able to sell the paper. 1. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $1 voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for donations of Huntingt0n Meadows on Langdon Farm Road, Bond ,Hill StreetVibes accepts letters, poems, stories, essays, original graphics, photos .... We will give prefer­ ence to those who are homeless or vendors. Subscriptions to Streetvibes can be pmchased for $15 per year. c/o Greater C incinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCfl) 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 421 -7803 fax (5 l3) 421-78 13; e--mail: streetvibes@j uno.com web page: htt p ://cinci.com/gcth 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. will be honest in stating that all the profits from the sale of Streetvibes will go to the individual vendor. Falsely stating intent or otherwise more than $1. I also understand that I will be able to keep 80 cents of each dollar collected. misrepresenting may be cause. (or an-est. Future issues of Streetvibes will be purchased 8. I will always present my badge when purchasing papers, and I will display my badge at all times from the Homeless Coalition for 20 cents. while vend ing. Replacement badges are $5 Streetvibes may only be purchased from the GCCH. Purchasing or selling unauthorized each. 9. There are no territoiies . I agree that I will not papers, or from other vendors, will result in termination from the program. contest territories with other distributors. I will not sell on private property without permission. I agree that I will not ask for donations or attempt to vend after 12 midnight. 10. I understand that Streetvibes strives to be a selfI agree to treat others with respect - other ven­ supporting paper created by people who are homeless or formerly homeless. To help in this dors, customers, and GCCH personnel. I will not sell Streetvibes while under the influ­ effort, I will try to spread the word and write ence. stories if possible. I will not give a "hard sell" or make someone feel 11. I understand that failure to comply with any of threatened. the above statements will result in termination I agree not to deceive the public by-saying that I from the Street.vibes vendor program. GCCH am collecting for a not-for-profit charity or that I reserves the right to terminate a vendor at any time as deemed appropriate. am collecting for the "ho meless" in general. I �STREETVIBES September community should be. For the powers-that-be, poor people are the problem in Over-the-Rhine, and middle-class jnfusion is all that is right. The Vine Street Festival [not to be confused with the annual Over-the­ Rhine Commumty Festival, see page l 1] featured the planting of trees and flowers along one block of Vine Street near Central Parkway, and the dignitaries digging in the sojl provided a nice visual for the media. But the citizens were missing from the picture. And never mind that the Over-the-Rhine Community Council has been planting trees along neighborhood streets for nearly thirty years. It is not the first time that OTR resident concerns and voices have been silenced or ignored by City Hall. There is a long history of a struggle for citizens to be heard. The debate over changing Vine Street to one-way, for example, became a battle between the low-income residents and gentrification. In spite of resident and Community Council concerns over safety, and advice against the one-way plan by the city's own traffic department, Vine Street was converted to one-way. The money won. But one-way Vine Street in Over-the-Rhine continues to be a traffic jam and safety hazard. The suburban, outer-city folks who know nothing about Over-the-Rhine, except what the media tells them, are victims in this too because they are being mislead. The "sound bites" and video clips of these types of events never tell the whole story. The attention on Vine Street may make it appear that City Hall is "doing something" about Over-the-Rhine. I think the general public is beginning to get tired of all of this and is starting to recognize the pattern. There is no real news in small-town Cincinnati. There are not enough bad guys to feed the insatiable media appetite. Sometimes poor people become victims, not of crime, but of blame. There are over seven thousand citizens living in Over­ the-Rhine, nearly three thousapd of them are children. A great many are sem01· citizens, retired people and disabled persons. Residents hear what the politicians say about their neighborhood; they know what is going on with the tree planting, the flower boxes and the gentrification. This is why the community stayed away from the Vine Street Festival. Over-the­ Rhine is the target of a gold rush, and poor citizens better stay out of the way. 2~02 Eviction.... Page 3 poor tenants. It is felt that the owner as well as the City wants poor and black people out of the inner-city. In addition, the City wants white and upper income people to move back into the inner-city. This is demonstrated, some say, by the impaction ordinance which claims that all city neighborhoods, including Hyde Park and Mt. Lookout are "impacted' with poor people. Thus the ordinance prohibits the building of low income projects with Government Funding within the city limits. In either scenario the case is clear. The residents are not being evicted because of mold, sewage, etc. The residents are the property must be used for low and moderate income only. The cont. from page 1 county, although giving 17.5 who has passed $500 billion in million to the project, was not part reviewed assets, was the onl y bid of the court proceedings, which that Habitat America solicited to resulted in the residents being forced out, and required to sign assess the envfronmental problems. The Clayton Group away their legal rights in order to receive the measly $500 in claimed a of cost 10.5 million to fix the problems at Huntington relocation fees. The City, which Meadows. gave only 3.5 million, was a part of Many feel this estimate is the legal proceedings and a signer inflated, that the owner can claim to the agreement. Dowlin claims the cost of repairs is overwhelming that there is no county money in Huntington Meadows out the and that the complex must be torn down. The owner paid for the county issued bonds and used that environmental study, thus a money to give to Huntington conflict of interest is a real Meadows LTD. Now to the future. The big possibility. The Clayton Group is one of Fannie Mae's number one question. Fannie Mae, Huntington Meadows LTD and customers. Regarding Habitat America all the 4 million seem to want the complex closed; that dollars of HOME Program money we know. What we given to don't know, and no Huntington one is talking about Meadows under are the future plans the Roxanne for the complex. Qualls Obviously if these administration, a parties have given the Cincinnati project enough thought to close the Community Development complex down, then employee had the . have given thought as ~ . One ofthe abestos wammg signs posted at Huntington Meadows lO11.o wmg to say: · to what they are going ''The money was allotted very being evicted because the owner to do with it next. However, I differently. The orders came down went bankrupt and didn't take care believe that that has been the root from the governor's office. We did of the property. As you can see in of this whole conspiracy. The not use the same policy and did not the health dept. report or by talking future of the land and buildings go through all the usual steps and to Dr. Handy, no one is being was foremost in the bankers, procedures as we normally would. forced to move because of mold, managers and owners minds long It was a closed-door situation with etc. Local television and ago, possibly at the time of the director. We didn' t know newspapers report that the purchase, when they thought up why." complex is being shut down due to this whole sordid plan to steal the Employees at Huntington environmental hazards, but this land and give it to the upper conflicts with the Health Meadows do feel that there is an middle-class. The whole Department report. The Clayton environmental disaster at hand in environmental disaster illusion, the the complex. They point to the Group environmental report stated neglect of the buildings, the court fact that 20,000 gallons of raw that they found "O" friabl e (air­ deals, the bankmptcy, was all just a sewage has been pumped out the borne) asbestos. The Health precursor, a set-up for the evil plan crawl space under just one of the Department did not recommend to hijack the land out from under buildings. They say that there are the evacuation of a single unit. the innocent unsuspecting 5 kinds of mold in the walls and all Now the question becomes residents. Now they are holding the doors are constructed with why did the owners file bankruptcy residents' future hostage: Again, when they received the amount to asbestos. They also feel that the there is a plot to "redevelop" the City Health Department did not buy the property outright and still land, but they are using the rule that any apartment be have $20,000 left for maintenance. "environmental concerns" and evacuated because if the city Where did the $30 million go? "bankruptcy" as excuses for deemed the buildings to be a Why was there a seeming getting rid of the people and health hazard, then the c ity would systematic drive to get rid of families. Remember, "Redevelop" have to pay relocation costs. Some tenants and not to re-rent the is a code word that rich people use apartments during the past year? local activists feel that the owner for getting rid of poor and black Local media claims there was must have paid off environmental people. costly renovation. What did they inspectors because of the intense For more information or to scrutiny that buildings should have renovate and how much did it express your concerns call the been under during financing of the cost? What financial following: City Council - 352­ project. These problems should problemswere there? We have a 3000, County Commissioners ­ right to know. have been foreseen, some say. 946-4400, the Attorney General ­ Hamilton County They have also heard that a deal is 852-3497, Gov. Taft- 614-466­ Commissioner Todd Portune feels cunently underway with a new 3555, State Rep. Britton - 271 ­ that the county should have been purchaser of the property, at a low 1764, Congressman Steve Chabot involved in the court proceedings. cost. - 684-2723. email: He also feels that there needs to be refuseandresist@fuse.net or call Others feel that there is no real envfronmental disaster, that 236-4180 for more information. an audit into the financial re.cords of this Huntington Meadows LTD. these allegations are just a ploy to get rid of what some see as just Mr. Portune says that, under law, �STREETVIBES September 2002 The Triumphs of a Blind Individual by Fred White didn' t like living in a blind group home. For one thing, it wasn' t my home. I had people over me, telling me what I could and could not do. Don' t get me wrong, Samuel Bell was a very clean, warm, and secure place. And for some blind people, the home worked well. But I was still very active, and I love girls, so it was not the place for me. Eventually, I met my girlfriend. We liked each other so much that we decided to live together. But as time went on, and months turned into years, our relationship began to deteriorate. One day my girlfriend and I got into a big fight. The police were called, and it was determined that l would h ave to leave. The Page 4 Well, somebody came along and we sat and talked. I shared my dilemma with my newfound friend. They suggested I try and find help in Cjncinnati. It sounded like a good idea to me, and I was off. I became. a resident of the Drop Inn Center. The staff at the Drop Inn took me in with open arms. They were very helpful in showing me where my sleeping area was, where the bathrooms were, where the dining area was, and where I could store my things. Before long, seeing as how m~ blind skills were great, I knew my way around the place like I had been living there for years. AJso, the residents, some of whom became my good friends, told me about places that I could get food. I ate lunch at Daily Bread I haven't always been blind, and never dreamed that one day I would be homeless. When I was sixteen, I picked ap a pair of boxing gloves. I graduated from high school and traveled all over the United States, and half way around the world, throwin ' my dukes. I did this for about twenty years. My career was cut short when I was diagnosed with a rare disease called Sarcoidosis. It was a disease which affected my lungs, and later was associated with my blindness. One day I was sitting in my living room, watching television, and I noticed that I had a little dot in my' center of vi sion. L ater, this worsened. I went to the doctor and he diagnosed me with an eye disease called Uvitus. It's an inflammatory disorder that destroyed the parts of my eyes that allowed me to see. The loss of my vision was gradual, bot I was told by my doctors that I would eventually be almost totally blind. Today, the only sight Fred White lost his sight at a young age through eye disease that I have is light perception. This means that and dinner at City Gospel Mission. next day, I received papers from in the bright daylight I may see They also told me about a place the county sheriff that notified me fleeting shadows- and that 's it. where I could take a bath and wash there was a restraining order So being a boxer, having a strong­ my clothes (Mary M agdalen's). I against me. I could no longer go willed and bullheaded personality, was able to receive a haircut and a back to my residence at that time. adjusting to blindness was shave through services of St. Being on a fixed income especially diffi cult. I entered a John 's Catholic Church. I was (social security disability) and it blind trai ning school in Ruston, very thankful for all of these being only the first of the month, Louisiana, to learn skills that this placed me in a pickle. Lo and services given to me. I was never would allow me to live _behold, I was a blind, homeless dirty, never hungry, and able to independently. O nce I had maintain my self respect and man. At first I panicked. £said to completed my training I moved to God, "Oh Lord what am I going to dignity. Golf Port, Mississippi, where I got A few years back, before do?" a job working in a place called this whole restraining order At the time, I was living in Royal Maid Association for the incident took place, as I said · Hamilton, Ohio. Someone Blind. My j ob consisted of informed me of a homeless shelter earlier, I lived at Samuel Bell bagging plastic forks, knives, and Home for the Sightless. Well, as in Hamilton called the Haven spoons. After doing thi s for fate would have it, I had to eat a House. When I went to check out maybe a year or so, 1 got homesick this possibility I was met with little bumble pie. I went back to and decided to move back to Ohio. disappoi ntrnent. The people the director and asked him if 1 I discovered a blind home in the m nning the shelter weren't set up could come back. Of course he Cincinnati area called Samuel Bell for blind people and there was an said yes. A nd so at the begin ning Home for the Sightless, located in of the month, when I got my next issue surrounding their insurance. Over-the-Rhine. I was disappointed. and even more d isability check, I moved back into I tried l iving there for discouraged. I bowed my head Samuel Bell and was off the awhile but I discovered that I streets. But wouldn't you know, and prayed for direction. that same girl and I got back together again. And we li ved together for some time, until I decided that I really wanted to live alone. Today, I live as a single man in a small apaitment in Hamilton, Ohio. I am independent. I am a vendor for Streetvibes as well. Life is great, and I feel very blessed. HOMELESS FRONT­ LINE WORKER TRAINING PLANNED A new training opportunity is in the planning stages for Continuum of Care (CoC) Front-Line Workers. Front­ line workers are case managers, outreach workers, house managers/ coaches, primary social workers and senior advocates who work on a day-to-day basis helping ho meless fo lks design and implement plans for independent li ving. The CoC, in collaboration with the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, has convened a planning committee to develop the training program. The course work is being designed to provide front-line workers an opportunity to ]earn new skills, gather new tools and gain val uable information on ·c ommunity referral sources that will help in their everyday work. The training program is a direct response to the Homeless Think Tank's request for better-trained workers to assist them. A series of classes will be held on Tuesday mornings and repeated Thursday evenings for six weeks beginning the first week in October. These classes designed just for homeless front- line workers, will cover such topics as: assessments, stages of change, safety, homeless p riorities, c1isis intervention, self-sufficiency, incomes access, budgeting, obtaining and maintaini ng housing, and b uilding for success w ith special populations. Up-to-date info1mation on community service linkages and referrals will be woven throughout the classes. Certificates will be provided for all those completing the course work and CEU credits for social workers have been applied for. Ifyou are interested in attending please call 859-594-4283 for registration information. HUD bas provided a technical assistance grant to The Partnership Center to be able to provide these classes free of charge to CoC (HUD Continuum of.Care) agencies. Class size will be limited as will the number of applicants from the same agency/ organization. Register by September 20, 2002. �STREETVIBES September 2002 Latinos in Cincinnati by Rudy A. Alarcon I currently live in the Clifton area apd I think I'm the only Spaniard here. There's one Puerto Rican chick that works at a nearby Subway restaurant - aside from her 1' m the only Latino I know. I moved here tl}inking that the downtown area, being closer to the inner-city, that I would be surrounded by many fellow Latinos and Latinas. That was a bad assumptfon to make. I've lived in Cincinnati on and off since'92, but moved here permanently from the South Bronx, New York, in '99. I'm used to the multi-racial atmosphere and the many cultural backgrounds of the Bronx, so it came as a shock when I found a small Latin population in Cincinnati and had to tell everybody that didn't care to ask that I was a Spaniard and not a :IY1;exican. Yes, there is a difference and not a whole lot of people think that openly to figure out that they 're wrong. I first experienced this when I moved to Cincy and it .didn , t bother me a t first until people started calling me Mexican. It was then that I had to explain the difference, I'm educated and well spoken, making it easy, sometimes, to get jobs. People mistake me for other nationalities and sometimes I'm discriminated against, but it doesn't phase me a whole lot. Fortunately, the atmosphere in Clifton and in Cincinnati in general is relaxed and mellow, making the people worry about minor stuff like race. The life here in Cincinnati is, overall, for a. Latino, somewhat difficult only because of the immaturity of the people. Otherwise, living in Cincinnati has been a new experience for me. I've enjoyed my stay here... and I look forward to the many future experiences ahead. National Housing Trust Fund Sign-On Letter Page 5 Washington Park Photograph Limited Edition Poster Now available, 18" X 24" poster - Washington Park, Over-the-Rhine, Winter 1999. Each poster is individually signed by photographer Jimmy Heath. Purcha~e benefits the children's Literacy Through Photography program_at Peaslee Neigh­ borhood Center in Over-the-Rhine. Posters are $10 each, plus $3 for shipping. Send your order and check to: 4. Serve the lowest income families (75% of the funds would Peas•ee Neighborhood Center support households below 30% of Attn:_Photography Program area median income, and the other . 25 % would.support households at 215 East Fourteenth Street up to 80% ami). Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 If you support the idea of more federal resources for. or call (513) 621-5514 for more information housing, please send an email with The affordable housing your organization's contact crisis facing Americans is information to harry @nlihc.org or tremendous. Across the country, a endorse at www.nhtf.org. worker must earn an average of Please contact Harry $13.50 per hour - more than- twice Lawson at the National Low ,.D ear Streetvibes, minimum wage - to afford a Income Housing Coalition, 202/ This is the first time I' ve modest two-bedroom rental. 662-1630 ext 243, if you have any purchased your paper. I'm im­ In an effort to create a questions or comments. You pressed, it is put together better We'd Hke to hear ·..•..~..,-~ solution to this crfsis, the Coaliton should expect a follow up phone than many other general maga­ on Human Needs is requesting, on from ljOU.... zines. I think the general public behalf of the National Low Income call from a representative of the has a misconception of the content Send letters or Housing Coalition, that you review National Low Income Housing Coalition. . inside Streetvibes. It is not only the attached information arid join comments to: about homelessness, it goes further the coalition of over 2950 Streetvibes@Juno.com, When someone steals than that. national, state, and local or write the Coalition office another's clothes, we call What I hope to see is more ·organizations as endorsers of a attn: Streetvibes Letters, them a thief. Should we not training in selling technique for the National Housing I 506 Elm Street' give the same name to one vendors who distribute the maga­ Trust Fund that would: Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 who could clothe the naked zine. 1. Invest billions of dollars in new and does not? The bread in Ms. A. Nystroal,, Cincinnati federal resources your cupboard belongs to the 2. Establish an ongoing, permanent DEDICATED source of revenue (a hungry; the coat unused in (The Head Hunter \ your closet belongs to the one trust fund) who needs it; the shoes rotting 3. BUILD, REHABILITATE and in your closet belong to the PRESERVE at least 1.5 million units of primarily one who has no shoes; the rental housing (up to 25% of the money which you hoard up funds could be used for belongs to the poor. homeownership activities) Basil the Great Letter to the Editor.... Write Us! While we make every effort to provide a forum for those without a voi<?e, STREETVIBES and the staff of THE GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS, is not responsible for statements, and do not necessarily endorse the opinions of the people whose writings are represented here. "Well, its a Fortune 500 company-with ex~ellent stock options and a record ofvery modest jail terms.for senior executives.¥ �ST R EETVIBES September 2002 Page 6 A Personal Reflection - Service at the Drop Inn Center Proves to be Life Changing by Martha Napier When I fi rst heard about the opportunity to be a part of the Xavier University Summer Service Internship last school year, I was immediately fascinated with the idea. I didn ' t want to spend another summer by the pool, or working a job that I would solely be doing to make a few bucks. Instead, I wanted to spend my time away from class doing something that I could learn from, where I would make an impact, and something that would allow me to truly grow as a human being. I wanted a change, an adventure, a challenge. The internship was exactly what I was looking for. So, without hesitation, I took the initiative to be a part of something ...something big. I wanted to make the best of what I knew would undoubtedl y be a rewarding and worthwhne experience. In an attempt to be the most efficient as possible, I made a brief list, outl in ing the different agencies that appealed to me and wrote short notes, summarizing the advantages and strengths of each one. It wasn't until towards the end of my Listt, that 1 came across the job description for the Drop Inn Center. This was it. I had found what I wanted to do. In fact, the description seemed so perfect that it almost seemed as though it had, somehow, found me. The work that I would be responsible for there seemed to amazingly combine my interests in psychiatry through the recovery program, with my passion for administering service and care to those who cannot help or better themselves in the emergency shelter. The opportunity of the work at the Drop Inn Center was what I needed in my life. It was already a task that inspired and motivated me, but yet also forced me to leave the security of my 9omfort zone and challenge myself. At fust, I must admit, I didn ' t know a lot about the Drop Inn Center. In fact, my preconceived notions about working there were completely different from the reality that I have come to know as my six weeks come to a close. Previously, I had only visited "The Drop" for the purposes of performing one-time community service acts such as serving meals, or even cleaning the men's restrooms. On my first day, I was shocked to discover that the work of the Drop Inn Center entails much more than the services that it administers to the homeless on the first level. In fact, contrary to what I had believed to be true before, the Drop lnn Center was relatively huge. I had not idea that the men and women recovery live­ in programs even existed, or that there were as many offices as there are. To say the least, I had a real awakening on my first day of work. Originally, when I thought of the homeless, I had a very common stereotype in mind-dirty, tired, hungry and fairly uneducated. This image failed to continue to exist in my mind when on my first day, I walked into the kitchen of the Women's Full Circle Program. There, at a large table, sat about 10 women who surprisingly, Looked nicely dressed, well kept, and intently interested in the discussion at hand. But wait. .. weren 't these women au homeless addicts on their way to recovery? Where were their cardboard signs, their heaps of garbage bags and why did they look as though they had taken a shower recently? I soon realized Martha Napier that what 1 had before thought to be the typical homeless. person was not at all correct. All of these women were homeless ... but they were also women that wanted something more in life ...something to improve themselves. In the next few weeks, I would come to find that a lot of the people that I worked with and befriended in the program are some of the most in tellectual people I have ever met. Their wisdom and courage have been my inspiration and my backbone of strength, knowing that I am truly blessed. Getting to know all of these people was especially beneficial, but I found that when I talked to people one-on-one, I was much more likely to gain some true insight. I will never forget a particular conversation that I had that. He taught me not to judge your life on the misfortunes or the struggles .. .instead value your challenges and become a witness of the blessings and the gifts. For Alphonso, his pride resided in his baby girl, Monica, as he happily took on the role of a father. As for myself. .. I am still searching for the same passion that Alphonso found in his daughter, but for right now, I would say that it lies in my interest and compassion for people. By the second week of my in.temship at the DIC, I decided to really challenge myself when 1 started to teach a GED preparatory class for the women in the recovery program. Here I was, seventeen years old, not even out of high school myself, and trying to teach a GED class! At first, the mere idea of such a thing seemed very intimidating, as I knew it would prove to be a big challenge. However, I also knew that teaching and tutoring the women to further their education was something that I wanted to do. Soon, I would realize that teaching was actually something that I enjoyed and something that challenged me but wasn' t out of my reach. Of course, it wasn't always easy. Many times, I would come own community and the people into class, expecting to spend one that you encounter every day of or two days on a particular subject, your life cannot be learned through let's say fractions. I would then text. Lessons of life, of its realize that rather than spending a hardships and of its few days on the material, we would challenges .. . they must be spend weeks. learned ... they must be As for preparing for the experienced. reading and writing components of As Alphonso and I discussed the differences between the test, I would often have the women read an articJe at night, and the two types of learning, he shared something that I will never prepare a brief, one-page essay from a prompt that I had given forget. He said, ·'Maybe if I had them. These assignments proved to had this conversation with you be extremely rewarding, not only earlier. I wouldn't have a child for the women, but also for myself. right now . .. But, I have no Through reading these papers, I regrets .. .I have a beautiful baby was allowed to hear what the girl, Monica." It was at this women were thinking, know what moment. that Alphonso allowed they were feeling, and understand me to realize one of the most important things in life. He taught them a little more than l had before. However. many of the me the importance of finding issues that were often brought up in something you are passionate the essay were often difficuJt to about and proud of and liv ing for one day at lunchtime with one of the men in the live-in program, Alphonso. I have really enjoyed getting to know Alphonso, probably due to the fact that we can easily relate to each otl).er since, at the age of 21, he is on1y a few years older than myself. During this particular conversation, we spoke on how books can teach you a lot but can only go so far. They will teach you about the farthest planet from the sun or the most distant land in this world, but the lessons that you learn about the world within your �STREETVIBES September 20()2 Page 7 even read, and at first, made me the other staff and residents have. As Ms. Annie says, "We all bleed even feel sick. I couldn 't believe the same." Nothing could say In addition to Ms. Annie, I Peaslee Neighborhood have me many wonderful people, the homfic stories of abuse, what I have learned more simply Center neglect, incest, loneliness and such as Ms. Kemp and Ms. Ruby, or more clearly. 215 East 14th Street depression. The women had been both chemical dependency What I must realize now, as through so much in their educators and counselors, of my internship draws to a close, is Over-the-Rhine li ves ... almost too much. But what course, my XU mentor, Tim, as that this is the end of my official Cincinnati , Ohio 45202 I found to be truly amazing, was well as countless others. six weeks at the Drop Inn Center, (513) 621-5514 the fact that even after all of the I truly feel that I am a part but just the beginning of a new path of life. I plan to continue my hardship, and all of the pain, the of the community of the Drop Inn women were still in recovery for Center, and have found that feeling work at the Drop, possibly doing themselves. They knew that they to be most rewarding. I came into much of the same work that I did wanted something more in life work on the first day, thinking that this summer, definitely continuing I was not better, but different from than drugs, pain, and isolation. the GED class on a voluntary but everyone there. I didn' t know if These women were determined to consistent basis. I want to remain make a change in their lives and the people at.the Drop would a part of the "something" that I accept me or'even like me. Now, I have started here ... that same · were not about to give up hope. Throughout my internship realize that I had nothi"ng to worry . "something" that in the beginning, at the Drop, I was very fortunate to about. What is there not to accep ~ I said I wanted to be involved with. be able to get to know some truly or even different about me? Sure, What I never knew in the amazing and inspirational people. beginning, was that this I live in a different part of town, Of course, I enjoyed working with ."something" would be so big that and go to an all-girl, private, Empowering our the men and the women in it would be life-changing. For as Catholic high school, but when it neighborhood children recovery, but I truly feel honored of now, I continue to grow in my all comes down to it, I really am through peace, art and , to have met so many wonderful the same as everyone in the experiences and through the stories education staff. ·One person, in particular, I building. We are all living our of the people I meet. Because of have developed an undying respect lives and experiencing our own this experience, I have truly lived, and admiration for . .. Ms. Annie recovery in one way or another. and I am forever changed_. Coleman. Ms. Annie is a truly amazing person. She is the coordinator for the women's Full Circle Program, and was officia11y my supervisor, but more a friend and a mentor through the duration of the six weeks. You would never guess that in this little, delicate lady resided one "tough cookie." She runs the Women 's Program like she was born for it, and clearly shows love and compassion in her work. Ms. Annie not only runs the program to be one of the most successful programs available, but knows the i mportance of differentiating being a friend to the women and having their true best interest at heart. Ms. Annie does both without fail, only when the time is appropriate. To me, Ms. Annie h a~ been a true "We 're looking f or an outspoken African-American inspiration, as of course, many of who will say exactly what we tell him to." Wish List Streetvibes newspaper js published monthly on a shoe-string budget from the offices of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Can you help us with some of the following items? o Electric Stapler - Heavy duty o Blank Zip Disks - ForStreetvibes Archives o Supplies for Vendor's Lounge (paper towels, cream and sugar, snacks, etc.) o Office and Cleaning Supplies o Computers/components for Streetvibes story-writi~g, editing, research. . If you can help, contact us at: Streetvibes, c/o Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 421-7803 e-mail: s~reetvibes@juno.com Know Your Rights Brochure Available! The Know Your Rights Brochure is now available at the Coalition's office. The brochure is a legal guide for Cincinnati's homeless and covers a person's basic rights when interacting with the police, as well as some local laws that might be of interest to the homeless population. If you are a homeless person or if you work with homeless people and would like to obtain free copies of the brochure fo r yourself or your agency, please caJl 421-7803. �:t""~. - STREETVIBES Septemht:r .2002 • ;' . ,... I" ~· ~·- only be unlearned by dialogue and education. This process has begun. As I attended each m eeting, and visited many United Church of Christ congregations over the past The United Church of Christ Supports Cincinnati months the recurring question has been; "What can we do to end the Boycott boycott?" Since many do not by Rodney Sutton, The Evangelist understand the dynamics of the On June 5, the United boycott, or that this is the least Church of Christ held press violent action of the powerless; conferences in Cincinnati and ans.wering this question has not Cleveland announcing the been easy. Executive Councils decision to Nonetheless, I continued to support the Cincinnati ~oycott emphasize that the injustices that sparked by the shooting of brought about the boycott are not Timothy Thomas and the three just an African-Ame1ican pro~lem days of social unrest that followed. or a problem for Over-the~Rhine, This decision brought an but a problem of economic and unexpected ·response from the social injustice that pe1meates the thirty plus local congregations in whole of · Cincinnati and Cincinnati. To Northern solve these Kentucky. Some problems we can pastors and many no longer look of their the other way. congregates We must follow were outraged the biblical that the national mandates to office had stamp out chosen to speak injustice fo r them on thi ~ whel'ever we may issue. find it. Local The church pastors Southern Ohjo began to hold Northern their own press Kentucky conferences, Rodney Sutton Association of saying that the the United national proclamation lacked Church of Christ has made a start substance on many levels, by hiring me as the Director of a including the lack of a theological Racial Justice Youth Ministry that foundation. They argued that the will focus .on racial diversity press release made it look as if all among youth and young adults. the churches agreed with the This ministry will haye as its focus boycott, but most do not. They felt the mentoring and community ' there had been a breach in the involvement of youth and young covenantal relatio nship between adults. It will help to establish a the local churches a!1d the national ministry of inclusion for all people office. There were threats to notwithstanding race, social, or withdraw from the denomination economic standing. and to withhold money from the The United Church of national office. Christ has a rich history of its Since the press conferences stance on social justice issues on June 5, and those which have since its inception 1n 1957. Its followed, the local congregations participation in the civil rights have held many meetings: a movement of the 1960's, its service of prayer and support of gay rights, and homeless reconciliation, dialogue with some issues to name a few. God has once of the national staff, and published aoain called for us to be on the 0 a half page consensus statef!lent in front line of social ministry, and the C incinnati Enquirer has given us a plan so the people disavowing support of the boycott. will not perish (Proverbs 29: 18, However, as qne of three KJV). African-American pastors which If you would like to visit · represent the U ~ited Church.of one of our churches or become a Christ locally I can say desp1te the part of this new ministry call me at unconscious racism expressed at (513) 349-5119. many of these gatherings that we are on the road to progress. I say Special Friends & ' unconscious racism' because I Neighbors Celebration have worked with many of these September 7th, Noon-Spm people and proclaimed the gospel Evergreen Baptist Church in their churches. I understand that 702 Gholson Ave. 'white privilege' .is something that Free Food, Gifts, many of them do not understand, Massage, Hugs! so manv of their words and acts of Call Jannette Johnson, 295-7999 racism have been learned and can Words From the Evangelist.... . ~. . • ·~ . ... ~"::..... : .. : ~ ·.-:,...._~ ~ -y. :-. -'- - • ;- • -·~ ....~ . -. ~ •, . • Page 8 Vendor Profile: Aubrey Bow~an heck with you!'" Bowman said he has met open-~inded people all over the city, but he sti ll feels there are plenty of problems here. One issue in Cincinnati that he didn't experience in Cleveland is theft within the homeless community. "Down here, they will steal your dirty socks." he said with a look of raised-eyebrow disgust, still somewhat surprised it would happen. In addition to some theft amongst the homeless, Bowman was also surprised to .learn Streetvibes vendor Aubrey Bowman about some other aspects of the area. Despite his insistence that by Brian Phillips Queen City is only as the brian_away@hotmail.com conservative as the rest of Ohio, Bowman says he has experienced Some people spend a problems with traditionalists h~re. lifetime trying to figw·e out Cincinnati. In the year Streetvibes When be began selling Streetv1bes vendor Aubrey Bowman has lived in November, he used the technique he thought would be here, he has learned more about most effective. He "hawked" the city than many locals ever newspapers in the sense of calling will. out the headlines, yelling out-what Recently in the GCCH office, Bowman shared his insight he was selling. , "Apparently, here in on the city's reputedly conservative population, problems Cincinnati, these people are not used to newspaper hawkers," between the area's homeless and Bowman said, shaking his head, how he became the self­ "At first, I was scaring a lot of proclaimed number one people." Streetvibes vendor. However, his innovative Bowman, 49, was raised in Cleveland with a brother and eight style was one of the reasons sisters. He lived .there most of his · Bowman q uickly became a leader in Streetvibes sales. life, but fell on hard times three Before Bowman was able years ago when he lost his job as a driver. It was then that he became to sell as many papers as he does now, he had to learn about the best homeless. sales locations. He studied the He decided to move to the area for several months and had South in search of better the traffic patterns figured out by opporturtities and stopped in February. Now, he can be found Cincinnati on the way. The in one of six· locations, chatting oenerosity of the people he met with his reoular customers and 0 . impressed him, and he decided to friends. His two favorite spots are stay. Ludlow Avenue and the "Northeast Ohio people intersection of 7lh and Vine are heartless," Bowman said, " people are more hospitable here." Streets. Bowman said 50-75% of Some locals might be his customers are regulars, and he surprised to learn that Bowman considers many his friends. said Cincinnatians taught him to As for the future, Aubrey be patient, and that he feels the Bowman hopes to get back to atmosphere· here is more relaxed diiving soon. He has to take care than in other parts of the state. of several issues, including getting While Bowman knows about the a physical. reputation Cincinnati has for Until then, he' 11 be around being conservative, he doesn't the city, loud and proud hawking think the situation is that simple. Streetvibes. And, to use his words "[Cincinnatians arel just Like every other Buckeye," he said, (as his smile lit up his f~ce), "Buy and read Streetvibes, and only buy starting to chuckle, ''We got the it from me!" same attitude in Cle~eland: 'to / �STREETVIBE S September 2002 project is always in need of people interested in writing articles on social justice/poverty issues, as Opportuniti~s well as assisting homeless and · formerly homeless individuals in writing their articles. Those interested in helping out with Skills Sharing, where the homeless individuals are ~nipped with important skills i ncluding computer skills, writing skills, First-Aid, etc. We need help in the afternoons at the front desk, There are numerous answering phones and handling opportunities for volunteers at transactions with our Streetvibes the Greater Cincinnati Coalition Vendors. This person will add:ress for the Homeless. We are the needs of visitors, having direct willing to work with each contact with homeless individuals individual in choosing a ser vice and should be available one opportunity that is right for afternoon a week. them. The following are a few There is always a need for of the areas in which the help with bulk mailings. For Coalition could use your help: Streetvibes, there are monthly Designing a web site for mailings. Other mailings in_clude our National Civil Rights the annual report, quarterly Organizing Project. This would newsletter, and various capitol include working with two campaigns. Americorp Vista volunteers on At the Coalition, outreach how to prevent further is an important part of our job. criminalization of homeless This involves direct contact with individuals as well as preventing homeless and formerly homeless the hwreasing hate crimes against jndividuals where we can seek them. ways in which to address the We need the help of issues and needs of each person. people interested in doing A person interested in this could journalism work. This includes work with ow- Vendors Program or interviewing homeless and work with staff to implement formerly homeless iridividuals to innovative ways to deal with the document their stories of how problems facing homeless they became homeless and the individuals. struggles that result from If you are interested in homelessness. volunteering at the Greater We need help with our Ci ncinnati Coalition for the quarterly newsletter and annual Homeless plc:;ase contact the office report. at 421-7803, or visit us at 1506 The Streetvibes newspaper Elm Street in Over-the-Rhine. Volunteer at the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless National Homeless Civil Rights Organizing Project (NHCROP) Regional Office 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 homelesscivilrights@yahoo.com (513) 421-7803 Page 9 Congressional Letter to HHS Sparks Fears of Retributjon for Advocacy Terje Anderson, Director of the Activities National Association of People Twelve members of Congress, including Rep. Mark Souder (R-IN), have requested that the Health and Human Services (HHS) administration provide them with a list of individuals from organizations that receive any federal funds that attended July's International AIDS Conference in Barcelona. HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson was noisily heckled by members of more than a dozen AIDS service organizations while giving a speech at the conference. The protesters banded out flyers signed by twelve organizations criticizing the US for not spending enough money on AIDS in developing countries. While the letter to HHS was primarily to complain about the Members' perception of a slighting of religion at the conference, they also asked for the total amount of federal money that went into the conference. There is a fear that the members may be looking for a way to retaliate against federal grantees who spoke out against US policy. Local Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective Research Study * Financial Compensation * 45 years and over * Symptoms of depression * 13 visits (513) 861-3100 ext 41 87 or toll free (888) 267-7873 ext 4187 O I SC .JOCKEY 3366 Erie Avenue East Hyde Park (513) 533-3402 7896 Montgomery Rd. Kenwood 891- 7740 SE l~V ICE Cli£.ford Jon.e s ( 513) .230-63 53 (513) 761 - 3464 Office The GCCH w o uld like to thank these Starbucks location s f o r their gen erous donation of coffee and pastries. With AIDS, sums up this fear: "Groups that do advocacy and get publ ic money are always concerned that there's an awkwardness in that situation. But I can't think of another time there's been talk of retaliation." While federal grantees are prohibited from lobbying with federal funds, there are no such restrictions on private funds. The request may be enough to have a chilling effect on the advocacy activities of federal grantees. Claude Allen, deputy secretary of HHS, while saying the department does not want to engage in a witch hunt, is quoted by the Post as saying that protestors "need to think twice before preventing a Cabinet-level official" from speaking. Allen fears that Congress may mandate that HHS not participate in future conferences because the protesters did not allow Secretary Thompson to deliver his speech. OMB Watch 1742 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009202-234­ 8494 (phone)202-234-8584 (fax) et :\:)O\ .~ ~-mail: jonesa~ • """' Voic e rnail ~·C.ti)c. B ~11~...., e or ... '-'Cx c hang · Extra! Extra! Advertise in Streetvibes! Reach thousands of downtown workers each month! Call 421-7803 for more information about how advertising in Streetvibes will work for your business.... �STREETVIBES September. 2002 P age 10 Streetvibes Interview: Valerie Le.mmie, Cincinnati City Manager Streetvibes reporter Jerome Manigan interviews city manager Valerie Lemmie in her City Hall office Recently STREETVIBES · reporter Jerome Manigan and Jimmy Heath, editor and photographer visited with Cincinnati City Manager Valerie Lemmie in her City Hall office. The following is an excerpt from Ms. Lemmie s conversation with Mr. Manigan. STREETVIBES: Please explain to our readers the responsibilities of the city manager. Ms. Lemmie: The city manager is responsible for the day to day operation of the city (using & corporate model). The City Council is the equivalent of the board of directors, the chairperson is the mayor. The board and the chairperson decide policy, goals and direction, objectives and expectations. The city manager's role is to be effective and expeditious i n the implementation of the policies, goals, and objectives of the city council. STREETVIBES: Does this city or any city, for that matter, have a moral obligation to provide for · the less fortunate? Ms. Lemmie: Yes, cities do have a moral obligation to work with its citizens to find collective solutions to city problems. I do not think city personnel has a lock on all the ideas, resources or creativity. Cities must collaborate with neighborhoods, the business sector, and civic organizations to address issues and concerns that confront the city. STREETVIBES: Does that moral obligation require that cities be involved in providing social service programs? Ms. Lemmie: Ordinarily, cities are not involved in social service programs. STREETVIBES: Speaking generally and not necessari ly specifically about Cincinnati, is the collaborative process successful? Ms. Lemmie: It is easier to point to the many failures. The successes are relatively small. I have learned that teaching people how to fish is a challenge. It involves helping them to be motivated enough to want to learn to be self-sufficient. It requires them to understand that if they do learn to fish they will have a greater stake in the economic pie. Then they can make a difference in their own lives and the well being of their community. STREETVIBES: What are some of the insights you bring with you to. Cincinnati and your position as city manager? Ms. Lemmie: We are still struggling with the meaning of words like inclusion. We are trying to find the definition for equity. I belong to a task force that is trying to deal with the issues of equity and justice. We are grappling with tlie meaning of those terms and how are they rec.ognized? I have studied American and European histo~y. Moreover, I have discovered that none of us­ has been able to figure out what to do next. During the days of the Great Depression there was the WPA (Works Progress Administration) and other initiatives devised by the Roosevelt administration to get the country moving forward. There was some short term positive . effects. Still, long term, there was thousands and thousands and thousands of people without work. I worked with economist Milton Friedman. His current approach is opposition to tremendous government spending. I do not think any society has figured out how to JeveJ the income disparities that exist. STREETVIBES: What about problem of homelessness. homelessness? It touches on so · While I worked with . many complex issues. Are there any successful models that proviqe Friedman, over a billion dollars a effective solutions to this very real year was spent to eradicate homelessness. We were still were and frustrating problem? unable to effectively address the Ms. Lemmie: No one has ever problem. found a way to deal with I do not have the answers. homelessness. I think the best way to prevent homelessness is to make I do have big ears and I am willing to listen to people who know a lot sure young people get a quality more about homelessness than I education. They also need do. productive channels in which to Stay tuned to upcoming issues of spend their free time so that they STREETVIBES for more ofour do not have contact with the criminal justice system. These are. exclusive interview with Valerie ' Lemmie, Cincinnati s new City simple preventative methods. Manager. They do not begin to fix the Art Corner by Anthony Watkins �- STREETVIBES September 2002 . . .: • -+ : • . . - - ·- <·, ... - .. . . .. -·~-·' .. .....--:. - .. ~- . -- • _,, ~ ..... Page 11 Over-the-Rhine Community Festival Brings Neighborhood Families Together photos by Andy Houston In spite of the summer heat, hundreds gathered on August 3rd in downtown's Washington Park for the 18th annual Over-the-Rhine Community Festival. The Over­ the-Rhine Community Festival hosted booths sponsored by local community groups, churches and social service organizations that serve the neighborhood, including Peaslee Neighborhood Center, the Drop [nn Center, the Greater Cinci nnati Coalition for the Home­ less, the Cincinnati Art Academy, and many more. Festival sponsors passed out literature and other organizations sold drinks and snacks or provided games for festival goers. The goal of the festival was to provide fun for OTR children and adults and bring the community together. Children were encouraged to participate in several free art activities, which included chalk art and painting. A stage was provided for entertainment that included a talent contest for neighborhood residents and children and sched­ uled live musical entertainment that included the Ove~- the-Rhine Steel Drum Band and local music artist Tracy Walker. One of the highlights of the festival was the unveiling of the new "I Have a Dream of Peace" mosaic park bench, which is now permanently installed in Washing- . ton Park. The mosaic bench was a collaborative effort of Peaslee Neighborhood Center and the Cincinnati Art Academy and involved hundreds of community residents and neighborhood children, each participating in the placing of mosaic pie9es on the park bench. The design and construction of the "I Have a Dream of Peace" park bench took place at the Center for Community Engagement at buddy's place on Vine Street in Over-the-Rhjne. Neighborhood artists were also featured at the Festival with works of art and poetry. ______ Enjoying games at the Community Festival _,,,,.,...__,._,.... Some ofthe entertainment featured at the Over-the-Rhine Community Festival R Write Us .... We'd like to hear from youI Send letters or comments to : Streetvibes@Juno.com, ·or write the Coalition office attn : Streetvibes Letters 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 A side view ofthe "I Have a Dream of Peace" mosiac bench in Washington Park ~ �STREETVIBES September 20.02 P age 12 THE PEACE VILLAGE OPENS by Dr. Steve Sunderland I am part of a team working for peace in Cincinnati since the April riots, the 9111 tragedies, and the rise of violence in the Mid-East. Our work invol~es creating posters and discussions that promote healing and peace. We are working with many people seeking to recover from the hard losses of deeply hmtful racial insults, and from the horrors of war both here in Cincinnati and around the world. Now, as the anni versary of 9/11 approaches, we are planning a Peace Village in Cincinnati. We are working with many people seeking to recover from the hard losses of deeply hurtful racial insults; andfrom the horrors of war both here in Cincinnati and around the world. ... This Peace Village extends an open in vita~ion to all Cincinnatians to reflect on what we have learned from this year of conflict and attempts at reconciliation. You are invited to join this peace effort during the month of September and become a part of the healing and justice effort. Our hope is to have gentle discussions about what we have learned from this year from the examples of those who have worked persistently for peace. These discussions may be positi ve experiences for people, opportunities to find a glimmer of hope and fellowship at a time when hoITor and fear will be rerun. My involvement began in observing the efforts of Angela Leis ure to make -sure that revenge was not played out in the memory of her son's violent death. She inspired me to want to draw posters about what her courage and compassion had accomplished in improving the climate of non-violence. As a professor of social. work at the University of Cincinnati, as a long time grief specialist and civil tights activist, and as a resident of Cincinnati for 23 years, I was amazed by her strong and persistent example of faith i~ people to stop being violent just after learning of her son's death at the hands of a frightened police officer. Her acts prompted me to ask what I was doing to promote peace and healing. I drew pictures of her as a way of coping with my grief emotions and, quite unusually for me, I shared these posters with my students. They also wanted to draw their reactions to the riots. Other groups in Winton Place, Clifton, and Hyde Park also ·sought to join a healing prncess. Very soon a large scale community grief process was underway as groups tried to draw their pain, their fear, and their hope on simple cardboards and with markers. For five months many different organizatons jo ined in this community grief art project. Many people had a lot to draw about their pain and appreciated the chance to share both their drawings and some words about what they were. feeling. The riots isolated us; the drawings brought us together in a search for community healing and peace. And then 9/11 occurred. The attack of the terrorists was an emotional earthquake. Almost all of the groups that had created posters about the riots in Cincinnati now wanted to return to making posters and having some discussion about the world at this point of horror. Clearly, we were learning that peace and justice was not only a Cinicnnati issue. Here, though, we were caught in our community healing process and then dealt this horrendous national insult. For the past year, many groups have sought to place their feelings into pictures and discussio ns. We have formed a community of grievers and peace workers without consciously realizing that this is both what was needed and what could be done. We formed a Peace Village of people using · their imagination to understand how we can create peace, justice . and healing out of a war experience. The foundation of the Peace Village is in the over 90 organizations that have created over 5,000 posters and discussions about peace, justice and healing. I have met with churches, synagogues, at the mosque, schools, colleges, youth groups, and police and facilitators in the ARIA process, to give each person space to teach about what they feel is critical in peace work. I have been privileged to see an outpouring of powerful art matched by the sensitive expressions of hope and · compassion. Just this last week, I met with 18 teenage Israelies, Jewish, Christian and Moslems, at the Mosque in Mason, Ohio, to create posters and have a di scussion about what peace can mean in their lives. In this beautiful building, we sat, discussed, drew, and began to realize that they, too, understand w~at Cincinnati is going through even though they had only been here for 14 hours. "If there are people for peace in Cincinnati, then we are Cincinnatians. We are not the Israelies of war, we are the minority, the spiritual and numerical minority, who must . have peace and justice and spiritual freedom," so these young and energetic teachers said over and over again in Hebrew, English, Arabic and with black, red, and blue markers. As we talked about our drawings, a remarkable feeling overcame the group, a feeling that something vital in their future and our future was happening in this little room in the mosque. We became "artists," struggling to imagine peace, trying to make the faces say what we want. "If there are people for peace in Cincinnati, then we are Cincinnatians. We are not the Israelies of war, we are the minority, the spiritual and numerical minority, who must have peace andjustice and spiritual freedom ... " Ruga, a very gifted artist, drew faces in profile and explained, "We only see one si.d e of a person unless we look for the whole face, the whole person." We all nodded and realized that the mission of peace in this group in our city is to face the whole ugliness of war, or hatred, of prejudice, and imagine different faces, "the faces of angels," Ruga said. This group, organized by an interfaith , intercultural organization called, "Open House," wanted to draw and discuss the depths of compassion . They made the wonde1ful assumption that the children of . watTiors could imagine a different future than their parents if they only had a chance. I have had similar experiences in an art class in Heberle Elementary where . Little children shyly drew their memories of the neighborhood confrontation with the police, in the lobby-classroom of the Wyoming Jewish Temple where 60 children and adults drew pictures with Hebrew and English words calling for an end to war, in the auditorium of the North Avondale Community Center with an Arts for All group where made posters on cardboards were the backdrop of a new play about hope, in the basement of Knox Church in Hyde Park where 80 people worked passionately on some strands of hope that could be placed in their posters and hung on their church walls, and in the University of Cincinnati's school of social work classes where students, fii ghtened by the encroachment of the riots, drew and hastened out of the room, and at Morehead State University where art students drew of their involvement with 911 J in passionate and detailed drawings. 'fhe artists of Vulcan Forge, recovering from mental illness, gave to this project a depth and beauty that amazed them, although experienced artists. The students of Clark Montessori, thanks to their student government leadership, created a poster experience that frightened and reassured all who were a part. We drew pictures of what we thought the World Trade Center was experien~ing and what we had learned from such horror. A lot of posters, in many groups, are able to look at those two towers and still think of them as gigantic candles, never to be extinguished. Doing posters at the Twin Towers Retirement Village, College Hill; gave another layer of pain a chance to surface as the elders drew pictures of both sets of Twin Towers. "We are very lucky," one poster and one elder said, speaking for many of us. I have seen the deep wish on the part of people to imagine peace, justice and healing. Through drawing a facsimi le of their dreams and nightmares, they retouch old areas of hope in themselves. Once retouched, an amazing force is activated, almost PEACE cont. on page 18 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 ofthe Streetvibes staff or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. �..... - __ , , STREETVIBES September 20()2 . • '~ ,_,.-- , - - ~Quotes In the struggle, rewards are f ew. In fact, I know ofonly two, Loving friends and Living dreams. These rewards are not so few as it seems. A nonymous Peace is the work ofjustice indirectly, in so far as justice removes the obstacles to peace; but. it is the work ofcharity (love) directly, since charity, according to its very notion, causes peace. Thomas Aquinas ~· • • ..... . ~ .;:• - '• - .., '_ ,- ..f· ·-. - - - J - • Community Shares Hosts 7th Annual Friends Fest Greater Cincinnati Community Shares, a federation of 25 locaJ non-profit organizations, will host its seventh annual Friends Fest concert on Saturday, September 14, 2002, at 7:30 p.m., at House of Joy, 5910 Hamilton Avenue. in College Hill. With support from Corney & Shepherd Realtors, Friends Fest 2002 will include high energy musical perfo1mances by Drums for Peace, MUSE Cincinnati Women's Choir, Paule'tte Meier and Panache Steel Drum Band. The master of ceremonies for the event will be Ohio State Senator Mark Mallory. The theme for Friends Fest 2002 is "Finding a New Rhythm," which reflects not only the style of music at this year's concert, but also Community Shares' commitment to findin g new solutions for chronic community proble ms, such as homelessness. Greater Cincinnati Community Shares was founded in 1996 to meet the urgent financial needs of local nonprofit organizations that are committed to po!:iitive community change and are n~t funded by United Way. Community Shares member organizations aggressively address some of our community's most difficult issues, including lack of affordable housing, violence, discrimination, citizen apathy, lack of affordable health care and environmental degradation. Member organizations include the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and the Northern Kentucky Housing and Homeless Coalition. Community Shares conducts workplace giving campaigns and has raised nearly one million dollars for its member organi zations in its first six years. In addition to fund-raising, Community Snares works to _~;:,,-·-- :.. . - ,,.,,...,.. strengthen its member organizations by providing other services 1n the areas of promotion, training, networking, volunteering and administrative record keeping. Community Shares has sponsored a Friends Fest event every year since its inception. The audience has grown significantly each year, with a crowd of over 500 persons enjoying last year's Friends Fest at Christ Church Cathedral that featured a perfom1ance by Bernice Johnson Reagon and Toshi Reagon. The purpose of Friends Fest is to celebrate the commitment of people throughout Greater Ci nc innati who generously_contribute their time, talents and money to make this a better community. It also serves as a kick-off for Community Shares' annual fall workplace campaigns. Audience members include Community Shm·es' volunteers, workplace supporters, people from member organizations (including those served), as well as the general public. Friends Fest is an upbeat event in which a wide diversity of people connect through good entertainment and the celebration of work for progressive social change. Tickets are $ 10, and some free tickets are available for low-income persons. For further inform~tion , call 513-475-0475. - - - '"---·- - ~ . '·.. r .• ~-·· - ._... r P age 13 '­ ART, MUSIC, AND WRITING OPPORTUNITIES! basic photography skills through Peaslee Neighborhood Center, courses provided at introductory 2 15 East 14th Street, hosts lots of arts oppmtunities for adults Peaslee. Call the Center for and children to learn ski Ils such class schedules. as playing a steel drum or piano, photography, making mosaic art, Writing - Any young person in or writing. Any resident of ~he Greater Cincinnati area may Over-the-Rhine or the West End submit poems and/or articles via is welcome! All sessions are email at for publication in FREE, includi,1g instruction and Streetvibes. Content should be related to homelessness, social materials. No previous artistic justice, or poverty-related issues. experience necessary. Contact Brenda Z. at 621-5514, or for Ca11 For New Arts Advisory more information. Committee Members! - The OTR Steel Drum Band -Learn Alts Advisory Committee is looking for representatives from how to play the steel drums in an introductory series for adults. the neighborhood and the arts Parents may bring their children and business community. This (age 9 and up) to learn together committee helps to formulate the if they like. Participants will ~irection and development of Peaslee's arts programs. learn steel drum technique, rhythms, and how to read music. Looking For New Staff Community Mosaic Art Peaslee is also looking for new music instructors for the piano Project - Community members are coming together to make and the-mallets program. This is a wonderful opportunity to get mosaic art for the Over-the­ Rhine neighborhood. The involved in teaching music in a organizers are looking for ideas fun and rewarding setting. Anyone interested in any of for the next project Forward these opportunities, contact your ideas to Brenda Z. Brenda Z. at Peaslee, 215 East 14th Street, Over-the-Rhine, Photography - Teenagers and young adults ar~ invited to learn 621-5514. l1MTAKING MY 4011( OOT OF STQQ(S AND P<JTTING tT IN SOMETHING SAFER. �STREETVIBES September Art & Poetry 2~02 The New Yorkers Crack of Dawn by Mike Henson byjh I turn the vast grieving circuits of the city of New Yo_rk and bump against so much density of life. At every corner, so much undiscovered human complexity in the intricate sadness of Brooklyn and Queens and the Bronx and smoking Manhattan. For each window washer and each woman with a baby on her hip is invested with a full human life". Each one shoulders the cross of his own story. Each is propelled by her own daemonic energy. So many polishers of nails. So many seHers of knishes and sushi. So many doorman pierced by the fierce New York winds. So many lawyers and nurses and students speaking so many languages snatched from every corner and cattle track of the globe. And all in a rush! All of them step out with long straight legs; all of them look intently forward in their New York manner and all of them stride stride stride '-­ to the bus to the cab to the cellars of the subway station. They whirl through the gates and clatter all-at-once down the stairs and know exactly which way to turn until they reach the dark platform. There, they wait, motionless and potent as batteries. Each man, each woman pulses with an electric, third-rail energy. They poise at the edge; they gaze toward the dark tunnel, tensed like runners at the block until the train explodes past with such a clatter and blur and metallic danger. It threatens them no more than the house cat that glides past the couch, and yet it is this tigerish, springing and metallic thundering thing. And they do not retreat; they step even closer as if they want to embrace the car. But no, they pause, pause, and the car stops, the gates open, an electronic voice chants the name of the station, and the people of the platform pause again and gather energy to step on as the others step off. And I see that all this strict and relentless movement is a vast and solemn choreography though I cannot hear the music and I stumble in my bumpkin manner along the streets and ·up and down the stairs of the subway. Astounded, I gaze at the tall spires of the buildings and the nearly hidden bodegas and the hustlers of Times Square and the huddling homeless and the grim police and the saddened men at the fire station and I do not know the steps and I do not know the turns of this dance of the ballistic and elegiac New Yorkers. An assemblage of slouching young men, frowning, angry arms and hair and music. Gathered in their own garbage ­ bottles, bones, wind-blown trash circling the shattered hearts. For information on submitting your poetry to STREETVIBES call 421-7803 Hideous, deadly, desperate eyes repeat the scanning ritual ­ Melt, Weed, Knife, Rob. Death by time, their youth buried, beneath the smoldering a<>phalt, that marks their pitiful scent. The future was then, marked by the innocence of a young child, scarred by the slashing of the relentless hate of men, and mom, and broken glass. Like stained and broken bedding, they wait by the curb, for tpe end of theif minds. Page 14 Do You Believe? by Robert Manassa All of the things in this world were created by one man and he's above. He showers us with his Blessings . When he speaks, it's the world he's addressing DoYou Believe? The things in this world were made·and molded with his own two hands How they were made we may never understand Do You Believe? No one knows the hour God will call us home Remember these few words; You will surely leave here as surely as you were born ' Do You Believe? My Inspiration by Jeff Branham The things of which I write about, are the things within my life. From the joyfulness that makes me want to shout, to.the pain that cuts like a knife. From the love that is void and unrequited, to the love both sure and true. From being overwhelmingly excited, to the morbidity of feeling blue. Things such as the way tbiJJgs used to be, ~nd things that have touched my soul. These are the things that are dear to me, in this way, my story is told. This is the way that I feel a part, as I write without reservation. I write down what is inside of my heart, for this is my inspiration. Friends Departed To my friends that have passed, That fell victim to the streets, just another nameless face, forgotten by most. With the dawning of a new day, To you I make this vow; That people will once again know your name And you shall not be forgotten. I wish to thank you, my foends, For the lives you touched, Including mine. Our· fri endshi p, the times and memories we shared, I shaJl cherish. To you, my friend, I will not say goodbye, only Until we meet. For in my heart, You' re still very much alive. �STREETVIBES September 2002 Art & Poetry · Page 15 Can't Go Home City Cancer by Mecello Barrar by J oani Lacy Lord, why am I walking your streets tonight? Did you know that homeless days started with a homeless night? Rain pouring down on m head, but where can I go? I know one place where I cannot go And that's home for sure. Cause for some reason they wanted me gone. Urban blight is multi-faceted. Ii comes in the form of decaying buildings, once grand and cared for until the caring died. It comes in the shape of rotting ideals whose reality is never near the dream. Urban blight is a city cancer, curable, but difficult to treat whjle it spreads through the streets. It feeds off of reckless youth with their pumped up energy until there is nothing to be done, except to excise the diseased areas. Love The Bullet by Geraldine Devine Iraqi poet Love is a word that used to sound and mean so much I tried to domesticate the bullet, When it was spoken from To take her with me to school, someone's mouth, then that person To teach her the alphabet you should trust. And have her speak But she is made of black clay WilJ tomorrow be a better turn? Love was never a word to be and and stuffed with canned blood Cause I can ' t go home. action, that was just thrown around. I tried to domesticate the bullet, This homeless Life can't be true. t had real meaning, real feeli ng; To take her to the water-spring, Whatever happened to my ljfe? and with a persons hea1 t it covered To the fields of dew. How did it ever come to this? so much ground. But she has consumptive lips Wasn't poor nor either rich. That love to kiss the lips of death I be down on my knees just asking Love used to be and action, To rummage or wreck the Lord And blow ashes in our eyes. to please gi ve me a place to sleep, or in English known as a verb, But now we are living in a time People looking at me like I'm dirty where not much of a purpose does I tried to domesticate the bullet, Because I'm all on the street. it serve. To lead her to the truth, Living in boxes and buildings To wash her copper with perfumes Make what I can to feed the Let's take this word, give and show And replace her gunpowder children. it with sweets. as our Father does from above. But she refused to be un locked; Wife die two years ago. Let's take, put, power, spread, and and re mained dripping pus, Hard to explain to my b~by boy recharge With poison in her breath. that mama this important word called Love. won't be back no more, And we can' t find a place to call home Can' t find a job And we forced to be gone. Lord, all I ask of you is to open the hearts of all your children. Make them help one another, Stop looking down at _my kind, And give just a little change, Before it's somebody in their lives Living this homeless life. Dawn of Time by Dwight A. Turner In the universe there's a cluster of stars. Cam I touch one wjtbout touching two? I may even touch the sun without it burning me. J blessed your country to be brave and free, But you keep locking yourself up, throwmg away the key. Is it that I can see? Or is it the light within, which makes you afraid of me? I gave you light, from the sun, the moon, the stan;, T hat you see. So why in this world is it so hard for you to see me? Shutter Speed Urban blight is a symbol of our times. God and the devil facing off under a street lamp. Book of Change by Sonny Williams how to say you ' ve changed to two dead girls after ravi.shing them in the jungle; because they were VC. tossing them on the trail with holes in their middle to bleed in the mud by the village where their ancestors lived for centuries both face up turning nightly with screams of pain, pleas for mercy in your dreams? by Sonny Williams �ST R EETVIBES September 2002 Page 16 A Growing Gap in A01erican De01ocr-a cy by Sasha Abramsky - - Two years ago the world watched as officials in Florida struggled to explain the mishaps and shoddy practices that had denied thousands of Floridians a chance to vote. They focused on butterfly ballots and hanging chads, but neglected a critical J?art of the problem: over half a million Florida residents had been prevented from voting by a state law that permanently disenfranchises almost anyone ever convicted of a fe lony, even those who haven ' t committed a crime since serving their terms, have jobs and are paying taxes. For like many Southern states, Florida had cemented felony disenfranchisement into its constitution in the post-Civil War years, when legislators were using any means to keep the vote in white hands. Following the 2000 presidential election, several states changed their suffrage laws. New Mexico, Delaware and Maryland either abandoned or curtailed their disenfranchisement provisions; Connecticut enfranchised people on probation; and lawyers in Washington State are working on a case to overturn that state's disenfranchisement Jaws. Iowa, Arizona, Nevada and Wyoming retain their catch-all , permanent djsenfranchisement laws. But the bulk of the disenfranchised live in southern states - Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia - and in several of these conservative legislators are fighting efforts at enfranchisement. Some experts estimate that in Alabama, Mississippi and Florida a quarter or more of black men are now permanently barred from voting. On July 18, Judge James Lawrence King of the Federal District Court for the Southern District of Florida dismissed a lawsuit against Florida's disenfranchisement laws. The lawsuit had been filed by the Brennan Center for Justice at New York Un iversity School of Law on behalf of seven plaintiffs, first among them one Thomas Johnson, who weren't allowed to vote in the last presidential election. In his brief opinion, Judge King began by misnaming the lead plaintiff as Thomas Jefferson. From there, it only got worse. Brennan Center lawyers argued that the history of the South's felony disenfranchisement laws - along with studies indicating minorities are at particular risk of getting arrested and more likely than whites to receive felony convictions for comparable crimes - meant permanent disenfranchisement violated the 14th A mendment 's equal protection clauses. They also argued that Florida was violating the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Judge King disagreed, deciding that Florida had the right to disenfranchise people as long as the motive was to deny felons, rather than a specific racial group, the vote. Because Florida had rewritten its post-Civil War state constitution in the 1960's, he held felony disenfranchisement to be no longer racially biased. He cited as precedent a 1969 Florida case and a 1974 SuP-reme Court decision that upheld individual state disenfranchisement laws. The recent court decision neglected two important factors. The first is that Congress amended the Voting Rights Act-in 1982 to remove "intent" as a necessary precondition for a finding of racial discrimination, and to replace it with a resultsbased test. A voting qualification that interacts with social condi~ions to cause an inequality in voting opportunities violates the Voting Rights Act. Because ­ nonwhites are more likely to be arrested and convicted than whites, relative to their participation in criminal activity, felony disenfranchisement cannot but disproportionately affect African-American and Latino access to the ballot box. The second neglected factor is that, since the I 974 ruling, America's prison population has quintupled. A recent study estimated that disenfranchisement laws now deprive as many as five million Americans of the right to vote. Numbers this large really matter. At the last election, if even a small proportion of Florida's disenfranchised population had voted, and if they had broken 60­ 40 in Al Gore's favor - a highly conservative estimate given the demographics of this group ­ George Bush would not have won an Electoral College majority. Felony disenfranchisement, coupled with very high incarceration rates, has become a major challenge to our democratic values. In a self-confident democracy, such laws simply have no place. The Brennan Center is appealing Judge King's decision. Meanwhile, state legislators must speedily abolish these vestiges of Jim Crow. Sasha Abramsky is a media fe llow at the Open Society Institute's Center on Crime, Communities and Culture, and is the author of "Hard Time Blues: How Politics Built a Prison Nation." . A Fil0101aker Seeks Answers About Killings in Mexico by Mireya Navarro The New York Times Over the last decade more than 300 women have disappeared from the streets of Ciudad Juarez in Mexico, many later found raped and murdered, their bodies dumped in ditches and the desert. But even more stunning than the number of deaths has been the failure of law enforcement officials to put a stop to the killings. A trail of newspaper articles about the mUFders led Lourdes Portillo) a San Francisco filmmaker who was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, not far from Juarez, to this unsolved mystery just across the border from El Paso. Initi ally, she said, her intention was to profile so me of the victims and create a memorial to "these girl s," but soon she found herself trying to fig ure out what happened to them and why. "I'm not a journalist, but it was so compelling to try to find out what really happened,'' Ms. Portillo said in a telephone interview from her home in San Francisco. Her search for answers is chronicled in "Senorita Extraviada" (''Missing Young · Woman"), a documentary to be shown on PBS. The film has already won several awards, including a special jury prize at this year 's Sundance Film Festival. Even more rewarding, Ms. Portillo said, is that the film may lead to action. With her blessing it is being shown to politicians, human rights activists and student groups to rally support in both Mexico and the United States for a more thorough investigation of the deaths. At first officials faulted the women themselves, saying that the victims moved in "high-risk" circles of gang members and prostitution. But as shown in the documentary, which includes pictures of scores of the women and visits with some of their families, the only obvious pattern is that most of the victims were poor, dark-skinned and slim with shoulder-length hair. Ms. Porti llo's interviews with relatives of the victims, Mexican law-enforcement officials and women who survived their attacks indicate that there are many theories about who can be behind so many deaths: serial killers, drug traffickers, opportunists emboldened to commit copycat murders. One woman, Marfa Talamantez, even points at police officers, saying that when she went to report the beating of her husband by neighbors, a group of officers at the station raped her and showed her graphic pictures of some of the murdered women as they were killed. Relatives of the victims and women's advocates also discuss evidence that some of the women may have been targeted inside the maquiladoras where they worked. But more significant to Ms. Portillo, who wrote, produced , directed and narrated the film. is why the murders are still happening. Even in the lawlessness of Juarez. a city of 1.2 mill ion people and a center for drug trafficking. Ms. Portillo argued that the lack of progress in catching the culprits reflected an almost-cavalier attitude toward the victims. "There's an element that the women are not worth the trouble," she said. "There's an incredible disregard for poor, brown women. There's.a racist attitude and a classist attitude." Few of the killings have been solved. And each time, as the officials have declared the problem solved, the murders have continued. In the course of 18 months of filming in 1999 and 2000, Ms. Portillo said, 50 more women were kiJled. The film notes that many bodies have shown evidence of torture and mutilation, fueling bizane rumors.and speculation about ritual sacrifices. Ms. Portillo said she herself felt " very unsafe" and that the sister of a woman she had interviewed, for example, disappeared not long after the interv iew. "I had the paranoid feeling that the deaths were coming close to me." she said. �STREETVIBES September 2002 Racism as History Page 17 that was beginning to treat human A second difficulty beings not (or at least, not only) as comes from Fredrickson's insistence that racism must God 's special creation but as by Kwame Anthony Appiah "a peculiar modern idea without natural creatures whose history involve both difference and There are many claims much historical precedent. " At of power. " To attempt a short could be studied along with that about racism that would be another extreme are many who other organi sms. It is in the formulation, we might say that accepted by most reasonable think of racism as " simply) racism exists when one ethnic Enlightenment that the first Americans. Here, for example, are manifestation of the ancient modern attempts at racial group or historical collecti vity three. Nazi ideology was racist. phenomenon of tribalism or dominates, excludes or seeks to classification, based not on Apartheid was racist. The Ku Klux xenophobia." religious ideas but on purportedly eliminate another on the basis of ' 'Racism: A Short Klan was racist. These cases are differences that it be)jeves are · scientific ones, were developed. easy to agree about in part because Hi story" does not stray beyond And these naturalistic accounts of hereditary and unalterable. " It is they involve judgments about Western racism, in part, the supposed inferiority of blacks certainly true that racism other places or other times. Ask Fredrickson says, because it has and Jews eventually overtook the developed in the West that way. people, on the other hand, whether had a wider impact than any But once the ideology religious ones that dominated the recent Republican campaign comparable ideology, spreading, of the early 19th century developed, it colonized minds, debates rhetoric or current Democratic as it did, with European empires about slavery. many of which are now far from support for affirmative action is ru·ound the globe. But he also everywbere, throughout the levers of power. An People racist, and the consensus believes that racism received its history, have sometimes been indi vidual racist attack surely disappears. Racist Laws, fullest theoretical elaboration in beastly to members of groups they need not be part of a current pronouncements and actions, we the West because racist ideology of as different. What is pattern of attempts at group thought developed in societies where it can agree, mruTed much of domination. distinctive about racism in the American history (and in this offended against a growing There is a deeper West is the deve lopment of full­ respect our history is far from conviction that " all men are ideology to scale systematic d ifficulty here, that the attitudes unjque). B ut how racist is the created equ.al." As a result, as the explain why these others deserved Fredrickso n stresses ru·e, as he United States today? And who are ideology developed, it was also bad treatment. And that theory says, "sets of beliefs" about the the racists? Try getting agreement "condemned and resisted." immutable awfulness of other was necessary only because about that. Fredrickson argues that races, rather than hostile feelings modern Western societies were But another reason we Weste rn racism has two prime most others, which did not toward them. But wh ile racist unl ike cannot agree about racism is strands - one anti-Semitic, the shm·e the assumption that human ideology - form al, articulated, conceptual: people understand the other white supremacist - and were created equal.and theoretical racism - is indeed a beings term rather variously. More than that anti-Semitism came first. It thus had nothing to explai n away. characteristic and distinctive this, wrule you wou ld have to be was only in the 15th century that Nevertheless, I think feature of the for;n s of hostility eccentric to think that racism is the religious anti-Judaism of the Fredrickson 's analysis is to blacks and Jews that provide E uropean .Middle Ages - which not wrong, it is f!lf from clear that potentially misleading in two the central pru·adigms of racism, most of us share a view about why allowed that, thoug h Judaism was at least as impo1tant in the ways. First, his just insistence on it is wrong. Ts it that racists have relig iously incoITect, Jews, once of racism as an attempt to life ofracism ru-e the the role everyday hatred or contempt for people of converted, were as good as anyone rationalize abuses might lead deep feelings of revulsion, other races? Or that they have else - was replaced, in Spain, readers to conclude that the some hostility, contempt or just plain irrational beliefs about them? Or wi th something more like racism. hatred that many racists feel. As that they tend to treat them badly? The process began when religious real hru·m is done by whatever causes people to abuse outsiders the philosopher Jorge L. A. ls it, as some opponents of antipathy to Jews as nonbelievers in the first place. But, of course, Garci a has put it, racism lives affirmati ve action allege, that it is was replaced by "a consuming once a racist ideology is in place more in the heart than in the wrong to take account of a hatred that made getting rid of on as we have seen in episodes head. person's race at all? Or is it, as Jews seem preferable to trying to fi ve continents in the last few It is, I think, quite those who speak of " institutional convert them." This anti­ decades - it can lead people to natural, faced w ith the worst racism" hold, that the motives and Semitism became racist when appalling things . do the most moments in the history acts of individuals matter less than "the belief took hold that Jews Even if racism sta1ts as a Fredrickson recounts - slavery, the systematic ways in which were intrinsically and organically for abuses that rationalization lynching, genocide - to focus people of some races are evil rather than merely having other motivations, it ends up have on the ten-ible hru·ms to racism 's disadvantaged in law and social false beliefs and wrong having a powerful negative force victims. And certainly the life? dispositions." Now conversion of its own. Fredrickson says greatest wrongs have occurred Jf we all agreed what was not so much undesirable as toward the end of his book that when racial hostility or contempt racism was, one would not need a impossible. In a sense, then, anti­ racism in the United States is has been combined with power. theory to find examples of it in the Semitic ideology developed in an we have " like a bacillus that But hate-fi lled or contemptuous past. But things are made even attempt to reconcile that supposed failed to destroy, a live germ that thoughts and feelings about more difficult by the relative impossibility with the conflicting not only continues to m ake some other races can be found too, novelty of the term "racism" demand that C hristians should of us ill but retains the capacity to alas, among the powerless. itself. Sometimes hlstorians can treat all men aschildren of a single generate new strains of a disease K wame Anthony Appiah avoid talcing sides in God. we have no certain for which S. Rockefeller is Laurance contemporary semantic squabbles Similarly, when the Atlantic slave cure." So he is not himself misled University Professor of by using words as they were used trade in Africans began, it largely on thjg point. Sti 11, his theory Philosophy at Princeton in the period about which they are in volved the capture and as University and its University might be cm·elessly construed writing, but that would make a exploi tation of heathens. Even as the view that racism is a Center for Human Values and history of racism going back to the slaves in the New World came rationalizing gloss for forms of the author, with Amy Gutmann, Middle Ages impossible. For the increasingly to be baptized, there exploitation whose real motivation of "CoJor Conscious: The word ' 'racism," in somethlng like was no need to justify their Political Morality of Race. " is something else. its modern sense, appears only in enslavement - until it was the 1930's, "when a new word challenged, in the Enlightenment. was required to describe the At that point slavery's defenders While we make every effort to provide a forum for those theories on which the Nazis based needed an ideology. It is without a voice, STREETVIBES and the staff of their persecution of the Jews." something of an irony that the THE GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION The late stru-t of the word tools with which they addressed FOR THE HOMELESS, is not ''racism'· has led some to think this task came increasingly from responsible for statements, and do not necessarily that the phenomenon itself must another side of the Enlightenment. endorse the opinions of the people be relatively new; that it is, as the rationalizing, scientific side whose writings are represented here. Fredrickson summarizes the view, �STREETVIBES Septem ber 2002 PEACE community and without cost: 1. On September 1, for a month, the Hamilton County Public Library, downtown Cincinnati, will be hosting an without choice. Hope and love, exhibit of many of the posters compassion and caring, are created by citizens in the village. I suddenly in the room, on the am hoping that we will be able to cardboard, in the discussion, and in change the exhibit each week, our hearts. I realize, now, it is the giving more people a chance to see invitation to be creative in drawing their posters in this wonderful peace, that triggers the old impulse setting. of hope and permits a picture of 2. On September 8th, at some fragment of hope to emerge. sunset, by the Civil Rights Working in a safe and supportive Memorial, in Western college for context, in a very limited time, Women's Miami University adds to the energy of the campus, Oxford, Ohio, the Peace experience. Surprisingly for me, Village will host an interfaith, many people know immediately multi-cultural, opening of the what they want to draw and say. village with music, prayer, and The act of shari ng both art and meditation. discriptions of what was trying to 3. On September 10, at be communicated deepens the Hillel Jewish Student Center, experience, suggesting that below Clifton Avenue, an all evening the surface of each poster is the long program will be held called, more complicated and suggestive "Watchman." This program will meaning. If only, the participants go throughout the evening and seem to be say ing, we could get provide opporttinities for beneath the surface and find what discussion, posters, music, and is common in our hopes for justice, reflection on what is coming on 91 peace and healing. 11. The program ends at the time The Peace Village of the first plane crashing into the continues as a source of hope, both World Trade Center. for Cincinnati and for those parts 4. On September 11 , at 10 of the world that are searching to am, at the site of the mosque in find the thread of peace. Here is Clifton, Clifton Avenue, a "Walk 4 some of what will be happening Peace," wilJ go up Clifton Avenue, and is open to the entire pausing at every religious cont. from page 12 Page 18 institution along Clifton and ending the walk in the plaza of the University of Cincinnati's College Conservatory of Music where some brief comments will be shared b)' the president of the University of Cincinnati, Dr. Joseph Steger, and others. 5. On September 11, at 6:30pm, at Clifton United Methodist Church, a discussion of the day's learnings will be engaged in by the community. 6. On October 1st and 2nd, the University of Cincinnati's Just Community will be hosting two days of making posters for students, faculty and any community group or citizen wanting to participate. The event is called, "Mending Fences," and is at the wire fence in the central part of the main campus. Cardboards and markers will be available. Many other groups will be holding meetings, conferences, and trying to communicate personal feelings about peace in our community. In other states, similar events will be occurring, and around the world in many cities. Thanks to the efforts of Rev. Emmanuel Itapson, a Nige1ian Christian minister and a Hebrew Union College graduate student, efforts to be in contact with his seminary and government in Nigeria on this day will occur. Rev. ltapson notes that his community suffered deeply from massacres between Christians and Moslems on September 7, leaving many children orphaned and deeply suffering. Efforts for reconciliation are occuring and Rev. ltapson is returning to Nigeria in hopes of building an interfaith orphanage. We have a connection with Rev. ltapson's work, just as we have connections with the Israel ies, just as we have connections with the police and community in Cincinnati, and, just as we have connections with Ms. Angela Leisure in her grief and healing. We are connected by spiritual ties, by deep wishes for peace, by the shared opening of our hearts to all who seek healing, justice, and peace, and by a determination, however fantastic, that citizens of an ever expanding peace village, called together for the use of our imagination in the quest for peace, can move our world one important step for progress, for sight, for compromise, for love, for hope, and for each other. Come join us on these days and say in your language peace, vrede, shalom, salama, seleha, salaam. For more information on the Peace Village, please contact me on the web at sundersc@email.uc.edu. correctional representatives and less reveal themselves through friends. This is the aggregate of a misused, oppressive-based, ink. day in my life of doing time in this Their sadi stic dependency to antiquated system of teaching the control pronounces how weak and contains news about the justice system and the axiom of apartheid to those in need empty they are unless they have writings of persons incarcerated in our what they "believe" to be power of fairness. nation's jails and prisons. over those subordinate. In their My reality is stimulated by We are seeking subscribers who are willing to sponsor a forces beyond my control, a patriotic minds, their uniforms, prisoner so they can receive STREETVIBES behind the walls. control which thrives off of with its corporate backing gives Please sponsor someone on the inside. them authority, power, recognition, RETALIATION/RETRIBUTION/ A year's subscription costs $15. and strength. REVENGE. I'm under corporate A day in my life is Send your comments and questions to streetvibes@juno.com control so my corporate owners remembedng where you are. This daily seek to manipulate and mail : STREETVIBES, 1506 Elm Street control my dignity and self-worth is prison, and prison is hell. Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 "Death is listeni ng, it will take the through clandestine acts of first soul that claims defeat. " intimidation and strip searches aimed at humiliation, all this designed to depreciate and emasculate my culture, my pride, and my integrity. But, still - I ­ by Greg Stover welcomed by me in the midst of National Coalition rise! this excising hell that daily for the Homeless The duality of my prison Trying to wake up early attempts to suffocate and darken reaJjty is one of fighting to stay in before the sun rises so that I can my hopes of a better tomorrow. 1012 14th Street, NW prepare my mind for the constant And so, I'm up before the crack of possession of my intellectual Suite ()00 equilibrium, or else come face to deluge of chaos that awaits me, dawn encouraging myself to press Washington, DC within these walls of fractured on as I purge my soul through early face with becoming emotionally 20005-3471 men - my daily struggle. I try and morning prayer. And prayerful, I' ll decomposed due to bei ng forci bly (202) '737-6444 medicated and Jocked away get up before the emphatic sound be heard. Fax: (:202) 737-6445 because of falsified incident of the pre-programmed bell that The life of my soul in this reports that are color based and awakens countless men from their place depends on how I master email: sadistic in nature. A day in my life death sleep and burls them toward simplicity, moderation, pure info@nationalhomeless.org is dealing with certain members of another chaotic, stress-filled day of thinking and peace as best I can http:// a region/class/culture and navigati ng through the unexpected while casually catching glimpses www.nationalhomeless.org profession who have obvious that is about to be unleashed. of faces that wear raw, naked authoritarian issues which more or Sleep, when I can get it, is always hatred, masked as corporate Prisoners' News A Day In My Life �Page 19 STREETVIBE S September 2002 FRAC News Digest - Short takes on Hunger and Poverty Issues www.ers.usda.gov/publications/ residents in the northwest Alabama with Republicans as the majority efan02013/ community of Shoals rely on food in the House of Representatives, stamps as a means of survival. spending in Republican qistricts has grown substantially while REPORT ASSESSING Officials at the Department of Human Resources in s~JTounding decreasing in Democratic districts. NEW YORK STATE'S Colbert. Franklin, Lauderdale and Last year, accord ing to Associated Lawrence counties say that Press analysis, an average of $6 12 2001 DISASTER caseloads have been increasing million more in fe<leral spending FOOD STAMP over the past year, due in large paL1 went to congressional districts Participation in the Food BENEFITS to the high ~nemployment rate in represented by Republicans than Stamp Program in May 2002 (the the area. The four-county those represented by Democrats. PROGRAM (Nutrition latest data available) increased by unemployment rate hovers at or . A shift in spending priorities from 152,831 persons from the previous Consortium of New York State, above 10 percent. The number of programs helping people in poor month , to 19,325,272 persons, July 2002) people receiving food stamps in rural and urban areas to those according to FRAC's analysis of This report·evaluates the the four-county area j ncreased affecting more affluent suburbs preliminary data from USDA. T he pe1formance of the Disaster Food from 6,300 to 7 ,500 over the past and Republican-leaning farm May 2002 level of Food Stamp Stamp Benefits Program (DFSBP) year. http://www.timesdaily.com/ country contributed to the change. Program participation represented implemented in New York in the news/stories/ For example, between 1995 and a rise of more than 2 million wake of the September 11 , 200 l 21287newsstories.html 2001, the Food Stamp Program persons.compared to the May 200l terrorist attacks. "An Assessment was cut by a third. http:// level, and of 2.3 million compared of New York State's Di.saster Food To view the News Digest www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/ to May, 2000. Participation has Stamp Benefits Program" (J;)SFBP) archives and the latest articles/A47 533-2002Aug5 .html 1isen in 19 of the last 22 months. reviews the important contribution issue in HTML format: Increases in participation in 200 l that emergency food stamp http://www.frac.org/html/ A COMMUNITY and 2002 likely have been driven assistance made for people by improved access to the program F OOD SE CURITY ·affected by the disaster, points out newslnewsdigestl in a growing number of states, and practices that facilitated relief, digestmenu.htm by the weakened economy, causing ASSESSMENT analyzes barriers that undercut more households to apply. effective service, and recommends Our web site is http:// TOOLKIT FROM steps to improve implementation www.frac.org USDA - UPDATED of food stamp disaster programs in REPORT: HEAT OR (Economic Research Service of the future. http://www.frac.org/ USDA, July 2002) EAT? COLD btrnl/news/disaster080 l 02.htrn This is a toollcit, designed WEATHER SHOCKS for use by community-based W e'd like to hear AND NUTRITION IN nonprofit organizations and others, IN ALABAMA, FOOD from vou_.. Send letters or for assessing various aspects of STAMPS ARE A ~ P OOR AMERICAN comments to: community food security. It MEANS OF FAMILIES (National Streetvibes@Juno.com, t includes a general guide to or write the Coalition office Bureau of Economic Research, SURVIVAL (Times Daily, community assessment and attn: Streetvibes Letters, Inc., June 2002) focused materials for examining Florence, AL, July 21, 2002) I 5 0 6 Elm Street This study examines the six basic assessment components A growing number of Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 effects of cold weather periods on related to community food family budgets and on nutritional security. These include guides for outcomes in poor American profiling general community While we make every effort to provide a forum for those fam ilies. The study finds that both characteristics and community without a voice, STREETVIBES and the s taff of . rich and poor families increase food resources as well as materials THE GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION fuel expenditures in response to for assessing household food FOR THE HOMELESS, is not unusually cold weather. But, poor security, food resource responsible for statements, and do not necessarily families reduce their food accessibility, food availability and endorse the opinions of the people expenditures by roughly the same affordability, and community food whose writings are represented here. amount as they increase fuel production resources. http:// expenditures, while rich families increase food expenditures. Poor adults and children reduce caloric intake considerably during the winter. Existing social programs fail to buffer against the effects on food consumption of cold weather temperature shocks. http:// papers. nber. org/papers/W9004 (Abstract available for free; $5 for fu l1 Adobe PDF document.) FOOD STAMP PARTICIPATION INCREASES IN MAY 2002; IS 2 MILLION PERSONS HIGHER THAN IN MAY 2001 Write Us! Where Vendor: 80 cents ANALYSIS SHOWS BILLIONS IN FEDERAL SPENDING SHIFTED TO REPUBLICAN DISTRICTS (Associated Press, August 5, 2002) Over the past eight years, Printing and Production: 20 cents ~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 informa­ tion about the program. Many thanks for your support. -­ �...... Need Help or Want to Help? If you need help or would like to help please call one of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless members listed below. SHELTERS: Women and Children YWCA Battered Women's Shelter 872-9259 (Toll Free) 1-888-872-9259 557-2873 Bethany House 762-5660 Salvation Army Welcome House 859-431-8717 Women's Crisis Center 859-491-3335 SHELTER: Men City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Garden St. House 241-0490 Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 St. Francis/St.Joseph House 381-4941 661-4620 Mt. Airy Center Volunteers of Amer. 381-1954 SHELTER: Both Anthony House 357-4602 (Youth) 761-1480 Caracole (AIDS) 381-5432 Friars Club Drop Inn Center 721-0643 Haven House 863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality 926-2064 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teens) 861-1111 651-6446 St. John's Housing HOUSING: 721-4580 CMHA Excel Development 632-7149 241-0504 Miami Purchase 369-0004 OTR Housing Net. ReSTOC 381 -1171 Tender Mercies 639-7056 961-4555 Tom Geiger House TREATMENT: Women 961-4663 First Step Home Full Circle Program 721-0643 TREATMENT: Men Charlie's 3/4 House 784-1853 Prespect House 921 -1613 Starting Over 751-3260 TREATMENT: Both 820-2947 N.A. Hopeline 351-0422 A.A. Hotline 381-6660 C.C.A.T. 684-7956 Talbert House Transitions, Inc. 859-491-4435 VA Domiciliary 859-559-5011 OTHER SERVICES: Al DS Volunteers of Cincinnati 421-2437 Appalachian Identity Center 621-5991 Beech Acres 231 -6630 Center for Independent Living ROHS . 12-Ct./42-Gal. Heavy-Duty Contractor Trash Bags Helo is Just Rround the Corner ~ ~ 0~ ·~ ~ $3.47 ~ vJ)?f~~~<f ~ ~Q; ~~ 0 1403 Vine Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (513 421-0700 10.1-0z. Clear or White SiliconeII Window&Door Caulk $3.57 6-Ft. Tvoe II Green Fiberglass Step Ladder $38.88 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 Freestore/Foodbank 241-1064 Fransiscan Haircuts 651-6468 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 G.C. Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 Hamilton Co. Mental Health Board 621-7149 Hamilton Co. TB Control 632-7186 Health Rsrc. Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile 352-2902 Health Van House of Refuge Mission 221-3619 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Madisonville Ed. & Assis. Center 271-5501 Mary Magdalen 721-4811 House 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 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 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2002 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource September 2002 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Hundreds of Huntington Meadows Residents Face Eviction Pg 2: The Vine Street Festival…Oops! Pg 3: Eviction Continued Pg 4: The Triumphs of a Blind Individual Pg 5: Latinos in Cincinnati National Housing Trust Fund Sign-on Letter Pg 6: A Personal Reflection Pg 7: A Personal Reflection Continued Pg 8: Words from the Evangelist Pg 9: Congressional Letter to HHS Sparks Fears of Retribution for Advocacy Activities Pg 10: Streetvibes Interview Pg 11: Over-the-Rhine Community Festival Brings Neighborhood Families Together Pg 12: The Peace Village Opens Pg 13: Community Shares Hosts 7th Annual Friends Fest Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 16: A Growing Gap in American Democracy A Filmmaker Seeks Answers About Killings in Mexico Pg 17: Racism as History Pg 18: Peace Continued Prisoners News Pg 19: FRAC News Digest-Short Takes on Hunger and Poverty Issues Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource September 2002 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Brendan Goodwin Mary Taylor John Halpin Cheryl Ware Andy Erickson Jimmy Heath Rudy A. Alacron Brian Garry Mike Henson Robert Mannassa Jerome Manigan Martha Napier Dr. Steve Sunderland Greg Stover Rodney Sutton Dwight Turner Sonny Williams Andy Houston Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Alabama Andy Erickson Andy Houston Arts & Poetry Aubrey Bowman Brendan Goodwin Brian Garry Cheryl Ware Cincinnati Congressional Letter Democracy Dr. Steve Sunderland Drop Inn Center Dwight Turner Editorials Evangelist eviction Festival Filmmaker Friends Fest Greg Stover HHS Advocacy History Hunger Huntington Meadows Jerome Manigan Jimmy Heath John Halpin Latinos Martha Napier Mary Taylor Mexico Mike Henson New York Over-the-Rhine Peace Village poverty prisoners news Racism Robert Mannassa Rodney Sutton Rudy A. Alacron Sonny Williams Street Life Valerie Lemmie Vine Street