Zine 04 – Speak Up Magazine

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“Speak Up for those who cannot speak for
themselves, for the rights of
all who are destitute.”
Proverbs 31:8

Get InvolvedMore than a Magazine

Speak Up Magazine is a 501(c)3 non-profit Volunteers and interns are welcomed for
that gives voice to and offers an income creative areas, such as photography, editing,
opportunity for homeless and vulnerably- teaching, production and design, as well as
housed people. They become micro-business fundraising, social services and more. Please
owners who buy copies of Speak Up for a contact us to help out.
low price and resell them, keeping all the
cash and earning a profit. As a result, these
enterprising street vendors learn to manage
their resources, grow their businesses and Speak Up is Local
change their lives with dignity.
Speak Up is a member of the Unique editions of Speak Up are published
International Network of Street Papers, monthly in Traverse City, MI, and
which connects and supports over 100 Charlotte, NC.
such organizations worldwide. To explore bringing Speak Up to your
region, visit speakupmag.org/local.

This Zine Team Contact

EDITING AND WRITING CLINICS CHARLOTTE OFFICE
Sabrina BP, Peggi Knowe, Matt Shaw, 704-980-9885
Harry Griffin, Bill Shaw, Debbi Shaw, Leah office@speakupmag.org
Burnett 1551 S Mint St, Suite B
Charlotte, NC 28203
VISUALS
Layout, Matt Shaw TRAVERSE CITY CHAPTER
Photos, Peggi Knowe & Debbi Shaw speakuptc.com
billshaw@speakupmag.org

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VENDOR
PROGRAM

Frequently
Asked
Questions

What is a Speak Up vendor?

“Vendor” is the title for the hard-working individuals who distribute Speak Up. Most likely,
they are experiencing homelessness or are vulnerably housed. Your purchase of this magazine
is part of their journey out of poverty. You can learn more at speakupmag.org/vendors.
How does someone become a vendor?

1. Sign up for & come to an interview
3. Attend the training day
4. Sign the Code of Conduct
5. Get 20 free Zines and temporary badge
6. Reinvest and attend weekly meetings
Look for a valid Speak Up badge
What if I give money but don’t take the magazine?

Always take the magazine. This individual is working hard, please don’t make them take a
hand out. Feel free to tip, but always take the product. This gives dignity, not just money.

But I don’t have any cash!

A few smartphone-equipped vendors can accept a credit card payment. For now, the best
option is to plan ahead and bring cash.
How can I help?
Here’s one way: Be a friend to the person that sells the magazine. Sit down with them for coffee,
buy them lunch, get to know them. Keep it simple. Healthy and encouraging relationships are
crucial as people build new community and grow in opportunity and perspective.

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—Janet Lama in Charlotte, NC

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CONTENTS

6 JOSHUA CALDWELL Sabrina BP
8 SPEAK UP HELPS YOU GET A JOB Sheila Apperson
9 I HAVE WORKED FOR 45 YEARS Edward Smalls
10 WAITING FOR NIGHT TO COME Randy Parcher
11 I REMEMBER Franklin Wright
12 GAME TIME! Sabrina BP
14 SNAPSHOTS IN TME Ruth Hsieh
15 EATING GARBAGE Earleen Mingo
16 THE DAY THAT I DIED Vanessa Keith
17 MY TWO LIVES Jennifer Milton
18 I’M NOT BITTER, I’M BETTER Ava Roseboro
20 THE GOUGE Laurie Koelsch
21 BEAT THE PAVEMENT Jennifer Milton
22 THE STREET LAWYER Lea Burnett

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[THIS MONTH’S FEATURED VENDOR]
JOSHUA CALDWELL: FRIEND TO ALL

By Sabrina BP in Charlotte, NC

WHERE ARE YOU FROM? opportunity. Then I wrote an article all
Born and raised here in Charlotte, North about life advice. Next thing you know, it
Carolina. Living in Charlotte, North was in the magazine.
Carolina. WHAT IS THE MOST POSITIVE
HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT EXPERIENCE THAT YOU HAVE HAD
SPEAK UP? WITH SPEAK UP THUS FAR?
I learned about Speak Up from my I wrote an article all about life advice.
friends. My friends told me about Next thing you know, it was in the
Speak Up, and then someone gave me magazine. So people who know who I
a job card. I looked up the address, and am, now they KNOW who I am. Also,
then, next thing you know, I found the selling magazines all around Charlotte.
address. I came by to visit and, next Next thing you know, I tell them that
thing you know, I met the person named the articles are all about homeless
Matt. And then I asked Matt for a job people, so they will understand it.

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WHAT IS YOUR ARTICLE ABOUT?
It’s all about peace, hope, joy, and love.
DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST
SALE?
Yes. It was great. It was by the Bank
of America Plaza. It was by the fourth
statue. I sold about 20 magazines, and I
made about $72 to $82.
IS THAT WHERE YOU USUALLY
SELL YOUR MAGAZINES?
Yeah.
DO YOU HAVE ANY REGULAR
CUSTOMERS?
Yes.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THEM?
They are like colors like black and white.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THE
PUBLIC TO KNOW ABOUT SPEAK
UP?
I’d like the people to know about Speak
Up, and the people who don’t know
about Speak Up, I’d tell them. And then
next thing you know, I asked them if they
wanted to buy a magazine, and then they
say yes, and then they give me a big tip WHAT IS THE HARDEST PART
or a little tip. ABOUT LIFE RIGHT NOW?
WHERE’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE My parents are divorcing. My high
TO HANG OUT IN CHARLOTTE? school girlfriend, she died after high
My favorite place is…anywhere! (laughs) school graduation. And I haven’t had a
I guess I like to hang out at the mall, I like job in five years.
to hang out at the club, and I like to hang WHAT PERSON HAS MEANT THE
out at my best friend’s house, and movie MOST TO YOU IN YOUR LIFE?
theaters and restaurants. My dad, my cousins, my best friend, and
WHAT INSPIRES YOU? my girlfriend.
I’m supportive of the homeless by giving WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU HAVE
them job cards, which gives them a job RECENTLY ACCOMPLISHED.
opportunity; and next thing you know, Since I was 18, I always wished to have
they join us. I told them what I do, and a job. Then, my friends told me, “Go to
they believe me. Speak Up. Go to Speak Up.” So I went
WHAT IS THE BEST MEMORY THAT to Speak Up and talked to Matt about
YOU HAVE FROM GROWING UP? having a job. Now I have a job.
The best memory that I have from WHAT GIVES YOU COMFORT?
growing up is spending time growing I have the support of me and the support
up with my family. And then next thing of my friends.
you know, I spend time with my friends. WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN
Shopping with my family. I spend time FIVE YEARS?
with anybody that I like, with anybody That I will move to Richmond. Maybe in
that I trust. a small house. Probably depends…

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[UPWARDLY MOBILE]
SPEAK UP HELPS YOU GET A JOB

By Sheila Apperson in Charlotte, NC

and that you loved to walk through the
grapevines in your yard.”
He told me his name and said he had a
business growing hydroponic greens and
herbs. He said, “I would like to offer you a
job in my company for ten dollars an hour
for four hours a day.” I was surprised, so I
asked him if he was serious. He was. He
wanted me to begin the following Mon-
It is so great that selling Speak Up Magazine day. He also said that maybe I could write
can enable a person to become noticed by a for his company blog. He gave me his card
potential employer. It happens. It happened and told me to call him.
to me. I called him and went to work on Mon-
I was selling my Speak Up Zines day. It is a physical job that entails climb-
around the Common Market when I ap- ing up on ladders to water the plants with
proached a man to see if he would like to a purified water system. There is a variety
buy one. He said “No” at first; but after he of different micro-greens and herbs. I mop
came out from eating lunch, he came up up excess water on the concrete floors to
to me and said that he would like to take keep them as dry as possible. I am also in
one after all. He gave me a dollar for it and training to learn how to harvest the plants.
went to his car. There is quite a bit to learn. It’s cold in the
A few minutes went by, and he came winter and hot in the summer.
up to me again and said, “I read your arti- I hope this job is good for me and that I
cle in the Zine, and I really liked it. I liked can become a valuable employee. I prayed
the part of your interview that said your for a job where I could feel empowerment,
fondest childhood memory was living self esteem and gratitude. I’m glad to be a
next door to a farm with lots of animals part of Speak Up.

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[REGRET]
I HAVE WORKED FOR 45 YEARS

By Edward Smalls in Charlotte, NC

I was a meat cutter for 35 years and then I, 2015, and I am still looking for a job and
Edward Smalls, became homeless because an apartment or some kind of housing. I
I got involved with the wrong people and can’t get housing because of my criminal
went the wrong way. I went and robbed a history, but I thank God every day that I
bank, and then I went to prison. am here and will keep on looking.
I was in prison for two years. My crime I had some good times in my life. I was
was non-violent, so I got a job meat cut- married at one time. We had three girls
ting. A man gave me a job and when I got and one boy. My son was killed in 2012;
out of prison, he kept me on for one year. someone shot him. I had a successful life
When I stopped working for him, I tried at one time. I had a good job and a good
to get a job at Piggly Wiggly, Food Lion, home. The only thing I am sorry about is
Whole Foods, Fresh Market, and Harris that I robbed that bank.
Teeter, but they would not give me a job Now that all of that is all over, I just
because of my criminal history. That is want to help take care of my grandkids,
how I became homeless. get a good job, and an apartment. I am 63
I came to Charlotte in 2012. It is now years old and have worked for 45 years.

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[NIGHT]
WAITING FOR NIGHT TO COME

By Randy Parcher in Traverse City, MI

The old man quietly sits upon the bench noisily birds and speculates of the night to
hardly moving except to reach into a bag of come.
bread to throw to the birds noisily gathered His hair that was black as coal now
at his feet. Each movement sends the pain white as snow nevertheless wild and
of oldness though his body and his hands defiant of times passage waving in the
carry the signs of age weathered by the gentle breeze. His face a map of his life,
things they have done. They have held life’s lined with loss and woe, Joy and faith.
first and last breath, love’s hope and night’s His eyes hidden by the shadows created
loss. Now they wait for night to come. by the hat perched on his head as he sits
He is dressed in his best clothes that silently waiting the only sound the hushed
in his youth fit him like a glove but now clattering of the birds as mourners at a
are lose and baggy upon his ancient funeral waiting for the eulogy to be read
weathered frame. Once the finest that he one last farewell. Yet he ponders what
owned now antiquated, in disrepair, faded comes next. Will there be no more pain
and worn as he is… Lost in dreams of the after the night at last comes?
past. Still he moves slowly as he feeds the

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[FAMILY]
I REMEMBER

By Franklin Wright in Charlotte, NC

I can remember when my daughter was I could do was love her and not be mad
born on February 12, 1998. She was the anymore.
most beautiful girl in the world, and I thank I can remember the first time I married
God for her with all my heart. I asked God her mother, who I now love very much
for a little girl, and He gave me what I asked as my friend and sister in Christ. I can
for—my little girl who became a little lady. I remember the day I went to prison and
love and miss her every day of my life. left my daughter here without her dad.
I can remember the first time I changed Lord God, I’m so sorry I left my little girl
her dirty diaper. It stunk very badly. I outside in this wicked world, all alone by
remember when I first took her to church, herself with no earthly dad; but I’m so
and she just sat there and looked at me. glad you were her Heavenly Father. Lord
Praise God. I can remember the first time God, I thank you in Jesus’ name, I can
I told her I loved her and gave her a hug remember all of this I did, and I want to
and kiss. I can remember the first time I make up for the time I wasted away from
got really mad at her, but the only thing my little lady, Christina.

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[BOARD GAME]

Compiled and designed by
Sabrina BPGAME OF LIFE

1.Finda coin and 2. playing Decide who pieces 3. goesﬁ Flip rst. the coin:
ifheads, GO FWD if one tails, 4. GO space. Read FWD and two folow spaces. the key.

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All events in this game were drawn from real
stories and submissions published in Speak Up
Zine #1. The events shaping people’s lives are
tragic and mundane, positive and complicated.

If you missed the inaugural issue of the Zine,
ask your local vendor for it or buy online at
speakupmag.org/zine.

POSITIVE: Go forward NEGATIVE. onespace. Go back one
COMPLICATED: space. Flip again.TRAGEDY. Start game over.

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[MEMORY]
SNAPSHOTS IN TIME

By Ruth Hsieh in Charlotte, NC

CIRCLE GATHERING WITH FARMERS WHEN I RECEIVED CHRISTMAS
MARKET FRIENDS PRESENTS FROM CHURCH
In the summer of 2014, I went to the It felt good when I received Christmas
Farmers Market fundraiser for the organic presents from my church. This past
farmers at Windy Hill Farm. The event Christmas, my friends from church gave
was sold out. Dilworth Billiards Bar and me a lot of surprise Christmas presents.
Grill Restaurant gets their salads and They gave me a sweater and scarf, bath
grass-fed beef steaks from Windy Hill scrub, money, and other things. This is
Farm. There was a raffle ticket drawing. an important memory for me because it
All my co-workers were there. makes me feel special.

GOOD TIMES AT LUNCH WITH MY GOOD TIMES HAVING COFFEE
FRIEND, SARAH BOWMAN, GOSPEL WITH SALLY WRIGHT
SINGER I had coffee time with my friend, Sally
I had lunch with my friend, Sarah Wright. I am very excited because she
Bowen. We went to the Asian-style buffet told me she is getting married. We met
called Ichiban on Albemarle Road. She at a breakfast restaurant named Toast in
told me a lot of her personal life stories. the Dilworth area. She got a new job as a
She is a Christian Gospel singer. She and youth ministry pastor.
her other musicians composed a new CD
recently. She gave it to me as a present.

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EATING GARBAGE

By Earleen Mingo in Charlotte, NC

On one of my working days, I was selling I sold a magazine, and when I looked
my Speak Up magazines. What I saw on up, he was gone. I said to myself, I wish
that day was amazing. I saw a homeless guy I could catch him. I could have maybe
eating out of the garbage can! I had to stop given him a job with Speak Up, but he
and really look. I said to myself, am I really had left. One day, I hope I see him again.
seeing this? I’ve heard about people eating I will not forget him because of what he
out of the trash, but to actually see it was so was wearing. He had on a lot of clothes.
sad. When he was looking in the trash can, It was not cold—it was pretty warm—and
I thought to myself that this guy is really he had on two coats, two pairs pants, a
hungry. Before I could say anything to him, hat, and boots. They were really dirty, so
he found some food and was sitting down I know he was homeless—looked like he
eating. When he found it, he was smiling had not taken a bath in a while; but that’s
like he was so happy to have found the food. okay. God will be with him, and I pray for
It was some salad/half sandwich, and he sat him that he will be blessed.
down and was eating like he had not eaten
in awhile.

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[FIRSTHAND]
THE DAY THAT I DIED

By Vanessa Keith in Charlotte, NC

My daughter’s birthday was January 14, my family. I opened my eyes just one time,
1998. I was 8½ months pregnant. I started I could see my family come one by one
the day thinking I was going to cash my into the room. There was so much crying!
check. Lo and behold, my baby was coming. “Momma, wake up!” I just was not ready.
I went to the doctor’s office, and he had As they left my room, I wanted to go with
me to sit there. They called my name and them.
checked my vitals. My God! they said. My That night, my bleeding got worse. The
blood pressure was way too high. Go to the doctors had to do more surgery. I had no
hospital across the street! blood in my body. They got me fresh blood
The doctors did not call 911 for help, from different counties, just for me, my
but somehow, I made it across the street. special blood type. It was a success. I just
I admitted myself to the emergency room. had to rest now. My baby rested with me
My doctor was there. They took me to sur- at the hospital’s baby unit. He’d had some
gery for an emergency C-section because problems at birth. He did not breathe for
my placenta was in the wrong place. Not a few minutes, so they brought him to life.
good. They had to separate it from the With every breath, he came back to this
baby to make a safe delivery. But there was life as a survivor also. A miracle of life.
a bigger problem. I was losing too much Momma was just fine also.
blood. I passed out. I’ll just say, darkness I lived and died at the same time. And,
and then boom! I fell into a coma for four like Jesus Christ, I lived again in just four
days. They searched for my family. They days! I am a miracle of that. God gave me
did not know if I was going to survive! again my life just in the nick of time!
My daughter was left alone and just What a miracle God gave me. I left with
wanted for me to come home with the all my memory and talking and walking
birthday supplies. My daughter was cry- with the normal after effects of childbirth.
ing, “What about me?!” The news got to God is so good! God gave me my life back
[my family] about what happened. I just to start with my new son!
knew I had to go home and take care of

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[VISION]
MY TWO LIVES

By Jennifer Milton. in Charlotte, NC

I have been granted two lives in one lifetime. All this taken into account, I am
One lonely, one loved. One lost, one led. happier, more grateful, and more at peace
One selfish, one selfless. than I have ever been in my life! It seems
One would think that having the crazy, right? This is what I mean when I
diseases of alcoholism and addiction is say that my curse was actually a blessing
a curse, but I have come to find that it in disguise. If it had not been for it, I
has been my blessing. Thanks to the AA would have never found the AA program.
program, I am being taught how to utilize One of our sayings is, “There is a solution.”
this blessing for the good of others. Many people think that AA is just a
Ever since I was young, I always had the place where people drink coffee and tell
feeling that something was different about stories about the drink, but this is not
me. I just never seemed to fit in. I grew up true. I have found that AA is a design
in a good home; my single mother did the for living. I have learned that I have a
best she could to provide for me and my perception problem, and that my being so
older sister. Our home in public housing self-centered was the root of my problem.
was a safe, drug-free, and Christian, The thing I felt I was missing was my
despite what was going on around it. higher power! I had church, but I was still
Insecurities and anger inside me began trying to lead my own life.
to manifest around the age of 17. I began Now I really do feel like I have been
drinking and smoking marijuana because allowed to live another life. With the help
it was what everyone else was doing. The of my sponsor and the program, I feel
difference was that when others could like the possibilities are endless. I have
stop, I found that I wanted to keep going. hope today. I currently have been three
This began a pattern in my life. months sober, and I am working toward
I called myself a functional alcoholic. self-sufficiency.
I could maintain a job and started living
on my own at the age of 18. I believe that
I always knew that I had a problem but
didn’t understand what it was. I sought
help from doctors, institutions, and
even the church, but nothing stuck, so I
accepted my short stick in life and tried to
move on as best I could.
My son and I went through ups and
downs, from living in treatment centers
to my own three-story condo at one point,
with periods of sobriety. But my personal
demon always reared his ugly head after
a while. There were some good times, but
I always had that feeling that something
was missing.
Fast forward to the present: I am living
with my sister—I’m unemployed, recently
released from jail, with no personal
transportation or money, and recoiling
from the shame of losing my home and
job due to my alcoholism.

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[TRAGEDY]
I’M NOT BITTER, I’M BETTER

By Ava Roseboro in Charlotte, NC

I was born in Atlantic City, NJ, in 1965. I I started out sniffing. Shortly after, I began
spent most of my summers on the beaches to smoke it in my marijuana. After awhile,
and the boardwalk watching all the tourists I felt like I just couldn’t get high enough.
gather, from all around the world, to I was then introduced to crack cocaine,
spend their vacation at the world’s biggest and my life quickly became out of control.
playground. I was molested from the age of My only concern was where and when I
eight until I was 12 years old. It was then that could get my next hit. I had to think of
I began to make the streets my home. ways to get money, and get money fast. I
As early as 11 years of age, I remember tried to convince myself that I was making
my mother having parties and gambling a fair exchange because I was not actually
sessions in our home. I was exposed to a standing on a corner, so I didn’t consider
lot at a young age. We were poor and grew it prostitution, but it was. I was using my
up on a rough side of town known as “Back body to pay for my habit.
Maryland.” My addiction started the first In the summer of 1984, I went to
time I had a taste of alcohol at 11 years old. Philadelphia, with some people I met on
The first time I smoked marijuana, I was the boardwalk in Atlantic City, to a house
12 years old. I started smoking cigarettes party. The drugs and alcohol were flowing
when I was 13 years old. freely. I over-indulged and experienced
In 1982, I had my first taste of cocaine. my first blackout. I knew it was the grace

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of God that led me back to NJ safely.
However, I still did not stop using drugs.
The day I overdosed was so clear to me.
It was a cold and rainy night in October
1985. I had no money, no job, and no
place to call home. So I did what I knew
best—hustled until I could raise the funds
needed to get high. It was a horrible cycle
of drugs and despair. I found myself in a
part of Atlantic City known as the Inlet.
I hooked up with a couple of guys and
experienced my first love for pills.
I thought for sure that barbiturates
and Valium could erase all the pain from
my past—the constant voices in my head,
the abandonment issues, the abuse, the
loneliness I often felt, and worst of all, the
emptiness. I didn’t know then, but I know
now, that I had a void that only God could
fill. After a night of drinking, drugging, girls about the dangers of a life of crime
not eating or sleeping, it finally took a and prison.
toll on my body. I had overdosed. When It wasn’t until the Amer-I-Can program
I came to myself, I was laying in Atlantic founder and CEO, Jim Brown (former
City Medical Center with tubes in all my NFL Hall of Fame and actor), came to the
veins and feeling the echo of death. I had prison that I began to see the hand of God
no hope and no real sense of who I was or upon my life. I got saved on November 1,
what my purpose was in life. 1993. It was the best decision God allowed
After my stay in the medical center, I me to make. Four years after I gave my life
was taken to Acorn Psychiatric Hospital. to Christ, still in prison, I was raped and
To this day, I still don’t know how I got forced to have an abortion behind bars.
there or how long I stayed. When I was Since then, I have learned the power of
released, I went back home to the same life forgiveness. Just as Christ my Savior has
of depression, hopelessness and despair, forgiven me, I had to forgive others. Not
so the cycle continued. an easy task, but possible when the love of
On May 7, 1989, I was sentenced to God is rooted deep in my heart. To sum it
30 years to life for murder. I took the up, I have been molested, addicted, battled
plea and ended up with the lesser charge substance abuse, overdosed, placed in
of involuntary manslaughter. I was a psychiatric hospital, abused by ex-
sent to Edna Mahan, the only women’s boyfriends, abandoned by loved ones, lost
prison in NJ. Prison life was worse than my children to the state, been homeless
the streets, but since I had to be there, I and in prison. I can truly say that I’m not
made the most of it by applying myself bitter. I’m better. To God be all the glory.
to the many free programs they had to He has allowed me to be an over-comer.
offer: NA, AA, behavior modification, My past is not my potential.
anger management classes, one-on-one My future is so bright, I gotta wear
counseling, GED. I even signed up for the shades. Praise be to God who always
Scared Straight program to warn young causes me to triumph.

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[NATURE]
THE GOUGE

By Laurie Koelsch in Traverse City, MI

It was a beautiful summer day as I woke up bark and wrapped it to my lower trunk of
to the sound of water flowing in the creek the tree this made me feel so much better
the birds were singing to me on one of many I knew I would be on a quick mend. Then
arms. Then all of a sudden there was the this downy woodpecker decided to start
banging of the water pump being primed pecking on my upper body of the tree,
by a little girl trying to collect water for the thinking it was going to find something to
dishes to be done. Then all of a sudden there eat of all things after my tragic experience
came this truck pulling in the driveway in this morning.
front of me a lot of talking and funny noises It was two weeks later the man of the
like something banging on something hard house came and took the bandage off my
like nails into wood. I heard the starting trunk and to his surprise my bark had
of an engine people saying their goodbye’s amazingly grafted back onto me I was
doors shutting and then there was a ripping good as new—it was a miracle. The sun
feeling I had felt. was shining, the birds were singing, water
Nobody noticed it except for this from the red hand pump running—this is
elderly lady walking down the long what a summer day on McCullum Lake
driveway. She saw what had happened to is all about. The best memories of the
me and started crying and feeling really summer ever are seeing the kids catching
sad that I had this big gouge in the base of crayfish in the creek to use for fishing bait.
my trunk. She picked up my piece of torn

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[DAYS]
BEAT THE PAVEMENT

By Jennifer Milton in Charlotte, NC

The library opens at 10.
Um ba bump, bump
Beat the pavement.

Scents of hot dogs, Chinese food, and Philly cheesesteaks
Wet and crusty at the same time.
Ba bump, bump
Beat the pavement.

Hail to the victorious goddess Nike.
She blesses me.
Who knew rubber soles could be my salvation?
Um ba bump, bump
Beat the pavement.

Three french fry boxes high.
Um ba bump, bump
Beat the pavement.

Winter storm warning,
Who stole my pink gloves?
Curse this cold hard ground.
Ba bump, bump
Beat the pavement.

A moan in the night
Interrupting dreams of grandeur.
Nessa stop your wailing.
Joy cometh in the morning,
Um ba bump, bump
Beat the pavement.

Three deep breaths and oblivion.
Ba bump, bump
Beat the pavement.

The library opens at 10.
Um ba bump, bump
Beat the pavement.

Scents of hot dogs, Chinese food and Philly cheesesteaks
Wet and crusty at the same time.
Ba bump, bump
Beat the pavement.

Page 22

[BOOK REVIEW]
THE STREET LAWYER

By Leah Burnett in Charlotte, NC

In his novel, The Street Lawyer, John Hardy gains foremost publicity, thus up-
Grisham’s typical comprehensive research ping the stakes of all the players involved
gleams through as he exposes the social in the legal dispute over wrongful evic-
injustice of homelessness. Written in the tions.
first person, Grisham brilliantly portrays the Life on the streets is highlighted by
viewpoint of a rising lawyer, Michael Brock, Grisham: “The homeless are close to the
who is close to becoming partner in one of streets, to the pavement, the curbs and
the largest D.C. firms. Brock has a swanky gutters, the concrete, the litter, the sewer
lifestyle and good looks. He seems to have lids and fire hydrants and wastebaskets
everything going for him. However, one and bus stops and storefronts.” Although
event catapults his life into chaos. Grisham tends to cast the advantaged af-
A homeless man, DeVon Hardy, holds fluent in a generalized, negative light, I
Brock and eight of his colleagues hostage. personally contend that status and wealth
Tragically, Hardy is killed during the or- are not the culprits. Ignorance and greed
deal. Brock then undergoes an existential are the true offenders.
conflict. Incapable of returning to life as There is hope. Something good can
he knows it, he exits his extravagant life come from great injustice. Perhaps The
and pursues answers to the issues raised Street Lawyer projects hope a bit too un-
by Hardy. The deeper he digs, the more realistically though. If only the privileged
he learns about the world of which he has would experience a transformation from
been ignorant – homelessness. egocentrism to sacrificial living as Brock
Brock becomes a street lawyer repre- does. If only one person’s alteration could
senting those whom society has labeled change society on a grand scale. Perhaps
“too far gone.” Unsupported by his wife, it can…
family and colleagues, he embarks on
a dangerous path to give people of the Leah Burnett volunteers faithfully at Speak
streets a voice. The high profile death of Up and is beloved by all.

Page 23

[GIVING] [OPPORTUNITY]
Many thanks to Speak Up’s sponsors & donors.

TRANSFORMED THE COMMUNITY
CHANGED PERCEPTIONS
GAVE A VOICE
PROMOTED OPPORTUNITY

mullenpublications.com lakeshorecf.com

STARTED A CONVERSATION
SUSTAINED MOMENTUM

Banks Baker, Lauren Beatty, Val Cripps, Barbara Ann Deaton, Marc and Amy Dickmann,
Kilsy & Cesar Silva, James & Sharon Edwards, Phil Felten, Troy Felten, Jason & Kristel Finns,
Gene & Catherine Gaesser, Jason & Jill Gilmore, Nikki Godfrey-Hill, Harry Griffin, Ron
Hinckley, Steven Hodgen, Chuck & Carol Jarrett, Paul & Chrissy Jaselskis, Steve & Peggi
Knowe, Lakeshore Christian Fellowship, Ted & Karen Field, Bryan K Lewis, Joshua & Jessica
Lewis, Herschel & Tami Libecap, Owen & Lauren Lienhard, Christopher Loveless, Charles
& Denise McKay, Seth & Haley McCord, Dave & Mary Meyer, Ann & Dave Nelson, Bryan
Norton, Mark & Cynthia Penzien, Jim & Julie Pigg, Shannon Presler, Cal & Lea Queener,
Norman & Catherine Schmitt, Bill & Deborah Shaw, Bruce & Kathy Simpson, Angela Snyder,
The Envoys, Tod & Sherry Strohl, Larry & Sharon Thomas, Rise Ward, Warehouse 242, David
& Julia Weissmann, Well Experience Counseling

Page 24

Become a Sponsor
Please consider a sponsorship gift today to empower those in need and publicly show your
support for jobs and opportunity in the community. All gifts are tax-deductible.

TRANSFORM THE COMMUNITY / $2,500+

“Sponsored by [Your Name]” printed on the front cover
Full page “Featured Sponsor Q & A” published in next zine
plus everything below
CHANGE PERCEPTIONS / $750 & Up

“Meet the Sponsor” blog post profi ling your organization
plus everything below

GIVE A VOICE / $500 & Up

One line of contact info included with your logo in the zine
Thanked in a video, shared on website and on social media
plus everything below
PROMOTE OPPORTUNITY / $250 & Up

Logo included on sponsor’s page in the zine
Thanked on social media (4,500 fans)
plus everything below
START A CONVERSATION / $100 & Up

Listed in next zine on the sponsor’s page
Identified as a sponsor on Speak Up website

“Speak Up gave me a chance to
create my own future.”

—said by a once-homeless former magazine vendor
who now owns his own moving company