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Volume 1 • Issue 1 Stay informed. Help the needy. GET INVOLVED. $3.00

Dumpster
Diving for

(and dinner)Awareness

Interview
Indie Rocker Denison Witmer

urban pioneers
The Store Where Everything’s Free

GRASSROOTS
SCAN CODE FOR
More Content Project Isaiah 58: “Homeless? Live with us!”

Speak Up • Issue 1 • 1

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This magazine creates
jobs and gives hope.

Street newspapers and magazines are independent publications Many street papers and magazines are members of the
that are sold primarily by homeless and low-income people. International Network of Street Newspapers (INSP), which
By selling Speak Up, homeless individuals can earn a livable connects and supports over 100 street newspapers and
income through hard work. As a result, these vendors are able magazines in 40 countries. Since 1994, INSP street papers have
to become financially responsible, gain a sense of pride and live provided opportunity and hope for over 250,000 homeless and
with dignity and hope. disadvantaged people around the world.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CONTRIBUTORS
Matt Shaw April Denée, Carlos Espin, Emily Simpson,
Harriet Meetz, Kaitlyn Tokay, Phyllis Neriah,
MANAGING EDITOR Steve Parker
Lana Shaw
PHOTOGRAPHERS
DESIGNERS Alyce Hardee, Carlisle Kellam, Dustin
Amy Q. Eggleston Manning, Deb Shaw, Debby Flores, Emily
Matt Shaw
Simpson, Jenna Trapasso, Jeremy Deal,
Ryu Voelkel COPY EDITOR
Samantha Reed
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DIRECTOR OF VENDOR SERVICES Phil Felten, Chairman
Rob Burbank Lynnea Imhoff
Andrea Evans Beane
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Troy Felten
Brooke Gibbons Elizabeth Marx

Speak Up Magazine is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity. 516 E 15th Street, Suite 11G, Charlotte, NC 28206

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Contents

4 Letter from the Editor
Matt Shaw

5 Homeless Heroes: DAG
Emily Simpson

8 Grassroots Charlotte: Project Isaiah 58 Matt Shaw 12

11 Local Spotlight: Area 15
Carlos Espin

12 Trash to Treasure: Dumpster Dining
Kaitlyn Tokay

14 Music: Denison Witmer
Lana Shaw

17 Sports: Homeless World Cup
Street News Service 1418 Film: BUSK! Documentary
April Denée

23 Key Issues: The Invisible Handicap
Harriet Meetz

24 Urban Pioneers: Free Store
Phyllis Neriah

26 International: Far from Home
Steve Parker

30 Happenings: Events and Resources
Brooke Gibbons 22

ON THE WEBSITE: For extended reading, contributor bios, lesson plans and additional resources, go to speakupmag.org/issue1

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Letter

Letter from the Director

Thank you for picking up this magazine. If to seek an audience with President Obama.
you paid for it, you’ve helped someone take a Charlotte was just one stop along the way.
small and genuine step out of poverty. Next “I’m a Baptist monk,” he said. “I felt I was
time you buy Speak Up on the street, don’t rush supposed to become a monk—and it was
the sale. Take a moment with your vendor, find confirmed when my girlfriend dumped me.”
out more about them. Don’t be hesitant to ask When he said that, I laughed. I’d never
about their life. met a freshly-dumped Baptist monk. But like
You’ll meet some wonderful people. everyone else, his story is multi-dimensional.
“I don’t know how to talk with homeless His dad passed away six years ago and his
people,” someone told a friend of mine. My mom kicked him out of the house when high
friend replied: “Do you know how to talk with school ended. His tale is a combination of both
people? Homeless people are just people.” laughter and heartache.
Everyone on the street has a different story. I’m not ashamed to laugh with homeless
I’ve never met anyone whose life fits a single folks. Paul Fisher, who manages the Free Store
political or social narrative. Some folks got a (p.22), blogs a couple times a week about the
rough start in life, others have squandered their daily Bible study discussions with his homeless
opportunities; some are victims of the economy, friends. I love to read his posts, because he
others are victims of their addictions. For many, conveys the humor of each conversation.
social services are a lifeline; for others, they’re a Humor is a tool. It’s one of many tools that
stumbling block. we tend to get awkward about when dealing
When you make time to listen to those with big issues like homelessness, poverty,
stories, your empathy grows. race, etc. Admitting that we can’t relate, asking
Last week I met an earnest 18-year-old man questions, addressing contradictions—those
who has chosen to be homeless. I first noticed are tools as well. For true change, we can’t afford
him because he was dressed as a medieval to leave them unused.
monk and carried a nine-foot wooden cross A huge thank you to everyone who helped
with a wheel on the bottom. “Father John,” he with this issue! Over 25 people contributed to
said when I asked his name. He looked young the writing, photography, editing and design
for his age—though the circle shaved atop his of this magazine. Our goal for next time is to
blond head (that’s called a tonsure, a symbol increase that number. Maybe you’ll be part of it?
of worldly renunciation) and wire-rimmed Send us an email with your thoughts, connect
glasses perched on the tip of his nose made him with us on Facebook, or drop by the office.
seem older. Please consider getting involved with Speak
In July, with his cross and a backpack, he Up or one of the great organizations (p.30)
started walking. He left his hometown in that help the needy in Charlotte. You’ll gain so
Mississippi and is bound for Washington, D.C. much as a result.

Matt Shaw

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Homeless Heroes

The Pen Strokes of David Alan Goldberg

Story and Photographs by Emily Simpson

e rarely meets a stranger. disappointment. I’m not so sure a when DAG was a child, from which
Over a cup of joe, I’m typical southern monogram fits the he gained an appreciation for art.
invited into his world quirky yet charming disposition of DAG channeled his interest in art into
and minutes later feel I’ve David Alan Goldberg, Texan by birth, studying Print Making and English
reconnected with a long lost pal. Our homeless Charlottean by circumstance. Literature at the University of AlabamaHutterly opposite backgrounds are united DAG’s sketchbooks unfold portions of in Huntsville.
by a common passion: art. It brings us his voyage not nearly complete. Many roads led him from college
both to life. As a two-year old he picked up dorm-life to life on the streets. A journey
The sketches he carries of people crayons and drew on his parents’ walls. he invites me to don his shoes and “walk
he’s encountered communicate their “My mom was like, ‘Irv look at what a mile” in. I’m not sure I could. It’s hard
stories better than they can themselves. your son’s doing,’ and I was like, ‘Brown to imagine how he does it, bearing the
His artist signature “DAG” could crayon, green crayon: tree!’” His dad elements of all seasons, showering every
be mistaken for a slang uttered in bought him copies of The New Yorker few days if he is lucky and often without

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Homeless Heroes

enough to eat. With his dry sense of subtle details like flecks in eyes and their dreams are not forgotten. Instead
humor he points out, “It doesn’t feel stubble on a chin. But DAG’s art goes they are put on hold when the primary
good. People look at me like I’m just deeper, diving into a person’s courage, focus is to find shelter at night.
another roadside attraction.” Point fears and hopes. His hatched pen strokes Every time DAG witnesses a local
blank he asks, “Do you realize how are nothing short of heartbeats. young person sitting with Chilly Willy
good it feels to take a shower after being By the time we get to the sketches of he gets tears in his eyes because they are
shoved around like a hockey puck?” Chilly Willy, a legendary figure among “fellowshipping with him.” DAG’s heart
It’s a difficult life he lives. Yet art is his Charlotte’s homeless community, I of compassion speaks of his homeless
outlet. “I am an artist. It is who I am. It is realize DAG’s art connects humanity. It neighbor Chilly Willy as a human being.
what I do.” He says his art is a way to not not only identifies his own community, “He is a person and he is not garbage to
feel “so sapped.” be thrown away to the side and tethered
When speaking of American artist R. His hatched pen against the wind.” Crumb, DAG’s favorite, he compliments Though DAG has been homeless for strokes are nothing the line work as “gorgeous.” What DAG 16 years, he is quick to speak with hope
may not realize is his own artwork is of short of heartbeats. and conviction of advocacy. “I have this
the same caliber. He believes R. Crumb thing for social realism, social justice
“renders in a way that allows you to feel but also the human family. DAG refers and direct action. I want to use my art to
the people.” to the homeless as “these people,” almost educate people that things do not have
Yet from my view, if every piece of removing himself to better advocate to be this way.”
art captured the spirit of a person like his fellow man. “They’re my brothers DAG keeps moving onward and
DAG’s work, you’d see straight to their and sisters,” he says. “They need to be upward. He believes life is full of second
heart. His eyes see folks differently; respected, they need to be taken care of, chances; that there is hope even when
they don’t overlook the forgotten or but not by throwing your shekels at them. the road is extra bumpy. He is happy
displaced. With his innate ability to use Spend time with them.” If you do, you’ll to share the tales from this road of life
color, emotion blooms from his primary find that within every community there with any who will listen. If you fill his
subject matter: people. DAG brings are artists and creators whose talents are belly he might just swap you a story and
the soul to life on paper, capturing even overlooked. For the homeless like DAG, piece of irreplaceable art. Oh, and don’t

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Homeless Heroes

think he is not cultured and wise of local
cuisine. “Ramen is for people with no
creativity; there is much better food out
there. When I am hungry I want to go to
Revolution Pizza.”
I am honored to flip through the
worn pages tucked in my friend’s black
tote. Maybe he is a vagabond, but his art
speaks of perseverance—within himself
and others.
If only every hour was as inspiring
as the one with DAG: an undiscovered
talent with a fortitude and spunk that
has kept him from living an unfulfilled of names of those fortunate enough to When this magazine went to press, DAG
life. David Alan Goldberg is an “ambush have made the cut for a “DAG” original reported having gotten an apartment of
reporter” with his art. The first page of artistic profile. Maybe one day I’ll be his own. “I’m sitting in my apartment
his 2011 sketchbook includes a long list so lucky. listening to NPR,” he said proudly.

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Grasroots CHARLOTTE

Giving It All for the Down-and-Out
The Big-Hearted Ministry of Project Isaiah 58

Chris Davis, Ben Goshorn and Andy Davis

By Matt Shaw
Photography by Dustin Manning

ake came to Charlotte in early April permit him to have friends or attend history or identification. He performed
from Alabama. He has brown hair, school. Since no one taught Jake to read, a magic act, mostly ironic card tricks,
playful eyes, a dimpled chin and he taught himself. One of his favorite which is how he earned what little
an impish grin. Jake never knew books was “Catcher in the Rye.” When money he had. Charlotte was not his J
his mom; his dad refused to tell him he was 16, Jake watched his girlfriend destination, he was just passing through,
anything about her or even let him see shoot and kill herself. headed to the coast…or somewhere.
her picture. His childhood was marked Shortly after Jake turned 18, his dad His plan was to be in the Queen City
with fear and restriction. His father attacked him; that’s when he fled and for a day or two. Jake was alone; at one
ruled with a heavy hand and didn’t started wandering. He had no work point he’d traveled with another guy but

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Grasroots CHARLOTTE

something bad happened he would not Andy responds, “We have built guys and three homeless men. The
talk about. this ministry on that foundation. The crowded quarters made for sometimes-
Then he met brothers Chris and Andy foundation of just sitting with these challenging dynamics. For months,
Davis and the guys from Project Isaiah guys—spend time with them, show two of the PI58 guys slept on couches
58. That’s what probably saved him. them love, that we care. But show in the living room. The older homeless
Project Isaiah 58 (PI58) began in them more importantly that God has men often went to bed earlier than their
November 2009 when 17-year-old a purpose for them, God has a plan for younger, more energetic housemates.
Gastonia resident and high school them and this time in their life is just “They were young guys, sometimes
student Andy Davis took a few friends a chapter that they’re going through to they’d be up until one o’clock in the
into Charlotte to pass out socks and better themselves.” morning,” a once-homeless former
snacks to homeless people. He was soon The camaraderie that has been roommate recounts.
joined by his older brother Chris Davis built between the PI58 guys and their A handwritten sign in the lone
on what became a weekly outing; Friday homeless friends is evident. When bathroom reads, “Please don’t slam the
late-night trips to give away practical the group approached a popular late- toilet seat or you can buy a new one.
items, offer prayer, encourage and night homeless hangout, they were met ~Andy.” And though each has their
build friendships. with shouts. “Andy, hey Andy, come own food, labeled with names or initials,
Explaining their mission, Andy says, over here! Did you bring me some “People eat your food, but there’s
“Some homeless people go to the shelters beer? Where’s my beer?” yells a stocky, nothing you can do about it,” says Chris.
at nine. But the rebellious ones, the drug beaming middle-aged man. “I’ve only Ben Goshorn, 20, also from Gastonia,
addicts, the alcoholics, the prostitutes, had 28 beers today, I need some more,” lived in the house for 10 months. “It has
they hang out after that, because they he says, laughing loud at his joke. definitely helped me to grow up. I’ve
can’t get into the homeless shelters. At the same time, Chris Davis spotted matured a lot.”
That’s who God has called us to.” a friend sitting on an embankment, a Another roommate, who worked
Andy cites a Bible verse, “In Isaiah middle-aged man with a sad face. “I’m years in the construction trade before
58 it says ‘clothe the naked, feed the going to talk with this guy.” He took a ending up on the streets, has developed a
hungry, give shelter to the homeless.’ seat next to him and for the next hour close kinship with the guys. “He has kids
So every Friday night we take that to they were deep in conversation. Later, older than me, but he’s one of my best
the streets. We really focus on building Chris said, “We’re just trying to be there friends,” Andy affirms.
relationships with these people so for people. That’s what people tell us is Personal responsibility is a big
that true life-change will come about. different about what we do.” priority for the PI58 guys. They each
Because we believe it’s more than just In November 2010, the outreach work at least one job—selling mobile
the food, more than the sandwiches, became even more personal. Andy, electronics, hawking college textbooks,
more than the water we bring. It’s the Chris and a couple other guys rented a stocking grocery store shelves—and
spirit we bring.” house on North Davidson Street, and encourage their homeless roommates
The guys have a homeless friend, opened their doors to homeless friends to do the same. To help motivate them,
Nathan, who claims he was asked by in need. In the ten months since, the they charge rent: $25 a week. It’s enough
“Corporate America” how they could three-bedroom residence known as the to apply some pressure to look for work.
help the homeless in Charlotte. Nathan “Isaiah 58 house” has drawn a steady “But I’m not going to tell them what
answered, “You can teach a monkey to stream of roommates—both altruistic to do. I’m 19 years old,” acknowledges
pour a drink or push a button, but what young men, as well as those in need of Andy. “I don’t need a 50 year-old-son.”
I really want is someone to sit down with basic shelter. The weekly Friday night outreaches
me, take me out to dinner and build a At its busiest, March of this year, continued. With them come many
relationship with me.” Isaiah 58 housed seven: four PI58 stories. They’ve seen people fall face

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Grasroots CHARLOTTE

down drunk, watched drug deals “Going out on Friday nights with His name wasn’t Jake. His girlfriend
transacted, seen guns drawn and more. the PI58 crew was a huge wake-up call hadn’t killed herself. He had gone to
One time, they stopped an act of for me. Every single person living on school. His parents loved him—his
domestic violence—a lady being beaten the streets has a story,” tells friend and mom maintained a web page about his
on the street by her angry boyfriend. longtime volunteer Betsy. “They pushed disappearance, pleading for his return.
Despite all this, they’ve rarely felt me out of my comfort zone and it is Soon Jake called his parents to tell
endangered. Andy explains, “If anyone both rewarding and humbling to have them where he was. He’d been missing
on the streets started to give us a hard been a part of something so hands-on.” for over two months. “They were just
time, the others would tell them to Another core volunteer and friend, happy to know he was okay,” says Chris.
move along.” Preslie Bilderback, adds, “I got to In the aftermath of his return
During the last 20 months of faithful build relationships with the so-called home, as they wrestled with a sense of
weekly outreach, they established a name ‘lowest people’ in Charlotte. I grew so betrayal about “Jake’s” web of lies, they
for themselves among the homeless. much personally just by being with the realized the serendipity of having found
“These guys come out every week, rain or PI58 guys. Watching them go out and him. Ben Goshorn responded to the
shine,” a homeless friend shares. They’ve give what they don’t even have was an situation, “If we hadn’t been here for
passed out thousands of bottles of water inspiration to me. So much of their him, he could have gotten into some
and snacks and talked with, prayed for time goes to helping people most would
really bad situations. At least he was able and encouraged hundreds. overlook. The guys have huge hearts for
to stay somewhere safe for awhile.” Project Isaiah 58 is nearing its two- people in general, not just the homeless.
Andy posted about “Jake” on year mark. But it’s bittersweet, as the The way they love people makes you
Facebook, “We love him. He’s going to core members have decided to take love people.”
have to make decisions for himself, right some time off. The weariness of the And then there was Jake, the young
or wrong. It’s how people learn. No non-stop outreach lifestyle, college homeless man who’d never known his
hard feelings. We would take him back plans and financial considerations have mother. He lived at the Isaiah 58 house
tomorrow if he came back.” led most of them out of the area. Andy for a little over a month. Since he’d been
says, “We’re taking a break. Our time of sheltered from society his whole life, the Months later, “Jake,” now 18, reflected
doing weekly outreach in Charlotte is guys tried to teach him social skills. He by email on his time with the PI58 guys.
over, but our mission here isn’t.” seemed to be making progress. “I would be dead right now if God had
Their impact has been considerable— Then the truth came out. He wasn’t not lead me to them. They saved my life
among the homeless as well as volunteers. really 18, he was 17. A minor. He and showed me so many great things.
Over the years, they’ve taken at least 30 wasn’t homeless; he was a runaway. If they hadn’t taken me in, who knows
friends with them out to the streets. Most everything he’d said was a lie. what would have happened.”

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local spotlight

Connecting with the unique
community at NoDa’s Area 15Area 15By Carlos Espin

eople ask me all the time, what So what is Area 15? It is a small room draws over 1,000 monthly
is Area 15? The answer lies more business incubator known by its visitors; the adjacent free store gives
within an experience than a community action. It is a creative and away hundreds of items each week;
statement. A stroll through diverse group that welcomes visitors the graffiti wall ties it all together and
the 23,000 square foot building—home and new tenants. It is fertile soil for the brings inspiration.P
to many grassroots organizations, small organic growth of the individual and the Area 15, its tenants and their friends
businesses, nonprofits and artists— organization. At Area 15, our emphasis make for a special community. We’re
would yield the best understanding. is on community and justice. honored to be part of what makes
Because at the heart of Area 15 it’s Our space currently houses seven Charlotte a wonderful place. Please step
not about words that look good on nonprofits including Speak Up, Trips into our world for a visit. We hope you’ll
paper, but about a thriving organic for Kids, Charlotte’s 24-7 Prayer Room feel right at home!
community that has come alive through and The Free Store. Add to the mix the
interconnectedness, collaboration and highly-reviewed Not Just Coffee coffee Visit Area 15 on the corner of 15thcaring for one another. Come visit and shop, a new coworking collaborative,
Street and North Davidson Street. Followyou’ll see what I mean. a tattoo studio, a real estate office, a
Carlos on Twitter: @areafifteen. As one of the founders of Area 15, music school, artists and a half-dozen
social justice action is the heartbeat of photographers, and you begin to see
my mission; as a result, many of our some of the threads that are woven into
tenants feel the same. Did you know a the fabric of Area 15.
person making more than $45,000 per Area 15 is a place where anyone has a
year is among the richest one percent chance to realize their dreams. Dorothy,
of people in the world? In fact, those a single unemployed mom, avoided
who made over $2,500 last year are in foreclosure by starting a clothing
the top 15% of richest people according alterations shop. We were able to help
to the Global Rich List (globalrichlist. by totally waiving her first six months
com). Yes, at $2,500, they actually made of rent. Over 600 kids earned donated
more last year than 85% of people in bicycles by attending a class on how to
the world! That’s a financially poor fix them. Jason, who is homeless, started
world. Most Charlotteans, the average a tattoo shop and has employed several
readers of this magazine, are probably others. Cheronne, an 18-year-old in
in the top one percent. Do most of us the neighborhood, is renting an office
realize this? Our immediate worlds and has started an organization that is
most likely encompass those in the same helping our local community through
pay bracket. the arts.
By buying this magazine you support That is just a glimpse of what
someone outside your world; someone makes Area 15 unique. Here, activities
who makes less money than you. Are abound: band practice spaces provide a
you passionate about positively investing place to mix soundtracks late into the
in others? If so, you’d fit right in with night; a supportive addiction recovery
Photo by Carlisle KellamArea 15. community meets nightly; the prayer

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trash to treasure
Dumpster Dining By Kaitlyn Tokay
Photography by Jenna Trapasso

onight is going to be a good
haul. I can feel it in the air
as I walk behind a closed
grocery store and glance
inside the four metal walls that hold the T day’s discarded food. Peering in, I see a
variety of food, everything from steak
strips to precooked pasta—all thrown
away because of a date.
My adventure with dumpster diving
began over a year ago when I started
to explore waste practices in society. I
learned that poverty and hunger rates
are growing, yet America throws away
96 billion pounds of food each year. To
personally redeem a good portion of this
food, I promote and practice dumpster
diving, a form of food recycling.
Gathering and eating the majority of
my food from dumpsters has been a
personal project for 2011. I’ve eaten this
way for a year, and never gotten sick or
felt bad from any food, including meat.
Part of the big-picture problem with
this extreme food waste lies in ethical
responsibility policies—all grocery
stores are legally bound to throw away
food after the expiration date. Still,
corporate policies vary by company.
Some stores donate their baked goods
to homeless shelters, but convenience
leads most to throw everything away.
From fruit salad to beans and rice, I’ve
seen most of the food that goes into
the bin. Much of what is discarded is
completely edible. I believe that without
compromising health and safety, many
grocery stores could dramatically
alleviate hunger by donating a portion
of their expired food to area food banks.

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trash to treasure

There are a number of lessons I’ve reasons. It’s not a good idea to rummage battle poverty on different levels, but I
learned from this project. The stereotype behind grocery stores alone. am more conscientious about what food
that dumpster food is akin to compost Black bags are usually from waste cans I’m putting in my body. Most of the
was one of the first to go. When I talk while clear bags are used to hold expired food I’ve gathered is organic fresh fruitsabout what I do, most of the responses food. Wear clothes you won’t mind
and vegetables. I’ve started a healthierhave been typical. “I think it’s cool, throwing away; at some point you may
but I’d never do it.” As a result of this find the need to toss rather than wash diet, saved thousands of dollars in my
experiment, I’ve had a chance to speak them. Carry hand sanitizer and gloves in yearly budget and become an advocate
in classrooms and at college clubs about case of a mess. For the person who gags for diminishing food waste.
food waste and dumpster diving. at the smell of trash, this is certainly not
When I first started diving I went for you. Bring a good dose of common TEACH THIS: Parents and teachers,alone on my bike with an empty sense, and go without expectations.
use this article in the classroom or atbackpack. I left with my pack filled with Diving has changed my life for the
food. However, I now recommend that better. Not only am I concerned about home. For K-12 lesson plans, visit
everyone dives with a buddy for safety what my local supermarkets are doing to www.speakupmag.org/issue1.

A typical night’s haul of produce.

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music

Catching up with Denison Witmer

Interview by Lana Shaw

encountered Philadelphia singer/ it shows a more somber side, it’s not where I can give something without
songwriter Denison Witmer’s without moments of cheer. I caught expecting anything back. I want to take
music in college, during those up with Denison recently to discuss that leap, and I do in baby steps I think.
formative years of searching, hope life, the new album, Scandinavia and That’s tough though because I have a
and angst. His soothing voice and raw soup kitchens. family and another mouth to feed on I lyrics springing from albums like “Safe the way. Those are responsibilities I take
Away” and later, “Are You A Dreamer?” I met you this year at the Wild Goose seriously. But I don’t buy the mentality
resonated deeply at a time when I Festival, which focuses on arts and of secure your own mask before the
desperately wanted to be understood. social justice. Obviously the first masks of others. I want to believe in the
I wouldn’t have guessed years later I’d has a role in your life, what about generosity of people. I think the more
be eating a campfire dinner with him at the second? you help others the more you are secure
a festival in North Carolina. Pleasantly Yeah definitely. Unfortunately not by default. I’m trying to figure out a way
surprised by his approachability and as much as I wish. I definitely feel like to make that work, musically.
lack of pretense, I felt totally at ease, as if people are here to take care of each
tree-stump chats with Denison were the other. I use music as that medium. I It seems like you had a lot of fun
natural thing to do. Later, as he took the acknowledge what music means to me, making this album.
stage to share music with festival-goers, how it takes care of me. I feel a sense I did. In the past I would go into the
I noticed it felt more like a graceful of responsibility to give back. I want studio with a set budget and say, “This is
extension of those conversations than a to find a way I can do it more with my the time I have, these are the instruments
distanced performance. music. I’m still looking for that equation and this is what I want to create.” With
Denison’s new album “The Ones for turning music into finance that can this album we just went in with creative
Who Wait,” released in April of this year, be given away. I’m actually thinking freedom. We over‑recorded in a lot of
is possibly his most vulnerable. Loosely about pushing that further with my ways. I put one too many instruments
based on his process of witnessing his next album. I’d like to get out of clubs on every song and then backed away
father’s death in February 2010, the for a while, tour in soup kitchens, and from it and said, “What’s working
album embraces the darker elements of just show up in towns and schedule a here and what can we strip it down
loss, disappointment and grief. Though show on a street corner and take it to to that’s most interesting?” Then by

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music

removing the layers we got to where we artists then I need to let them be creative so [there’s a code of conduct about] not
felt comfortable. There was a lot more in their own way rather than say, play getting involved with war or violence in
editing, but it was really fun. It changed this drum beat. It’s about surrounding any way. Trying to take care of people
the way I write music. I don’t feel so yourself with people you trust, and who are disenfranchised. There’s a sense
limited now. I’m growing in my style hopefully they trust you too. of stewardship really instilled: work
of art, and understanding my medium hard, don’t complain, spend wisely. It’s
better. I don’t like to get too caught up Has a fear of failure ever been an a simple living mentality—the idea is
in trying to make that one perfect piece obstacle to you in your music? you can do a lot more with less. I haven’t
of art. That’s not my style. I believe in We all have our desires, or things we moved away from that.
trying to make something I can sign wish would come of our art. I do feel
off on, but I’m more about the creative good about my art, I stand behind it. There is a spiritual side to your music.
journey. I love knowing my career Every album has moments on it that How do you relate to God?
started at one place and has grown and feel like failure to me, and moments that I go back to that sense of mystery.
gone different directions. feel like success. I’ve decided I’m done That’s it for me—being a creative person
telling people what those things are; just I don’t feel like all of my creativity is
You’ve mentioned the word “reverence” because it’s my baggage doesn’t mean coming from me. I feel like the best days
to describe the essence of your album. it has to be somebody else’s. There will are when I manage to open a window
Will you speak on that? always be those people that you want and something beyond me sneaks
I need to look up that word in to like your art but for whatever reason through, and I get to channel it. It comes
the dictionary, I might be defining it don’t. You can let that stuff drive you back to reverence, understanding there’s
differently. What it means to me is to crazy; I’ve learned to let go a lot more. a quiet hand at work moving things
be mindful, present and open to what You don’t make art for critics, you make along. I don’t pretend to understand the
you’re experiencing. To take hold of the it for yourself and hope people jive to it. motives, other than I want to believe
serious side of what’s happening in your they are kindness, love, caring and
life, and trust the mystery of it. To look This album was influenced by your patience. That’s what God is to me. I’ve
at things with a sense of awe, knowing dad’s sickness and passing away. Tell us also been thinking about things verses
you don’t have all the answers and you about that time. stuff. Sometimes you get to the point
don’t have to compartmentalize. All My relationship with my father was where you look around and realize you
of my records come back to that: this great—he was always there for me. There have a bunch of stuff. It’s meaningless,
sense of “I don’t know, I don’t have all was a switch that took place the last few it’s clutter and it gets in the way of your
the answers, but I don’t feel like that is years of his life, which was him coming feeling like a whole person. Even if it’s not
the point.” to terms with being cared for rather than something you idolize but it’s something
being a caretaker. I think it wasn’t until you end up having for no good reason. I
You seem to have an aversion to he dealt with the fact he wasn’t getting don’t like to clutter my house with stuff
perfectionism; is that a fair assessment? better that he finally allowed himself I don’t need. And I don’t want to take
(laughs) Well, I’m a perfectionist! to be taken care of. He did it really ownership over anything. I want to be
It’s interesting, the best way to say it is eloquently. He gave himself fully over to able to give everything away. Sometimes
I’m very opinionated and have a strong it and it was beautiful to see. I learned giving something away when it stings is
idea of how I want to do things, but I’m a lot from how he handled himself. The a really good thing. The more I started
learning not to get as caught up in that admission of mortality. I think my father giving things away that I really cared
stuff. I’m learning a certain amount of was waiting to die, but he accepted that about the better I felt. I was talking
compromise. Where I don’t compromise however much time he’d be here he’d about this with a friend the other day
is when it comes to honesty: is this art find a way to be generous to the people and he was saying Mary Magdalene
representing me in an honest way? I’m around him. poured the precious oil over Jesus’ feet
a perfectionist in that pursuit, but not and it was a statement saying let’s not
quite as nit-picky as I used to be. I’m You grew up in the Mennonite be precious about the things the world
willing to collaborate. Every album I’ve tradition. How did that shape you? highly regards. It’s not being wasteful, it’s
made I’ve worked with different groups The Mennonite tradition has being generous—I love that mentality. I
of musicians. If I really trust them as emphasis on pacifism and social justice, see God in the meaningful things.

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music

The song “Cursing” is incredibly raw with striking Denison at Wild Goose Festival in Shakori Hills, NC.
lyrics. Was that in response to your dad’s sickness
and death?
It’s expressing disappointment, spiritual
disappointment. I think where Christianity can sell
itself short is when [certain groups say] you’re not
supposed to be angry, it’s all joy. I think it’s really
belittling to think that God isn’t nuanced enough to
understand all our emotions. I never had a spiritual
breakthrough until I expressed a personal anger at
God; I don’t think it’s healthy to not express your
disappointments. That song is an outward expression
of that. The first verse, I was mad. That this was my
dad’s lot, that that was the hand he was dealt. It didn’t
feel fair. It’s not my place to understand or call the
shots, I get that. But I didn’t like it. Sometimes I wanna
tell my friends, ‘cut yourself a break and vocalize your
disappointment—you might feel a giant weight lifted
from your shoulders if you do.’

You’ve traveled a lot. Do you have a favorite place?
I really love Scandinavia; the culture, the furniture,
the people. People dictate a place for me, and I feel
connected to the people there. I like the way they
think. The mentality that if everyone is doing better
you don’t have to build as high a fence around your
house. We have a choice: we can help people out
and try to level the playing field, or isolate ourselves
and put a giant fence around our homes and live in
fear. The Scandinavian mind is very also inquisitive,
there’s a desire to understand. There’s an element of
our society that’s less interested in understanding and
more interesting in presenting. It’s the whole Facebook
mentality—it can be used in different ways, as a place
to share my interests and participate in my friends‘
interests, or as a place to get carved away. It becomes all
about you—I don’t like things that foster that.

Scandinavia sounds great, but the real question is
when are you coming to Charlotte?
Don’t know (laughs). I want to. If there’s a soup
kitchen down there then maybe when my next record
is out, I’ll come play.

For the complete interview with Denison, go to
Photograph by Deb Shaw speakupmag.org/issue1.

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sports
Hope Through Soccer
For 500 men and women from 48 countries, the 2011Street News Service
Homeless World Cup was a transformative experience.

herever the Homeless The national definition of twice about my own life and what I want
World Cup sets up homelessness varies drastically from to do with it.”
camp each year, the country to country. The advanced The tournament has been a boost
place always turns into support services for people in countries for the players’ self-esteem. Barry
a colorful circus. The players, coaches and like Australia, Norway and the Gannon, of Scotland, says: “FootballW
fans bring a vibrant atmosphere that few Netherlands make the experience very makes me feel brilliant. I did not have
sports tournaments can beat. However different than for people in the slums in a lot of confidence in myself but it has
different the players’ backgrounds are, Uganda or the favelas in Brazil. really grown since I joined the team.
they have two things in common: their
love for soccer and their determination
to turn their lives around.
The 9th Homeless World Cup in
Paris was no exception. On the sunny
stands next to the field, a man with a
silver-white beard raised from his seat as
the players entered the field. He stood
tall behind a big Irish flag which he
tied to the front of the stands. “See the
number 10 there? That is my son. We are
here to support him, and the other lads.
You’ve got to support your children no
matter what. He is my son and I am very
proud of him.”
A story often heard at the Homeless
A player from Kenya’s women’s team celebrates. Photograph by Ryu Voelkel
World Cup is that of broken family
relationships. Many players have For Dutch player Germain Beudeker, Obviously, at 37, I might be too late
fallen out with their families because 33, the interactions with the other teams to become a professional player,” heof divorce, alcohol or drug abuse or have been a real eye-opener. “In the jokes. “I have decided to go back tomental health issues. Getting into players dorm we have made friends with
university to do a psychology degree,sports is often a first step to get their people from all over the world. Yesterday
starting in September. I wasted a lotlives back on track. Participation in the I spoke to some from the Kenyan team.
of opportunities before, but I amHomeless World Cup is an opportunity When I heard their stories about living
determined to make the most of myfor players to show their families just and working in slums and garbage
how far they’ve come. Throughout the dumps, I was in shock. I realized that they life, before it is too late. I feel I can do
week, many are sending pictures home live in real poverty. And those players anything now.”
of themselves in their official national who don’t have anything still smile to
soccer uniforms. And some even have us every day. They don’t complain, and Scotland won the men’s cup in this year’s
their parent supporting them from right they manage to look at the positive side. tournament, beating Mexico 4-3. For the
alongside the field. Meeting them has really made me think women, Kenya defeated Mexico 4-3.

Speak Up • Issue 1 • 17

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FILM

Capturing the Lively World of Busk
Photo Essay: A Filmmaker’s Journey Into Street Performance and Grassroots Art

By April Denée, March Blake Media
Photography by LunahZon Photography

When I started filming street
performers in uptown Charlotte early
last year, I set out to make a short,
entertaining film. My only goal was
to showcase people making art on
the street–playing glass percussion,
sketching portraits, performing magic,
singing acapella, making balloon art.
I had no idea that what I was
filming had an official name: busking
(i.e. street performance for tips). As
I got to know the buskers, I also got
to know the city from a different
perspective: its lack of understanding
and support for local grassroots art, its
community of impoverished artists and
its big‑city dreams. (continued on p.21)

(left) As festival organizer, April Denée
shot more than 20 hours of footage
at Buskapalooza with a crew of local
filmmakers to help catch all the action.

(upper right) Mural artist Carlleena Person
brought her canvases, paint and brushes out
on the public sidewalk to share her artistic
process with the community and collect tips
for one of her many charities.

(lower right) A group of dancers from
Passion for Tango set up a dance floor across
from the Epicentre to showcase different
styles of street tango while promoting their
dance school.

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film

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film

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film

I began to see the buskers’ struggles
to gain respect for the art they openly
share with the community; their desire
to persevere even when law enforcement
doesn’t always know how to react to
them; their drive to provide another
source of income in lean economic
times that has caused some of them to
lose their jobs and homes.
That’s how my once-small project took
on a life of its own and became a feature
documentary (BUSK!) and a street
performance festival (Buskapalooza).
As a writer and filmmaker, my goal is
always to entertain. But this project
seeks to do far more than that for
Charlotte and similar cities. It aims to
help people understand that buskers
are not panhandlers, but artists who
add cultural and economic value to a
city. And it also serves to help artists
become more comfortable performing
on the street by acquainting them with
busking-related laws, regulations and
etiquette. (continued on p.22)

(upper right) DJ Adot Trakz and several
local dance troupes held a dance circle to
showcase their break dance and pop-n-lock
skills, as well as raise money for a community
dance school.

(lower right) Visual artist David Alan
Goldberg painted a 5-foot portrait during
Buskapalooza. Goldberg regularly shows
his work at Urban Ministry Center, a day
program for local homeless individuals.

(opposite) Magician Chris Hannibal always
knows how to draw a crowd. Here, he took
a break from his usual spot at the Epicentre
courtyard to join fellow street performers for
Buskapalooza.

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film

After two Buskapalooza festivals,
there are now more buskers strumming
guitars, juggling or performing comedy
routines on the streets of uptown.
And with the generous support of
local grants and private donors, the
BUSK! documentary has reached its
funding goal is and preparing for a
winter premiere.
From the start, Charlotte arts
organizations and leaders have been
supportive. Our growing community of
buskers is helping shape the city’s future,
one street corner at a time. I couldn’t be
more excited, grateful or proud.

Visit buskmovie.com and the BUSK!
page on Facebook to keep updated
about the progress of the film and
screening dates.
The film is a character-driven
documentary that explores how an
emerging cultural center like Charlotte
can (and should) encourage street art
and performance toward social, cultural,
and economic growth.
To accomplish this, the film follows
these artists who regularly perform
at the busiest intersection in uptown
Charlotte. Even though their reasons
and aspirations for performing are
drastically different, there are striking
similarities in what they enjoy about
street art, how people respond to them,
and the “business” side of what they do.
Through the artists’ day-to-day
experiences, BUSK! will explore their
backgrounds, motivations, lifestyles,
and obstacles as well as the Charlotte
community’s responses to street art.

Jugglers Ken Julian and Austin Bruckner
traveled from Valdese, NC, to be part of
Buskapalooza. Other performers have
traveled from Vermont, Kentucky and
Georgia to busk in Charlotte.

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key issues

Illiteracy: The Invisible Handicap

By Harriet Meetz

awrence is one of the functionally illiterate Americans unable
7,000 homeless citizens in to understand medical documents. By WAYS TO HELP FIGHT
Mecklenburg County. He the year 2011 that means around 40 to ADULT ILLITERACY
lives beneath an overpass, 45 million Americans who are unable
sleeping on a piece of cardboard because to read a story to their children or Making a personal commitmentL to get involved is easier thanhis home became foreclosed property understand their telephone bill.
you think.three months ago. Mecklenburg County’s 2010
The Men’s Shelter is full; his savings Performance Report prepared by Harry Contact a local church or school
are gone. L. Jones, Sr., County Manager, indicates to get involved. Check out:
Lawrence is functionally illiterate (he a “green light” for the adult literacy www.cpcc.edu/literacy/volunteer.
lacks literacy skills for most work and index. A “green light” means either the
normal daily situations), and he had no goal has been achieved or performance Search the Internet. Look for
idea what documents he signed when he is at least 95% of the long-term target. local nonprofit agencies that
refinanced his mortgage last year with a The fiscal year 2010 results were 77% focus on education and literacy.
“really friendly” sales person. Lawrence literacy. This appears to be a very good Contact the National Coalition
has no more than the most simple and report card for Mecklenburg County. for Literacy to find a local literacy
basic literacy skills. If he was tested in Yet in 2003 the Institute of organization.
reading, he would likely score at a fifth Education Sciences, a branch of the U.S.
Check out your local library.grade level or below. Department of Education, estimated
Speak with the librarian. Many Now homeless, his future looks bleak. 61,000 persons (11%) 16 years and
libraries offer free literacy The 2003 National Assessment of older were lacking basic reading skills classes. Offer to help out.
Adult Literacy reports overall that the in Mecklenburg County. Based upon
U.S. has increased quantitative literacy Mecklenburg County’s 2010 census, There’s an app for that. Search
from 1992 to 2003. The data indicates a conservative ten percent estimate the Android Market or App
fewer adults with below basic literacy indicates 92,000 adults lack basic Store for ideas, lesson plans
skills in 2003 than 1992. In 2003, reading and writing skills to manage and techniques to get started
30 million Americans living in our ordinary, everyday tasks. working with someone you love.
communities lacked the basic reading Lawrence is one of these adults.
skills needed to fill out a job application He has experienced the crippling Become a literacy advocate. If your
or read a newspaper. consequences of functional illiteracy. house of worship or community
The National Right to Read You can encourage and support group does not have a literacy
program, plan to start one.Foundation estimates at least two individuals who cannot read by helping
million adults are added annually to the out at local literacy organizations.

Speak Up • Issue 1 • 23

Page 24

By Phyllis Neriah
Photos by Jenna Trapasso Free Stuff, Good People

he Free Store in uptown books, toys, small household items and “Homeless people have as much to
Charlotte is a place to “give much more. give as anyone else,” explains Fisher as
what you want and take what Much more than things, that is. he sits down in an intimate room filled
you need.” It is packed with Before walking into the houseful with couches and armchairs. Hard
useful goods and open to everyone. No of free stuff, a visitor’s first sight will work, conversation and camaraderieT
ID. No obligation. No questions asked. be the smiling faces in the front yard, are just a few things they offer. “They
The origins of the Free Store go back on the porch and at the nearby graffiti are my friends who also happen to
to a group of young activists who hosted wall. When the store is open, the porch be homeless.”
a free yard sale once a month in Progress and yard teem with volunteers, visitors Sheila, the once-homeless Operations
Park on Parkwood Avenue. Soon the and regulars. Manager, carries a bowl of bean soup
project moved to a storefront nearby. One such regular is Donald, formerly and relaxes in a cozy chair to join the
In May 2009, Paul Fisher and Robert homeless, who Fisher warmly calls a conversation. A stipend from the Free
Forquer, cofounders of the non-profit “friend of the Free Store.” He sits in a Store allows her a place of her own
Vision Possible, assumed leadership. chair at the end of the porch and speaks which she opens up to help others still
Shortly after, they brought the operation in a booming voice to all who are present. on the street.
into a warehouse at Area 15. “God loves good people, he wants good George, the property manager and an
This spring the store moved 100 feet people to do good things. Some people artist, also once homeless, takes a seat.
into a turquoise bungalow at the corner say black people and white people can’t He’s joined by Rick, Richard and others,
of East 15th and North Caldwell Streets. get along. That’s not true!” who sit on the floor, giving a family feel.
Fisher, a former minister, oversees The Free Store is a place where people While tangible items meet physical
daily operations. The Free Store offers of all types can come and share life with needs, Fisher says it is relationships that
adult and children’s clothing, shoes, one another. matter most.

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urban pioneers

Linda Rick Shelia

“People often come to me and ask volunteers must first take time to listen 24 hours a day; leave goods of any type
what they can do for the Free Store,” says and love. on the front porch.
Fisher. “I tell them just come and hang An example of this principle is Julie,
out.” He adds, “It’s about being, not a seventh grade teacher. She began
doing. Doing comes next.” tutoring George after she discovered the
The Free Store doesn’t track the 51-year-old’s aspiration of earning his
number of people who come by or how GED and starting his own business.
The Free Store is located at 516 E. 15thmany things they take. This is a shift Other than goods, the Free Store
Street. It is open Tuesday and Thursdayfrom the usual business mentality of community also provides a weekday
doing outreach. The currency here is Bible study, counseling, wedding and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday
friendship, not numbers and programs. funeral services. At the Free Store, there 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information,
There are plenty of needs in and around is a place for everything sitting in your search “Free Store Charlotte” on Facebook
the Free Store, but to discover them, garage or attic. Donations are accepted or visit visionpossible.org.

Donald George Paul

Speak Up • Issue 1 • 25

Page 26

Far
From
Home

By Steve Parker
Photography by Alyce Hardee

sk East Charlotte critical role in the Vietnam War and was Forces. In addition, many Montagnards
resident Mle Puih about the scene of some of the most intense were Christians, having been
her childhood memories battles of the conflict. Mle spent her evangelized by French and American
and she will give you a childhood dodging bombs and moving missionaries throughout the 19th and
one word answer: war. from place to place with her family to 20th centuries. Any form of religious A
Mle is a 46 year old refugee from avoid the warfare. expression was frowned upon by the
the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Shortly after the United States atheistic communists; Christianity
While she is from Vietnam, she’s not withdrew from Vietnam in 1975, was especially despised because of its
Vietnamese. She is a member of a people Mle married at age 11, like many association with the United States.
group known as the Montagnards. Montagnards do. She had her first child All this was further compounded by
The term Montagnards was coined at age 12. historic ethnic tensions between the
by the French and refers to a diverse Thoughts of life improving with the Vietnamese and the various tribes living
group of tribes found in Vietnam’s war’s end halted when the victorious in the Central Highlands. Montagnards
Central Highlands. It means “mountain North Vietnamese Communists took were now viewed with suspicion and
dwellers” and was first used when control. Tensions mounted between hostility by those in power. Crackdowns
Vietnam was a French colony. Mle is a the Communists and Montagnards, on the mountain dwellers, as well as any
member of the Jarai tribe, the largest of who had sided with American soldiers expression of their Christian faith, were
the tribal groups. during the war. Thousands fought and the new norm.
The Central Highlands played a thousands died alongside U.S. Special The Communists began to move

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international

ethnic Vietnamese into the Highlands, their four children. The Vietnamese official permission. Travel at night or by
displacing the Montagnards from continued their persecution, arresting oneself was strictly forbidden.
their native lands. Authorities raided Mle once again in 1996 and forcing Mle was arrested two more times, in
Christian house-church meetings, her to perform another month of labor. 2005 and 2006. Each time she was held
burning the believers’ Bibles. This When she returned to her village she for a month and forced to clean human
directly impacted Mle, who had become found the Communists using her land waste out of the prison. Upon coming
a Christian in 1973. In 1976, the year as the site of a new military barracks. home from her 2006 imprisonment, she
their child was born, Mle’s husband was Mle’s experience is not unusual. knew something had to change.
taken into the jungle and killed. Mle Throughout the Highlands, other Since the Communist crackdown,
married her deceased husband’s brother, Montagnards were arrested, tortured, several thousand Montagnards managed
an arrangement not unusual in the beaten, and forced to “swear to escape the country by fleeing into
culture of the Central Highlands. brotherhood” with the Communist Cambodia and entering United Nations
Two years later Mle was arrested. Party. They were pressured to denounce refugee camps. Once there, it was
She was taken to prison and locked in their Christian beliefs and forced to sign possible to be relocated to America. But
stocks for four days without food or documents saying they had voluntarily the trip was dangerous. Not only would
water. Afterwards, She was subjected to given up their land to the government. they have to evade the watchful eye of
a month of forced labor. The Montagnards suffered quietly the government, but once in the jungle,
Mle was allowed to return home where through the 1990s. This changed there was no clear direction and no
she continued to practice her Christian during the first decade of the 21st certainty physical needs would be met.
faith, always under the watchful eyes of century. Widespread political protests Mle was willing to take the chance.
Communist authorities. Her husband rocked many villages in the Central On November 11, 2006, she and her
was arrested in 1989 while the family Highlands, bringing a harsh crackdown three sons and daughter fled into the
was returning from a church service at from authorities. The number of arrests jungle. The authorities soon realized
a neighboring farm. He died in 1992 of dramatically increased. Any kind of they were missing and sent troops to
natural causes, leaving Mle alone with travel, even to draw water, required find them.

Speak Up • Issue 1 • 27

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international

Mle Puih in her home Thai Puih

Mle recalls the experience: “We Border police often took them up on the On May 27, 2008, Mle’s greatest
had no plan and we had no food. The offer, returning those seeking exile to the hopes were realized as she and her
Communists sent four trucks of soldiers authorities. By the middle of December, sons flew into Charlotte Douglas
to look for us. They had dogs to help Mle and her sons were very discouraged. International Airport. North Carolina
them find us. But we prayed and God But then on December 20, a is the traditional state for Montagnard
protected us! We were hiding behind relocation due to the proximity of many Cambodian Christian named Don
a very large tree, and they were on the Special Forces troops that they fought Kpuih was scouring the jungle, looking
other side with their dogs, searching. alongside during the Vietnam War. Mle for unusual things that could be turned
But they did not see us. The dogs did chose Charlotte because of a cousin who into crafts and sold for money. On this
not even smell us!” already lived there. day, she found something she hadn’t
While hiding from the authorities, Because the UN designated her as planned on: Mle and her sons! Don
Mle’s oldest son and daughter became a refugee, Mle and her sons came to took them to a safe hiding place in the separated from the rest of the family the United States as legal immigrants jungle, fed them, and contacted the and returned to the village. But Mle and and are able to hold jobs and apply
local United Nations authorities. On her two younger sons were determined. for government benefits. The federal
December 22, nearly six weeks after They continued their trek for the next government and a number of nonprofit
fleeing Vietnam, Mle and her sons were five weeks, moving through the jungle organizations also provide resources
transported to a United Nations refugee toward Cambodia. that help with costs surrounding
camp in the Cambodian capital of The family faced numerous challenges relocation—such as housing, food and
Phnom Penh. along the way. Were it not for small living expenses.
unripe bananas the sons climbed trees For the next year and a half, Mle Mle now has a job at Carolina Foods,
to retrieve, they would have starved. and her sons lived at the camp. While a local wholesale sweet goods bakery.
Mle’s youngest son, Them, became very conditions were not ideal, life was, as She attends school to learn English at
ill during their journey. The Cambodian Mle says, “better than the jungle!” And Central Piedmont Community College.
border region was particularly perilous. the knowledge that they would now Although it is challenging (“English
Vietnamese officials offered a bounty have an opportunity to go to the United is a very hard language to learn,” she
for the capture of fleeing refugees. States made the situation more bearable. says), she continues to work at it. She

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international

Them Puih

finds that learning the language is very received a call on his cell phone at one “When my family found the body
important, especially since it helps her o’clock in the morning. The Vietnamese and called me back, I almost had a heart
do her job better. police were on the line claiming someone attack when I heard the news,” Mle
Both of her sons have adjusted to should come pick up a man lying in the lamented. “My daughter tells me that
life in the United States. Her older son, street, nearly dead. Thai hung up only they now live in fear. Their movements
Thai, is 21. He has a job with Tree Brand to receive a call from the police an hour are closely tracked, and there’s nothing
Packaging Company during the day later. The man was a member of their I can do. I used to be so happy here, butand studies English at night at CPCC. family and said they needed to come now I’m sad. I miss my son and daughter,Her younger son, Them, is 18 and a right away. and my grandson and granddaughter.”junior at Myers Park High School. He Thai woke his mother and brother, Her son Them continues to maintainhopes to study medicine in college. Her and they called family in the Centralsons getting educations and building an upbeat outlook. Although he is Highlands and asked if anyone wasfutures is what Mle likes most about her aware of the challenges faced by the
missing. Mle’s son-in-law, Bih, had gonenew country. Montagnards in Vietnam, he is glad
to an uncle’s funeral and had not yet
to be in America. “The Vietnamese
“The Vietnamese returned. Distressed, the relatives went government expects us to live for their
government expects us to investigate and found Bih, a known benefit. But we are people, not animals. Christian leader in his village, dead.
And my life is so much better now!” to live for their benefit. Vietnamese authorities attacked and left
But we are people, not him to die in the streets. The police had Them and Thais’ childhood
animals. And my life is so recognized an American phone number memories differ drastically from their
on his phone and assumed it belonged much better now!” mom’s. Rather than war, Them says they
to his family in the United States. are filled with freedom. “Freedom to
Although the future looks bright for Mle believes the attack and call were go to church, to sing to God, to go to
Mle and her family, their happiness has designed to send her a message: “You school Everything is freedom! I love the
been disrupted recently by disturbing may have escaped, but we still have ways United States!”
news from Vietnam. This past July, Thai of making you pay.”

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happenings

FREE EVENTS RESOURCE GUIDE

Check out these free cultural and The following nonprofits are a sampling of the many in Charlotte who serve the
outreach events for the coming month. homeless and needy. Please consider supporting them by volunteering or donating.

UPCOMING Care to Share Outreach Center Men’s Shelter of Charlotte
Various homeless/hunger Temporary shelter for homeless
Oct 15 outreach services. men. Additional services include
Free Store Charlotte Coat Drive 704.568.8867 prevention, outreach, supportive
http://on.fb.me/nzy4cg services, and continuing care.
Charlotte Family Housing mensshelterofcharlotte.org
Oct 15 Homeless shelter for working
Guerilla Artists Fine Arts Festival families, child care center, social The Relatives
http://bit.ly/qwHXtn work family support, transitional A temporary shelter for runaway
services, and food pantry. youth plus comprehensive care and
Oct 22 charlottefamilyhousing.org resources for families.
BarCamp VI therelatives.org
Tech, media, marketing conference Crisis Assistance Ministry
barcampclt.com Emergency financial assistance, free Samaritan House
store, and furniture bank. CAM also Short term recuperative care place
Oct 29 does poverty simulations to educate for homeless people following
Wells Fargo Community Celebration groups about poverty. emergency medical care.
Street festival, music and free entry crisisassistance.org thesamaritanhouse.org
to uptown museums
http://bit.ly/pVbWGw Friendship Trays Stand Up for Kids
Home delivered meal program for Help for homeless and street kids.
Nov 5 clients who are homebound. standupforkids.org/Charlotte
Charlotte Concert Band Fall Concert friendshiptrays.org
charlotteconcertband.org Steele Creek Outreach
The Harvest Center Distribution of helpful materials to
ONGOING Comprehensive homeless those living on the streets, first aid,
services. oral health classes, food, clothing,
Respect Da Mic Poetry Workshops theharvestcenter.org financial and food services.
Harvey B. Gantt Center steelecreekoutreach.org
Ongoing (10/8, 11/12, 12/10) Hoskins Park Ministries
http://bit.ly/nxR3H0 Transitional housing and soul Urban Ministry Center
restoration for homeless men. Comprehensive homeless services.
Free Music Fridays @ Evening Muse hoskinspark.org Soup kitchen, showers, art
First Friday of each month programs, street soccer, counseling,
theeveningmuse.com Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry community garden and more.
Emergency food boxes (one week of urbanministrycenter.org
Open Studio Saturdays food) for households in crisis.
McColl Center for Visual Art loavesandfishes.org To submit an event or suggest an
Saturdays, starts at 11:30am organization, contact Brooke Gibbons:
http://bit.ly/nBbKXG brookegibbons@speakupmag.org.

30 • speakupmag.org

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Many thanks to our sponsors.

redwhiteandgreenphotography.com 704-369-5550 www.Iamthatlady.com

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Labs on 15th

704-780-8501 almondleafstudios.com

Christian
Counseling
Services

christianguidance.org lakeshorecf.com permissiontoperuse.com

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