Ujamaa

I wrote this down on 12-29-05 and I was really depressed, but now that I feel a little better, here it is:
This is the second year that we have participated in Kwanzaa along with Christmas (as best as we could) and yes, even Channukah (from my friends of all races at Beth Messiah congregation). The seriousness of the times have forced me into alternative ways of thinking and behaving. I like the culture-consciousness of Kwanzaa and Channukah and I am used to Christmas, even though it's not the same. Yet I love the fact that both C and K are devoid of commercialism. Perhaps I am too sensitive about over excess and buying "things" when people live on the streets and sleep in parks and eat out of trash cans; it depresses me. The "help" given comprises of green koolaid and pb&j sandwiches or bologna along with old clothes. This is because basically, those of us that care and want to help, don't know how. How do you get someone off the streets? What do U do first? See what I mean? On 12-21-05 (I think), I turned to WPFW 89.3fm in Washington, DC (a Pacifica station) on the radio. This is where I heard the Manager Ron Pinchback starting the beginning of a series of programs on air about homelessness in DC, in particular. He had 3 very astute, politically, socially aware homeless people, who gave eloquent accounts of how they became homeless and their experiences since then. Some of the information was shocking to me and I thought I knew all about homelessness personally, but through these 3 people I learned a lot. Sister Arafa (?), Mr. Davis and Mr Gatling. Since they were on the airwaves I hope it's okay to mention their names here, no full names, if only partially to protect some of their privacy. Here's what I learned: how the popular homeless walkathon doesn't allow actual homeless people to participate because in order to register U must have an address..???Isn't that Ironic? DC also closed 4 shelters recently, along with their general hospital (in a predominantly African American community) and St Ease (St. Elizabeth's Mental Institution) has released more mentally ill patients onto the streets without their medications, enlarging DC's homeless population to approximately 17,000.
One thing I already knew about was the horrific conditions of the shelters just a hop-skip and a jump frpm the US Capitol. I, usually verbose, cannot adequatey describe the conditions I have seen with mine own eyes. Even on the outside, it's grim to say the least. Is it better than nothing? Many homeless say "no". I was glad to hear WPFW doing a show on this problem because as the 3 guests spoke, they told how in 18 years of this homeless walkathon, homelessness has actually increased! Well, U know... everyone's gotta get their cut!
Also, the guests spoke on how the police regularly threaten, abuse and harass the homeless. If U don't believe it (Oh gullible one), go to the Union Station Amtrak and see how the homeless people are treated at the crack of dawn, before the "passengers/visitors/customers" arrive. By the way, Stephen Gregory of Night Talk, also on WPFW did an excellent show on police brutality in America. They linked up with WBAI in New York. The callers were outstanding and intelligent as well as outspoken. It was a real eye-opener. It had to do with the latest "seen" and "recorded" abuse of the Black man in New Orleans who was shot several times by surrounding police officers. Not to mention the the 64 year old man (Mr. Davis) who was severely beaten by 3 (at least) police officers in New Orleans. The police were fired. Now Mr. Davis needs to sue them each in civil court. Whenever someone gets paid off of your misfortune, you will stay in that situation. Guaranteed!
Peace, later...