Nashville, TN...
“Do not avert your eyes.
It is important
that you see this.
It is important that you feel
this.” ― Kamand Kojouri, writer
Faith and Humanity
A photo of faith, humanity and mankind... living on the streets.
“For it is in giving that we receive.” — Saint Francis of Assisi
Nashville, 2017
Tough Times
When you are homeless, it is easy to get knocked down. Most recently, he said that his hours were cut at the bar where he works in Nashville.
"Tough times never last, but tough people do." - Robert H. Schuller
Out of the house at 18, no exceptions
He has been on the streets for about 8 years. He said that his mother told him when he turned 18 he is out of here and on his own, which he has been.
Outgoing, kind and spirited are the words I would use to describe his personality. He was excited to be alive, despite his circumstances.
Jobs come and go and don’t mean much to many people on the street. It is a way to make enough money to get to the next chapter, not something that defines us. However, his most recent job earned him enough money to buy warm weather gear from Bass Pro Shops, which he is wearing in this photo. That is a good thing because recently, he has been without a sleeping bag or tent.
His home was a metal bench in downtown Nashville. He had a backpack of clothing and personal possessions. But, that changed on Thanksgiving Day.
Now, he has a tent and a sleeping bag that will greet the temperatures this winter without an issue. It also means he will be able to visit the downtown library during the day because he can leave his backpack in his tent. What some may not realize, the downtown library now limits what size of bag you can bring in and his backpack broke that rule as he had a hiking backpack.
“There are two great days in a person's life - the day we are born and the day we discover why.” - William Barclay, Scottish Author, (1907-1978)
Two tents, not one
I told her that I may have one tent left, even though two people were in need of a tent and she was one of them.
When we got to my car... I found that I had two tents left and three blankets - just enough to fill the need. You should have seen her smile when she got to walk back to the others eating a Thanksgiving meal and give that second tent to the other person who needed it along with the blankets.
"There is a lot that happens around the world we cannot control. We cannot stop earthquakes, we cannot prevent droughts, and we cannot prevent all conflict, but when we know where the hungry, the homeless and the sick exist, then we can help." - Jan Schakowsky, U.S. Representative for Illinois
On the banks of the Cumberland River
He said to me on Thanksgiving Day... "I'm not homeless, I'm just home, less."
His view is the Cumberland River in downtown Nashville.
"This is just a stop, on the way to where I'm going
I'm not afraid because I know this is my
Temporary home."
-Temporary Home by Carrie Underwood
She left her dad and now lives in the woods of Nashville
From Louisville, Kentucky she headed to Nashville, Tennessee with her new boyfriend. She is 37 years old and her significant other told me, “She was tired of her daddy taking all but $100 of her disability check.”
"You don’t know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.” — Bob Marley (via BerkLee’s mom, the parent of a down syndrome child – quote posted on “Mighty Proud Media”)
Thanksgiving Day in Nashville: He helped to hand out sleeping bags and tents
Thanksgiving Day in Nashville: After serving in the National Guard he was discharged honorably. He then decided to hit the road and so the journey from California to Nashville, Tennessee was met head on.
He is 23 and homeless. He was adopted at a young age after being removed from his birth mother… it was a story that he was not ready to share.
While making multiple trips to my car to retrieve more sleeping bags and tents for homeless at “Gobble Gobble Give,” he said, “Today, I don’t feel homeless and it feels really good helping.”
The young man helped me until all the tents and sleeping bags were humbly accepted by those living on the street. Some told us, "I don't need one, but he does [pointing at another homeless person at the event]."
After helping, he got a sleeping bag and tent for himself. However, he first made sure that those who needed one had one.
The 23 year old again stated, "Today was a good day - best morning ever, I did not feel homeless."
At Gobble Gobble Give 2017, David Montanbeau told me, “3,348 Meals were served, 1000+ Articles of Clothing given away, 3000+ Hygiene Kits were given away, 74 Haircuts, 28 Showers and 5 Complete Makeovers.” Not to mention, 31 left with a new sleeping bag, 8 left with a new tent and 3 left with new blankets.
Shelbyville, Tennessee on October 28, 2017
My pictures and the environments I deliberately place myself in are often not my views on life. The setting is many times an uncomfortable place.
Shelbyville, Tennessee on 10/28/17: Do young men like these that include in one photo of a person who appears to be a boy standing like Hitler and wearing a fake mustache - understand the Holocaust? I would venture to guess no. I would go as far as stating that most have no idea what really occurred in Germany and because of that I look at them with sadness as do many others as opposed to anger.
This type of action would be like mocking the attacks on innocent children at Columbine High School where an April 20, 1999 school massacre left 15 dead and 24 injured along with countless others to face mental illness for the remainder of their lives. Of course, the mocking seen in these photos that are filled with hate, are much more devastating because of what they represent.
In these photos I see smiles as hate is yelled.
Holocaust Facts:
- Over 1.1 million children died during the Holocaust.
- The most intensive Holocaust killing took place in September 1941 at the Babi Yar Ravine just outside of Kiev, Ukraine, where more than 33,000 Jews were killed in just two days. Jews were forced to undress and walk to the ravine’s edge. When German troops shot them, they fell into the abyss. The Nazis then pushed the wall of the ravine over, burying the dead and the living.
- Between 1933 and 1945, more than 11 million men, women, and children were murdered in the Holocaust.
- Over one million people were murdered at the Auschwitz complex
- Those who survived Dr. Josef Mengele’s experiments were almost always murdered and dissected. Many children were maimed or paralyzed and hundreds died.
- Between 1933 and 1945, more than 11 million men, women, and children were murdered in the Holocaust.
- Between 1933 and 1945, more than 11 million men, women, and children were murdered in the Holocaust.
- Over one million people were murdered at the Auschwitz complex.
- The soldiers who patrolled and operated concentration camps were known as Totenkopfverbande, or “Death’s Head” detachments. They wore skull-and-crossbones insignias on their uniforms to reflect their namesake.
- Those who survived Dr. Josef Mengele’s experiments were almost always murdered and dissected. Many children were maimed or paralyzed and hundreds died.
- During the Holocaust, the Nazis looted everything they could from their victims, including wedding rings, watches, precious stones, and eyeglasses.
- Children of African-German origin and the mentally or physically handicapped were surgically sterilized, often brutally.
- Thousands of infants and babies were killed by Nazis before their births could be recorded.
Almost a fight
At a rally, ordinary people may do unordinary bad things. While that may sound grim, it is quite true.
Take for example, this man with the beard. He was preaching and on a roll. Word after word about how this is bad verses this is good.
Regardless of what “This” maybe about, ordinary people around him started to criticize his words. The criticism grew louder and louder as some criticism turned into challenges of fighting.
One young man stepped before him and invited him to throw the first punch with a slew of words that most would not want our children to hear. As the challenge grew, others in the crowd encouraged the punching as if that was all of a sudden okay to do in society.
Another man stood directly in front of him as well - expecting a fight to take place. However, no fight occurred as the older man had no intention to strike, only to speak and be heard.
If you simply slowed your anger and listened to the words of the older man, you recognized that he spoke out of a troubled past and just wanted to be heard. He talked about living on the streets while being homeless in Nashville. He talked about murderers and how some in the crowd know of dark secrets, but have yet to admit to them. It was obvious to some that he spoke out of sadness in his past and instead of accepting his words, others felt attacked by them although they were not directed at any one person.
Actions of one following the crowd happen quickly and turn into group violence’s and rioting. That of course explains the psychology behind the show of a strong police presence at such an event. Regardless of the cost to produce such force, it is sometimes necessary to deescalate a situation before it has the water to grow.
During rallies like the one held in Murfreesboro and Shelbyville on October 28, 2017, you could easily witness ordinary everyday people break out of their norm and say things they normally would not say. They may not realize it or admit it, but those in attendance had the potential to do great harm while following the masses in large groups.
Following the masses in social psychology is called Deindividuation. It is the loss of identity or self-awareness, usually in a group setting. People lose self-awareness and feel less responsibility of ones’ actions. An example would be a riot where all present mindlessly follow along. This can easily trap good people and convince them to follow along in beatings, vandalism, stealing and even murdering.
A similar word used in psychology is emotional contagion. Emotional contagion is the tendency to feel and express emotions similar to and influenced by those of others; also, the phenomenon of one person’s negative thoughts or anxiety affecting another’s mood.
Actions, challenges, sarcastic replies or strong words by someone who may normally be viewed as wise will make them look like a fool in protest settings. Especially when challenging someone to a duel whereas that same person would never do such in a typical setting.
"It is the peculiar quality of a fool to perceive the faults of others and to forget his own." - Cicero, Roman politician, lawyer, orator, and writer. (106 BC - 43 BC)
The Star of David
What is often referred to as the Star of David is traditionally a Jewish symbol, but is also called or used as the Seal of Solomon, usually when it is encircled by a thin line in Islam. It is also called the Shield of David.
The star had grave meaning during the Holocaust as the Nazis used it to identify Jews, which is one reason it is often seen by those with opposing views at rallies that include White Supremacist, as captured in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on October 28, 2017.
It has been said to represent the shape of King David's shield, which stood for protection and force when needed. It is also a symbol thought to bring good luck by some of those in the Middle East.
“Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.” ― Anne Frank
An unrealistic feeling
In·fe·ri·or·i·ty com·plex: an unrealistic feeling of general inadequacy caused by actual or supposed inferiority in one sphere, sometimes marked by aggressive behavior in compensation.
Murfreesboro, Tennessee square on 10/28/17.
A day filled with hate, not love
Today in Murfreesboro I witnessed so many things, most of which I found sad.
Some people like this man speaking into a microphone connected to a speaker, was using words from the Bible to hurt, anger or tear down others. I witnessed the rage that stared down the Bible scriptures, which is inconsistent with what Christianity is about.
Today, I saw young men literally pick fights with older men because they disagreed with an opinion.
Today, I saw a father who brought his son to the rally in Murfreesboro. The young boy, not knowing what was happening, was simply sitting on the ground playing with a toy as his father watched the crowd in anticipation of a fight.
Today, I saw where a young black woman was not told she was entering the gates on the wrong side of the protest and she could not cross over once inside… surrounded by angered white supremacist she bravely snapped a photo on her phone and I said, “Be careful over here.” As I walked away she quietly said, “Don’t leave.”
Today I spoke to a white supremacist and asked why he came to Shelbyville, TN today and he turned his head and said no comment.
Today I witnessed those who suggested they were on the Murfreesboro square to show love while holding signs that sounded sweet… only to hear them spew words of hate towards those standing on the opposite side of a fence.
Below is a soundclip of the above man preaching into a loudspeaker:
“I shall allow no man to belittle my soul by making me hate him.” - Booker T. Washington
Hiding who you are
If you have to wear a mask to do what you consider good, you’re probably not doing good. The group is known for vandalism and violence in America. Their name: Antifa (anti-fascist).
“The theory of Communists may be summed up in the single sentence: Abolition of private property.” ― Karl Marx, The Communist Manifesto
Vietnam Veteran Served in the US Navy
Today I met Vietnam Veteran Ralph J. Gervasio, Jr. He was drafted into the military many years ago and talked to me about the carnage he witnessed when his ship was hit with friendly fire while simultaneously being attacked by Vietnamese gunfire. Gervasio served in the U.S. Navy.
The carnage witnessed by Gervasio was grim as he tried to resuscitate a shipmate whom had already died. He talked about how some personnel on the ship were missing limbs, fingers and more.
The following day he was asked to retrieve something out of the ships freezer… next to the food was the body of the man he tried to save the day prior.
When he was released from the military in the early 1970’s, he had to wear his civilian clothes on the flight home. The military command he was with actually told him to do so because too many reports of returning war time veterans being spit on or attacked prompted the civilian clothes order.
He never admitted to serving in Vietnam until the 1980’s out of fear of not being hired or being fired from his civilian job because he was a U.S. Veteran. Times were much different in the 70’s and 80’s for those who served out country.
Gervasio told me that you never get over things seen in Vietnam.
Despite the hard times, he now volunteers to help younger veterans returning from war zones.
Hear the entire interview by Scott Walker (19 Min):
Who is your Superman?
Who is your Superman? For this young man, I would venture to guess his grandfather who will always be there for him.
"I can't unfeel your pain
I can't undo what's done
I can't stand back the rain
But if I could I would
My love, my arms are open"
"So when you feel like you can't
take another round of being broken
My arms are open
And when you're losing faith
and every door around you keeps on closing
My arms are open"
-ARMS OPEN by THE SCRIPT
Ed helped to train the bodyguards that surrounded Elvis Presley
Imagine knowing the King! Even better… tackling the King in football! (Scroll down for audio)
Elvis Presley was almost exactly three years older than Ed Johnson in Memphis, TN. The two were only two grades apart in school. Johnson said that he would play football with Elvis along with other teens in the area.
Elvis attended Humes High School in Memphis. He was part of the 1953 graduating class. Ed described Elvis as just another kid.
Red West, another high schooler from Memphis, was also a friend of Ed’s. Red was one of the tough guys who eventually became the bodyguard of Elvis. In fact, Red taught Ed how to train other bodyguards that surrounded Elvis once he became the icon of Rock N’ Roll.
Ed was eventually drafted into the U.S. Army, about the same time as his buddy Elvis. The 101st Airborne took in Ed who gained his wings to become a parachutist. He was active duty for two years after being drafted, but was in the reserves for another eight years.
Ed will turn 80 on February 15, 2018. He told me that he will go parachuting on his 80th birthday and that will be his new tradition every birthday after.
As for Elvis, he would have turned 83 one month before Ed turns 80 if he were still alive. Who knows, if Elvis were still around he may have parachuted with Ed.
Audio Below: Listen to this short, but interesting interview with Ed Jordan where he remembers his days growing up in Memphis with Elvis. He also talks about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and being drafted into the Army:
"I never expected to be anybody important," - Elvis
Crime in Memphis, TN
61 Years old and on the streets of Memphis, Tennessee… one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. She stands just a hair over 4 feet tall, skin and bones.
The violent crime scale in Memphis rings in at 93 on a scale of 1 to 100, with 100 being the highest. Violent crime is composed of four offenses: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. The U.S. average is only at 31.1
FBI Crime Data shows that Memphis was rated as being the highest crime ridden city in America, according to their 2016 statistics.
“No amount of law enforcement can solve a problem that goes back to the family.” - J. Edgar Hoover
Listen to the winds...
He spent 8 years in the U.S. Army and served during the Iraq conflict. He is originally from Dyersburg, TN, but decided to move to Memphis where he was homeless for quite some time while searching for his life, who he was and who he is...
He is now in his own place and doing much better today. He is also looking into his past... He is part Indian and wants to learn more about his family heritage.
"Listen to the wind, it talks. Listen to the silence, it speaks. Listen to your heart, it knows." ~Native American proverb
Living on the dirty streets of Memphis, Tennessee
“My grandfather was born in 1902, I was born in 1963,” he told me while gazing into the distance. His eyes were fogged over as if he had cataracts. “You’re good with dates,” I told him. “Yea, my mom was born in 1932… My dad was 1922,” he continued as if he wanted to show me he remembered more dates that were floating through his head.
I handed him a new coat as the nights had been dropping into the sixties and he quickly placed it under his legs as if to hide it from passerby’s. “Thank you, thank you sir,” he responded.
The coat, along with his new pants and shirts, were given to me by a friend named Amy Morris. I always love handing out items like that, which are new, as I know most never give those who live on the streets brand new clothes. They always cherish them knowing that the coat, pants or whatever it maybe are theirs from the start - it was meant for them.
I asked, “What were your best times growing up in Memphis?” He sat quietly and then said, “Best times were 18, 18 and younger when with mom.” I asked if his mother was still alive and he said, “Think so, think so – I not seen her.” His mother is Ms. Remell Williams and he knew her exact age, “She 85.”
Darrell was on medication for Schizophrenia, but he ran out. He has been off the medication for a number of days if not weeks. “I’m gonna meet Mr. (mumbled name) at the mission. He’s a good man. He's off today, he is with his family on Saturday and Sunday – he gonna help me,” suggesting that Monday he would see this helper at the mission.
“I went to 12th grade, I was in high school,” he proudly stated. I asked if he graduated high school and he said, “Yea, I done 12th grade.”
Darrell attended Central High School in Midtown. The school was built in 1911 and he attended the school from 1977 to 1981. It is the same school that was once attended by the late Kemmons Wilson who founded the Holiday Inn in 1952. Mr. Kemmons built the first hotel at 4925 Summer Avenue in Memphis and now a plaque remains in its location as it was torn down in the late 1990s. The chain now has 1,145 locations.
“My own success was attended by quite a few failures along the way. But, I refused to make the biggest mistake of all: worrying too much about making mistakes.” - Kemmons Wilson (1913-2003)