The Contributor (https://thecontributor.org/)
How the first Black Girl Scout leader in Nashville’s work continues through Camp Holloway
Mr. Mysterio is not a licensed astrologer, a trained herbologist, or a certified tea-guy.
With all the wintery weather it is no surprise that I haven’t been on my corner at all since it began. I DO miss seeing my customers, but fortunately, I’ve ran into a few of them in other places.
Erika Burnett has a tremendous track record in community leadership in the private and public sector. Most recently she served as the VP of Community Development at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and the Executive Director of The Village.
In sports, a “franchise tag” is supposed to lock in a player, keep them on the team, and keep them in the game. But being Black in America comes with something different, something we never asked for and can’t negotiate our way out of. I call it the “disenfranchise tag.”
First, create a shelter that has a domed roof away from prying eyes.
We stand on the backs of Black history … arched spines, scarred skin and names pressed into the soil so future generations could rise without chains on their ankles.
During the ice storm in late January, a street newspaper vendor died while living outside. This is not an unpredictable tragedy unfortunately.
Thought no one wanted to be my friend.In fact, the only sign of kindness toward mewas the people who supported our charity.Yes, even the bus drivers became enemiesas they witnessed me load the bus carryinghuge bags of clothing as full of heavy blankets.They also assumed that I did not hold any fearand they rushed me to pay.Screams and cries of strangers filled the airas all I could do was slay the insults in spirit.Up the street was a Publix.I did purchase a $2 lottery ticket,which had all ten numbers except one,the number 8.You should have seen the look upon my face.I was a homeless person and helpless as somemay say and in need of housing,yet I was only one number away from $300,000.