Thank You Josh and Shira!

Ken Martin

Vendor Manager Josh Maxey and Coordinator of Events and Audience Engagement Shira Hereld have moved on to new positions and opportunities and will be missed by the Street Sense staff and vendors!


 

Here he comes to Street Sense, a dashing young conservative man! In my eyes, he reminded me of my brother: he could do no wrong. All the men and women of Street Sense had to be introduced to him. This was a wonderful guy, I thought to myself. If only all days were like this, but you know everything must come to an end.

I told you about Josh, let me tell you about a bright young woman.

The wonderful future is ahead of her. She was just sitting there in the main office part-time. It was two semesters ago when Shira asked me to join the theatre group. And she has since let me participate again and again! In many situations, she was at the forefront of solving problems. Energy, Ambition? Well, she had both. I for one will miss her.

I call Shira and Josh my friends. I believe a lot of Street Sense people, and people at Church of the Epiphany, do too.

Patty Smith, Vendor/Artist


 

Thank you, Josh, for being a positive force for Street Sense. Sometimes I wish I were young again, because when you get older you often become cynical about humans. So keep smiling, Josh, because this country needs youthful ideas. I’m older so my ideas are cemented. I bring no ideas on how to make America great.

Josh has been an inspiration. I never heard him complain. I always see him organizing, starting groups and being proactive. I was like him once. But I’ve given up on making society better. However, it’s not about me; it’s about Josh. I urge Josh to keep hope alive and not to let older people like me pollute the conversation.

Although I’ll be voting for Trump I don’t want the youth to go down that wormhole. Josh and our editorial intern Katlyn are two of the good ones. I hope to see them in five years. When I do, I hope they are still positive.

A lot is happening in this country, and I am angry, bitter and resentful. I have contempt for black men, but it is warranted. However, young black men like Josh give me hope and make me smile.

Jeffery McNeil, Vendor/Artist


When I first met Josh, he is had a big smile on his face;

 And he still does.

He is the one who took my picture for my I.D.;

and checks on me.

Latishia Graham, Vendor/Artist


 

Don’t know what way to go. Everyone against each other trying to survive in Washington, D.C., being homeless. It is hard being a felon, trying to make it when you can’t afford the apartment. I will mist Josh very much because he was always there for me. Josh, you have a good heart. Please don’t change that for anyone.

I need a case manager to help me with my housing and my I.D. Because I don’t know how long I will last sleeping on the street.

Joe Jackson, Vendor/Artist


 

To Shira:

My dear
theatre is
wherever you
are near!

To Josh:

Never rattled
nor addled, We
were ruffled. You
always muffled.
God speed, good friend.
Strong means always
lead to a better end!

Frederic John, Vendor/Artist


 

I am American. I was born in America, don’t know nothing about Africa.

I’d like to thank Josh for the wonderful times he brought to Street Sense. It’s great to see positive black men doing something (to create a positive image for us . That’s why I admire him so much.

I am always saying we need more role models such as Josh.

Ronald Turner, Vendor/Artist


 

I don’t like goodbyes so I will only say farewell, my friends. Farewell and may you have a good journey, a good life. I thank you for your time and all the help you have given to Street Sense and me. You will sorely be missed and remain in our thoughts and prayers. Always wishing you both the best with all your goals in life. May the Lord’s peace keep you right.

Please keep in touch. Peace and Love.

Robert Warren, Vendor/Artist


 

A positive influence in my life,
Are persons who I can call “boss,”
friend.

I am a people person,
and a great judge of character.

Josh has helped me fight by battles,
and directed my judgement,
as I looked at the real world,
[and not the one of my creation.]

In looking at the real world as I do,
the Big Picture, seems not so big.

Josh is not big headed,
even though he’s the boss.
One might see him in a room,
And think, ‘who’s the boss?’

Kanell Washington, Vendor/Artist


Our Family: The Necessity for Diversity

Dear Shira and Josh: salutations, au revoir, adiós, sayōnara, shalom, totsiens, goodbye, later bro, blessings! Peace be unto you my brother and my sister. Two shades, two genetics, two cultures. Yet still one race, the human race. Obviously my sis from another miss, but if not from my biological mother wouldn’t my brotha too be from anotha motha?

What’s the difference? Is there a difference?

(Perception or reality?)

At the end of the day what really matters is equality, diversity and representation for all.

What will remain with the departure of two fair and caring souls, I wonder. Two sexes, two souls, two colors. Staff infiltrated with color. Will it remain without fears and avoid needless tears? First Jennifer, then Rachel, now Shira. Three females move on. Will we end up with all males, white males? What a tale that would tell.

Need more color. There’s one on the board. Are they on one accord that there need not be more or any on board?

(Perception or reality?)

A company, a business, a person all have to make decisions. And the best decision is an informed decision—input from diversity of angles, people, circumstance and situations. A great organization this is, and an even better one it still can be, with growing diversity.

Robert Williams, Vendor/Artist, USMC

 

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