about a possible trip to DC in four weeks. Just looked at Amtrak rates (reasonable but for how long) and some hotel rates, which also seemed to work. Just need the word from my friend Tessa, that she will be available that weekend. All of a sudden the thought of travel (something I have put off so far this summer) sends a rush! Have to control yourself, cityboy, calm down, you still have a few weeks to get through. Let's see if Tessa is available.
Last night: quite a night, arrived at 700 Ocean Avenue in Brooklyn around 6:15, already Imani and Ariella from BAN were there with signs. Took one immediately, and stayed until 8. There were four of us at the beginning, by the time I left there must have been about 20 protesters. Great spirit, several of the group stood in the street and encouraged cars driving by to honk in support. It usually happened. Also, I had some good conversations with tenants of 700, and other tenants of the same landlords, experiencing the same harassment. Still a horrible thing. The energy was angry and potent. Really glad I came.
Now a few words about Ocean Avenue---it is dense with apartment houses, wondering when they all changed, wondering if my parents had taught in Brooklyn, if I would have been raised in one of those apartments. I seem to have a hunger to walk around that neighborhood. (that is Ocean south from Church to...). Would love to talk to someone who has lived in that neighborhood for over fifty years.
Still, that was not to be the end of the evening. I had made a commitment to Mark at South Fourth to come to the opening of his mini-exhibit, and so the task was to travel from Flatbush to South Williamsburg playing by the rules (which in that case meant never leaving Brooklyn). Also hunger overtook me and I had to P. So how did I do it? The Q from Church to DeKalb. Off at DeKalb to use the BRIC bathroom (open late) then east on Fulton to my favorite Pizza store (on the north side of the street) and then, fully sated, to the G which took me to the Broadway stop. No bus in sight, I walked from Broadway and Union to South fourth, a little longer walk then I expected. Arrived, bar was semi-filled with those that I knew and did not know---had a beer, talked to a few people, observed Mark's work---very clever---and, around 10 returned home, very tired.
What I took from last night: A sense of strength---very proud of myself for being at the rally, standing outside the house with the other folk, some who lived there and were angry and others who were just supporting them. Sticking it out and joining the chants for one and three quarter hours. felt that way when I awoke this morning---very strong. Will continue to participate in BAN events, leading up to the march on September 15.
What about today? Not sure, lots of movies to check out (actually more tomorrow), after this time in the library will see how I feel. Have not gone to the Kubrick photo exhibit at Museum of the City of NY, today might be the day. Funny, it seems easier to get to parts of Brooklyn then to travel from 76th to 103rd and fifth. Too many gradations. Well, we will see what is possible, will report tomorrow.
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