The Women of 509 Unlocked
It was both keeping it real, no nonsense of former gangbangers and chronic offenders of all stripes, mixed with loving softness of women who were able to express a sweet, often mischievous innocence. It was human.
The Changing Face of Free Food Harlem
We’ve shifted from a group of people making food for the local underserved community, to a group that is the community.
Donny Dillbeck was my Friend
In his quest to be better than he was the day before, he recognized what many do not… Namely that in order to be a better version of yourself you have to first take off the rose-colored glasses and be honest about who you are.
Recipe for Joy and Strawberry Pie
We were a full house, and I felt so blessed. I felt blessed not only because they are all such loving, caring people but also because they all have seva hearts. They understand the concept of service which means they all know how to pitch in and help and to do it with joy.
Sitting Inside It All
By the time we came to our spot under the window, faces were glowing. The room was finally silent. Eyes closed and breathing slowed as I led them, as I had been taught, to look inside for a place of stillness.
Harlem Shuffle
To say this place is a melting pot is not only an understatement, it’s a lie. Harlem is the unapologetic deep cauldron of Black culture in America.
My Friend Don
“I’ve learned that if I write with my heart, it’s not my concern what the person gets out of it but I just allow them the opportunity to see things differently and let what I write speak for itself.”
Homemade Cracker Jacks
Cracker Jacks remind me that food is more than aroma, texture, and taste. It is more than the building blocks of our bodies, essential as all of those things may be. Food is also memories, sometimes strong memories, good or bad.
All Sins Unforgiven
We are all fallible. We all have the capacity to do great things, monstrous or honorable things… We are all loved, always, and I will do everything in my power to make sure we all know this as I do.
Building a Bridge of Trust
I told the group we are working to build a bridge of understanding between the officers and the incarcerated and be rid of the thought “us vs. them.”
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