Sites&Sounds

After a meeting this evening, KLC and I saw some fellas hanging out on the jungle gym at Scott Montgomery and thought we'd introduce ourselves and ask how they were enjoying their evening. I know that a group of fit young African American men just hanging out can often inspire great fear and dread and concerns about all sorts of things. The seniors citizens in Shaw certainly aren't to blame for all of the crime we've been experiencing. And Scott Montgomery has certainly seen its share of shenanigans. But tonight it seems the fellas were just hanging out, catching up, enjoying another lovely evening in Shaw. There wasn't even a whiff of tobacco in the air and none of them were even so much as smacking gum.

I realize there's a model for only engaging groups like these when there's a MPD officer packing heat on hand, but sometimes ... sometimes ... just saying hello works magic.

KLC: Hey fellas, how ya'll doin'?
Mahdi: Hey guys!
Group: [Silence]
KLC: I have a community newsletter that's coming out next month and I was wondering if we could talk to you and do an article about you.
Mahdi: And take a group photo!
Group: [Silence]
KLC: How are you guys enjoying the evening?
Mahdi: Can't beat this weather!
Group: [Silently exits stage left as if using their telepathic powers to communicate without uttering a word to us]
Mahdi: Have a good night, fellas!