Steven: “Hi, I’m Steven. What’s your name?”
Leon: “Leon. Nice to meet you.”
Steven: “How have you been Leon?”
Leon: “We’re here in New York City, and I’ve been without stable housing for a while now so not the best, but I know you probably get this from a lot of people you interview, but I gotta say it’s much harder being Black when you’re homeless. “
Steven: “Can you share with us your experience, particularly how race has played a part in your situation?”
Leon: “Thanks for giving me the chance to speak, Steven. Being homeless is tough on its own, but being a Black man on the streets of NYC makes it so so so much harder. I’ve faced racial slurs from people just walking by and have been unfairly targeted by law enforcement more times than I can count. Just because I’m homeless and Black doesn’t mean I’m up to no good..”
Steven: “I’m so sorry to hear that. Is there perhaps a specific incident where you felt targeted because of your race that you feel comfortable sharing with us?”
Leon: “Sure. A few months back, I was settling down for the night in a quieter part of the city over at Leif Erikson Park. A police officer approached me, immediately aggressive, claiming there were complaints about me threatening folks. I hadn’t spoken to a single person that day. It was clear I was being judged based on my appearance and my situation, and they forced me to let them search me for any weapons or drugs.”
Steven: “That must have been frightening…. I’m sorry to hearr that…How did you handle that situation?”
Leon: “I tried to stay calm, showed him that I wasn’t causing any trouble, just trying to get through the night. He checked my stuff, found nothing wrong, and eventually left, but not without giving me a hard stare and told me to try to find a home…Situations like that make you feel scared, like you’re constantly under suspicion.”
Steven: “Wait he told you to try to find a home? That’s really crazy because it’s not like you chose to be out here…It’s unfair that you have to go through this. Besides I think it’s illegal for that officer to search you without a proper reason… how do other people treat you on the streets?”
Leon: “Yeah, they don’t have the right but there’s not much I can do because my color already dictates a lot about me. Also, it varies because not everyone is mean. Some people are kind, they see me as a human being and offer food or warm clothes. Others look at me like I’m a monster and it’s terrifying to think that they would even do that. I would never even think of what could push anyone to do such a thing”
Steven: “Yeah, that’s horrible so what do you think could be done to improve the situation for homeless individuals, especially those from minority backgrounds?”
Leon: “First off, we need better police training on racial bias and homelessness. There needs to be more understanding and less judgment. Also, more supportive housing would help. It’s tough to find a job or stay healthy when you don’t know where you’ll sleep each night”
Steven: “That’s a strong point that I’m also trying to push for. If you had the power to make one immediate change, what would it be?”
Leon: “I’d increase access to mental health services for the homeless. Many of us are dealing with trauma and stress and have no real support. If we can heal mentally, it’s a big step towards improving our overall situation.”
Steven: “Those are some great ideas! Now sepertately, if you had three personal wishes, what would they be?”
Leon: “Well, it’s gonna have to be ending racism and just finding peace in the world. Oh, and not just for me but for everyone. I don’t really think of wishes as personal but more of something for everyone because I’ve experienced being black and homeless and it’s hard. I’m not ashamed of my skin, and I don’t want others be to ashamed.”
Steven: “That’s awesome, and honestly such great wishes… Thank you for sharing your story, Leon. It’s important that these experiences are heard by others, and you have some really great ideas for solving this crisis.”
Leon: “Thank you, Steven. I’ve had a lot of time to think this through and at the end of the day, we just want to be seen as people, not just homeless or just Black, but as human. Thank you.”
this man is a real survivor.
incredible mental ability he has.
We all are potential homeless.. it seeems life is a minefield.
I don’t want to think about it but I can see that happening yikes
This happened to me 30 years ago. I was told to leave work and during that time my sister got injured and she was struggling too so I paid for her medical bills. That was my entire saving and I became homeless. Seriously ever since that day, I’m always grateful for whatever I have
I hope you’re doing better now!
I am now. Thanks 🙂
What an intelligent, eloquent, poised man. I hope he’s doing better today.
His experience with the cop made me sick. No one deserves to live like they’re constantly under suspicion.
I agree because being homeless is hard enough so imagine being treated even worse just because of your skin color (THAT WE WERE BORN WITH)
Ending racism and finding peace… I don’t think I’ve heard a more perfect set of wishes. Simple but life-changing and as humans, we should really try to prioritize these two goals. I feel like we can do it but we just need to all agree and work together
Seven years without stable housing… how does someone survive that
you get used to it but it is still very difficult. I was homeless for over 20 years and after the 5th year, I just lost track of time and start learning more and finding specific skills and that’s how I escaped
We don’t talk enough about how race plays into homelessness. Leon’s story needs to be heard
“We just want to be seen as human.” That broke me because ABSOLUTELY NO ONE should have to say or even think about this. Actually breaks my heart
People offering food and clothes gives me hope but the ones treating him like a monster? That’s what’s broken
Leon’s story makes me want to scream. The system is failing him and not just him but also failing so many people.
this man knew exactly what he was talking about.
very articulate indeed
Just shows that homeless people aren’t all lazy bums, it could happen to anyone.
Seems to be a very spiritually aware, level headed and deeply deeply intelligent human being. x
We all are just a hospital bill away from being homeless.
scary to think about
I’m homeless now in Philadelphia, literally came because a lot of bad things happen at once, it’s the word when you’re a good person and unfortunate circumstances happen to you. Maybe one day I’ll be ok.
Fascinating intelligent man! I couldn’t be so measured and philosophical in his situation. Hope he’s ok now.
He does sound really mature. Shows that all homeless people are much more intelligent than we think
Been a nomad by choice for 5 years now. People like this are who taught never to judge someone homeless …I’d be proud to know that guy
Listening to this man I understand why he’s homeless. He has a conscience, sound morals and is intelligent. Just the kind of person corporate America has no use for.
Sounds like a learned man, hope he’s doing okay today, wherever he is.
Wishing him the best of luck!
The moment I realize I have to make an effort to improve my life
Yeah otherwise you’ll end up on the street
Well it doesn’t mean that exactly because anything can happen so you shouldn’t judge them just because theyre homless
This breaks my heart. So many sensitive, intelligent souls suffering so much. I hope he’s doing much better these days, God Bless
Real excellent info and I really appreciate you doing these and uploading it. I’m currently homeless myself so it means a lot just reading these because I know that I’m not alone. Great work!
Thank you so much! It means a lot
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