Concrete Pillows
In New York City
by Herb Bardavid
This Is Jamal
As I entered Citibank on 72nd Street to withdraw cash, Jamal asked if I could spare something for someone experiencing homelessness. I asked him to stay nearby and told him I'd be back shortly. He laughed and said, "I'm not going anywhere." When I came back, he smiled and thanked me as I handed him some cash to purchase food; he last ate yesterday morning. It was now 3 PM.
Jamal is 46 years old and has spent the past decade living on the streets of New York City. Born in Harlem, he has three brothers and two sisters, none of whom he has seen since becoming homeless.
Although he was born in New York City, he described his childhood as unsettled. His parents were both career military service members, and their assignments took the family to Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. Jamal recalled facing severe racism during his years in the South under Jim Crow-era conditions. In contrast, he said he did not experience the same racial hostility while living in New York.
His parents eventually returned to Harlem. Jamal lived at home until 2016, when they divorced and went their separate ways. Unable to live with either parent, he became homeless at that time.
School was not easy for Jamal. He was transferred to Brandise High School in an attempt to get a degree; however, even that attempt failed, and he dropped out of school.
He wanted to work and support himself, so he found a job at a Hot Pot Restaurant, but he was let go after only one week. He said he did not like the job, showed up late twice, did not show up at all one day, and was then fired. Other than that one week, he has never had another job.
Jamal said that living on the streets of New York City has not been difficult. He had lived in the men's shelter for three years.
However, unlike many of the men and women I have photographed and interviewed, he said it was not a bad situation. He did not experience any conflicts, and none of his personal possessions were stolen. That is one of the frequent complaints at homeless shelters in New York City.
Jamal said he has not experienced hostilities from the police or the public in the ten years that he has been living on the streets. He feels most people are kind and polite rather than hostile or condescending.
One common theme I frequently hear from people in Jamal's situation is a lack of plans, hopes, or expectations for the future. Jamal has no idea how his living situation will be any different in the future. He expects things to remain unchanged.
Sleeping on the concrete pillows of New York City's sidewalks has been comfortable for Jamal and will remain his future living conditions.
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