Against All Amplified Intimidation

(CLICK TO ENLARGE) Abraham Britford (right) uses his unaided voice to try and make a point against a squawking amplifier and nine members of the Israelite School of Universal Practical Knowledge at the southeast corner of H and 8th Street on Saturday, July 15. As usual, the group employed an amplifier for more than four hours to pound its message into the ears of Mr. Britford and others. The amplifier also projects the speech into the surrounding businesses and residential homes, rendering the occupants involuntary recipients of the weekly tirades. A broken D.C. law permits this activity between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. anywhere in the city. The city council now must remedy the law. (Copyright © 2006. David Klavitter)

(CLICK TO ENLARGE) As the noisemaking group prepared to leave around 7:45 p.m., Yahanah (left) packed up the microphone and unwittingly illustrates that cookies and quiet conversation are perhaps a better way to engage in a dialogue with people, including Mr. Britford. Each is speaking and listening, and the H & 8th Street residents and businesses are not disturbed by hours of amplified speech. While I wasn’t offered a cookie, I nonetheless realized the potential for a proverbial “win-win” situation--the nine ISUPK fellows should put down the sticks and microphones and pick up cookies! Walk around. Listen. Actually get to know the people in community. (Copyright © 2006. David Klavitter)