Slowly, slowly we are making progress with the people caddy-corner to us. When we first moved in i could sense a definite tension, an uncertainty that said in a glance what much of the neighborhood was probably thinking, "who? Why? If you're not with us, you're against us." For me as a male the energy was particular. I pose a threat, an economic threat in that i might be here to push people out of the neighborhood with my big, white money. A sexual threat in that i might be here to poach women with my big, white wallet. A social threat in that i might be the watchful eye of 'the man', a little sentry monitoring the potentially unlawful goings-on in the neighborhood. For females of course, there is a whole new dynamic in play. Women are less of a threat than a challenge. The handbook advises loose, baggy clothing. Nothing should closely reveal her form. This is considered a sexual invite and will significantly increase the risk of unwanted attention.

Caddy-corner to us is a group of people, often largely comprised of males who are usually out in front of the house with their car-stereos blasting and an observer might notice people pulling up frequently for brief stops and then driving off. I haven't heard through the grapevine that it is a known drug house, as is the house around the corner where the people in the yard always seem to be screaming, although the stuff is pretty prevalent around here. Nothing could compare to the Mission district in San Francisco however where every ten steps i was getting shady side-looks and attempts at eye contact from guys in puffy coats. Anyway, i digress. As time has passed, this big group of guys that i wouldn't mess with has slowly come to realize who we are and who we know. I speculate that our presence at such events as neighborhood watch meetings, community healing groups and school board meetings gets out. Not to mention five years and two houses into the neighborhood has left a pretty significant dent in our status. Now the guys are cat-calling with a bit of in-joke humor, "Hey baby, I have a college education! I'm actually a really nice guy, I promise! See, I can make you laugh!" Meanwhile i get the subtle but vastly important nods of recognition as i pass by that clarify that the assumptions of disrespect often held in passing between Caucasians and African Americans are aside. Sometimes even the elder women will give me an enthusiastic 'hello' from the porch. This is a significant development. Especially friendly are our next door neighbors. One of our neighbors are also the parents of a young girl in our care and they never miss an opportunity to give a warm hello or tell us how much they appreciate and respect the work we are doing.

So the hood is finally cool with derek and the Sophia 06' crew. This deserves a glass of wine. Goodnight.