OCTOBER 6, 2023 ON MY CORNER MEET YOUR VENDOR GROUNDCOVER NEWS America could learn from Cuba: support artists! recognized for their part in the society. Artists do social projects and publicity and display their art on the street. In Cuba, artists are openly recognized for their value within the society. This is shown through a state income that Denise Shearer, vendor No. 485 In one sentence, who are you? I like to help myself and others. Where do you usually sell Groundcover News? On Liberty Street across from the Fleetwood Diner, near the Ann Arbor Art Center. When and why did you start selling Groundcover? I think I started about five years ago. I started because I wanted to help myself and contribute to the world. What is your favorite thing to do in Ann Arbor? Visit Kerrytown and the Ann Arbor downtown library. Also go to the Fleetwood Diner and see my boyfriend. And, go to Bethlehem Church. What words do you live by? Love God and people. If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? Hot dogs and chicken noodle soup. What are your hobbies? I like to draw. I am a doll collector. What is your superpower? My smile. If you could do anything for a day, what would it be? Go to the Michigan State Fair! What was your first job? Working as a shampoo lady in a hair salon. I was in my 20s. What change would you like to see in Washtenaw County? I wish people were more compassionate and caring at the doctor’s and dentist’s offices and hospitals where poor people go. 1. "Mr. Rogers. I feel like he tried to address educational and emotional needs of children through television ministry. I think some of his teaching methods are still relevant. I thought about this. For example, if I am angry, I can stop. He also spoke to Congress and got funding." — Alex, a new student at U-M. (Rogers successfully fought for funding for the Public Broadcasting System). 2. "It's a really hard question. Buddha, because of the peace and the yin and the yang." — Paul, peace advocate. 3. "The main inspiration for me is the ongoing need for compassion. Everywhere I look, there is someone who needs compassion and everyone deserves that." — Gracie, Mercy JANE REILLY Groundcover vendor No. 611 Who or what inspires local folks to change the world? House. 4. "My daughter. Because I want to make sure she lives in a better world than I do now," — Rammi. 5. "Politicians. The world would be a better place if the politicians did more." — Tim, a fair person who believes in respect. 6. "I do." — Tupac Shakur, Ypsilanti. 7. "All the guests who come in every day and the challenges they face. How they help one another and keep going." — Sue, a volunteer. 8. "Rosa Parks. She's a brave woman." — Declined name. 9. "My current inspiration is Elon Musk. He's the guy who owns SpaceX and Tesla. When I look at my dreams, he's someone who is actually doing things. Like he wants to go to Mars. He's set the bar so high for other people. He wakes them out of the bubble of their perceptions. He changes the perception of what is possible into reality. He's not perfect. He's divorced (and has other problems) but he's a role model because he's actually done it." — Jason Maples, Groundcover vendor. 10. Bono, lead singer for U2 says, "This is U2's family prayer: 'We want to be useful but we want to change the world. And we want to have some fun at the same time. What's wrong with that?’" — Janie Reilly. CINDY GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 Cuba as a nation has had a truly tumultuous relationship with the United States, with the West being intimately involved in the Cuban past from slavery, colonialism and gambling in Havana. The revolution changed Cuba in the new age of socialism. Artists have become more gives artists an opportunity like any other to do their work. Many artists sell art on the streets and in tourist shops. Other artists work on big projects, murals and venues for the state. The pandemic wiped out art galleries in the United States, forcing artists to the internet where income is one huge competition — and the popularity contest is real. If you don't do “this” or you don't do “that,” you can't sell. If you don’t sell, you don't eat. A supplemental income would truly help the low-income artist. 3
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