So much to be thankful for... by Rob Robinson

So much to be thankful for...

 by Rob Robinson

I’m thankful that I was able to overcome homelessness

I’m thankful for the ability to challenge elected and appointed officials in New York City and around the country to end homelessness by eliminating the root causes of this social illness

I’m thankful that I’ve been able to share my experiences with others suffering from the effects of homelessness

I’m thankful to be a member of Picture the Homeless

and to lead homeless people in the process to educate the public, to change media stereotypes and to build relationships with allies

I’m thankful that so many people in this city recognize that the work done by Picture the Homeless is important, and I’m thankful for the many ways people have shown their gratitude

I’m thankful to be involved in many coalitions, and to work with some great organizers in the social justice movement

I’m thankful I’ve been able to connect with New York City’s historical social justice movement

I’m thankful to have met people like Chino Garcia, Mickey Melendez and Frank Morales

I’m thankful that New York City’s academic community has embraced and supported the work I do, the work of Picture the Homeless, the work of the Campaign to Restore National Housing Rights, and the work of the Right to the City alliance

I’m thankful I’ve had the opportunity to meet Ashraf Cassiem of the Anti-Eviction Campaign in South Africa

I’m thankful that Picture the Homeless has a relationship with the Shack Dwellers Movement in South Africa -- and I’m happy I had the chance to raise the story of homeless people in Budapest, Hungary and discrimination against Roma people there to an international level

I’m thankful that New York City had the faith to allow me to lead the first official visit here of a UN Special Rapporteur on Adequate Housing

I’m thankful that Raquel Rolnik (the UN Rapporteur) validated what many of us have been saying for years

I’m thankful for the relationship I have with organizers around the country, especially Sam Jackson of Mayday New Orleans, JR Fleming of Chicago's Coalition to Protect Public Housing, and Becky Dennison from Los Angeles Community Action Network

I’m thankful that I have a friend and mentor in Max Rameau of Miami's Take Back the Land

Finally, I’m thankful that I have been encouraged, tutored and mentored by two exceptional sisters/women of color, Brenda Stokely of the New York Solidarity Coalition with Katrina & Rita Survivors, and Tiffany Gardner of the National Economic & Social Rights Initiative

I have so much to be thankful for, and I am truly blessed

Unity in the struggle,                                                                                         

Peace in the Middle East,                                                                               

Power to the People,

Rob

Robert Robinson  

Board Member,

Picture the Homeless  

Member,

Campaign to Restore National Housing Rights  

Right to the City alliance  

Take Back the Land (national)

US Human Rights Network