Crosscurrents

This is Sidewalk Stories, where we hear from unhoused people about how they survive and build a life outside. Sometimes “survival” looks like maintaining an identity apart from homelessness, whether that’s a paid job, a network of friends and family, or cultivating a creative practice. In celebration of Pride month, this segment of Sidewalk Stories features the work of two queer, unhoused poets. 

Caregiving is one of the most important acts of love you can give someone. But we don’t always get to choose when and how we take on the role. And while it can be intimate, and rewarding, it can also be tough. Chris Durrance tackles these themes in the PBS documentary "Caregiving." 

Rose Aguilar is the host of KALW’s “Your Call.” She shared some of her personal caregiving experiences, along with some advice for the event participants, on how to navigate their own journeys with caregiving.

Today we’ll meet the Haitian pastor trying to advise his flock in these uncertain times. Then Oakland’s first Haitian restaurant serves up some hearty, braised goodness. And, a multicultural choir comes together to sing classical Arabic music.

Pastor Stevenson Noel heads a community church in the North Bay, and estimates about 5000 Haitians living in the Bay Area. He says his congregation is living in fear and confusion.

The Bay Area is home to thousands of Haitians. In this segment of our Diaspora stories, Crosscurrents host, Hana Baba went to visit one whose restaurant was  named one of the tastiest restaurants in the Bay Area by the SF Chronicle.

The Arabic music ensemble Aswat is based in the city and plays classical Arab standards in concerts throughout the Bay Area. But you don't have to know the language to participate.

Non-Arabic speaking Americans make up half of the choir members and musicians, and that's part of the mission: to spread a love for Arabic music that transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries.

Decades after a traumatic childhood - the host of Uncuffed finally gets to ask his mother a question. Then, we’ll hear from women in prison on cargiving from the inside. 

In the last year, Bay Area unhoused communities have faced an increase in forced displacement. Today, we hear directly from people caught up in Oakland's sweeps and how San Francisco officials are changing policies for those that live in recreational vehicles. Then, how the banjo is being reclaimed by Black musicians.

Today, we hear directly from people caught up in Oakland's sweeps.