Vendor Spotlights
Vendor William B. Inspires Friendship and Art
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“He’s taught us so much, and I only hope he can feel some love reflected back to him through the piece.”
Vendor Spotlights
Cynthia Pritchard has a lot of stories — but no regrets
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There’s so much I’ve done in my life, I don’t regret none of it. I can honestly say when I die, I want them to put on my tombstone, ‘it’s been one hell of a ride.’”
Vendor Spotlights
Lyndon Vetetoe just moved into a Nashville apartment – and it’s a victory 13 years in the making
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“It’s about more than the dollar. You’re accepted as somebody, as a real person.”
Vendor Spotlights
Michael Reed will keep on moving
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The Nashville skyline is one of countless horizons Michael Reed has glimpsed over his 57 years.
Vendor Spotlights
Beverly Gallaher can’t be kept down
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Since Beverly Gallaher started selling The Contributor in 2014, it’s helped her remain active and present in the community.
Vendor Spotlights
As winter turns to spring, Charles Johnson finally has a room of his own
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“I’m glad I’m off the streets, I ain’t gotta worry about the rain and cold anymore, you know what I’m saying?”
Vendor Spotlights
It’s a crazy world out there —and Pedro Lopez is off to see it
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When Pedro Lopez goes out to sell The Contributor, he appreciates what he gets — but he relishes the chance to give. More than just letting that paper go, he tries to pay forward as many little blessings as he can. “A lot of people don’t know what you’re going through,” Lopez said. “And I wanna shout out the people who bless me with the paper. I give them gifts — even if it’s small, little things, I give ‘em.
Vendor Spotlights
Vendor Spotlight: Bradley Boyce knows the value of being seen
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“When so many people walk by you and they just don’t even acknowledge your existence, it starts to make you feel obsolete,” said Bradley Boyce.
Vendor Spotlights
More than a Customer: Quick Connections
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At Pedro L.’s selling spot on Broadway and 14th Ave N, the light is so short that there’s not a lot of time to talk. But that doesn’t stop him from bonding with his customers. In the early mornings and mid-afternoons, Pedro’s sunny disposition is a welcome respite on three very different commutes. Shannon Meadors, minister to children at Nashville First Baptist Church, hopes to get a red light on her way to work so she and Pedro can catch up. She hears about his brother in Florida, his upcoming new teeth, and makes sure he has a safe place to sleep.
Vendor Spotlights
Pedro’s work here isn’t done
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Pedro unfolds a piece of paper he pulled out of his wallet. It’s delicate, and has a hole in the middle, but the key piece of information is still intact. It lists his former salaries. That was back when he worked in a steel mill in Texas, after he cleaned up the 2010 flood damage in Opry Mills, but before his leg was severely injured in an accident. After working for seven years in pain, he couldn’t take it anymore.