Lawrence Autry III By Mary Pat Abraham Lawrence Autry III was born in Providence Hospital in Washington, D.C. Now 43, he grew up in Northeast D.C. attending many schools from Bunker Hill Elementary to Roosevelt High School. Lawrence reflects on his childhood and the people he grew up around who have passed on, many of whom died due to violence, AIDS, and old age. He said, “Sometimes I feel loss, but I understand that I must move on. So God bless them and may they rest in peace.” Lawrence attended the Computer Learning Institute and got certified in Windows 98. He worked at Reagan National Airport for Hertz for seven years part time. When Hertz was purchased by another company, Lawrence didn’t agree with the changes that were made, which eventually led to a career change. He then worked for Admiral Security Services and helped secure a public broadcasting station located in northern Virginia. Lawrence is currently working on getting his Commercial Driver’s License and during his free time he finds selling Street Sense to be a good opportunity to make money and spread awareness. Lawrence also wanted to add his own view on homelessness, “In my opinion too many homeless or displaced people are being labeled as mentally ill. Not that there aren’t legitimate cases, but to me that shows that there are people very serious about controlling others.” About one of his dreams, he said, “I’d like to ask somebody to volunteer some studio time to me – to work on a CD I made titled ‘Bone Daddy’ that will have a two-cut song. One song is called ‘Up-breed’ and the other song is called ‘I Shall be King.’ It’s just one of my dreams to make a demo CD.” How did you become homeless? I’m not homeless but on a very fixed income, Street Sense at the moment really helps me out. Why do you sell Street Sense? With a fixed income it helps me make ends meet. Also, I get to help others and at the same time I get to meet some interesting people. Where do you see yourself in five years? If I’m still living I hope to have my Commercial Driver’s License by then and be driving for a good company. Hopefully I’ll still be selling Street Sense part time and I’ll have a demo CD of my own music. Favorite music? Rap. Lately more interested in jazz such as, Kevin Tony’s “Lovescape” and Bony James’ “Sweet Thing.” Favorite food? Lasagna, baked fish, salad, and pizza Favorite movie? “Superfly,” “Bullet,” and “Thicker Than Water” Favorite author? James Baldwin and Langston Hughes