In Our Own Voices: Eric Thompson-Bey

Street Sense Media artist/vendor and reporter, Eric Thompson-Bey chronicles his experiences growing up in Anacostia, as well as other parts of DC. He recounts how his mother was murdered when he was only two years old, as well as how his father died when he was only nine. After that, he was raised by one of his sisters. Thompson-Bey shares his experiences with homelessness, as well as how he discovered Street Sense and how the organization has helped him over the last 14 years to find housing, as well as develop his skills as a writer. Additionally, Thompson-Bey details how the case managers at Street Sense Media have helped him navigate struggles with mental illness. He also shares how selling Street Sense papers helped keep him out of prison, as it provided away for him to be financially independent without having to resort to anything against the law. Thompson-Bey discusses an investigation into the violent conditions at his apartment building, though ultimately he had to quite the investigation due to threats against his housing situation. Finally, Thompson-Bey talks about his aspirations for the future, which include getting a college degree, and the ways in which the staff at Street Sense Media have and continue to support him in achieving those goals. Thompson-Bey was interviewed October 7, 2022 fellow Artist/Vendor Jacqueline Turner as part of Street Sense Media’s Oral History Project, “In Our Own Voices: Artist/Vendors 2003-2023.”