The streets are quiet as I turn onto a one-way residential stretch of Washington Blvd. My destination sits at the corner, facing a mix of old and new three-story brick townhomes and greystones along Washington Boulevard and a vacant lot along Albany Avenue. I get out of my car and walk to the curb. A single, empty glass bottle lays on the grass.

Cars are parked in the grass-and-rock lot next to my destination. A group of senior citizens enter the building through a side door next to the large stone stairs at the front entrance. As I stood at the base of the stairs, I glanced to my right to see a pole tied to the trunk of a tree, holding a small fiberglass basketball backboard and rim.

I enter through the glass double doors into the inviting and well-appointed auditorium. Oak benches with blue padded cushions give the main floor the feel of a library. Light colored brick walls frame tall frosted windows, which filter the incoming sunlight.

An eight-person, all-male band led the audience in song as the event began. I think this might be the first time I’ve seen an all-male band on my journey. There were only 100 or so people assembled here this morning, but they seemed comfortable being in this space, and being with each other.

After the singing, a few minutes were dedicated to recognizing audience members who were celebrating birthdays. The entire audience sang Happy Birthday to the handful of people scattered throughout who stood and soaked in the love.

The journey continues in the Garfield Park neighborhood on the west side, at the corner of Washington Blvd. and Albany.

Intro Theme Music: Victory Lap by QSTN ft. Mecca:83
Background Music: www.bensound.com/

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