I was interviewed yesterday by NPR…so make sure to listen today during the morning and afternoon news for a short report on my Year of Giving by the talented journalist Rebecca Sheir. Click here to listen online.
On day 83 I found myself heading over to the Caribou Coffee shop on 14th Street near Logan Circle to meet my friend David who was in the play The Foreigner with me. On the way I ran into Ron from Day 24. He was talkative and we chatted for a few blocks as we walked the same direction. We walked past Bob from Day 72…he was at his usual place shooting baskets. I would have asked him what he ended up using his $10 for but I had several things to do and was running a little behind, so I decided to follow up with him another day.
Brad (Photo: Reed)
While I was at Caribou Coffee I met Brad. The 27-year-old was working on his computer when I met him…turns out he has a blog called A Jersey Kid…definitely worth checking out.
Brad was born in Connecticut but grew up in New Jersey. He moved to DC to go to George Washington University where he did both his undergraduate studies as well as law degree. I know what you are thinking…wow, you found a lawyer in DC…what a shocker. Well, Brad is not a lawyer.
After graduating from law school he realized he didn’t want to practice law…so he joined an IT firm doing project management. He also writes regularly on his blog and hopes to make writing a more integral part of his life. For now he says, “You either do what you love, or do what allows you to do what you love.”
We spoke about all kinds of things. If you want a good person to just discuss the interesting facets of life, you should seek out Brad and have a chat with him.
On this day he was particularly bothered by some comments made recently by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s niece, Alveda King. She was quoted as saying, “Abortion is a racist, genocidal act.” Brad disagreed with her using such inflammatory language. Regardless of your views on abortion he says, a statement like this does not encourage educated debate on the subject. I have to agree. I wonder what the late Dr. King would have thought about his niece’s views.
I ended up getting a phone call and had to leave, so our discussion got cut short. Brad says he will give the money to someone else. I look forward to hearing his story about regiving the $10!
Year of Giving 
Heard the NPR story this morning, and wanted to check out the blog. I’ll be interested in following your progress, keep up the good deeds!
I really appreciate someone like you! I have been out of work on and off for over a year and in this difficult time have learned that I want to help people. All people. It’s my dream to be a health counselor but in these days, I lean towards social work. I would go to Chile or Haiti if I could find a way to pay my bills while I’m gone.
Thank you for doing this for people. No matter what your reason, you are probably helping many, more than you know. Just when I’m about to give up, a person like you gives me hope that there are others who really care.
Dear Reed,
I heard about your project as a Kindness Investor (what a great title!) on WAMU/NPR. It was a great way to start the day, and I was particularly moved by the fact that you started the Year of Giving to honor your mother’s memory. What a beautiful way to recognize her very special place in the world and in your life. I look forward to hearing the stories as your Year of Giving continues. Thank you.
It was great to spend time talking that Saturday morning. I wish you the best and I’ll certainly keep in touch.
Regarding Alveda King’s comments on abortion, I suggest you research Planned Parenthood’s founder, Margaret Sanger and her involvement with the Eugenics movement. I cannot say whether this is what Alveda King had in mind when she made the statements that Brad found so disturbing, though I myself find it disturbing that the nation’s major institution for population control was born out of such principles.
great project and idea! you will zoom when and how you are meant to! this comment is in regard to katy’s $10. I understand and agree that “moments” should not be defined nor tainted with the almighty dollar however a truly giving gesture would of been to use the money to randomly enrich someone else’s life who might not be enjoying such a fine day. perhaps buying a parking validation and leaving it at the meter for the next person…(this just happened to us here in portland, oregon and it really made our day!) we were able to put it back after we used it and let someone else enjoy 2 hours of free parking. maybe she could of stopped in to tip someone the $10 who is working at a crappy diner just because they ARE having to work at a crappy diner! it’s financial times such as these that random acts of generosity (no matter how small) can make the world seem a little more smiley.