Drama and Toys for the Kids in Newark

Newark, NJ is exciting and sad for all the its early century grandeur, urban decay, and glimmers of renewal. PBS recently aired a documentary called Revolution '67 which talked about that piviotal moment when black communities defended themselves against political dismissal and systemcatic concentration of poverty downtown, which all but ensured the final exodus of a scared middle class and the beginning of a slow, cloudy, era.

It's four decades later and I'm trying to remember if I've ever seen Newark when it wasn't overcast--even though I've always gone there to see something beautiful. The most recent rainy trip was to tour the soon to be LEED Silver rated new schoolhouse of St. Philip's Academy, complete with well-behaved uniformed children and a roof garden.

But this post is really about my friends Annie & Kevin who along with a dedicated team run the AIDS Resource Foundation for Children. Out of a firehouse headquarters in downtown Newark they provide services for kids and families who have to claw their way through so much tough history and some of its worst consequences.

If you're looking for something good to do today I recommend participating in their holiday toy drive. It's fun, you can browse the kids' wish lists and pick out something specific at www.angelwish.org/center/arfc.php. Who knows if that kid with a building toy and some encouragement today can be an urban planner tomorrow.

Illustration: Daniela Morell for the AIDS Resource Foundation for Children