Cedric

4/5/11 - Week 14
Every afternoon he is outside across from my office selling the local paper.  Always smiling, always chatting up the commuters passing by.  I stopped this time, asked his name, shook his hand, and told him about the $2 Portraits project.  Cedric agreed to let me take his picture but asked, "this isn't going to be in the newspaper is it?"  I told him no, just on my website along with other $2 portraits; and he approved.  I then took a few shots and continued our conversation.  We just talked briefly because he wanted to get back to selling his papers.  Seems like he has regular customers.

Cedric was born and raised in Chicago.  He told me he only sells papers part-time.  Other times, he's the organist for his church.  He had long fingers and a strong grip, so I surmise he slides across the keyboard with ease.  Sensing his desire to turn attention to his customers, I gave him $2 and shook his hand.  He asked my name and said "stop by again sometime."  I replied that I would.  I also wanted to make sure I spelled his name correctly and began spelling C-E-D…  He stopped me, and with a big smile, said "C-E-D-R-I-C, just like the entertainer.  I've got more jokes but not as much money."  We both laughed and waved as I turned toward the train station for the commute home.