this is… The Neighborhood
the Story within the Story
TO LEAVE SOMETHING BEHIND: elimination day
cover Goodbye by Remi Walle
“I really don’t want to say goodbye to any of you people.”
– Christa McAuliffe
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Sean Rowe
w/ To Leave Something Behind
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To Leave Something Behind
elimination day (based on responses from eps. ii the pursuit of happiness)
developed by Kendall F. Person
We cannot turn away, no matter how hard we try. One glance at the news, out of the corner of our eyes and we are reminded of why we are here. President-elect Trump names Stephen Bannon to a top post. The beloved Oprah is turned on by her fans, for what I am certain, providing hope and comfort, was the intent behind her words. And yet another comedian booed off the stage, for political jokes, that we use to laugh at. So much hate and division and fear. But something happened to erase the despair. A writer who had just published a scathing post, full of national sorrow, linked ‘common ground’ into their blog, for what I imagine was to share a flicker of hope, that 12 courageous Americans provide in the search for common ground.
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Lisa Troedson led from pillar to post on the most valuable score card: The Public Vote. But when combined with 3 other scores (Judges Panel, The Inner Circle and the Show Card), as they say in Vegas: always bet on Black, as Ryan would nip her at the finish line. But the real surprise came out of Philly, as Michael OG Law turned a 2-party platform, into a 3-party race. Bravo to each of you for your thought-providing responses and commitment to the search.
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The American in Australia – Joe Flower – would not allow an 18 hour time difference from his turn at the megaphone. And his response to the question as if he were giving the speech, was an imaginative method in getting his point across.
It is clear, that Lawrence Pierce III – one of two millenniums here – although steadfast in his party support, and while still growing and learning what life is all about, contributing a well thought out response, when he could have jumped ship as his candidate won, displays the rare ability, to become a leader that we all can embrace.
And with his strong showing on every score card, that despite his reluctance to share his voice, the importance of Mac Aguilar’s contribution, cannot be denied.
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Even hit with a penalty for being late, Shirley Newman was never in real danger. Her can’t-we-all-just-get-along type response and with her never-ending cheer-leading backstage, for the time being at least, she has been endeared to the search.
Jamal and We’Derrious both left question marks. Jamal’s answer, while well written his emotions were not hidden and overwhelmed the spirit of his response. But perhaps, that was his point.
And We’Derrious’ response may have stood a chance, if only it had been a different question that was asked; and if only the other millennium had not reached so much higher.
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Everyone has a contribution to make, even if you end up in the bottom 3. But the decision of who to eliminate, was quite elementary. Not everyone is ready to make their contribution, so perhaps the next time. Rachel did not try (or maybe she did). But it was Sarah, whose response was most unfortunate, and may have offended the voters, more so than even Rachel (since at least she was focused). During the middle of her audio response, she would entertain a conversation with someone else, even as she was speaking to a nation she was here to help. As for David Tapscott, his through the night fight for votes, was not lost on anyone.
So who stays and who goes….
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Goodbye Rachel and Sarah. Thank you for trying to leave something behind.
The Search for COMMON GROUND continues on Sunday Nov 20th.
The Search for COMMON GROUND eps. ii the pursuit of happiness
We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.- Thomas Jefferson
from Sacramento
in The Neighborhood since 2013
7th Born Productions
w/ World
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The Search for COMMON GROUND
episode ii the pursuit of happiness
created & developed by Kendall F. Person
co-hosted by Rebecca Lemke
Each individual represents multiple demographics. Some of which, we self-identify with and some, are cast upon us in a game of numbers. It is these demographics, that The Neighborhood believes – along with a communication barrier – is at the root of both our imagined and real divisions.
The demographics were given the same question on the same day and with the same deadline. For most, it was a contemplative moment. Each was asked to confirm, that their submitted response was indeed their Official Answer. With the exception of spelling errors, we are giving you the raw, unedited thoughts of 12 American emotions.
We have a long way to go, until the final two, so please do not despair finding common ground is within reach; but we cannot give up, even if we want to.
THE FIRST QUESTION
If your vote cast was for the President-elect Trump, now that the campaign is over, and no further need to be critical of opponent, please make the blue state voters feel better about the man you supported. But you are not responding to everyone, but to only one of the demographics- your choice – that has not felt embraced by his campaigned over the past 15 months. If your vote was for Hillary, your question is, if there was one single action or words he could say, that would allow you to clean the slate and support the president-elect, what would it be?
Please vote at the bottom of the page for the 3 responses that best help our nation in the search for common ground. The lowest combined score… will be eliminated on Monday, Nov 14.
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episode ii the pursuit of happiness
On 20th JANUARY 2017, during the Inauguration Day speech, President Trump would include this pledge:
“One important cornerstone of my presidency will be to create a new vision of American masculinity – that is, a united movement of men and boys working towards the common goal of ending men’s violence against women and girls, to promote healthy relationships and gender equality. I want to be a President that presides over an America in which all women live safely, with respect and free from all forms of men’s abuse.
“I understand and accept that men are central to achieving the social change necessary to stopping violence against women. I want to engage all men to stand up, speak out and act to influence the attitudes and behaviors of some men in our country who commit violence against women, and I want them to speak out based on an understanding that most men are not violent.
“A Donald Trump Presidency pledges to provide the tools for men to stop violence against women in their homes, towns, and cities right across America. I will make this happen, thru education in our schools, preventative programs designed to raise awareness in our communities, thru creative campaigns in our civic centers, and with the full co-operation of my Vice President Mike Pence.”
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My response: In the action of being the President Elect for this Great Country I ask that he address the racist and radical supporters to understand the rights of ALL Americans and that of Immigration Reform, the system that needs fixing from Green Cards, Work Visa’s, and Seasonal Amnesty Programs, Welfare reform to enforce Americans to contribute 30 Hours a week of Community Services based on the minimum wage salary that includes benefits and food card, including random drug testing. Lastly that he addresses the civil rights issues of american citizens in the US before addressing issues on foreign soil. His personal issues of character I am not addressing.
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The 2020 Progroessive
I think Donald Trump needs to go to Ferguson, MO and listen to peoples’ stories.
In 2016, I was lucky enough to travel to Ferguson, MO to produce videos with Harvard Professor, and then Democratic Presidential Candidate, Larry Lessig. The Listening Tour was one of the most insightful learning experiences of my life. I thought I understood issues on a complex level before I visited Ferguson. But when I left, I had an entirely new and wider perspective on the Black Experience in America.
If Trump travels to Ferguson, Flint, and other inner cities that face issues unique to minority communities, and simply listens to them, I believe Trump would have an opportunity to address a multitude of his own shortcomings. Not to mention, he could become a better man and better president.
In Ferguson, he would have an opportunity to be empathetic. It would be an opportunity for him to reflect on his own upbringing. He would see things he has never seen before. HE would be confronted with issues he never knew existed. He would hear the anger and frustrations of people who are afraid of what his presidency could do to them and he’d have to be presidential the entire time. I believe if Trump made an effort to find common ground and to learn from people who feel ostracized by him, perhaps the American people would be inspired to find common ground of their own. – 2020 Progressive, Ryan Black
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That he is in full in support of gay rights
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I’m racking my brain very carefully to try and find the right words to ease your minds. Yes, it’s true I voted for the president-elect Donald J. Trump. I filled in those ovals solid black on the ballot. I followed his campaign until the bitter end. That’s whom I personally chose to support during this election. He loves his country and the people from all walks of life in it. I truly believe that he stands for all Americans. I also trust him enough to know that he will run this country that we love so damn much the way that it should’ve been all along. I feel it’s high time to run our country like a business not with someone who has his own hidden personal agenda. A person who cares about everyone but we need to ensure the safety of our nation, first. There are rules and regulations for a purpose. How on earth can we guarantee being safe? It has to start with helping our country first. It takes time and effort but it must be done with compassion.
I know many individuals who are not feeling embraced by him because of the inappropriate comments made over the past 15 months, especially about immigrants. However, doesn’t he speak his mind in the way most of us think and are afraid to? I am not in any way, shape or form condoning his temperament but I really feel we need a change in the way we handle immigration. He cannot just send everyone who is not here legally on the next bus, ship or bus with a one-way ticket out of here. All he is saying is whomever wants to live here should do it legally end of story. It is past time for new blood and something new. We should be making people feel welcome and by no means should any one demographic be singled out. This country was built on diversity.
Each and every one of us are the ties that bind humanity and cultures together. People come from all over the world to the US of A for a better life than they currently have in another country that is not so fortunate. The U.S.A. is a country of hope and change. Everyone is in the pursuit of the American Dream aren’t they? We used to be the richest country in the world but we’re not and dreams are dying off because manufacturing plants are leaving the country. Jobs are disappearing left and right. But if immigrants are now living off of government assistance how can we rebuild the economy with big businesses going elsewhere while smaller ones are closing up shop? In the light of darkness there’s still a spark it just needs to be found. We the people need to give our new president the chance to make a world of difference.
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Good evening to all, I voted for Trump on November 8th. I’ve been a conservative all of my life and I voted on my party’s choice. He aligns with my principles the most. For those who are scared though, you need to realize there are two versions of Donald Trump: the real one and the one created by the media. Hopefully you realize that the media is very dishonest. The media’s version of Donald Trump will tell you that he hates Mexicans and Hispanics, while thinking they are all racist. They will tell you that he supports the KKK. They will tell you he hates Muslims. They will tell you he hates the LGBT community. This effort to demonize Mr. Trump has been effective in dividing the country. I understand he has made some remarks that can be seen as racist, IF taken out of context. That is exactly what the media does. Even still it should not be about controversial comments made, it should be about policy. This is the real Donald Trump: He wants to secure the border. He said SOME of the people crossing the border were rapists, murderers and gangsters. That is a fact given the police reports we have seen from illegal immigrants committing atrocities across our country. Donald Trump wants to TEMPORARILY suspend Muslim immigration from terrorist ridden countries. That’s not bigotry, it is a logical response to the fact that all of our intelligence officials agree that ISIS will infiltrate refugee populations among other programs. Donald Trump disavowed David Duke, the leader of the KKK. Trump has not made a single comment against the African American community that I can point to. He has been praised by people such as Jesse Jackson in the past along with other prominent members of Civil Rights organizations. Donald Trump is all for equal rights for the LGBT community. You can take for example how Trump said Caitlin Jenner can use the bathroom of her choosing. The point of comparing these two versions of Trump is to let people who are scared of Trump know that he is not a hateful individual seeking to oppress all kinds of minority groups. He will be president for ALL Americans. You will be pleasantly surprised. Hope this helps. God bless.
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Honestly, nothing he says could clean his slate for me only his actions. A lot of presidents have talked a good game but, majority of them never do what they say they are going to do so I would rather see him doing good actions rather than saying a good speech. The reason why I didn’t vote for the presidential election is because our vote doesn’t matter and never has. The first time I realized out vote didn’t matter was when I was in the 4th grade George W bush and al gore were running for office.
Originally al gore won but, they did a recount in two states where the bushes had ties to and al gore lost because bush got more electoral votes. Fast forward through time we have the 2016 presidential election and Hillary Clinton gets more popular votes than Donald trump but losses badly because she didn’t have enough electoral votes. Now if our vote really counted ,wouldn’t she be the president of the U.S?
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My vote was for Sharif Street in Philadelphia. I voted for Sharif because he does his job making the community better by my side rather he is in office or not. It was the first time I voted in 42 years. Freedom and Democracy is having the choice to vote or not and who I choose to vote for to represent US. I voted for one who I can personally hold accountable. That is what I did with MY FREEDOM. I don’t believe my children are super predators nor do I believe Trump is constitutionally sound enough to be president. He will break rules out of genuine ignorance and disrespect.
Neither earned my vote so I chose to vote for God. I believe what has happened is a necessary evil to awaken the sleeping Giants called black people and the people who support us in our time of trouble as part of the human family. I still hold to the truth God gave me before this drama, red and yellow black and white they are precious in his sight… But black ISSUES matter most right now because we are in the most trouble. I would only vote for a candidate who understands that bigger picture. My team over stains that truth so they actually created a new position and voted me in as national neighborhood president of the united streets of America… More on that later. In short instead of voting for the lesser of two evils we created a solution to fight the evil and bring positivity into existence through all races in the streets across America
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Ok bottom line my vote was for Donald Trump, because he is not a mass murderer or predator.
Hillary Clinton, The Obamas are terrorists.
They sent the word for 9.11.2001
They killed their own people
This is the truth, after all I’m an Archangel here on Earth
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Don’t forget you are an American first and don’t try to over do it!!
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Thoughts, Reflections, and Truths for Our Future
Right now, I don’t think there is anything the president-elect could say that would make me truly, one-hundred percent support him. With that being said, however, I do realize that I need to continue to act like a true American and support whoever my president may be. I’m a black, gay man living in Indianapolis, Indiana, with my white husband. Having been endorsed by the KKK, I would want to know that Mr. Trump has plans to support the LGBT, minority and immigrant communities, and women’s rights.
A large number of his supporters display violent and racially-charged behavior, so a sense of safety would be of the utmost importance. This is the one thing I would need to, not necessarily hear him say, but feel. As a double minority in an interracial relationship, I need to feel safe under the protection and guidance of my president. If I could listen to plans of policy and positive development come from my president – keep in mind we don’t actually know what he has planned for the country – I would be fully supportive, as long as derogatory and inflammatory treatment of others weren’t part of the plan.
America is a country of immigrants. Over time we’ve developed into an overwhelmingly diverse group of people. Common respect for one another is something that seems to have slipped through the cracks along the way, and is all I wish to see from my president and all of his supporters. Of course, when it comes to an election, not everyone will be pleased with the outcome. What people need is the capacity to listen and understand where every group is coming from; patience, learning, and understanding of every walk of life. What ever happened to agreeing to disagree?
People are afraid of what we don’t know and I’m afraid of a Trump presidency and what it will bring. The bigger problem is that our country seems to be stuck in an old mindset – fearing people who don’t look like them and keeping those they feel are below them at the bottom. A woman should have one-hundred percent control of her body and be the only one deciding what happens when it.
Microaggressions and a sense of racism is something you feel in parts of Indiana. Indianapolis isn’t so bad, but when you travel outside those lines – traveling to our Alma Mater and visiting family two hours south – you know it’s there. Growing up black and learning to be confident and proud as a gay man in America is something I consider a gift. I’m built to handle whatever is to come from a Trump presidency because I know how to process hatred and other’s misunderstanding. Feeling safe under my president’s leadership would allow me and my respective communities to continue educating the rest of the country – impacting beliefs for the greater good.
The Polls are now open. Please vote for the 3 demographics that you believe represent the spirit of finding common ground. You are not expected to agree, and may never will. But if they answered the question, with honesty and integrity, cast your vote so that they remain around.
POLLS CLOSE ON MONDAY NOV 14 @ 10:00AM PST/1:00PM EST
The Search for COMMON GROUND episode one
I think we should all come together, and that race and color and social demographics really don’t matter. – Joanne Noelle Levesque, I am JoJo
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We Belong Together (the lyrics)
by Mariah Carey
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Introduction
PREMISE
What if our prejudices were based on misconceptions? What if personal beliefs, had no effect on our neighbor’s pursuit of happiness? What if the saying “I’m okay and you’re okay.” is actually true? And what if the bitterness and mistrust between fellow citizens and those who call the USA home, was all imagined – until we began to believe it? And what if both celebrating and defending our individual differences – within respect and civility – served as confirmation, that as one nation, we are stronger than the demographics, that divide us? And what if all we had to do to heal… was search for common ground?
MISSION
To help change the dialogue by changing the way we view demographics of the same nation, but in the form of reality entertainment.
Ultimately, to learn more about American demographics, but through real life Americans. But sharing and teaching about who we are can be an uncomfortable challenge and accepting what we learn about ‘others’ even directly from those ‘others’, in contrast to what we think we know, can be a high hurdle. But only your votes and the judges can decide who has reached common ground.
Wednesday Nov.9th: First Search in the form of a Question or a Mission.
Sunday Nov 13th: COMMON GROUND and first vote:
Monday Nov 14th: First Elimination
For the full engagement, please Like thepublicblogger on Facebook
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On Sunday, we will learn more about THE PEOPLE and the DEMOGRAPHICS each represents, but for now we are proud to present the 12 Americans who will begin the search for COMMON GROUND.
WE THE PEOPLE
The Search for COMMON GROUND
cover BRIDGE by Yuliya Ginzburg
“I see myself as a bridge builder; that is me building bridges between people, between races, between cultures, between politics, trying to find common ground.” – TD Jakes
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Welcome to My Ghetto
Theme Song of COMMON GROUND
by John Doe, Tulsa Oklahoma
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The Search for COMMON GROUND
developed by Kendall F. Person
If the US citizens have been held as political hostages since the Tea Party uprising, than the Presidential Elections campaign is their torture. With a reality show star and a bully at the top of a major party ticket and the prospect of the first woman elected president in American history, the combined novelty may have initially felt like entertainment. But less than a week before Americans take to the polls, the United States feels less like one nation and more like forced demo graphical kingdoms of powerless subjects, either pledging an allegiance to Queen Hillary or hypnotized by Supreme Leader Trump.
“It can be found, but it will take all the demographics searching in unison.” – thepublicblogger
Since its inception, The Neighborhood at thepublicblogger.com has been on the cutting edge of online collaborative entertainment with a consciousness. Over 200 artists have filled the roles, with a audience engagement as much a part of the shows (The Lives We Live, A Star is Born, Who is the Sexiest Number?). Person and a rotating cast of talented artists, have cleverly elevated the platform, multiplying the size of their audience in the process, with very sophisticated productions, that play across Facebook and WordPress platforms.
But this year, the free thinking Person, felt a responsibility to tens of thousands that 
follow thepublicblogger and to a nation in trouble. With the Chair’s approval, he decided that The Neighborhood could make a contribution in healing of the nation’s people in a real life search for common ground.
COMMON GROUND the reality show
The ideal of finding common ground is not a new one. But with so many mediums and institutions simply churning out essays or holding forums, where the information rarely trickles outward, Person imagined that an interactive, reality show format, with real life Americans, plucked from “opposing” demographics, Not in a spectacle of judgement, but in sincerity of getting to know thy neighbor for who they are and to learn what drives their mistrust or prejudices. However, in the process of telling their stories, they will be working with the ‘others’ (demographics) of whom they mistrust, while the nation looks on. “Best case scenario,” Person states “it could have a life-imitating-art type of affect.” When asked of a worse case, Person just shook his head. “We are already living the worse case:” referring not to the ugliness of the current political campaign, but to the heartbreaking failed government leadership on every level.
“Keeping it real is entertainment. Overcoming a mindset that our fellow citizens are ‘others’ is social consciousness. COMMON GROUND does both – Nafiys Walters, Chair
Will it work? Nobody knows. Only 3 days til the debut and if the weight of its own expectations is not enough, a delayed start, confusion backstage and funding challenges make it a long shot. But Kendall F. Person and The Neighborhood Artists like those odds and believe it is their responsibility to try.
The Search for COMMON GROUND begins November 6
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episode one
2016 The Neighborhood Award – Our Highest Honor
The Neighborhood Award
Our Highest Honor
2016 Recipients
Ned Hickson
Yavonne Squeaky Penn
Guy White
“For making a contribution,
that no one else could have made.”
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from Chicago, Anew(Duo)
with God’s Love
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Yavonne Squeaky Penn, Chicago
There was a time when she nearly walked away. When she felt that being a part of The Neighborhood was in direct conflict with her faith in God. But after a long discussion with Person, she would not only stick around, but she would become a part. Her participation in A Star is Born, both in front of and behind the camera, would make her one of the most well known artists, but it was Our Week of Peace 2016, that it became clear why Yavonne Squeaky Penn was here.
All inclusive, we have always been, and that includes assuring that all faiths feel welcome. And while there are many essays and short stories with religious themes, nothing came close to defining our relationship with God until The Opening Prayer. Yavonne is not only in a gospel group – Anew(Duo) – but has a ministry of her own, where she often quotes specific scripture and is very conformable in spreading the word based upon her beliefs. But when she wrote the prayer for The Neighborhood’s Opening Day, she found a way to minister God’s love to all.
For bringing Prayer and style and talent and love, Yavonne Squeaky Penn of Chicago is hereby given Our Highest Honor – 2016 The Neighborhood Award
click to enlarge
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Star Fin
written by Yelle Hughes
produced by Guy White
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Guy White is an amazing, old school animator, who relies on his skills as an artist more so than any app. He still produces cartoons the old fashioned way, drawing each frame which in some cases can take up to 300,000 drawings. But that is who he is. A commited artisan who shares that commitment within The Neighborhood.
Guy White, Chicago
But it is not his talent, that makes Guy White so very special, but it is his spirit of ‘we are all in this together’, that make him the single biggest promoter of the neighborhood artists (and of so many others) without ever asking for anything in return. There are those who would take advantage of such a soul, but not here and not us. Because everyone will know….
for promoting every artists as if each one was not just a member of The Neighborhood, but one of your very own. Guy White of Chicago, you are hereby given Our Highest Honor – 2016 The Neighborhood Award.
Note from Jim Paul (aka Guy White): First I would like to thank Kendall Person for allowing me to participate in The Neighborhood shows. It’s always an honor and privilege to lend my creativity in some small way to any project. I would also like to say it’s been a pleasure to see and hear all of these creative personalities in one place. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate reading blogs, or listening to someone’s new song. Its gives me hope that there are still really creative Independent artist out there creating new and interesting work, and willing to share it with the rest of us.
I would also like to thank Rebecca Lemke and IvySoul Robinson for asking me to collaborate on a project with them, it was fun and also completely different than anything I would have done and that’s what this is all about for me, you have three different people, from different locations, different points of views, different lives and at The Neighborhood we met, talked and created something, and this would have never happened if it’s wasn’t for Kendall Person and The Neighborhood.
In closing I would l just like to say how important it is for all independent artist to support each other, by hitting a like button or sharing each other’s content. Even if it’s a project that you may not like, doesn’t mean one of your friends won’t love it, and turn someone else on to you work. I’ve been fortunate to meet other artist like Lina Jones over at the Diamond Network, Nicole Maddalo Dixon, Rob Goldstein, and Michael Mele, or guys and gals in This Day Burns, people whose work I would have never been exposed to if it wasn’t for someone else telling me to check it out. – Guy White
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If The Story of Us – better known as The Neighborhood – ends today or a decade from now, there may never be another artist that has given so much of himself as our Ned Hickson. From The Comedy Show to A Star is Born and the Grand Champion of The Sexiest Number, Ned has displayed the type of character that makes us all so very proud and so much better.
Selected as The Defining Moment in The Neighborhood’s All time Best Performances, there are simply no other words to convey other than thank you and we love you so very much.
For elevating the online arts, for promoting collaboration within competition, and for being our biggest star, Ned Hickson, you are here by given Our Highest Honor – The Neighborhood Award 2016.
Ned Hickson
Florence Oregon
The Artist of the Year
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Ladies & Gentlemen…
The Neighborhood Wall of Fame
(updated 10.30.2016)
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