“I’m the last Black man standing,” said the man who introduced himself as Mr. Jazzy Jeans. His incense filled shop sells clothing and other merchandise that come from countries such as Africa, Mexico and even here the good old U.S.
Mr. Jazzy Jeans said that the area used to be filled with Black-owned stores. “I’m one of the two or three that remain,” he said.
I was so nervous before I went into the shop that I forgot all about my first journalism lesson, “always carry more than one writing tool.”
“What kind of journalist doesn’t carry a pen,” said Mr. Jazzy Jeans.
There’s a rack of greeting cards near the front door. Most of them have characterized pictures of spiritual, political and athletic leaders from the past and present. Mr. Jazzy Jeans pointed to Gen. Pancho Villa and asked me if I knew who that was.
“Yes, of course,” I said. Then I pointed to Mahatma Gandhi and there was silence. We stood there eye to eye with two men who fought for so much in two very different ways.
Thanks for the pen Mr. Jazzy Jeans.
Jazzy Jeans N’ Things
1452 Fresno Street
Fresno CA 93706
559-266-2260
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