Hampdenfest

Hampdenfest

It was a beautiful day when I stepped off the Loyola shuttle into the Hampden neighborhood. The sun was bright and shone down on the numerous vendors crowding the street for blocks. Throngs of people, mostly college kids, bustled along the avenue laughing with food in hand. There was so much to see: unique downtown shops, food signs, artwork, and bands thrumming along with the beat of the crowd. It was difficult to gather my bearings.The famous toilet bowl races were invigorating and strangely endearing. I realized all of these people were voicing their opinions in one way or another: through music, artwork, food, and informational booths. Most people want to break free from the pressures that society places on them and want to take action in supporting their beliefs. In this week’s readings, the narrators find that voicing their opinions and taking action is empowering.

In the poem “Mending Wall”, Robert Frost describes two neighbors with opposing views about a wall that separates their property. Frost writes, “There where it is we do not need the wall” (Line 23). The character continues to mend the wall each year, but questions the purpose. Sometimes, people put up walls to hide their differences. At Hampdenfest, no walls divided anyone. People spoke freely of their beliefs. There were Pro-Life and Planned Parenthood tents, a Mennonite booth, and Loyola’s radio station lined up on the avenue. In order to address differences, people need to be open and understanding of other’s ideas.

Defying the norm can lead to great benefits. For instance, in the poem, “Learning to Read”, by Frances E. W. Harper, a formerly enslaved African American learns to read despite hardships, and is eventually able to read her Bible. In Jill McDonough’s poem, “Accident, Mass. Ave.”, the narrator has an initial angry reaction to a woman who hit her car, but, when the pair realizes that there is no damage, they begin crying and hugging. On that Saturday afternoon, people exposed their vulnerabilities through moving artwork and music. I also witnessed the toilet bowl race; the dream of victory inspired citizens to build carts complete with toilets with the purpose to speed down the street. Creativity and emotion can spark ideas for new types of artwork and plans for a better future.

Finally, in Father Peter-Hans Kolvenbach’s essay, “The Service of Faith and Promotion of Justice in Jesuit Higher Education”, he challenges Jesuit college students to bring justice to underprivileged, poor people. Kolvenbach writes, “Rather, the students need close involvement with the poor and the marginal now, in order to learn about reality and become adults of solidarity in the future” (15). At Hampdenfest, I saw many volunteers working to make sure the festival ran smoothly. When a cart swerved out of control, a man was injured and an ambulance rushed into the street. Many volunteers helped the man, who was loaded into the ambulance with an ovation. Service is invaluable and students who continue to put others before themselves will succeed.

Many types of Baltimore residents attended Hampdenfest, from children to the elderly, students and professionals, and chefs and artists. Though everyone had different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs, they all accepted one another at the festival. As Father Kolvenbach reminds us, community service and getting close to those who need help can drastically change lives. We must take action to affect change, so that our voices may be heard over the noises of the crowd in order to improve the world we share.