The sidewalk chalkboard getting Richmonders to talk
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Gary's chalkboard, nicknamed "The Floyd Avenue sidewalk chalk talk" the day before Valentine's Day. We blurred out his house number to not be weird. Photo: Sabrina Moreno/Axios
For four years, Gary Levine has started his days by grabbing a double-sided wooden chalkboard, putting it on the sidewalk of Floyd Avenue and writing a prompt.
Why it matters: In an increasingly isolated country, Levine has found a way to keep Richmonders connected without ever meeting — and told RVA Mag that it's "the most important thing that I'm doing in my life."
Some questions are fun, like "odd thoughts about cold weather."
- People responded with "if fish are in a frozen lake, are the fish frozen, too?" and "polar vortex is a great name for a rock 'n' roll band."
Others are more serious, like the last time you were sad and why.
- One Richmonder wrote about missing their dad, who died just before Christmas.
- Another said "dealing w/ my dad being sick."
For Valentine's Day, the chalkboard was filled with holiday-related art and words like "Love everyone," "Be kind," and "Love you, mean it."
What they're saying: "If I'm not feeling well mentally or emotionally, it's going on the board," Levine told RVA Mag in a mini-documentary. "It's amazing how many people will respond and answer and feel the same way."
- It's become an opportunity, Levine said — one where people can tell each other "I hear you, and I feel for you."
Go deeper via RVA Mag and Levine's Instagram