My Unexpected Adventure in Pink Houses: A 1980s Journey
- Baye McNeil
- May 5
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Meeting Sandra on the A Train
One day, I met this girl while I was waiting on the A Train at Euclid station. Her name was Sandra. This was back in the 80s when life felt different. She gave me her digits, and we started talking regularly. Our late-night phone calls lasted until the wee hours. They continued until my mom picked up the other receiver and demanded I either pay the phone bill or hang up her phone in two minutes.
One night, Sandra told me to come by her place because her mom was going to be out late. She was just going to chill with her crew. She lived in Pink Houses, which I knew nothing about. No reputation, no hearsay—nothing. All I knew was that if it wasn’t Cypress Hills projects— because they had a reputation—I’d probably be alright.
So I said, aiight!
A Solo Journey into Unknown Territory
I tried to get my boy to roll with me. After all, it was off the beaten track for a brotha. Unfortunately, my boy said, nah. I ain't effin around in East New York! So, I rolled up to the Pink solo. As I crossed its threshold, I quickly realized I might have made a mistake.
I focused on the potential payoff of entering unknown territory. As I navigated through curious people, some marked me as an unfamiliar face right away.
When I finally reached her building—after rolling through a maze of identical structures that could easily be mistaken for Fort Green, Sumner, or Tompkins—I encountered a group of guys blocking the entrance. They were just hanging out, as you do in those neighborhoods.
The Blockade
They noticed me approaching. I hesitated for a moment but decided against showing my apprehension. I kept moving forward as if I belonged. However, they did not part to let me through.
One guy said, "Yo, I know you?" I recognized him too! He went to my school, August Martin, out in Jamaica. He was 85, though. I was 5%, but a familiar face is a familiar face. So, I said peace.
Suddenly, about thirty of these guys bellowed, "PEACE!" in return. It turned out they were deep in the Pink.
I ended up hanging out in front of her building for about thirty minutes and puffed on at least two blunts in the cipher before I finally made my excuses to leave.
Learning About Sandra
"You're here to see Sandra?" one guy asked.
"Yeah," I replied, expecting them to share some bad news, maybe information from spurned exes or something.
"She a Queen, God. Treat her right!" they advised.
"Oh, no doubt!" I said, agreeing wholeheartedly.
And I did.
The Power of Human Connection
This story reminds us of the power of human connection. Sometimes, stepping into the unknown can lead to incredible experiences. Meeting Sandra introduced me to both excitement and a deeper understanding of community.
Despite the fears that lurked in the back of my mind, I found companionship and camaraderie. It was a night filled with laughter, smoke, and unexpected friendships, each paving the way for future conversations.
More Than Just a Meeting
Our meeting at Euclid station remained etched in my memory. We all look forward to those connections that shape who we are. Whether through friendship or love, they guide us toward understanding ourselves and others.
In that moment, I realized that even in unfamiliar places, connections could cut through uncertainty. I felt a sense of belonging, even amidst the complexity of the Pink Houses.
In today’s world, it’s important to seek those connections. They bring us together, transform our lives, and enrich our narratives. As we continue our journey, let’s cherish those memorable interactions that affirm our place in the world.
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