November 24

Behind the Scenes: Notes from Director Glenn Holsten

When Ellie Wasserman at Broad Street Ministry suggested an outdoor event to kick off the “Voices from Broad Street Ministry” film series, I thought it was a wonderful idea. COVID has been a presence throughout this project and an outdoor event seemed like a smart and appropriate way to share the completed film series. When she suggested having the event right on Pine Street in Center City Philadelphia, I was even happier.

With the proper permits, we transformed the usually busy Center City street into an outdoor theater. We were going for a “red carpet block party” vibe — food was served and there was an outdoor exhibit of artwork made by BSM guests. Some people planned on attending in advance, other stumbled on the free event and joined us for the evening. It was a terrific crowd. Speakers included myself and Broad Street Ministry CEO Laure Biron, but the highlight was hearing from Broad Street Ministry guests (and film stars) Marisol Olivero and David Charles Garvin.

 Marisol and David did what they do so well — speak from the heart. Everyone was touched by their words.

An interesting theater-like phenomenon occurred when we shared the films. Even though we were surrounded by the sounds of the city and there were many, many options for distraction, a hush descended on the “room” when the films started to play, and the audience listened attentively to each and every one of the “Voices from Broad Street Ministry” shared that night.  

It was a wonderful evening.

The next day I awoke to find a video message from David Charles Garvin. It’s dated 10/29, 3:01 a.m.  Here are some excerpts: 

Wow. I couldn’t sleep.

Wow. I just thank everybody for supporting me. Everybody from the bottom of my heart.

Everybody supported me. Broad Street Ministry. . . oh, man!

When you coming up and down Broad Street and we going about our everyday lives, take the time, a second out of everyday life, and read the quote. “I am an alligator.” I’m fighting. And I ain’t giving up.

I didn’t know that the turnout was going to be like this, and I stood side by side with my wife and my family. And I’m 51 years old and they said, “David Charles Garvin. We proud of you!” Oh, Man! They say a grown man don’t cry, it’s not true. . . I did an interview with Patty Jackson, I did one with the Fox TV station, with Mike — awesome dude. Here’s a poor Black kid from the ghetto. Fighting, man. It’s not about David.

God said to me, “I’m going to give you back your life. What you’re going to do?” The work. And help others. Tell ‘em, failing is not an option. It’s not. It’s not. Because guess what? There’s going to be days when we’re gonna weather the storm, and it’s going to rain and rain and rain, but the peak is going to come, and the sun is going to shine.

All we’re asking for is a better quality of life and if you’re not in the business of helping, please remove yourself from the situation. That’s what it’s about. Our lives.

Thank you, Broad Street Ministry for giving David Charles Garvin a platform to speak.

Thank all of you guys. I love you from the bottom of my heart. Oh man. I can’t even sleep. I’m up. Again and again. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I appreciate all of your guys. Thank you’ll for allowing me to share, get on that stage and make it do what it do.

I’m so grateful to have been a part of this incredible project. To the staff and guests at Broad Street Ministry who were so generous with their time and energy and talent, and to the Pew Center for Arts & Heritage who funded the project, I’d like to summon David Charles Garvin’s words of gratitude:

“Again and again. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”