8 Billion Ones
The YOU MATTER Movement
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BACKSTORIES

Our “Backstories” share a deeper ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at some of our stories, exhibitions and experiences in the making. It gives a snapshot into the moments that collectively went into creating the work we get to do every day. Sometimes it’s a more intimate portrait of one of our team here at RB/8 Billion Ones, and sometimes it’s about one of our incredible story heroes. Regardless, it’s our way of showing you a little more transparency so you get to witness the magic in so many of these moments the way we do.

"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts"

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To the Springfield Community: THANK YOU! Randy and our team at 7 Billion Ones are humbled and blown away by the response to The Road I Call Home: Portraits and Stories of Homelessness at the Springfield Art Museum. The community fully embraced this very special exhibition in ways we never could have imagined.

We have received countless emails, messages, and phone calls from individuals who visited this exhibition and left with a different, more compassionate understanding of our homeless friends. This art is changing lives, and touching individuals on a deep and emotional level. We wanted to share just a few of your very special reactions:

Randy talking with members of Leadership Springfield at the Springfield Art Museum

Randy talking with members of Leadership Springfield at the Springfield Art Museum

“This is my second time in this sacred place. I am stunned that this body of work continues to hit me on such an intense emotional level. The photography creates a level of intimacy that is impossible to ignore. I am so moved by the honesty in the narratives and the interviewees ability to see good in the world - or others. Thank you for documenting these lives.”

Every 5th Grade Student in the Springfield Public School System visited The Road I Call Home.

Every 5th Grade Student in the Springfield Public School System visited The Road I Call Home.

“Our class was really touched by the stories. These people need to be treated as people. They need to get the care that they deserve.”-Nicholas (5th grader)

“I'm homeless in southeast Missouri, I just saw the portrait and read the story of Kacy from The Road I Call Home, I'm so grateful to hear his story. Most people don't know what it's like to be homeless and what we go through each day and how we are treated by strangers, family and friends. From time to time I get to hear a feel good story of someone who has made it and the encouragement they offer not to give up hope. Thank you for this.”

“I didn’t want to like this exhibition. I am one of those...that sees a homeless person on the street and looks the other way. I’ve got to tell you, this changed me. We are all changed. Really powerful work. I just had to tell you that.”

“Powerful images with stories that took my breath away. This definitely will transform how I feel and react to all people in my community.”

“I work with homeless families. I have yet to see anyone or any entity take this kind of care in telling the stories of these human beings. DON'T EVER STOP! Thank you.”

“The Road I Call Home has been a truly impactful exhibition in multiple ways and I am proud to have been a part of sharing your work at the Museum and with our visitors.”- With thanks, Sarah (Curator of Art - Springfield Art Museum)

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What is next for The Road I Call Home? Our journey with this work has just begun. We believe this is a work that MUST be seen. It MUST continue to grow and to change hearts and lives. Right now we are organizing an exhibition tour which will bring this important work across the country. We have also listened to your requests about creating a The Road I Call Home book- and it is happening!!! Stay tuned for more news about the book in the coming months.

All of this to say- you are proof that love wins. You are proof that compassion is contagious and we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the tremendous outpouring of support for The Road I Call Home. And most of all- thank you to our homeless friends for your courage, trust, and faith in sharing your powerful stories with us and the world.

With Love,

Randy and the 7 Billion Ones Team

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