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"Sharing" Barry

Barry is often seen perched alongside a Franklin Street sidewalk. Says he's been in a wheelchair for 15 to 20 years and is usually alone. "I'm cautious." When he describes his story of how an assault led to his condition, he punctuates it with: "God don't like ugly." What he misses most? Gardening.

While I was taking his portrait he repeated how hungry he was. He asked if I could cross the street and buy him a Filet-O-Fish, small fries ("don't come back with a large one"), and an orange juice. I did, handed him the bag of food, and continued on. When I walked back to my car, I thought I saw someone else walking by holding the McDonald's bag I had bought for Barry. So I approached Barry: "Are you giving away the food I'm buying for you?"

"I gave him half," he acquiesced. "You have to share out here."

(photographed on W. Franklin Street between Kenan Street and Basnight Lane in Chapel Hill)