The story of Meskell Brown

Meskell Brown is a 45 year old woman that is a former prostitute, crack addict, and is trying to make it in the heart of West Palm Beach with AIDS. She regularly goes to St. Ann's Place get a free meal or some groceries

She regularly visits her sister's house and shares some of the groceries she receives. They both share their resources with one another.

Meskell distributing her food.
Every Tuesday she visits her doctor in Riviera Beach for a check-up, all expenses paid by her Medicare.

She gets really bored in the office because they explain the same things to her over and over just to make sure that she stays on track with her medicine.
Dividing up her medicines for the week so she doesn't forget.

Billy is 60 years old, and he tries to keep up with Meskell's lively spirit. This is her taking care of him by brushing his hair, and stopping for a kiss.

She does laundry by hand whenever she can get the detergent.
Most of the time Meskell and Billy have nothing to do except be at home. Sometimes a decent television show will come on, but it's fuzzy.


Even in her unfortunate circumstances, Meskell helps out with the community by volunteering at Art and Compassion Ministries every Sunday morning.

Billy goes to the service as well. Once they have enough money saved up, Meskell and Billy will finally get married and continue to live life together, sober and off of the street.