The roots of Sidewalk Ghosts were planted in September 2011, when, during a time of personal hardship, I sought clarity as I embarked on an uncharted journey—wandering the streets as I blogged daily essays, portraits, and videos based on conversations with thousands of strangers. For hundreds of consecutive days, no matter what was happening in the world, how I felt, or where I was, I journaled the hope, hurt, and wisdom shared with me. I called it Project 365.
In it, a profound and far-reaching call to action was given to me—a premise proven as thousands more from around the globe followed the project, saw the faces of, listened to, and responded—not just to me, but to each other. Strangers who, through their shared truths, diverse perspectives, and revealed struggles, challenge us all to consider the personal impact we have on one another.
As strangers from most every continent (people I had never met) engaged with these stories, a larger conversation began. That by simply recognizing the words and experiences of complete strangers, grew a realization that our individual actions do have great reach. A truth that, through the way we view, listen, respond, or acknowledge another’s existence—we have power to better the now and future.
From the Project 365 archives
I called them the Bridge Builders, a global and influential collective of distinct individuals committed to awareness, empathy, and respect. An emerging majority strong enough to appreciate the richness of perspective and lifestyle. Objective enough to quietly contribute to their communities and relationships. Wise enough to look beyond race, creed, outlook, gender, age, attraction, and religion. Disciplined and loving enough to, whether in agreement or disagreement, live by a constructive code of conduct.
To the Bridge Builders, I will always be grateful. You have taught us that by opening our eyes, ears, and hearts to one another, we can do more than lighten the burdens we carry—we can see beyond the ghosts that divide us, beyond the barriers we face. We can find peace and focus as we harness the best of who we are. Most importantly, trust ourselves, knowing that our individual influence can add to shaping this world we share.
Welcome to Sidewalk Ghosts, my friends.
The roots of Sidewalk Ghosts were planted in September 2011, when, during a time of personal hardship, I sought clarity as I embarked on an uncharted journey—wandering the streets as I blogged daily essays, portraits, and videos based on conversations with thousands of strangers. For hundreds of consecutive days, no matter what was happening in the world, how I felt, or where I was, I journaled the hope, hurt, and wisdom shared with me. I called it Project 365.
From the Project 365 Archives
In it, a profound and far-reaching call to action was given to me—a premise proven as thousands more from around the globe followed the project, saw the faces of, listened to, and responded—not just to me, but to each other. Strangers who, through their shared truths, diverse perspectives, and revealed struggles, challenge us all to consider the personal impact we have on one another.
As strangers from most every continent (people I had never met) engaged with these stories, a larger conversation began. That by simply recognizing the words and experiences of complete strangers, grew a realization that our individual actions do have great reach. A truth that, through the way we view, listen, respond, or acknowledge another’s existence—we have power to better the now and future.
I called them the Bridge Builders, a global and influential collective of distinct individuals committed to awareness, empathy, and respect. An emerging majority strong enough to appreciate the richness of perspective and lifestyle. Objective enough to quietly contribute to their communities and relationships. Wise enough to look beyond race, creed, outlook, gender, age, attraction, and religion. Disciplined and loving enough to, whether in agreement or disagreement, live by a constructive code of conduct.
To the Bridge Builders, I will always be grateful. You have taught us that by opening our eyes, ears, and hearts to one another, we can do more than lighten the burdens we carry—we can see beyond the ghosts that divide us, beyond the barriers we face. We can find peace and focus as we harness the best of who we are. Most importantly, trust ourselves, knowing that our individual influence can add to shaping this world we share.
My friends,
Welcome to Sidewalk Ghosts
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “I’d tell everybody to treat each other like you want to be treated. There are a lot of different people in the world, but still, we are cut from the same cloth. We’re people. We’re human. It’s not about ethnicity. Even though the world sees it that way.
[ From the Archives of 365 ] ““If life were perfect, then everything would suck and there would be nothing to learn.” I get into a sidewalk discussion with a couple of unknown neighbors. Denise (not pictured) loves the 365 project. “You should interview my sixteen-year-old son, he always has something to say.” Five minutes later,
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “We’ve been doing this for six years. It’s our chance to hang out and catch up.” It’s Thursday morning and I’m prepping for the afternoon Thanksgiving meal to come. It’s the one meal of the year that is pure gluttony married to a feast with a purpose: To be
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “I was getting famous, it was turning me into a product and I did not like it. That is when I went into finance.” “I was getting famous, it was turning me into a product and I did not like it. That is when I went into finance,” Jerry
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “There is always a tomorrow. To me, it’s not worth stressing too much.” Every year an American tradition has happened since the dawn of modern education: The High School Prom. A night where young men rehearse gentlemanly conduct (they better) as they escort young ladies to fairytale evenings
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “I’ve overcome a lot, drinking, hard drugs, the loss of a business (a sports bar), and a failed marriage.” From time to time, I’ve spoken of my birthplace, London, England. And though my family migrated to the United States in 1961, me being age one, my blood still
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “It’s OK to be bored every once in a while. For some people… being bored is a sin, but if you look at it as a space where you can shut down stimulus so your mind can work… it’s really a place where you can come up with
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “We should never prejudge anyone, not by color, not religion, not by where we come from. Just be good people, the rest will come from self.” Yup, The world is an awesome planet! So, I’m driving down the street and when arriving at a stop sign I notice
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “Live every day like it is your last. Because you never know what is going to happen.” On day 124, we met Fernando and spoke about an invisible border that separates two distinctly different neighborhoods. Thirty feet of auto-traveled asphalt that I defined as the Farralone line, a black-topped
[ From the Archives of 365 ] He says, “People are generally good and change is possible.” Tonight my wife and I go for an evening drive. I’m slowly sucking her into my daily routine of meeting new people. We end up stopping at Warner Center Park, just a couple of miles from our home.
[ From the Archives of 365 ] He tells me lemongrass tea is a cure for joint pain. OK cut to the chase. My eyes are watering and the room is a blur. I’ve barely eaten today and have spent the last 2 hours trying to be intellectual in my writing tonight. The day has
[ From the Archives of 365 ] Whatever You Promote—You Deliver Sunday afternoon, my day for spiritual worship and family time. I’m sure many of us covet this day to refill our wells for the week to come. 10 days into 365 and Sundays are already becoming the hardest day to get my butt moving.
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “Biking keeps us out of trouble, you know, drugs and stuff.” Vincent and Angel, Age 18 – sponsored riders: JB Bike Shop #2 Went for a walk today and, strolling down Sherman Way in Canoga Park, I came across a cool little bike shop, J.B Bike Shop #2.
[ From the Archives of 365 ] She Is A Forever-Young Lady Tonight I’m traveling from a location scout in San Diego. Feeling rather fried and having my dear old Mum’s apartment on the route home, I drop by her place to say “hi.” As all mothers do, she pulls me in for dinner, something
[ From the Archives of 365 ] The True King and Queen of Hollywood When you think of the West Coast photo scene, you may think of a who’s who list of name photographers and celebrities, but today I met true photographic royalty. Meet Silvino and his sister Andrea, two incredibly hard-working people. I’ve known
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “Let The Love Come to You” Day 6, almost one week into 365. Only 359 days to go. The good thing is, so far my family is on board. Tonight my daughter and I pass Taft High on our way home from dinner out with a friend. In
[ From the Archives of 365 ] I ask, “Where are you from?” He says, “Wherever I’m passing by.” Today I had the opportunity to photograph the news anchors of Univision 34, Los Angeles. A great group of people to work with and a ton of fun to take pictures of. Can’t post the photos
[ From the Archives of 365 ] Saved by Francis The Key Guy Take one middle-class Caucasian man, dressed him like a college golfer; put him in a very diverse Spanish-speaking park; place a camera around his neck, and put some paperwork in his hand. Then have him loiter around the teen center – at
©2025 RICHARD RADSTONE / SIDEWALK GHOSTS
No image or content may be copied, downloaded, or transferred without written permission.
©2025 RICHARD RADSTONE / SIDEWALK GHOSTS
No image or content may be copied, downloaded, or transferred without written permission.
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©2025 RICHARD RADSTONE / SIDEWALK GHOSTS
No image or content may be copied, downloaded, or transferred without written permission.
