# @apnews on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DdpYdaQDrI8
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/70787494-apnews-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/594b3a28a1.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-09-23T22:28:19.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** The Associated Press (@AP) — https://gondola.cc/AP

## Caption

Los Angeles' Skid Row held what is believed to be its first talent show featuring performances from people who are homeless or formerly homeless. Pastor Gary Carr, who organized the event Saturday, wanted to highlight the value and stories of the community that are often overlooked. 

The downtown LA neighborhood has one of the largest homeless encampments in the U.S., with approximately 45,000 homeless people this year. While Skid Row has become synonymous with abject poverty, the several dozen blocks of tents and debris is just a few blocks away from upscale restaurants, office skyscrapers and tourist destinations.

Many of the performers sang or rapped songs they had written themselves. One performer read Scripture from the Bible that he was particularly moved by. Another covered a rap song to honor a friend who died from gun violence. While some passersby only stopped to grab food, others stayed to clap or sing along as the mood changed with a lively rendition of Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.”

Read more at the link in bio. 

#APPhotos by Jae C. Hong

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