DOWNTOWN — A 55-year-old man who calls himself "Lampin" has worked construction, sales and, for the last few years, as a self-described "street hustler."
But all that changed last year, and since January Lampin has eschewed the hustler's life in favor of one posted by the State Street Walgreens and other Downtown corners, aptly with a lampshade on his head.
"Instead of giving people the regular sob story and all that, I've always been funny and lighthearted, and all I'm trying to do is lighten up people's lives," he said. "I’m committed to this, man. It’s a struggle and whatnot, but I’d rather do this and struggle for this."
Lampin said the lampshade is a play off his surname, Heru, derived from an Egyptian God overseeing the sun. He has two lampshades he wears, both of which were found in his late mother's Roseland home, which his family is trying to sell.
Hear Lampin tell his own story:
"When the [sale] closes and all that, I’ll have some money to shake around," Heru said. "That’s what I’m waiting on. I’m not like some of these guys out here who have been out here for years and looking forward to being out here more years. This is temporary."
He's a familiar sight to those who live and work Downtown, and DNAinfo Chicago got to know him. Here's five more things you might not know about Lampin:
He Used to Turn on His Lamp, But His Lights Got Knocked Out: Lampin's first lampshade was equipped with Christmas lights and a battery, allowing him to turn his lamp on for tips. But this spring he says a woman attempted to rob him and pushed him to the ground, breaking the lights.
"Other than that, man, I've had mad love," he said.
Police Like Him: Despite his sordid "hustler" past, Lampin said Downtown police officers were among his earliest fans, giving him tips and telling him they put his picture on precinct bulletin boards.
He's a Handsome Guy: Lampin said he's actually a "pretty handsome guy" with a new girlfriend, but says he doesn't want to show his face out of pride.
"That's why I'm trying to keep the anonymity with this, because I don't want my friends to know, my associates to know and tag me with the stigma," he said. "I feel like I have bigger things for this anyway, with the lampshade."
Like All of Us, His Job Has Ups and Downs: Lampin mainly hangs out by the State Street Walgreens, but he also ventures near a South Loop Jewel-Osco at Roosevelt and Wabash, and walks Michigan Avenue all the way up to Chicago Avenue.
He stays with friends or in his late mother's home at night, but his days usually start at 6 a.m. and last into the afternoon, he said. He can't stay in his mother's house full-time because the water and lights are shut off.
Most days he only earns about $40, but on three separate days he's made more than $200.
"I’m not asking for anything. I’m telling people to smile, have a nice day, and if you see the can, you can contribute," Lampin said. "Some take photos and run, but I try not to get frustrated at that."
He's Hoping to Get a New "Uniform," and Lights for His Lamp: The outfit he's shown wearing here is his fifth since he started "lampin'" on State Street. His storage unit was repossessed last week, but Lampin said with $50 he can complete the new "uniform" he's been working on — one with a working lamp.
"In the next week I’ll have a new gizmo and everything," Lampin said. "I’ve been told I do have a pretty nice, captivating aura."
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