Carroll Square . F Street . East End WDC

Located at 975 F Street, Carroll Square, is in the heart of the resurgence of the East End. The 12-story trophy-class project will create unique office and retail opportunities by incorporating seven historic houses into the design. The boutique project also offers an art gallery and subsidized studios for artists. The approximately 165, 500 square foot project will be home to the Washington office of International law firm, Dewey Ballantine and is now under construction.

Since the fall of 1972 I have photographed F Street, in downtown DC. It was then that as a Great Mills High School senior and class president I would travel from Southern MD to visit Tom Wiley in College Park. And along with other friends including Tom Ocfemia and Allen Aud we'd frequent gay bars in the city. Located on 9th Street, several of the bars, were within walking distance of F Street which even then was a bustling shopping street.

ANC Commissioner Karyn-Siobhan Robinson ... from out of the blue!

Though, over the years, I have often photographed 1369 Connecticut Avenue it has been since last December when I learned of the Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets I undertake an ongoing project that will focus on the varius buildings that surround Dupont Circle, as well as a few that are on avenues and are in close proximity to the Circle. A few weeks back just before leaving for my South Boston Virginia trip visited the Washingtonia at the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Library in search of records pertaining to the history of the building. While I was able to determine that 1369 Connecticut Avenue is located at Square 137, Lot 13 I was not able to find any architectural information pertaining to when it was builit or who designed it.

However, when walking north along Connecticut Avenue from the Farragut North Station to Dupont Circle during my 21 July Friday Photo Walk I'd observe that 1367 is also associated with the building. 1369 is the entracne to the bank, while 1367 appears to be entrance for commercial tenants on the upper floors. I'd cross Connecticut Avenue and position myself just north of the Dupont Circle South Station, in front of 1350 Connecticut Avenue and take several pictures of 1367 - 1369 Connecticut Avenue making sure to get the Dupont Circle Station WMATA sign in the foreground with the Sun Trust Bank clock and thermometer in the background so as to record the time and tempertature.

While taking the pictures of 1369 Connecticut Avenue, an old acquaintance that I have photographed since 1992 would walk in my direction, with her daughter. It had been the day before and ... from out of the blue ... that I remembered that I had photographed Karyn-Siobhan Robinson at the 2006 Capital Pride Festival but having taken so many pictures and have also been involved with so many photographic projects, reflecting on the fact that I had neither seen nor sent the photos to her ... it had been just the day before ... that I said to myself 'I need to find those photos and get them to Karyn.

So, when I saw Karyn on Friday evening at Dupont Circle South, walking in my direction, the first thing that came from out of my mouth was "I was just thinking of you ..." and would then explain that while I had not forgotten her nor the photos that I took of her during Pride that I had been so busy with other projects. She said that she understood.

She'd reintroduce me to her daughter, Siobhan.

Mentioning that I was then in the process of photographing 1369 Connecticut Avenue in connection with an ongoing documentary project, I inquired if I may capture them, using 1369 Connecticut Avenue as a backdrop. She said yes. While taking several pictures, I'd ask if she made her own hats since, over the years, I have often seen and captured in hats. She said that she did not make her own hats but that she had just purchased the one that she was wearing from Proper Topper. I'd say that Proper Topper had often been amongst my ongoing store window displays project and that, in years past, I had purchased two hats, for my mother as Mothers Day gifts from Proper Topper. Handing me her card, Karyn and her daughter would continue on. It would not be until I had return home and would read her card that I'd realize that she is the ANC Commissioner for Dupont Circle.

Which may play in my favor pertaining to my Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets Project.

You never know who you may run into, from out of the blue! In fact, it had been, exactly one week before during my 14 July Friday Photo Walk that on his 60th birthday that I had met Ronny, Chief Engineer at the 1350 Connecticut Avenue ...

Critical Mass DC . Dupont Circle . Third Friday, 21 July @ 6pm

Today is the 3rd Friday of July and on the first and third Fridays of each month bicyclists assemble in Dupont Circle for A 6 PM Critical Mass Ride, through the streets of Washington DC. In the recent past I have captured the first Friday assemblance on three occasions. namely 7 April, 5 May and 7 July 2006.

Depending on my mood, I may drop in at Dupont Circle this afternoon to add more Critical Mass DC images to my collection.

21 July 2006 Friday's Photo of the Week

Men Working on the Road ... At Night!

This photo of Men Working on the Road at Night was taken on Thursday night, 20 July 2006, just south Thomas Circle on 14th Street. Having heard the music of DJ Roo on last Sunday evening, at the Green Lantern, I made it a point to stop in at the Green Lantern last night to hear DJ Roo play his Thursday night set. I'd leave my apartment shortly after 7:30 pm, for the expressed purpose of later in the evening, dropping in at the Green Lantern and while out I made sure to take along with me the 19 July 2006 IRAN: STOP KILLING GAYS photo cd which I dropped off at Lambda Rising for pickup by Rob Anderson. When leaving my apartment I thought that I may would eat out somewhere since I figured that the dj would not get started until perhaps after 9 or close to 10.

En route to Lambda Rising to drop off the photo cd, I'd pass through Dupont Circle where I'd try my hand at some evening shots, utilizing different settings in the two cameras. While there I'd run into Richard Thompson who I must say I have taken a liken to. Not, necessarily, in a sexual way but, simply, because I've seen and known of him for so many years. And he is the kind of straight white man that I've always found easy to get along with. And, it is for that reason that, in recent months, I've made it a point to capture and document him, not only in my Dupont Circle project but also with hopes of including him in my soon to be launched "Straight White Men" Documentary Project.

Afer taking only a few pictures in Dupont Circle I'd head to Lambda Rising and drop off the photo cd with the cashier, for pickup by Rob. Continuing on my Night journey I'd walk along Q Street to 17th Street. down 17th to P, across P to 14th and down 14th Street to Thomas Circle, taking pictures along the way.

It was at Thomas Circle that I'd begin my now newly launched series Men At Work ... Working On The Road ... At Night! which is where and when this photo was taken.

Afterwards, I'd head over to the Green Lantern where at the entrance stood several men from the Nitro SoftballTeam who asked for donatioions for their August trip to Fort Launderdale.

I'd pulll some money from my wallet, asking if they knew Richard Dertadian, who once played on the WDC teams but now lives in Fort Lauderdale. They said yes and, as a result I'd take two pictures of two of them which I'm not too pleased with. I was rushing and they were busy so I did not have the time to adjust the camera to its proper settings.

I'd walk inside, show my id, order a bottle of water, set on the side and "let the music play!" I went there, specifically, to hear the music of DJ ROO. And, I must say, the man is hot. The joint was jumpin! I was reminded in the 80's when I lived in NYC that Frank and I would walk down the street from where we lived in Chelsea to listen to Jim Johnson dj at the NY Eagle or CT at the Spike. And maybe to find a trick.

I've said this before, and I'm gonna say it again, "As a 52 year black man, I don't like the way that gay white men react to or treat me. Especially, in bars or at circuit events.

Who died and made white men my God? Let me explain further.

On the walk down 14th Street, in the Logan Circle, I'd pass a black and white couple, two men, walking south. I'd run inside of Popeyes to take a piss and order a large Sprite. I'd take a piss first and then stand in line to order my soda. While in line I'd observe 'an acquaintance' from a few years back who, a white man, on several occasions had approached about crack. As had many white men, over the years, approached me about drugs in homes, alongs streets, in bars and clubs and at circuit events ... that I am no longer allowed in ... unless they call me an addict. And just as I was a drug dealer then I am not a drug addict now.

It's been my experience, as a black man, that when whites approach me drugs they mean me harm which I would write about in my 22 September 2001 photoessay pertaining this exact same white man that had approached me on P Street asking me about crack.

It was also at the Green Lantern, a few mintues later, that I'd observe a white guy named Jeff who years ago, ritualistically, would approach me about drugs at the DC Eagle. And when Jeff, some 20 years ago, approached me about drugs at the DC Eagle he, along with the other white men who approached me about drugs, meant me harm. And now but more than 20 years later, I've observed him, during the exact same thing to other black men that he tried to do me.

Who in the @#$* died ... and made Jeff my God?

The joint was jumpin! The music was hot! I can't wait to hear news of DJ Roo 's next circuit gig. I'm hoping to include DJ ROO in my ongoing DJ series.

In closing, flickrite Trishlet comments that the above Men Working On The Road At Night photo is "like a dj working the tables. with the dust rising, his focus and intensity, that was my first thought.great capture."

Mural on 17th Street

Though I have passed through this area of 17th Street many times before which, located just north of Corcoran Street and a few yards south of R Street in NW WDC and have photographed it and the True Value Hardware Store on 17th Hardware as well, I had never before observed the mural on the side of the hardware store. With aged and peeling paint, it certainly is not a new mural. And since murals and other writings on the wall which I refer to as Signs of Our Times have been amongst my ongoing themes, for many years, it is something that I would or should have noticed.

Observing this mural for the first time on Sunday evening, 16 July, and realizing that it has been there for quite sometime ... it served as an indication that as a result of the incident on Friday at Lambda Rising, and in no small way, I was now seeing things from a very different persepective. When I pass through this area of 17th Street again, I'll stop in at the hardware store and inquire of the mural's history.

Mario ... builds his first bike wheel

After the incident at Lambda Rising on Friday evening, I almost did not go to on Sunday, 16 July 2006. I'd leave my apartment in SW shortly after 4pm and arrive in Dupont Circle at 4:43 pm. Which is where I'd later find and photograph a man, at the west side of the Circle fiddling with a bicycle wheel. After photographing him I'd hand him my card and say that the photos would be posted to flickr sometime in the next day or so. When I asked his name and inquired where he was from he said that his name is Mario and that he had moved to WDC from SFCA in January.

In an email to me, on the next day, inquiring of the photos, he said that he had been building a bicycle wheel. Which is something that I had never heard of nor had ever seen done. Having been quite pleased with the photos that I took of him and wanting to share with others "how to build a bike wheel" I'd email him back, inquiring if I may post his image to my blog, accompanied with information pertaining to the construction of a bike wheel.

In a reply email, Mario would inform me that it being his first time for building a bike wheel, it was "... a huge accomplishment for me, as a mechanic", saying further that it "... turned out to be nice and round, almost no wobble, thanks to the instructions of Sheldon Brown at www.sheldonbrown.com/wheelbuild.html.

In a brief bio, and ... in his own words ... Mario says about himself:

"I'm a former squatter and current urban scavenger. Here I'm surrounded by dumpstered treasures: a bike I restored, wooden box and some packaged juice that looked good and tasted great. I'm a bike mechanic who learned from non-profits in the Bay Area and in these pictues I'm helping a friend build a wheel as part of a free bike workshop that I bottomlined at Dupont Circle."

I am damn glad that I did go to Dupont Circle on Sunday afternoon. And even more glad that I met Mario. It is not that I will ever build a bicycle wheel but, it is something that others may be interested in learning of or knowing about.

I have Mario to thank for this particular Men At Work in Dupont Circle series as well as for the Sheldon Brown's instructions pertaining to how to build a bike wheel.

"... and the horse you rode in on ..."

The United States Park Police Horse Mounted Unit is one of the oldest established police equestrian units in the United States. Established in 1934 with one horse that was rented from a local stable. However, as the value of the mounted unit was proven, it was expanded to an operational strength that patrols and provides protection in the Washington Metropolitan Area as well as New York and San Francisco.

When a few years back, that the NY Times Sunday Magazine published a photoessay featuring cops on duty, mostly in Times Square, I'd reflect on my then ongoing Cops in the Line of Duty series whereby, over the years, I, too had photographed and captured police while on duty. Shortly after that NY Times publication I would change the title of the project to Cop Duty. And not unlike Hands or Men At Work, and in what I refer to as candid but consentual photography, capturing police has always been an important element in my body of work.

This picture of the US Park Police Horse Mounted Unit was taken on 3 July 2006, on the National Mall during the 2006 Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

Iran: Stop Killing Gays Rally & Candle Vigil . Dupont Circle . 19 July 5p

(London – 26 June 2006) To mark the first anniversary of Iran's hanging of two gay teenagers, Mahmoud Asgari and Ayaz Marhoni, gay campaign groups OutRage! and IDAHO, International Day Against Homophobia, have declared 19 July 2006 an International Day of Action Against Homophobic Persecution in Iran (IDAAHOPI). They are calling for worldwide protests against the “murderous homophobic Iranian regime” and “in commemoration of Asgari and Marhoni, the two gay teenagers executed in the city of Mashhad on 19 July last year.”

To support the Washington DC Iranian LGBT community and in solidarity with others participating in the Global Day of Protest, a Rally will be held at the fountain in Dupont Circle at 5 pm. According to the WDC coordinator, Rob Anderson at rcand@mac , though details are still being ironed out, the Speak Out Rally will feature several speakers and performers. Since LGBT Iranians who live in Iran are no permitted to hold public vigils, many will light candles in their homes in commemoration of the 19 July 2006 Global Day of Protest. In solidarity with LGBT Iranians and their supporters throughout the global community, following the Speak Out Rally at the fountain, a candlelight vigil will be held in Dupont Circle.

Street Life

Long before I received a Minolta as a Christmas gift in December 1991 I had an interest in documenting and capturing the homeless. Since January 1992, Homelessness in America has been an intricate element in my photography. At first, in the course of street photography, I'd approach homeless subjects that I had observed for years and would inquire if I may take upclose shots of their face, feet and hands. Some of my best street portraits were taken during this time. In years past, when I've captured the annual November Homelessness Walkathon, in WDC, I have sometimes donated my photographs to its primary sponsor, Fannie Mae. In 2003, I began the Street Life Project which, not unlike the Face, Feet and Hands series the intent of Street Life, and through the use of photography, is to draw attention to some of the most basic concerns and needs of the homeless. Street Life will attempt to record, document and capture the homeless in very natural states and scenarios.

The above photo is part of an ongoing project that focuses on the tattoos of homeless subjects.

HINT ... of what is yet to come!

Shortly after arriving in Dupont Circle on Sunday afternoon, 16 July 2006, I'd observe a group of four black teens preparing to rehearse their dance moves. They were at the center of The Circle, on the south side of the fountain. It is not often that you'll find black teens dancing at the Dupont Circle fountain.

Brent walked over to a boom box and clicked the music on. And as they danced I would photograph them from a distance. The problem that I was having, however, was that the sun, so hot and bright, was reflecting the white marble back on the camera. The thermometer on the Sun Trust Bank clock fluctuated between 100 and 102 degrees.

After a few minutes, I'd walk over and introduce myself, take a few more photographs, and hand them my card. When asking them if they had yet a name for their group, they said that they had not. After some discussion amongst themselves, they said call us HINT. When I asked what was the significance of HINT Lexc would say "We give ... just a hint .... of what is yet to come!

I'd ask them for their first names only. The two females are Lexc and Donna and the two males are Brent and Kyle. They from different areas of Washington DC

DJ Roo ... if you could read my mind

I still had not gotten over the incident at Lambda Rising on Friday evening, 14 July. Perhaps, if a similar scenario had not occured the week before, on 4 July, when I used the bathroom at McDonalds, a block from the White House, the incident on Friday may would not have forever changed me. And, in fact, as a black man, it is something that I experience every where that I go. As a result I did not take pictures on Saturday afternoon nor did I attend the final dance party at Velvet Nation last night. And since I am very much into dancing and dj music, the factr that I did not attend the final event at Velvet Nation signifies that I am a different man than I was before the incident at Lambda Rising.

I almost did not go to Dupont Circle this afternoon but ended up there. After taking a seris of photos, I decided to shift my focus away from Dupont Circle, in the future. And would stop in at the Green Lantern before heading home. Ordered a bottle of water and went to the bathroom on the second floor. When taking a piss, I'd reflect on the 4 July incident at McDonalds. Zipped my pants up. Grabbed my bottle of water and was planning to head downstairs and head home.

But, the music caught my attention. I'd walk into the main room, sit against the wall and inahle the music. Something about the dj's style brought back the good ole days of The Paradise Garage, The Club House and Roy Thode at The Saint.

Viola Will's "If You Read My Mind" came in from out of nowhere. I said to myself 'this dj is good.' He's into vocals.

I'd ask the bartender if I could take a few photos of the dj. He said that I should ask the dj. I did and he said yes. When I inquired of his name he said DJ Roo.

Once home I'd check out his website at www.djrob-djroo.com at which time I would learn that he is part of a two man mixing team that features house and circuit music.

Dj's Rob & Roo are a Washington, DC based dance music mixing duo. Professionally trained at Metatrack Studios in Washington, their mix of vocal house music combined with intelligent shifts into tribal make Dj's Rob & Roo a crowd favorite. Throughout a typical set, club goers are not only treated to energized anthems (featuring mixes by Manny Lehman, Tracy Young, Friburn & Urik, Chris Cox, Wayne G, Tony Moran and Rosabel) but are often taken on a slightly darker and heavier path (using the talents of Peter Rauhofer, Victor Calderone, Razor N Guido, and Murk).

And while DJ Roo had no way of knowing this, if only for a moment, his musical sytle lifted me up, just enough, to get me through the week. the way that Bryan Hughes mixes gets me through ... . I wanted to stay longer and dive into his music, but tonight was not the right time. It is not uncommon for me to visit a venue or attend a circuit event, specifically, to hear the DJ. And to dance and party, my ass off.

I'll be visiting the Green Lantern again, specifically, to hear DJ Roo.

If DJ Roo could read my mind, he would know that I'll be keeping my eyes and ears open for his next big dance party. Beam me up, Scotty! Lift off!

Renee Gordon's 'spirtual' journey to Berry Hill Plantation's Juneteenth Celebration

I would visit South Boston VA over the weekend of 16 - 18 June to document the Juneteenth Celebration at the Berry Hill Plantation Resort. And while there I spent Friday photographing the North Main Street, the South Boston Historic District and the Oak Ridge Cemetery. On Saturday morning John Fulton, my host, and I would arrive at the Berry Hill Plantion shortly before 11 AM. As a guest at his Charles Bass House Bed and Breakfast, on the night before, when he had gotten in from a Shakespeare play at the Berry Hill Plantation Resort he said that he had met a lovely Afro-American woman and travel columnist from the Philadephia Sun who had flown down from Pliladelphia to attend and report on the Juneteenth Celebration at the Berry Hill Plantation Resort. And due to a minor mix-up, she had not been registered as a guest. But, and as fate would have it, he was able to make arrangements with the management for her to rent a room.

When we arrived at Berry Hill Plantation Renee Gordon, the travel columnist, was conducting an interview with Suzanne Gandy, Berry Hill Public Relations Manager, on the front porch of the mansion. Not wanting to disturb them John would then give me a quick tour of the mansion. After the tour we stepped outside onto the porch at which time John would introduce us to each other.

And as fate would have it, Ms Gandy suggested that along with her business partner, Eugene Whitesell, we all drive down to the slave quarters and the cemetery before the crowds arrived.

And as fate would have it, I am quite pleased to have met Renee Gordon and hope, in the course of our travels, that we may meet again.

Renee Gordon, the Smooth Traveler, begins her Berry Hill Plantation 2006 Juneteenth report with "The name conjures up mixed images of antebellum southern life, with all of the attendant issues, and visions of contemporary vacation spots that offer an amazing palette of posh accommodations and unending activities. Berry Hill does indeed offer all of the above, and yet, there is even more to be experienced. From its very inception the estate has had a noteworthy history, a strong African American presence and is in many ways is a microcosm of the larger story of our nation."

Windows - Dupont Circle North . 14 July 2006

I had passed by this store front many times before but, for some reason, it would be on 2 June 2006 when as a tour guide for friends in town from South Boston VA that the Claude Taylor Photography would catch my attention. Though I may would have gone inside, as I said, I was acting as a tour guide and was in the process of showing the four friends shops along the block that may be of interest to them. In particular, Lambda Rising and the HRC Equality Store. At the time, John, Chris and Daniele were inside of Lambda Rising which, moments before, I had introduced them to. But, after an already long day acting as a tour guide, I could not put up with the racism that the staff at Lambda Rising displayed towards me, which was in sharp contrast to the manner by which the staff at Lambda Rising was treating the four white guys that I had brought to the store.

I had taken Chris and Daniele to the back of Lambda and then walked to the front area of the store where John and Joe were and said, it was Friday afternoon, it since it has been my practice when in the Dupont Circle North area to photograph the windows along Connecticut Avenue, I'll be out side, on the street taking pictures, of store windows near by.

Joe said that he would join me which I really preferred that he had not. While I had nothing against him, and would not kick him out of my bed, the expereince that I had just had, at Lambda Rising which was in sharp contrast that of my white friends, affected me so much, that I had to step away. So, I wanted to get outside, before I 'went off' on the staff. And, while I had nothing against Joe, I neeeded some air. Some room to breath. Alone ... would have been my preference. If just for a moment. So as to catch my breath.

Joe, the way well meaning white men will do, followed me to the street. During which time and for the first time I'd observe the Claude Taylor Photography Exhibition. I may would have gone inside but did not, since Joe was with me and we were waiting for John, Chris and Daniele to come outside of Lambda Rising.

I actually had not yet posted the 2 June 2006 series of Windows at Dupont Circle North images because, not wanting to offend John and his friends or make them feel uncomfortable by shedding light on my experiences. Which is why after the 4 July incident I put off the writing of, at least, two photo essays, namely "The Fidler", and "When White Folks Come Around".

A fellow flickrite, Trishlet, was due in town with her son and while we had made no definite plans I wanted to make myself available should she and her soon ask if I could show them around. And since the stuff that I go through, as a black man, can be so god damn twisted, I did not want my experiences to spill over into her visit. Nor make her feel uncomfortable.

On the afternoon of 14 July 2006, during my ritual Friday Photo Walk, I'd head to Dupont Circle North. Earlier, when walking from the Farragut North Station, I had photographed windows and, in the process, focused on shoes. I particularly liked the shoes displays at Betty Fisher where cake stands were used as props. Taking photos from various angles, I'd laugh and think of Susan Gage Caterers and say to myself, Susan would appreciate this.

When I reached Connecticut Avenue at the north side of the Circle I observed Richard Thomspon sitting at the rear of Starbucks with his shoes proped up onto the rear fence railing. And as I had captured his crotch the Friday before, I'd capture his shoes and feet on Friday, 14 July.

And then the backside of an hispanic man leaning against a railing before shifting my focus to Dupont Circle North Windows. Remembering that I had wanted to learn more about the Claude Taylor Photography exhibition while photographing windows and tattoos along the way, I, walked north. Two doors before Claude Taylor Photography I'd observe huge posters in Lambda Rising window emblaced with IRAN: STOP KILLING GAYS pertaining to a 5 pm Rally in Dupont Circle on 19 July. Wanting to bring attention to the event as well as document the window display I'd snap a few shots of the window display at Lambda Rising.

And since the poster did not exhibit any website I stepped inside to inquire of the staff if they had any posters or knew of a website that I may post it to my blog. Observing the manner by which the staff treated me, as soon as walked through the door, which to me is absolutely insane since they know of me as 'the protest photographer' and while, literally, flashing back to my experiences on 2 June I politely said to the staff person behind the corner that as a 52 year old gay black man, I did not appreciate the manner by which I am treated when I visit the store.

After some clairification of what I'm meant she'd ask "Do I treat you that way?". I said 'Yes, you have and each that I've in this store in recent months." She'd hand me a flyer pertaining the rally and just as I would turn to go, the manager walked up and politely asked if could be of any help.

I'd explain, that as a black man, I hate the way that I am treated when I visit Lambda Risin'. He said 'we watch everybody'. I'd respond, 'but not the way you black men!'. Saying to me 'Don't play that race card with me, I pride myself in ...." we'd step outside. He's say 'don't come back no more. And, "... if you do I'll call the police ...!'

It also had been on 4 July 2006 that a white man had said to me 'I'll call the police and put you jail' when at McDonalds on 17th Street and betwen K and I that I inquired of him and his two sons why they were watching me, from just outside the door, take a piss in the bathroom.

It also had been in November or December 2005 when during one of my Friday evening photo walks along Dupont Circle North that white shoe store manager would run outside and say "I'll call the police.' Which then brought to mind 12 February 2005, when I was photographing a group of black basket ball players in Stead Park and with whom I was having a disucssion with, pertaining to my Stead Park project, that 2 white lesbians who were passing by, both with cell phones in their hands, taking pictures of me taking pictures would say "I'll call the police!"

I say all this because my intent was to visit the Travel Photography store to learn more about the Claude Taylor Photography Exhibition. However, after the incident at Lambda Risin' I was in no mood to walk inside of any store ...

I needed some air, and to breath.

Once home, I'd check the website of Charles Taylor Photography and Travel Photography and now wish that I had gone inside. Later when the evening, when I'd post some of my 2 June 2006 window images of Charles Taylor Photography, Trishlet, would, immediately, add a comment to one of the pictures saying that when she and her son had been town that that they had stopped in at Claude Taylor Photography.

Mad as well, but not wantiong my experience to spill over onto her, I put off responding to her until later in the morning. When I had some time breath and catch my breath.

When in the future that I should walk on that block or pass Lambda Risin' I'll flashback to 14 July and 02 June. And when I do return to Lambda Risin', it will in the form of a protest ... as I shout out ... to other black men who've had the same experiences as have I.

Hindsight . Friday Photo Walk . 14 July 2006

On 5 July 2006 I launched this new blog, F R E E D OM, not only for the purpose of bringing attention to events, cultural matters, artists, interesting businesses and historical scenarios that are of interest to me but also as a means by which to move forward, inspite of the racism that I expereince each and every day of my black life and, perhaps, but as a long time friend said to me yesterday evening , "... just move on, get over it and ignore them!". To which I would reply, 'Please stop insulting me. Don't you think that that is precisely what I have always done. Don't you think that that is what my photography, my writings and my travelings are about. But it's kind of hard to move on, or to get over it and to ignore them when they spend every moment of their lives trying to dismantle what I do, lying about me, and going out of their way to affect me negatively. And, 'calling the police!'".

Which is what I hear almost each and every time that I take pictures. And even when I don't hear it ... it is something that folks will do. For example, after a photo walk when I board the subway system, an announcement will come over the PA system 'If you see someone acting suspicious ... contact the Metro Police ....'. And when you add the fact that when I take pictures folks will follow me through the streets, onto subway, and to the Safeway, I have no doubt, that the announcement, sometimes (not always), is directly towards me, the black man with a two cameras.

It was Friday, 14 July, Bastille Day and I had not gotten to nor completed many of the projects that I'm working on but wanted to make sure that, in the process of my ritual Friday Photo Walk, that I revisited several of the places or venues that I had reported on before or that I needed more information about as was the case with the Loop Exhibition at the Corocoran.

Leaving my apartment just before 2 PM, which was much later than I had hoped, while waiting for the Green Line train in the direction of Greenbelt, at Waterfront Station, I'd jot down into my pad "Bastille, Corcoran, Ronny Charles, hair cut, Code Pink". However, I was a bit concern that a hevy rain storm would pass through. So, during the course of my 14 July 2006 Friday Walk, not only was concerned about the rain, I was concerned that someone would call police on me, for taking pictures. After transferring at Gallery Place, on the subway ride to Farragut North, I'd reflect on a photo essay that I've been contemplating entitled Imagine that will began from a conversation that I had with a white guy on Friday evening, 9 June, when he would join me at Dakotas Cowgirl.

Imagine what I could be .... if I were not a black man!

So, for the sake of this new blog, F R E E D O M, this particularly posting as will postings on this site will bring attention to venues, events, protests, businesses, cultiral matters and historical scenarios. However, in hindsight, I know enough about life that in order for me to move forward, I must not be silent and pretend that I did see what I saw or did not experience, which is sharp what my experiences had I been white. With that having said, reporting and commenting on and bringing attention to the various events, sports, protests, and cultural matters that I visited yesterday, during my 14 July 2006 Friday Photo Walk at this F R E E D O M, rest assure that, and without apologies ... I will speak louder than words regarding my experiences.

In hindsight, each and Friday or Saturday or Sunday or whenever I that I've taken pictures over all these years, as a black man I return home having experienced the same oppression! In hindsight!

In hindsight, every trip that I've made to NYC, San Francisco, Baltimore, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, in recents, and, in particular since 1992 I have returned home ... unfulfilled.

In hindsight, its only been through the integration of my photography with my writings that I m verbalize the truth. In my writings, I've spoken of the racism that expereince when stores. In particular, for the purpose of my 14 July 2006 Friday Photo Documentary Project, I've often about the way that I am treated when visit Lambda Rising, HRC Equality Store or Universal Gear or the various gay stores in the Dupont and Logan Circle area. In my writings, and as recent as Easter Saturday I'd tell of my expereinces at Lambda Risin' when I'd happen Darren, a former colleague from Susan Gage Caterings. And, in my writings, I would tell of my experiences on 2 June when as tour guide I would introduce 4 friends from South Boston VA to Lambda Rising and the HRC Store. In the 2 June photoessay I speak to the fact, that, as white men, these friends were treated with a respect that I was not afforded. It was so obvious and matter of fact.

And the HRC store manager said, "Oh, I know you. You'll the protest photographer ...' and then proceeded to mistreat in sharp contrast as she treated the 4 white guys that I brought into the store. In my 5 October 2003 photoessay, Grown Ass Black Man, which commemorated my 50th birrthday I talk about my experiences at that very HRC Equality Store which is not unlike my expereinces at Lambda Rising. My experiences, as a black man, at Lambda Risin' had been a topic of conversation, many years ago, with Jim Marks when he inquired why I had not visited the store too often.

Bob Costello, aware of my writings and my photography had suggested that I touch base with folks at Lambda Risin'. And the reasons that I did are directly to the manner by which I have treated when visiting the store. In hindsight!

The next few postings on this site will bring attention to the events, sports, protest, art exhibitions and cultural scenarios that I visited or revisited on Friday, 14 July 2006.

But, to gain a better perspective of me and, may I invite you to walk in shoes by visiting Louder Than Words.

Happy 66th Birthday Ronny

Ronny, who is Chief Engineer of 1350 Connecticut Avenue, in NW, celebrates his 66th birthday today. Moments before this picture was taken Mark Francis Nickens, the solo guitarist, had begun his Friday evening session with his own rendition of "Happy Birthday, Ronny ...!" .

I walked over to Ronny and wished him a Happy Birthday! He said "It's my 66th!". I asked if I could take a few photos of him, in celebrataion of his birthday. He said yes. During which time he informed me that he is Chief Engineer at 1350 Connecticut Avenue. Though I did not say it to him then, 1350 Connecticut Avenue, which I refer to as the Triangle Building is amongst the buidings in WDC that I have more than just a passing interest in and have photographed many times before as part of my ongoing Cityscape, Architectural and Industrial Photography Project. In fact, having heard from a friend whose dentist's office in the building that the some of the floors have historical photographs depicting Dupont Circle from years ago, on one occasion I stopped in at the front desk to inquire if I may go upstairs to see the historical photographs and, perhaps, take some aerial pictures of the cityscape from various vantage points in the building. Several of my Triangle Building photos have been featured at architectural or historical sites, including the Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets.

When he said that was from and lives in 'Calvert County' I'd say that I am originally from St. Mary's County. To which he would reply that he knows St. Marys' faily well and that he would be heading down that direction soon to do some fishing. I'd say that I'm not one for fishing.

I'd walk away, planning to take a few photos of Mark and then decided to go back over to Ronny and would then mention to him that, as a documentary photographer, one of my architectural themes, is 1350 Connecticut Avenue and that as recent as a month ago I had inquired at the front desk who I should contact to gain access to some of the higher floors for the purpose of photographing the interior as wells as the Washington DC from various windows in the building. He said that he has known others to have it before but that he would check with management and should we meet again he would then let me know who I should contact.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RONNY! And may you have many more.

Dupont Circle South Station . Between Connecticut Avenue and 19th Street, NW . WDC . Friday evening, 14 July 2006 . Elvert Xavier Barnes Photography

14 July 2006 Friday's Photo of the Week

Reflection of a Man Sitting in Dupont Circle

Each Friday, this blog will feature a favorite photo that I will have taken during the current week. Today is Friday, 14 July 2006, and the above photo, a reflection of a man sitting in Dupont Circle, was taken yesterday evening, 13 July 2006. While my photography is documentary, in nature, I also like to have fun. In recent weeks I've focused on reflections in Dupont Circle, after the rain. During a recent trip to NYC for the 25 June 2006 Heritage Pride Parade I would also start the Caught in the Rain series.

Les Halles' Liberty Festival & Bastille Day

Liberty Festival: July 4 – 14 was the annual Les Halles Liberty Festival & Bastille Day celebration at Les Halles Downtown. Each year we celebrate American & French freedom for eleven days, from America’s Independence Day to France’s Bastille Day. During the Liberty Festival the restaurant features a special menu (last year's menu) as well as other festivities. Culminating on Bastille Day, July 14th, is a FREE outdoor block party featuring the famous Waiter’s Race in which waiters from across the city and the world show their stripes as they race down the street with a full tray. The winner must cross the finish line without spilling a drop! To share in the fun there is also the Customer’s, Children’s and Chef’s races.Liberty Festival sponsors included: Ciao Bella Gelato, Volvic Natural Spring Water, Happy Chef Uniforms, and Kronenbourg 1664.

Day 10 . Troops Home Fast Hunger Strike @ The White House

On Thursday afternoon, 13 July 2006, which represents the 10th day of the Troops Home Fast Hunger Strike when en route to the Corcoran's Member Preview Day I'd pass through Lafayette Park which is across the street from The White House and would take a few pictures of the participating individuals. During which time Diane Wilson, on her 10th day, was in the process of an interview. Anne Wright who is from Honolulu Hawaii also on her 10th day, and a member of Veterans For Peace was reading the New York Times. From Portland Oregon, Martha Odom, also on her 10th day was doing the cross word puzzle.

Though Geoff Millard began his fast on 4 July, due to medical reasons he, on the 5th day, had to stop fasting, at least for a few days. In the meantime, he has traveled to other US cities and Toronto bringing attention to the Troops Home Fast Hunger Strike. He plans to resume a rolling fast as soon as his medical situation permits. Jesse Dyen, a Code Pink supporter from Oakland California who began on 4 July has also been fasting for 10 days. Dana Bell, a staff person from Code Pink was also amongst the group. She, however, has not yet participated in the rolling fast but may will do so in the future.

Though the website's indicates that one may join the White House Hunger Strike through 21 September it also states that this particular vigil, lasting until 15 August, will move to Camp Casey in Crawford, Texas on 16 August 2006. When visiting the vigil again I will ask for clarification. I can only presume that while the White House vigil may will remain, indefinately, Diane Wilson will relocate her public vigil to Texas on 16 August.

On Day 9, which was Wednesday, 12 July, 3786 people were engaging in solidarity fasts around the nation and in 22 other countries. Two blogs that are journalizing to the Hunger Strike are Wilson Watch and Lovolution.

Nations Nightclub final event on Saturday, 15 July

The increasing real estate development and looming baseball stadium construction has forced one of Washington DC’s largest and well known nightclubs to close its doors for good on Sunday, July 16th of this year. Nation nightclub, located on Capitol Hill near the Navy Yard, will be torn down to make way for a new, mixed use office building.

Nation was carved out of the former Hurley Boiler building, originally built in 1924, and takes up the block between K and L and Half and South Capitol streets. John Boyle, nightlife entrepreneur and son of Jack Boyle, founder of Cellar Door productions, designed Nation and first opened its doors in 1999. John envisioned a mixed use facility that would feature national acts on the main stage and host DJ driven dance parties featuring the top national and international DJ talent on a weekly basis. His vision came to fruition thanks in large part to a loyal dedicated staff, many of whom have been with Nation since the beginning.

Catherine Leroy: 1946 - 2006

By far, one of my favorite blogs is the Living With Legends: Hotel Chelsea Blog. Though I do not always have the time to read their entries, immediately, I always look forward to reading their daily updates. And, in the cases, that I have put off reading a particular day's update when I have read it a day or so later I usually find that I've missed some important event or essay, and, that it would have been to my advantage to have read it on the morning that I received it.

This morning, on Thursday, 13 July 2006, I would sadly learn that famed photographer, Cathereine Leroy, who lived in the Chelsea Hotel in the late 1980's died of cancer early Saturday at St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica, at age 60.