A Letter To Black America

On 15 May 2007, 22 Black American professors, writers, religious figures, and other leaders issued a call to Black America to join in the June 10 March and Rally, and break the silence on the injustices faced by the Palestinian people. To read and endorse the letter click here

June 10-11 Mobilization in Washington, DC

On June 10-11, 2007, the US Campaign and United for Peace and Justice are sponsoring a two-day mobilization in Washington, DC to protest the 40th anniversary of Israel's illegal military occupation of the Palestinian West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip. Under the banner, "The World Says No to Israeli Occupation", the US Campaign and UFPJ will hold a massive rally, teach-in, and grassroots lobbying day. Get involved today!

Friday's Photo of the Week . 08 June 2007

Graffiti, Propaganda & Other Writings on the Wall

Las Olas Riverfront . Sunday, 03 June 2007

Vanity Fair July 2007: The Africa Issue

Eastern Market: A Fresh Approach

Through the efforts of the Capitol Hill Community Foundation, assisted by an exhibitor relief fund committee, an ad campaign has begun to make the metro area aware that Eastern Market is open for business, despite the upheavals related to the April 30 fire in South Hall of historic Eastern Market, Communications Director Michael Berman announced today.

"It's essential people understand that the interdependent Market activities continue to operate. This campaign will go a long way to getting the word out" Berman promised.

The idea spun, in part, from brainstorming sessions of the Exhibitor Relief Fund, chaired by photographer- exhibitor Steve Miller. "The committee came together to assess exhibitors needs in wake of the tragedy. We found that what we needed was not necessarily relief, but rather business," Miller explained. "Thus the Relief Fund Committee became a marketing committee, and we set about ideas for bringing business back to the Market."

The ad, designed by Edge Advertising, is targeting several audiences and takes into account all of the different market businesses. The message that the Market is open while being restored will be published in several media.

A special thanks goes to Nicky Cymrot and Gary Peterson of The Capitol Hill Community Foundation's highly successful "Eastern Market, Keep It Going" fund raising campaign which provided much of the financing for the advertising. The organization is also contributing to other aspects of the Market's needs including signage and equipment for the merchants. Donations are still needed and are being accepted both at the website and at their booth at Eastern Market on weekends.

Cymrot pointed out recently that most of the displaced market businesses are now operating outside under the Farmer's Line canopy. A list of South Hall merchants and their new operating schedules is posted at the Save Eastern Market website.

Eastern Market Newsletter dated 08 June 2007

Jason Barnett: The surfer who jumped off Pompano Beach Pier during September 2004 Hurricane Frances

Wanting to get some shots of the Lauderdale-By-The-Sea's "Beach Village", once the sun had began to go done, I'd leave the apartment late Monday afternoon to catch the number 11 bus to Anglin Square.

Waiting at the bus stop just across the street from the apartment building, at the corner of South Ocean Boulevard and SE 19th Street, in the process of setting and configuring the camera I'd focus on bicycle traffic.

The first were of three bicyclists who waved as they passed by while the second was of a shirtless man would stopped and said "Hey, I once photographed 'a chair' that had been abducted by aliens".

"Did you say 'a chair' ... inducted by aliens ...?" I inquired. He said, yes. And then explained further that he and others had seen the aliens on more than one occasion. I said that I had not ever seen an alien but, "... anything is possible ...!"

The shirtless bicyclist then asked "what are you taking pictures for?".

Replying that I live in Washington DC and was visiting a friend who lives in Fort Lauderdale I explained with an interest in tourism that I take pictures of everywhere that I go. Mentioning that it was a brand new camera, I said further that I was testing the new camera out. And that it was very different than my other two digitals that were, both, in for repair.

Unlike my other two this one also shoots videos and movies.

He then asked if I had ever heard of the surfer who jumped off the Pompano Beach Pier during the 2004 Hurricane Frances and that police had spent several days looking for. Reminding him that I live in DC I said that I had not heard of the incident. Nor had any particular recollections of Hurricane Frances.

I then asked if I could photograph him for the purpose of posting the images to flickr and my blog pertaining to his "15 minutes of fame".

In the process of this photo-interview, 40-something Jason Barnett said that he moved to Fort Lauderdale from Fairfax VA in 1973. Which brought to mind September 1973 when I began my first semester as a freshman at the University f Maryland. I also then remembered that was the third person that I had met since Sunday who said that they moved to Fort Lauderdale from Fairfax Virginia.

Handing him my card, I thanked him for his time. Saying, 'good luck ...' Jason then would continue bicycling north along A1A.

The bus would arrive a few minutes later. On the bus ride to Anglin Square, which is about a 5 minute trip, we'd pass Jason along the way, peddling north along Ocean Boulevard. I wondered if and, perhaps, hoped that I'd see him at the Lauderdale-By-The-Sea 'Beach Village'.

After spending about an hour taking pictures of the Village, the Beach and the Pier at Anglin Square I'd catch the number 11 bus back. And, to my surprise, it was the same bus driver from an hour before.

Once back at the apartment when I asked Richard if he remembered news about a surfer jumping off Pompano Beach Pier during the 2004 Hurricane Frances he said "... no".

And when told him about Jason who I had photographed at the bus stop across the street, Richard said "and you didn't think to walk away when his first words were that he had photographed a chair that had been abducted by aliens ...?".

I said "Not reallly. Anything's possible".

In searching the internet for Surfer Jason Pompano Beach Pier 2004 Hurricane Frances I came across an article that confirms the shirtless bicyclist's 'claim to fame'.

In a 5 September 2004 Washington Times article entitled "A weakened Frances roars ashore in Florida" I found the following:

In Pompano Beach, close to the spot where the eye of Frances was expected to make landfall, a lone surfer, who would identify himself only as Jason, jumped off a pier into the huge waves. Hours later, police were still searching for him.

See, also, Surfline AFTER THE FALL which reads:

And the fun didn't stop there. One surfer in Juno Beach is still living large on his 15 minutes of fame. "Jason the surfer" was all over the local 6pm Eyewitness Newscasts up and down the state. In the eye of the hurricane, Jason eluded law enforcement and made it out to the end of the Pompano pier. While local news cameras focused, Jason waited for a lull and launched himself into 8 - 12'+ barrels, zoomed around for the right wave, snagged a large one and rode to fame and television glory while the police waited and then chased him down the beach as he drifted north within the eye wall. Surfers all over the state cheered the sheer bravado.

Or CNN.com's 4 September 2004 Transcripts which reads:

JILL MARTIN, WFOR REPORTER: Hi, Rob and Maggie. No news on the surfer, although everybody is coming out here asking about Jason the surfer.

Like I said. "Anything's possible!".

Should I come across Jason again, perhaps, he will permit me to conduct a second photo-interview of him for inclusion in my NAKED TRUTH Project.

Click above photo taken by Elvert Barnes to view Surfer Jason Barnett photoset.

Sun Trust's Sunday Jazz Brunch along Fort Lauderdale's Riverwalk

Having spent the first nine days of my Memorial Day Week visit to Fort Lauderdale without the benefit of neither of my two digital cameras since both at Ritz for repair I did not resume my 2007 Sunday Photo Walk Project until Sunday, 03 June. When after purchasing a Canon Power Shot S3 IS at a Best Buy in Fort Lauderdale that I visited the Sun Trust Sunday Jazz Brunch at the Las Olas Riverfront.

In its 17th year, the acclaimed SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch, produced by the City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Department and sponsored by SunTrust takes place the first Sunday of every month along Fort Lauderdale's Riverwalk.

Downtown Fort Lauderdale and the Riverwalk came alive this past Sunday, 03 June 2007, as jazz musicians performed on four diferent stages along the New River.

Not aware, at the time, that the Sunday Jazz Brunch took place along the entire Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk I only photographed the event at the Las Olas Riverfront which is where Billy Bones performed.

And then took a photowalk along the Las Olas Boulevard where after capturing windows and pedestrians, with my All Day Pass, I caught the number 11 bus back to the Lauderdale Beach. Where before catching a third number 11 bus back to Lauderdale By The Sea I spent more than an hour photographing folks and motorcyclists along the Atlantic Boulevard / Beach Promenade.

Now that I know of Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale I am sure to return to the New River with the all three cameras. An advantage of the Canon Power Shot S3 IS is that I can shoot videos and movies as well.

Click the above photo by Elvert Barnes to view Sun Trust Sunday Jazz - Las Olas Riverfront - 03 June 2007 photoset.

Frank Muzzy's "Bear To Bare" opens at Pulp on 14th on Friday, 8 June

"Bear To Bare", a photography exhibition by Washington DC based photoartist Frank Muzzy opens on Friday evening, 8 June 2007, with a 5 - 7 pm opening reception at Pulp on 14th Street in NW WDC.

Featuring some of Muzzy's images that were included in the February 2007 Bare: Body & Soul at MDH Fine Arts in Chelsea NYC and recently at a gallery in Provincetown the Muzzy's "Bare To Bare" will be showing throughout the summer at Pulp on 14th Street.

Located at 1803 14th Street at S Street in NW,WDC, it is the first and remaining Pulp in WDC since the 14 February 2007 closing of Pulp on the Hill.

Contact Frank Muzzy is at muzzydc@verizon.net.

"Debating Race" by Michael Eric Dyson

Whether chronicling the class conflict in the African-American community or exposing the failings of the government response in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Michael Eric Dyson has never shied away from controversy. No stranger to intellectual combat, Dyson has always been ready to engage friends and foes alike in open conversation about the issues that matter. Debating Race collects many of Dyson’s most memorable encounters and most poignant arguments and gives readers a front row seat as he spars with politicians, pundits, and public intellectuals. From John Kerry and John McCain to Ann Coulter and the hosts of television’s The View — Dyson shows the mental agility and rhetorical tenacity that have made him one of America’s most astute intellectuals.

St. Mary's County Seeking Historic Information on Residents of the Former "Flat Tops"/Lexington Manor Neighborhood

Located adjacent to the main gate of the Patuxent Naval Air Station at Patuxent River in Lexington Park, Maryland, the Flat Tops Project Development had been built in the 1940's for whites. Many who worked at or whose jobs were connected with the naval base. With the same architectural design and similar street scape, a few miles down the road and further from the main gate but nearer to the south gate, the Carver Heights Projects Development had been constructed for Negro Americans. Many who also worked at Pax River Naval Air Station.

A survey of Lexington Manor’s, (also known as "Flat Tops") rich cultural heritage is being conducted by St. Mary’s County. To date, the County has acquired the property, provided relocation assistance, and demolished all but two selected buildings for historical preservation. The survey project intends to seek out individuals who lived and worked in the Flat Tops/Lexington Manor from the 1940’s through the 2000’s.

Flat Tops/Lexington Manor Historical Collection Session and Reunion is planned for Monday, 11 June 2007 at the Lexington Park Library, located at 21677 FDR Blvd in Lexington Park, MD, from 2 to 6 p.m. Special remarks are planned for 4 p.m. to commemorate the occasion and recall the neighborhood’s rich cultural heritage. If you can share stories or knowledge, artifacts, or photos about Flat Tops/Lexington Manor because you lived there, worked there, maintained the property, played there, etc. during the 1940’s, 1950’s, 1960’s, 1970’s, 1980’s, 1990’s, and 2000’s, plan to attend this information gathering event.

The County and the Maryland Historic Trust would like all former residents to bring photographs from their years at the Flat Tops/Lexington Manor to be copied for possible inclusion in the project.

For more information, please contact Cynthia DellaGatta, Economic Development Coordinator, St. Mary’s County Dept of Economic Development, at 301-475-4200, ext. 1408, or cynthia.dellagatta@stmarysmd.com.

Click the above photo by Elvert Barnes taken during his 25 December 2004 visit to Southern Maryland which sheds light on the history of the Flat Tops and Carver Heights developments.

"Hop On, Hop Off" Open Top Sightseeing Comes To America ... and Washington DC

I first noticed the red double decker tour buses when photographing at Dupont Circle North on Sunday afternoon, 29 April 2007 that within a half-hour period two different red double decker buses veered north, from the circle traffic, and headed north on Connecticut Avenue.

At the time I was in the process of capturing the Madison Livelystones positioned on the overpass at Dupont Circle North. However, having to use my old 35 mm Canon Rebel G since both my digital cameras had been left at Ritz for repair - it may be some time if the negatives are processed. For now, with the exception of those taken at Artomatic on 24 April images that I took with 35 mm film from 27 April until 22 May which is when I picked up my first digital camera from Ritz, after it had been repaired, will be included in my Photographs NOT Taken (May 2007) Project.

While, in recent years, I have observed and often photographed the red and sometimes orange Gray Line tour buses passing through the streets of Washington DC it was Sunday, 29 April, that I first observated the red, white and blue open top double decker tour buses.

The brainchild of Abdallah EL-AZM who after living in Paris for more than 20 years, as a transplant Great Britain he began to envision ways that the double decker tour buses that had been so common in Great Britian may could be exported to Paris.

Accepted by the Union of Parisian Transportations, LES CARS ROUGES started to run in Paris on July 27th 1991.

Though I'm not sure when they first arrived, as my first observation was on 29 April, having invested more than $12 million in his company, founder and CEO Abdallah EL-AZM of Les Cars Rouge, recently brought his vision to America with the launching of the Open Top Sightseeing Washington DC Tours. Other cities will follow.

This is how it works. Here are the fares. And here are the Hop On - Hop Off locations. Buses run from 9am until 7pm from 25 stops. Tickets are valid for two days from the time you board (if you board after 3pm your ticket is extended to 3 days), and you are welcome to HOP ON and OFF as much as you please.

Click photo to view my ongoing Open Top Sightseeing Washington DC and Traffic at Dupont Circle photo sets.

Michael Moore's "Sicko" Is Completed and He's Off to Cannes!

A message from Michael Moore

It's a wrap! My new film, "Sicko," is all done and will have its world premiere this Saturday night at the Cannes Film Festival. As with "Bowling for Columbine" and "Fahrenheit 9/11," we are honored to have been chosen by this prestigious festival to screen our work there.

My intention was to keep "Sicko" under wraps and show it to virtually no one before its premiere in Cannes.

Click photo to read MOORE.

Dance Place in Step with the Brem Foundation - Sunday, 20 May - 11:30a - 1:30p

Come see a free performance by Deborah Riley Dance Projects this Sunday in Dance & Brem.

The performance honors of the Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer, which is committed to its mission of eliminating breast cancer as a life threatening disease by advancing diagnosis, treatment, research and education. Founded in 2004 through a grassroots effort dedicated to aiding the work of world-renowned radiologist Dr. Rachel Brem, the foundation has been supporting advanced technology and community outreach in the Washington, DC since its inception.

Hosted by Dance Place Founder/Director Carla Perlo and George Washington University Medical Center Radiologist Dr. Jocelyn Rapelyea, the inspiring performance will feature Riley’s exquisite choreography performed by the all female dance company. We hope you will join us for a morning of inspiration and positive energy for women’s health!

Sunday, 20 May 2007 from 11:30 am. – 1:30 p.m.
Dance Place: 3225 8th Street, N. E. Washington, DC

THE TIME OF OUR LIVES - Pride 2007 - May 2007 Edition by Elvert Barnes

click image to view video

My Capital Pride 2006 'Love Power' Pride 2007 DVD Edition

In celebration of the 2007 Gay Pride Season I hope to create several photo montage / musical DVDs, over the next few months, that will feature images that I've taken, over the years, of gay prides, equality demonstrations and circuit events.

Some of the projects may date back to 1992.

In launching my 2007 Gay Pride Celebration Project which is actually part on my ongoing "Out In The Life" series I spent the last few days reediting my 2006 National Come Out Day ' Love Power' Capital Pride 2006 photo monage into the DVD format.

As of Friday evening, copies were left at The Fireplace, Omega, JR's Bar & Grill, Cobalt / 30 Degrees and Green Lantern.

Auditions for MetroPerforms! begins TODAY - 10 May

Thursday, 10 May - 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Saturday, 12 May - 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
600 5th Street
202.962.1234

The Metro's Art in Transit program and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities will hold auditions for live performances at Metrorail stations, allowing local performers the chance to showcase their talents at select Metrorail station entrances.

Auditions are on a first-come, first-served basis. A photograph and one-page biography or resume should accompany each individual or group auditioning.

For more information.

excerpted from Downtown DC Bid Events Calendar.

Click photo by Elvert Barnes to visit saxophonist James 'Kenyatta' Palmore's photo set.

12 May - UNDERWATER: organic electronica sound + visual show at 1520 14th Street, NW

Aphrodizia is a live music and art performance collaboration out of Washington DC that incorporates an organic musical and visual experience blending live hypnotic soundscapes, with projected visual elements and interpretive human sculpture.

On Saturday evening, 12 May 2007, Aphrodizia in collaboration with Yoko K will perform UNDERWATER at 1520 14th Street, NW, WDC - a space provided by Metropolis Development Company.

Doors open at 8 pm. Show at 8:30 pm

Suggested donataion: $12 advance / $15 door

RSVP online at www.aphrodizia.net.

Email at info@aphrodizia.net

Telephone at 240-235-3898

ArtspaceWashDC "Affordable Artist Live/Work Project" Kick-off! event TONIGHT at Dance Place

ALL ARTISTS OF ALL DISCIPLINES!!

Affordable Artist Live/Work Project market survey kick-off TONIGHT

Thursday, 10 May 2007 @ 6 PM

Artspace Projects (a national, nonprofit organization) , in partnership with Dance Place, is studying the space needs of artists in the Washington, D.C. region. This study will assist in the development of affordable new space where artists may live and work, and a new home for Dance Place in the Catholic University/Brookland area of Northeast D.C.

The survey is waiting for you online at www.ArtspaceWashDC.org.

"WINDOWS OF THE WORLD" May 2007 video demo

I have photographed windows for many years, dating back to the fall of 1972. Here is my first WINDOWS OF THE WORLD demo video which, in sync with Dionne Warwick's version of "The Windows of the World" from her Definitive Collection cd, features images that I have taken, over the years, in New York City, South Boston VA, Miami Beach FL and Washington DC.

The self-portrait to the left was taken in July 1992 at Lothar's apartment, in Chelsea, on West 20th Street in NYC. Here is the original photo.

Here is the WINDOWS OF THE WORLD May 2007 demo video at Google and my Windows of the World 2007 photo collection at flickr.

MCA Open Studios May 19-20

OPEN STUDIOS
May 19-20, 2007

22 member artists of MCA are throwing open their doors for Spring Mid City Artists Open Studios. Several new artists have joined our ranks, and we all have new work for "show and sell." This is a unique opportunity to see some of DC's most exciting artists in their home environments – and to visit the local galleries and businesses supporting our effort.

Visit www.midcityartists.com for more information, view artwork and to download a map.

Visit EVENTS to find out what other things these artists are up to.