Videographer & Activist Cheryl Spector Dies

CherylSpector.CPF.WDC.11jun06
Originally uploaded by ElvertBarnes

Cheryl Spector, a Washington-based gay activist, died early Tuesday after a 10-week battle with leukemia, according to the Rainbow History Project.

Spector’s long list of community involvement included working with AGLA, the Human Rights Campaign, Service League Defense Network and Reel Affirmations.

A majority of her volunteer time had been devoted to the Rainbow History Project, an organization cataloguing gay local history. Spector had amassed a large video and photo archive of gay life in D.C.

Spector, a lesbian, became an AIDS activist in the 1980s after losing her brother to the disease.

A memorial service is tentatively set for Sept. 30 but time and location have not been announced.

--excerpted from the Washington Blade article dated 4 September 2007.

Friday's Photo of the Week . 31 August 2007

Vanessa Rubin . 16th Rosslyn Jazz Festival

Gateway Park . Rosslyn VA . 09 September 2006

2007 Fridays' Photos of the Week

My August 2007 Video of the Month

This April 2000 MMOW / Equality projections project is one that I have contemplated and worked on since when a few weeks before the April 2000 MMOW that I requested press credentials.

Having donated my entire April 2000 Millennium March on Washington for Equality photographic collection to the Stonewall Library & Archives in Fort Lauderdale FL. in March 2004, it was during the April 2000 MMOW photographic exhibition opening reception which took place at the Stonewall Libary & Archives in September 2004 that I mentioned to Chuck Williams of Arts United and Brad Koogle of SLA that it was my hope to develop a dance music dvd that would creatively integrate my April 2000 MMOW images with the dance mix of a gay dj artist whose mixology reflects the rhytyms of our times, heritage and culture.

In support of same sex marriages and as part of THE TIME HAS COME TODAY Ad Campaign a demo entitled THE TIME HAS COME TODAY was created in March 2005 which featured a mix that I created.

Since my introduction to the sounds of DJ Bryan Hughes in June 2005 the integration one of his mixes with my April 2000 MMOW collection has been on my mind.

Having chosen Progression #3 from his mixology, effectively speaking, the April 2000 MMOW / Equality Progression Projections Project represents an unique online exhibition and slideshow that not only documents the event in chronological order but features almost all of the images whose negatives have been processed to date.

And, if all goes as planned, at the request of a former catering associate and now event coordinator for a WDC real estate redevelopment firm, in conjunction with my FLANEURISM: Friday Photo Walk - WDC - 13 July 2007 and FREEDOM - 2007 Capital Pride Parade projections project, both, which also features the sounds of DJ Bryan Hughes, dvd versions of my April 2000 MMOW / Equality Progression Projections Project will serve as background music for future art openings and receptions.

A project that I have worked on for several years. With many rolls of April 2000 MMOW 35 mm film negatives not yet processed, April 2000 MMOW / Equality - Progression #3 - DJ Bryan Hughes - Elvert Barnes represents my August 2007 Video of the Month.

The work is not yet done.

Click the above photo to view the video.

Crystal City Rollerblade & Block Party . Saturday, 25 August 2007

Crystal City will be rockin' and rollin' tomorrow, 25 August 2007, from 8 am until 6 pm.

Creating a “Beach Drive” experience in the heart of Crystal City visitors can rollerblade along the long stretches of Crystal Drive, between 12th and 23rd Street, from 8 am until 12 noon.
Free and open to all ages, CrystalRolls is actually a precursor to the FREE outdoor summer block party, CrystalBlock. Which takes place from 1 pm until 6 pm on West 23rd between Fern and Eads Streets.

Celebrating historic “Restaurant Row,” Crystal-Block will feature live musical entertainment and family friendly activities, including:

1:30 pm - Johnny Artis Band
3:00 pm - Mary Ann Redmond
4:30 om - Niki Barr Band

Crystal-Block is opened to all ages. Must be 21 to drink.

Eastern Market food merchants relocate to temporary structure at East Hall

East Hall Market Building Opening
Food Merchants Return, Eastern Market Revived

PRESS RELEASE
24 August 2007

Eastern Market food merchants displaced by the April 30th fire are relocating to a new temporary structure dubbed the East Hall and will open for business on Saturday August 25th. This will mark the return to full operation of all Eastern Market activities since the fire.

Mayor Adrian Fenty will cut the ribbon Saturday morning at 9:30 am to officially open the East Hall at 7th & C Streets, SE, according to a release from Bill Rice of the DC Office of Property Management (OPM), which oversees the new facility, erected across the street from Eastern Market, whose South Hall was devastated in the fire.

"The rapid response of the Fenty administration will be applauded as an example of government at its best," exclaimed Michael Berman, Communications Director of The Flea Market at Eastern Market.

Tom Rall manager of the popular Sunday flea market claimed, "While both we and many of the market businesses have been open since the fire, business has been off throughout the neighborhood. It should recover rapidly now as customers rediscover the full market offering."

Rall said a tour of the new building yesterday revealed an attractive, sparkling setting full of bustling activity as merchants prepared for the reopening. "Most of the familiar faces were already there," he said.

The tour also revealed that a last minute decision had been made to resurface the entire adjacent Hine School Playground, which is also used by the weekend flea market. "That was an unexpected plus," Rall noted, "because the surface had been badly damaged by construction activity. The resurfacing will be safer than a patch job.

Another positive aspect will be what Berman called "great synergy between the new structure and the flea market activities on the school grounds". While a fence separates the building from the school property, a twenty foot wide gateway in the middle of the fence provides direct access between the two. "This will likely boost pedestrian flow for both activities", Berman explained.

"Stacey Norris, Acting Coordinator for OPM at Eastern Market, also confirmed that Seventh Street between C Street and North Carolina Ave. SE will continue to be closed on weekends," Rall reported. "That was particularly good news because it maintains an alternative venue for farmers and exhibitors who are displaced from areas around the market reconstruction."

"Now the main thing we have to do is tell everyone to come on out and see us," Berman concluded.

The East Hall will be open Tuesday through Sunday with similar hours to those of the South Hall previously: Tuesday-Saturday from 7am-6pm, and Sunday from 9am-4pm., Norris said. The Flea Market at Eastern Market will continue its advertised 10-5 Sunday schedule.

The Flea Market at Eastern Market
EasternMarket.net
1101 North Kentucky St.
Arlington,VA 22205
703-534-7612

Friday's Photo of the Week . 24 August 2007

Bicyclists . Francis Scott Key Bridge

Georgetown . WDC . 4 September 2006

Planet Arlington's 2nd Annual World Music Festival . Saturday, 1 September

Exploring issues of immigration, globalization and the environment through the lens of the arts and humanities, the 2nd Annual PLANET ARLINGTON WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL will be held on Labor Day Saturday, 01 September 2007 at the Netherlands Carillon/Iwo Jima Memorial Grounds. Rain or shine!

The FREE OUTDOOR CONCERT opens at 4 pm with a performance by The Ska-talites (Ska/Reggae-Jamaica's Greatest Band). A 5:30 PM performance by Cyro Baptista (avant garde Brazilian percussionist) preceeds the New Orleans street band Benny Jones, Sr. and the Treme Brass Brand 6:30 PM set.

At 7:30 pm Latin Grammy winning/Oscar nominated Mexican-American vocal powerhouse Lila Downs takes to the stage. While the 2nd Annual Planet Arlington World Music Festival closes with legendary South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela whose performance is scheduled to begin at 8:45 PM.

Visit the website for details.

Click the above photo to view my 1st Annual Planet Arlington World Music Festival photo set which took place on Saturday, 02 September 2006.

DELIRIUM Sunday Tea Dance Party at Pasha's previews this Sunday, 26 August

Though DC's newest Sunday Tea Dance Party, Delirium Sundays at Pascha, will not launch until Labor Day Sunday, 2 September, Bill Alldredge and the folks at Atmos Events will hold a preview party this Sunday, 26 August 2007, at the former Mr. P's.

DJ Kevin DuRard kicks off the Sunday tea dance event at 5 pm while Michelle Miruski takes helm from 9 pm until 2 am.

Click the above image to view flyer and to connect with ATMOS EVENTS.

FED EX - KINKOS opens on 14th Street in the Logan Circle area

I began photographing the U Street Corridor, the Historic 14th Street District and P Street in the Logan Cirlce area in June 2005 with my 35 mm Canon Rebel. Having lived at 1320 Q Street from April 1985 until July 1986 which was when Greg and I moved to 417 15th Street in SE my documentation of the area has not been unlike my interest in other areas of the city. Or NYC including Chelsea and Gramery Park that I have had more than just a passing connection to.

Observing during my Wednesday, 15 August 2007 photo walk that a FED EX KINKOS had recently opened in a retail space at Lofts 14 - Two which I have photographed since June 2005 I stepped inside and while informing the staff of my ongoing interest in 14th Street, inquired how long had KINKOS occupied the space.

They said three weeks.

Before acquiring an IMAC 9.2 OS in 2001 I spent a lot money creating many photoessays, collages, and greeting cards via KINKOS. Most of which were catalogued and archived.

However, with the IMAC computer in 2001 and a Dell 4600 in July 2003 most of my projects since have been via the internet. Including reporting for several news organizations which began in September 2001 as a result of the 11 September attack. Which, in recent years, has shfited more toward blogging.

Located in a ground level retail space of Lofts 14 - Two the FED EX - KINKOS at 1512 14th Street in NW is a much needed service to the Logan Circle area.

Phone at (202) 232-4826 or fax at (202) 234-0892. Email at usa1864@fedexkinkos.com.

Stoney's Bar & Grill on P Street in Logan Circle area

I haved photographed the windows of the P Street Bistro Cafe, in connection with my ongoing Windows of Logan Circle project since June 2005 focusing, first, on the table settings while in recent months shifting more to the customers who sat on stools or stood in front of the the windows ... I did not realize until putting together my FLANEURISM: Friday Photo Walk - WDC - 13 July 2007 photo montage projections project the sign "Stoney's" that appears above the bay window and entrance.

So, during my brisk Wednesday photo walk along the Logan Circle P Street stretchI stopped in at Stoney's to inquire as to when the establishment had changed its name. Which is what I also had done, a few months or weeks before, in the cases of Jack's Restaurant and Bar and the 17th Street Cafe. Which before had been known as Le Pigalle and Cyber Stop Cafe, respectively.

Since, the fact that I was a black male ... standing in the door ... aroused unneeded suspicion I explained further to the young man and, perhaps, maitre d' that as part of my ongoing Windows of the World project I had often photographed the windows of this establishment and having observed, recently, that it is no longer the P Street Bistro Cafe I asked when had it changed to Stoney's.

He said November of last year.

Since as a documentary photographer these kind of details are important to record ... and as I have done with Jack's Restaurant which changed ownership in January 2007 and the 17th Street Cafe which changed in June 2007 ... I will go through my photographic archives and make sure that any images that were taken of the 1433 P Street location after November 2006 will be annotated as "Stoney's Bar & Grill". As opposed to "P Street Bistro Cafe".

Details. Details.

Washington Post article "At Stoney's, Everything Old Is New Again", dated Friday, 19 January 2007 by Staff Writer Ellen McCarthy sheds light on Stoney's history. And, perhaps, future.

Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist Donnell Robinson

Born in Warrenton VA, 50-something Donnell Robinson began his 'drag diva' career in 1976 when as Hurricane On Heels he took his first job as a female impersonator at the DC bar, "The Plus One".

Regular performances at The Rogue and The Other Side preceeded his almost 30 year extravaganza at Ziegfelds in SE WDC. Which is where he performed as Ella Fitzgerald, The Illusionist, from 1980 until its April 2006 closing.

Though Robinson has attended all the DC Pride celebrations since 1975, "Ella" did not take to the stage until 1979 which was the year that Donna Summer released her Bad Girls album. "Ella", of course, performed 'Bad Girls' and 'Hot Stuff'.

I first photographed Ella Fitzgerald, The Illusionist, during the 1994 DC Pride Parade. And while many oif the images are not on flickr the Pride 1004 images launched my now ongoing Ella Fitzgerald, The Illusionist, project.

Ella Fitzgerald, The Illusionist, has not only been the recipient of several community awards but as a professional makeup artist and hair stylist, Donnell Robinson is considered as one of best in the fashion industry.

I suspect that when I took this series of photos of Donnell Robinson during my 15 August 2007 Wednesday evening photo walk that he was en route to VSL Hair Design at 1607 Connecticut Avenue, NW, which is where he has worked for almost 12 years.

Friday's Photo of the Week . 17 August 2007

Lap Tops & Hands . Starbucks at Dupont Circle North

Windows of the World . Dupont Circle North . WDC
Wednesday evening, 15 August 2007
2007 Friday Photos of the Week

Cathy Hughes' "Family" Stone Soul Picnic Concert Series

Though I had never heard of the annual Stone Soul Picnic until Saturday afternoon when en route to the National Pow Wow at the Verizon Center that I happened upon a neighbor and his daughter waiting on the platform at the Waterfront - SEU WMATA Station in SW WDC for the next Greenbelt Green Line train.

When he inquired if I was heading to the Stone Soul Picnic replying that I had never heard of it I said that I was en route to the National Pow Wow at the Verizon Center. Surprised that I had not heard of the Stone Soul Picnic he explained that it was founded by Cathy Hughes of Radio One and that it was celebrating its 17th year.

I explained that having photographed two recent events associated with the Smithsonian National Museum of the Native American the National Pow Wow would be included in my ongoing Native American Heritage Collection. Reflecting on the experiences that I have had, in the past, when visiting or photographing at the National Museum of the Native American I said that had I known of the Stone Soul Picnic event I certainly would have made plans to attend it rather than the Pow Wow since, in the past, my experiences at the National Museum of the American Indian dating back to its September 2004 grand opening, as well as other scenarios when dealing with organizations or groups of Native Americans had often been marked by forms of outright racism directed towards me.

Which always brings to surface reflections my great grandmother, Violet Emma Dove Biscoe. who of Native American descent was married a Negro man, Thomas Walter Biscoe.

After photographing and videotaping the 2007 National Pow Wow for more than an hour I decided that the 17th Annual Stone Soul Picnic was exactly the kind of Afro-American event that I would be an important addiction to my ongoing Afro-American Heritage Collection.

While WDC may have celebrated its 17th Annual Stone Soul Picnic last weekend the Stone Soul Picnic Concert Series, founded by Cathy Hughes in 1991, is an important annual summer event in, I believe, nine other 'markets' associated with Radio One. Which Cathy Hughes refers to as "Family Members".

Other cities which host annual Stone Soul Picnics are Omaha Nebraska and Baltimore Maryland. In fact, Baltimore's 16th Annual Stone Soul Picnic will be held next weekend on Saturday, 18 August 2007 at Druid Park.

Click the above photo to view my 2007 Stone Soul Picnic at the RFK Grounds photoset. Here are video clips #1 and #2 of Kelly Rowland whioch were difficult to shoot with such a large crowd.

Depending on my schedule next weekend, I may take an overdue trip to Baltimore and capture Baltimore's 16th Annual Stone Soul Picnic at Druid Park.

In Search of CO2LED-2

Though it is not uncommon for me to embark on Friday or Saturday Nights photo walks or projects and in the process bring attention to cultural events in the city most of my photography occur during the day or early evening.

However, since in recent years I have found it increasingly more difficult to deal with the heat during the dog days of summer ... this past Wednesday and as I did last August, instead of venturing out into the streets during the day I waited until the sun had almost gone down before heading out to Crystal City ... in search of the CO2LED-2 art installation.

While it would have been much easier for me to have visited the CO2LED installation in Rosslyn I decided to take the train out to Crystal City FIRST and, perhaps, on the way back stop by the installation in Rosslyn. Primarily, because and not unlike my interest in the L'Enfant Plaza which was designed by I. M. Pei, the Crystal City Complex has been on my list for more than a year. That is not to say that Rosslyn is not on my list as well because it is. But, my interests in Crystal City also has a great deal to do with the Crystal City BID.

Not unlike my interests in the Downtown DC BID or Golden Triangle BID.

Arriving at the Crystal City Complex shortly before 8:45 PM and would spend more than an hour ... in search of CO2LED-2. Cognitive that, as a black male, my very presence and, in deed, existence aroused suspicion I was not deterred nor afraid to inquire of folks passing by in the streets, a concierge at a hotel and two policeman who were dining at Chipotle if they knew where the CO2LED art installation was.

When I explained to the policeman that there, eventually, will be three installations but, at this time, only two had been constructed - one in Rosslyn and the second in Crystal City - and that the one in Crystal City was at the south entrance to Crystal City at Crystal Drive and Jefferson Davis Highway ... one of the policeman directed me to walk left (south) along Crystal Drive which would intersect, eventually, with Route 1.

If I had known that the CO2LED-2 installation was almost in Del Ray which is where Del Ray Glass Company is I certainly would not have taken the train to Crystal City. My ex-lover and house mate Greg Willis worked at Del Ray Glass Company for many years. After walking several blocks and south of the to the Potomac Yard Complex I, as a black male, decided to head back to WDC.

While I did not find CO2LED-2, I still regard the trip to Crystal City as a success. Just walking around the complex, at night, without the interference and obstruction of others, provided me the opportunity to get a better perspective of the Crystal City Complex. Which will be to my advantage during my next trip.

As I headed back into the SW WDC and reflecting on the haunting similarites between Crystal City, Rosslyn and the I. M. L'Enfant Plaza Complex, I have a better appreciation and understanding of my interests in these particular urban complexes.

What comes to mind when I think of Rosslyn, Crystal City and the I. M . Pei complex at L'Enfant Plaza are the terms "Desolate - Urban - Metropolis - Architecture".

The Dream Concert at Radio City Music Hall in NYC . Tuesday, 18 September 2007

LGBT People Murdered in Hate Crimes to Be Honored by "Gay American Heroes"

MEDIA CONTACT

Sharon Kersten, Kersten Communications

Office: 305.867.0933 / Cell: 305.458.3639

kersten@the-beach.net

_____________________

"GAY AMERICAN HEROES" TO HONOR LGBT* PEOPLE MURDERED
BECAUSE OF THEIR SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR GENDER IDENTITY

Memorial and Exhibition to Serve as Tool for Remembrance, Education and Compassion

August 9, 2007 -- A "Who’s Who" of gay and straight culture have come together to create a national memorial to honor LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people who have been murdered because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Led by Scott Hall, Frank Kameny, US. Representative Barney Frank and Chip Arndt, the idea for Gay American Heroes was born on March 13, 2007, when Founder and President Scott Hall learned about the brutal murder of Ryan Keith Skipper. Ryan was a 25 year-old Floridian who lived in Polk County, not far from Hall. Ryan was viciously stabbed more than 20 times and was left to die; for one reason --- Ryan Keith Skipper was gay.

Hall had twice been the victim of hate crimes and was quickly spurred into action. Within days he contacted longtime friend Frank Kameny, pioneering gay rights activist, who immediately recognized the importance of Hall's project. James T. Sears, noted writer and historian, also voiced his early strong support of the project. The group then assembled a team to create the Gay American Heroes Foundation, a not-for-profit organization.

With Founding Board Members Chip Arndt, Jack Rutland and William J. Iannarelli leading the way, Gay American Heroes’ mission was established: 1) to honor and remember LGBT people who have been murdered because of there sexual orientation and/or gender identity; 2) to engage and inform the public about hate crimes against LGBT persons; and 3) to inspire compassion and greater appreciation for, and acceptance of, diversity.

Hall traveled to New York City where he met with Cyndi Lauper to discuss the project. Ms. Lauper immediately offered to help in any way that she could. Hall also met with "Grey’s Anatomy" T. R. Knight, who expressed his heartfelt support for the project.

The first phase of the Foundation’s plan is to assemble a traveling memorial and exhibition constructed of six individual rainbow-colored, multi-dimensional panels bearing the photos, names, ages and occupations of LGBT hate crime victims. The eight-foot tall memorial will stretch more than 100 feet. Expected completion date for the exhibit is December 2007.

Once completed, Gay American Heroes volunteers will transport the display throughout the country to college campuses, LGBT events and to communities where anti-gay murders have occurred. An informational welcome tent will include guest speakers and educational materials. At each venue, the volunteers will enlist local community leaders to present informative programs.

"We want to reach out to communities as soon as possible following a deadly anti-gay hate crime," adds Hall. "We want to support the family and friends of the victim, as well as to work with local officials, law enforcement and service organizations to provide counseling and outreach."

In addition to U.S. Representative Barney Frank, Gay American Heroes’ Honorary Board members include Elke Kennedy, whose son Sean William Kennedy was murdered on May 16, 2007 and U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Eric Alva, the first American wounded in the war in Iraq. (Complete list below)

Several local and national organizations have already declared their support for the Foundation, including Equality Florida, Freedom Democrats of Miami-Dade, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Pridelines Youth Services, Safe Schools South Florida, Stonewall Library & Archives, The Trevor Project and Unity Coalition of Miami-Dade.

The ultimate goal of Gay American Heroes Foundation is to establish a permanent memorial in Washington, DC.

SOME OF OUR RECENT HEROES

Texas, July 27, 2007: A Texas man charged in the slaying of Kenneth Cummings, Jr. said that he was "doing God's work" when he went hunting for a gay man to kill.

South Carolina, May 16, 2007: Sean William Kennedy, 20, was leaving a bar when a man jumped out of a car, punched Sean, and then took off. Sean fell and hit his head. He died less than 24 hours later.

California, March 16, 2007 – The body of a 24 year-old transgender woman, Ruby Rodriguez, was found in the Mission District of San Francisco. This murder comes at the heels of at least two other violent deaths of transgender women of color in the area over the past six months.

Florida, March 13, 2007 - Ryan Keith Skipper, 25 years old, was stabbed more than 20 times, his lifeless body left at the side of the road. Two suspects bragged to their friends about savagely killing him.

New York, November 2006 - Michael Sandy, an African-American gay man, died after he was beaten to a pulp by a group of young men. This isn't the first time this group of men led gay men to remote locations to be savagely beaten.

Gay American Heroes Foundation will be funded through private and grant donations, offline and on-line fundraisers and partnership donations. The Dade Community Foundation is currently managing the Foundation’s contributions and is fiscally sponsoring Gay American Heroes. This gives the Foundation all the tax benefits afforded to 501(c)3 organizations, pending its own independent designation as a 501(c)3 organization.

For further information, please visit http://www.gayamericanheroes.com/ or call (321) 506-8738

About the choice of "Gay American Heroes" as the name of the Foundation
Gay -- The majority of the heterosexual community does not distinguish as to whether someone is lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Most just put them all in one category, Gay. Since it is the community at large that GAH seeks to educate, the decision was made to simply use the word "Gay."

American – Unfortunately, anti-LGBT violence is universal. In fact, in some countries, governments condone torture and execution of LGBT people. The GAH project is focusing first on Americans, to help America live up to its promise of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" – beginning with guaranteeing LGBT people the right to live safety in their own communities.

Heroes -- All people who live honestly about their sexual orientation are heroic, as it takes great strength and courage to face the daily struggles for personal freedom in the face of enormous opposition; to ultimately give their life for said freedom makes them Heroes.

Founder and President: Scott Hall

Founding Board of Directors
Chip Arndt, David da Silva Cornell, William Iannarelli, Jack Rutland and Gypsey E. Teague

Honorary Board of Directors
Chad Allen
Sgt. Eric Alva
Billy Bean
Ron Brenesky
Michael Cendejas
Alan Cumming
Matt Foreman
U.S. Rep. Barney Frank
Bobby Gant
Reichen Lehmkuhl
Billy Masters
David Mixner
Christopher Rice
Herb Sosa
Monica Taher
Andy Towle
Board of Advisors
Warren Burdick – Oklahoma
Lillian Faderman - California
Frank Kameny, Ph.D. - Washington, DC
Elke Kennedy – South Carolina
Bruce Presley – New York and Ft. Lauderdale
Jim Sears, Ph.D. - North Carolina
Nadine Smith - Florida
Marilyn K. Volker, Ed.D. – Florida

EDITOR’S NOTE
Perform a Google search on the words "Gay" and "Murder," and more than three million references appear. Though many hate crimes go unreported, the rise in violence against LGBT people has reached near epidemic levels, traversing boundaries of race, economic status and geography.

While the actual numbers are unclear or undocumented, each and every individual who has been murdered because of his/her sexual orientation or gender identity has name, a face, a family and a story.
Gay American Heroes Foundation is poised to honor murdered LGBT men and women, and to present their stories as a tool for understanding and compassion. It is through silence that these heinous crimes are allowed to continue.

*LGBT – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender

Friday's Photo of the Week . 10 August 2007

Crystal City, VA . 08 August 2007

Night Photography

2007 Friday Photos of the Week

ASCENSION 2007 / Fire Island Pines - 17 - 19 August

A View of Stead Park ... From The Perspective of A Black Man!

Having visited the Whitman Walker Clinic for my scheduled 6 month phlebotomy I'd embark on my ritual 14th and P streets photo walk which is something that I have done for many years.

After photographing Windows and Men At Work on Church Street, between 14th and 15th Street, NW, I'd head over to Stead Park for the purpose of photographing the mural on the exterior wall of Cafe Luna. Which has interested me for many years but I have not yet been able to locate information pertaining to its history. Which I, almost am certain, must have had something to do with Cafe Luna's former owner Andy Shallal. Who recently opened the Bus Boys & Poets.

Usually when I pass by Stead Park there are young men shooting hoops or kicking soccer balls and while I have never had a problem with the latino nor white guys - almost always, I've had confrontations with the black guys who 'diss me'. Sometimes saying "I better not see any of your images of me in The Blade".

Perhaps, they should read my 13 May 2005 Letter to the Editor pertaining to class and race issues within the gay and lesbian community.

As a black man, I often encounter forms of racism and sexism from blacks that they would not dispense toward a white person. But, the racism is not only from other blacks but whites as well. In particular, white lesbians as was the case during the 2005 Dyke March or a few months before with the February 2005 incident at Stead Park.

While photographing the mural at Stead Park from the street level and observing a woman walking toward me with a parasol I thought, to myself, "it is so hot out today, a parasol is exactly what I need". As she neared me I realized that the lady was Shira Keyes who I've known for several years through my association with Code Pink for Women.

She, again, thanked me for the images that I took of her and her daughter during last year's Planet Arlington - World Music Festival. I told her that, unfortunately, I would not be able to attend the 2007 event since I'll be in New York City from the 1 - 15 September.

I then jokingly said "... a parasol is just what I need for today's heat!". Agreeing, she said that she picked it up from a store in Chinatown.

Mentioning that the mural at Stead Park was amongst my ongoing projects I told her since there were no basketball or soccer players around that it was a great opportunity for me to get some shots of the mural from a different and, perhaps, better perspective. I then inquired if I may capture the mural as a reflection in her sun shades.

"From The Perspective Of ..." is an ongoing project that began on 08 March 1992 when I photographed 'my other' and he photographed me at the hotel just off Scott Circle. A few days later we flew out to San Francisco.

While "From The Perspective Of ..." often sheds light on my experiences as a black male it is an ongoing project that invites others to express their opinions or share their experiences pertaining to issues and matters that are important to or that affect them.

Back to the mural at Stead Park.

Without the interferance and sometimes obstruction of the players I was able see, for the first time, that the mural is an artistic expression of the 'Wizard Of Oz'. Which I will discuss in a seperate blog posting.

With the absence of racism or obstruction of others I always get a different and much better perspective of the world.

Huancara at Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian Saturday, 4 August Summer Showcase

Twice a month, from 2 June through 15 September the Indian Summer Showcase concert series at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian presents Native music from throughout the Americas.

While the main concert takes place on Saturday evening, twice a month, at the Welcome Plaza a Friday noon concert also held the day before each scheduled Saturday Indian Summer Showcase performance.

This past Saturday, 4 August 2007 I photographed and videotaped a performance by Huancara.

Click the above photo to view my Huancara - NMAI - Summer Showcase - 04 August 2007 and Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian photosets.

Videos are as follows:

1. Video 1
2. Video 2
3. Video 3
4. Video 4
5. Video 5
6. Video 6
7. Video 7
8. Video 8
9. Video 9 (Compilation)

Also of interest may will be my 07-07-07 Mother Earth project which includes a photography set and a video photo montage.