#ShootBack Day 7: “The Sleeping Giant” The storm did not for a moment let up as we march
#ShootBack Day 7: “The Sleeping Giant” The storm did not for a moment let up as we marched that mile long stretch around the park chanting. The rain chilled me as I ran along the stretch of bodies to survey the land in hopes of views that would give me the moving shots I always aim for in my work. I quickly grew tired of the commercial atmosphere and backdrop of Centennial Olympic Park in front of the CNN center. I was starting to reconsider my approach to shooting the protest when I realized what structure lay in front of the crowd’s march. Only earlier in the same month of August had the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta completed it’s building process and had it’s grand opening. Here I was photographing a civil rights rally alongside a memorial to the struggle how far humanity has come so far yet still has to go. For me this photo represents more than a parallel but exposes an inherent truth of American values and perception. The memorial almost looms in the background like a sleeping giant as a national issue is brought to light again.Project #ShootBack is an informal photojournal account of my experience as an artist, photographer and young activist exploring the realms of my black identity within the movement while using the evolution of my art as a tool for self discovery as I uncover my history and potential. This is leading up to my goal of traveling to Selma, Alabama in March to photograph the 50th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday.” Thousands, including the president will be coming to town. I’m currently raising money for this trip and my activism efforts in general here: http://www.gofundme.com/ArtandActivism -- source link
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