Passion Projects
Photo Series
Young, Gifted, and Black
Uneducated, lazy, insignificant, and dangerous are just a few of a long list of racial stereotypes projected onto young black people. For this series, I offer another narrative. My photographs represent academic excellence and the evidence of a journey completed. My narrative displays accomplished young black people in caps and gowns contrary to how they are depicted in the media.
You Over Infinity (You/∞)
The “You Over Infinity” photo journal series, shows the joy of Black entrepreneurship. This monthly series extends beyond Black history month by capturing the stories and work of Black entrepreneurs. “I know there are many successful black businesses in our communities, however, there is still a huge lack of appreciation for their presence and contributions to the community.”
Hidden Textures
Hidden texture comes from my interest in finding the beauty out of simple and ordinary textures. My series was inspired by the amazing photographer and painter, Man Ray whose work contributed to the Surrealist movement. I decided to revisit some of my older portraits and overlapped them with textures that came from rust, chipped paint, stone walls, marble and foam. I wanted each photograph to make the viewer experience a different emotion.
ACE Mentor Program of Cleveland
The ACE Mentor Program of Cleveland is a free after-school mentorship program to introduce high school students to careers in architecture, engineering, and construction. Students are mentored by professionals in the design and construction industry who meet as a team bi-weekly during the school year for two hours after school. The after-school program is once a week from September through May. Each team has representation from architects, engineers (structural, civil, electrical, and mechanical), and construction managers.