Looking ahead | Atlanta Child Photographer

Whew, it has been a very, very long year. I don’t know about you but I’m tired. When 2020 came about, I had all of this hope for a better year but alas, it hasn’t quite turned out that way. After New Year’s Day, I was on a high of hope, inspiration, and determination. After some number of weeks, those emotions went away. Evidently, when you speak of a pandemic, the question is not “if” but “when” and when, seems to be now. Well, at least I’ll have something else exciting to tell my grandkids about. Living through historic events tends to take a toll on you.

As if the pandemic wasn’t enough, now we are also fighting against police brutality. To be honest, this particular fight has been going on since way before I was even born. The fact that we are still fighting it is insane. I think I have lamented over the fear of my son having to deal with that. He just turned 15 which means he will be driving soon. That frightens me a bit. But, if we can get the reform that is needed, that would be one less thing for me to worry about. Being a parent means you’re always worried about something regarding your children. The thing is, the one thing you should never be worried about regarding your children is a bad encounter with the police. I pray my son never has to deal with that. Even though things are rough now, I believe they had to happen. We, as a country, needed to go through this catharsis. I believe being in the pandemic caused people to sit down, be still, and actually see what was going on around them. Some people swear they didn’t know this was happening. Were they living under a rock or in a cave with no internet? How could you not know?

Believe it or not, I am trying to move forward but it’s so darn hard. I’m not giving up on the fight but I do have a business to run. My family and I have bills to pay and we actually like to eat regular meals. So, since life moves on, so must I. I have to compartmentalize my anger and be more constructive with my time. Yes, I have had discussions with people on Facebook about the current events and it is exhausting. Sometimes I feel like I’m typing to a brick wall. Because of this, I have taken time away from Facebook just so I can preserve my peace and sanity. Regardless of that, these difficult conversations are necessary and long overdue. Now is the time for reform, to make life better for everyone, black people included.

I said I am moving on and I am, kind of. I really miss photographing the children but I’m still upset about the state of our country. Even though I am upset, I am hopeful. I have hope that things will be different and we will be on the road to justice. So, while the fight goes on, so does my business. Starting next week, I will begin scheduling for portrait sessions. I’m a little nervous but we’ve all got to start somewhere. In fact, I think my first clients will be the winners of the children’s photo contest I participated in last month. I figured that would be a good place to start. I’m also looking forward to Father’s Day, as well. Last year, I published a book called, If God Gave It To Me, It Must Be Good about black women’s journey back to their natural hair. Next year I plan on releasing my second book. If you know of any black fathers who would like to participate, please send them my way. I’m currently working on a questionnaire for them to fill out which will provide me with material for the book. The only stipulation is that they have to live in Georgia, preferably in the metro Atlanta area. They can be biological fathers, stepfathers/bonus dads, or adoptive fathers. They can send an email to me and that will start the ball rolling.

Again, we are going through a tough time but I know we’ll get through it. I am praying that we will all be better for it and that our country will be better for it. I look forward to getting back to work and creating beautiful art. Let’s all work together to actually make America great because he hasn’t been, especially as of late. 

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” ~ Henry Ford