06/04/2020
Photographing families and children honestly brings me so much joy ❤️ - because I get to bear witness to some of the purest moments of love, happiness and wonder. When I shoot I am reminded of the possibility for the future and goodness in humanity, even if it is in small little pockets like homes or cradles...and because of this I am reminded that everything starts in the home, and whatever lessons or feelings that are brought into the home - into peoples’ families - comes from the hearts of those living there.
As beautiful as we all are, no one is perfect. Sometimes we can’t help but inherit the damage, the trauma and ignorant beliefs passed on by generations before us, and what they inherited from generations before them; what environments and people that surround us and what systems are in place that we have benefitted from. But it would be a lie to say we aren’t aware now. It is near impossible to turn a blind eye away from this as we are all plugged in at some point or another - and if you are plugged in, acknowledge that privilege; that access....and recognize that many black families don’t have that still, and it is their voices and stories that are having trouble getting through. Ask yourself why?
I’m not saying save the whole world (although if you can that would be great right about now 😅) ...I’m just saying, we can all try to do something about it. I know we are all struggling these days...society collapsing; economic crisis...but while you can, learn. Seek to educate yourself and learn, and figure out what kind of help is possible for you.
Don’t just post a square or hashtag, begin to do the work. Be patient with others and yourself, and understand we are all coming from different levels of understanding 🙏🏽
Some reposts of suggestions on what to check out to start 🖤🤎🖤🤎