This is a long overdue posting. I even don't know where I want to begin.
Several weeks ago, I took on a special project that would benefit
Greater Kansas City. The outcome of this project was bigger than what I
expected. The Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center, under the leadership
of Jesse Barnes, asked me to participate in an exhibit honoring African
American fathers here in Kansas City. This exhibit would require me to
photograph 67 father and son families and the finished product would be
unveiled to the general public. Father and sons from all walks of life -
ranging in profession - were photograph. Some I knew and most I didn't. The
photo sessions were spread across four days. It was very interesting to see the
special but unique bond that fathers (young and old) have with their sons. Personally it made me appreciate the significant
role men play in cultivating the moral values of being a man.
I met a young lady visiting the exhibit and she said,
"those are some powerful walls". I thought that was a strong observation
to make knowing the significance and prominent father and son relationships
displayed on all the walls.
The unveiling of the event took place on the eve of "Father's Day" - June 9 at the Bruce R.
Watkins Cultural Heritage Center and over three hundred friends & family
and community leaders came out to support this momentous occasion. Jesse
surprised me because not only were the photos displayed but the exhibit also features
yours truly, my photography company (Royal Photography, LLC) and my son,
Andrew. All 67 / 20x30 portraits are hanging on the second floor of the BRWCHC
until September 8, 2012. Each portrait is accompanied with a quotation from the
father on what fatherhood means to him. Stop in and see who are some of the
prominent father and son relationships. A few days after the unveiling, I
accompanied Jesse on a live hour-long KCUR special public radio broadcast
talking about the significance of this exhibit. This was the first time I had
ever been on the radio - yes, I was nervous.
Jesse, THANK YOU, you out did yourself. I was totally shocked, amazed and most of all
honored to be a part of such an event.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
