Father and Son Exhibit Unveiled at Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center

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!

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Father and Son Exhibit Unveiled at Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center