JSP

Completing my rounds this month with the most memorable of them all; being in the presence of President Barack Obama! I had the privilege of photographing him on Nov 20, 2019 at The Greenbuild International Conference held at The Georgia World Congress Center. Narration below by: @mylifeasyoshii Black History Month Spotlight, President Barack Hussein Obama II. Our 44th President; born in Honolulu,Hawaii received his degree in Political Science from Columbia University from where he went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from Harvard Law School. While at Harvard Obama was elected the first African American editor of the Harvard Law Review. After completing his degree at Harvard; Obama returned to Chicago to practice as a civil rights lawyer as well as a professor at the University of Chicago Law School. During that time Obama published his autobiography; ‘Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance,’ for which he later won a Grammy for ‘Best Spoken Word Album.’ After winning a seat in the Illinois State Senate in 1996, Obama worked with both parties to address many issues affecting his constituents. In the November 2004 general election, Obama received 70% of the vote, the largest electoral victory in Illinois history. With his win, Obama became only the third African American elected to the U.S. Senate since Reconstruction. In October of 2006 Obama released his second book: ‘The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream,’ which went on to be a New York Times Best Seller. Obama made history in 2008 when he won the election and became the first African American President and he went on to serve 2 terms! With too many accomplishments to list during his presidency, from the Affordable Care Act to first time home buyer programs, the signing of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act and being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. (For his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.) Thank you President Barack Obama! “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” -Barack Obama (at Atlanta, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9LZDxKAEUX/?igshid=a69ct7bzdgte

Another nostalgic moment; having the opportunity to photograph the Mogul known as @diddy -This photo was taken during Diddy’s Revolt Summit kickoff on Sep 11, 2019 at Morehouse College. Narration below by: @mylifeasyoshii Black History spotlight Sean P. Diddy Combs Born and bred in Harlem, New York. A music mogul and platinum recording artist who started his career as an intern for Uptown Records while studying at Howard University where he later received an Honorary Doctorate in 2014. Diddy quickly climbed the ranks making a name for himself at Uptown helping develop talents like Jodeci and Mary J Bilge. After ties were cut with Uptown Diddy started his own label, Bad Boy Entertainment in 1993 and went on to sign artists Notorious BIG, MASE and the LOX as well as releasing his own projects and receiving recognition with 3 Grammys. Diddy helped define 90’s Black music culture; producing musical icons such as Boyz 2 Men, Aaliyah and TLC’s album of the decade “Crazy Sexy Cool”. Diddy played a pivotal role in bringing Hip Hop culture to the mainstream not only through music but with his fashion line, ‘Sean John’ which was one of the few black owned lines available to our people. The list doesn’t stop there with other ventures such as his own TV Network; Revolt TV; and water brand, Aquahydrate. In addition to his own endeavors he negotiated his talents with Ciroc to help develop the brand for 50% of their profits! Whether an artist or a product whatever he touches turns to gold. One of our own; worth close to a Billion dollars has never forgotten where he came from having made numerous donations to the New York educational system as well as donating $1 million to Howard University establishing the Sean Combs Scholarship Fund. Pledged another $1 million alongside was donated to the Hurricane Katrina Relief program along with product from his Sean John line. Keeping the youth 1st, Diddy helped launch the Capital Preparatory Harlem Charter School and has pledged $1 million to another charter school set to open in the Bronx! Thank you! “I want to have a cultural impact. I want to be an inspiration, to show people what can be done.” Sean “Diddy” Combs (at Atlanta, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9K8632AYyW/?igshid=jqsvk8momyxs

I had the pleasure of photographing Hip Hop legend and one of my favorite actors @common at his Fireside Chat for the release of his book, “Let Love Have the Last Word” on May 20th, 2019 at The Gathering Spot. Narration below by: @mylifeasyoshii Black History Month Spotlight Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr. better known as Common. This Chicago native introduced to the world a rapper and now actor, author, poet, producer, philanthropist, and activist has grown well beyond music. One of hip hops most poetic lyricists with over 12 studio albums, a Golden Globe, Academy Award and 3 Grammy’s under his belt it’s safe to say Common has cemented himself in the music world. With his expansion to commercial campaigns and the film industry, Common showed his versatility. Being a kid from the Southside of Chicago, he used his success as an opportunity to give back to the community. The Common Ground Foundation was launched in 2000; whose goal is to empower and develop disadvantaged youth in urban communities through mentoring in character development, creative expression and healthy living. In addition to his charity work he has provided the culture with knowledge through his book titled “Holistic Wellness for the Hip-Hop Generation” and his connection with the “Knowing is Beautiful” movement bringing awareness to HIV/AIDS. Remaining active in all arenas he’s able to still inspire people to be the change with his words and flow no matter the medium. Thank you! “Let Love Have the Last Word.” Common (at Atlanta, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9Kb8tAgKbb/?igshid=r411tunfpipu

I had the privilege to photograph Newark native @shaq at the 2019 Mayors Ball in Atlanta. A surreal moment after growing up watching him dominate the court! - - Black History Month spotlight Dr. Shaquille O’Neal Ed.D. Standing at a towering 7’1”, Shaq was a dominating force! Selected as the 1st round overall draft pick in the 1992 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. He went on to win Rookie of the year and played 4 seasons with Orlando until becoming a free agent and signing with the Lakers where he won 3 back to back NBA Championships from 2000-2002. He went on to win his 4th NBA Championship in 2006 with the Miami Heat. Shaq also played with the Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics before announcing his retirement in 2011 and was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 2016. During his illustrious career Shaq was able to finish College with his BA in General Studies and minor in Political Science fulfilling a promise to his mother. With a passion for knowledge; he went on to receive his MBA and an Educational Doctorate in Human Resource Development. His personality along with these accolades led him to become a household name through movies, music and ENDORSEMENTS! One deal that stood tall was his sneaker deal; being a kid from Newark he made it his mission to make his shoes to affordable for all. He continues to show his passion for the youth with a $1 million donation to the Boys and Girls Club of America as well as contributing to a numerous other organizations and causes. In addition to seeing Shaq Diesel monopolize the commercial game; he now works as a sports Analysts for Inside the NBA on TNT. Thank you for all you’ve done Shaq. “Me shooting 40% at the foul line is just God’s way to say nobody’s perfect.” The Big Aristotle (at Atlanta, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9FWBDWgZMf/?igshid=f8wzprxjhvfx

I found myself again in a room with one of the greats! I had the opportunity to photograph Hall of Fame cornerback, Deion ‘Prime Time’ Sanders at the premiere of his film, “30 for 30: Deion’s Double Play” during Super Bowl 53 weekend in Atlanta. Narration below by: @mylifeasyoshii Black History Month Spotlight Deion ‘Prime Time’ Sanders The Florida born legend was a multi sport player and the only athlete to ever play in a World Series and Super Bowl. Sanders was drafted by Major League Baseball team, Kansas State Royals straight out of high school and instead went to Florida State University to play football, baseball and track excelling in all 3 sports. He went on to be a 1st round selection (5th player overall) by the Atlanta Falcons in the 1989 NFL Draft; the same year he made his debut in the MLB with the New York Yankees. He became the only player to ever hit a major league home run and score a touchdown in the NFL in the same week. Deion went on to win 2 Super Bowl Championships with the San Francisco 49ers(1995) and the Dallas Cowboys(1996). His success led to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2011. He currently works as a NFL network analyst and continues to let his presence be felt throughout the sport with his mentorship to players and his non profit organization; TRUTH Youth Academic and Sports; which provides an outlet for inner city youth by engaging them in sports. Thank you Prime Time! “I expect to be great. I expect to do what hasn’t been done. I expect to provoke change.” Deion Sanders (at Atlanta, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9BIctcA1Dp/?igshid=1emtir3w1k4e9

I had the pleasure of photographing legendary poet and writer; Nikki Giovanni on February 21st, 2018 at the Lovett School in Atlanta, GA where she was the Keynote Speaker for their Black History Month program. Black History Month spotlight Nikki Giovanni Born Yolanda Cornelia “Nikki” Giovanni in Knoxville Tennessee. She attended HBCU Fisk University where she received her BA in history and returned home to establish Cincinnati’s first Black Arts Festival in 1967. Through the years she became known for her prolific work as a poet and writer. Her poetry and literary works raised awareness of the plight and the rights of Black people. Nikki played a pivotal role in shaping the voice and tone of African American poetry beginning in the 1960’s with her involvement in the Black Arts movement. Her poems being described as “politically, spiritually, and socially aware;” shed more light to the message of the Civil Rights movement within society. Her literary work continues to be acknowledged as she is the recipient of the Rosa Parks and Langston Hughes Award for Distinguished Contributions to Arts and Letters in addition to receiving over 20 Honorary Doctorates.  She continues to educate the community as a professor at Virginia Tech University. “Mistakes are a fact of life. It’s the response to the error that counts.” -Nikki Giovanni (at Atlanta, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8-jxDNAlh4/?igshid=1woahz5xskt4v

In lieu of all the Boxing convos going on; I find it appropriate to share some images of one of the best Boxers #PoundforPound to ever touch the ring! I had the pleasure of photographing Boxing Legend, Evander Holyfield on November 27, 2017 during the announcement of a Bronze Statue being built in his honor to be housed in Atlanta, GA. Narration below by @mylifeasyoshii Today’s Black History Month Spotlight goes to “The Real Deal” Holyfield. Alabama born and Atlanta raised Evander Holyfield started boxing at the tender age of 7 and went on to become a Professional boxer and the only 4 Time World Heavyweight Champion! He remains the only boxer in history to win the undisputed championship in two weight classes. In 2017 Holyfield was inducted into the International Boxers Hall Of Fame, his first year of eligibility. Showing that is he is just as outstanding outside the ring as inside; Holyfield created the ‘Holyfield Foundation’ a non-profit organization which provides inner city youth with a supportive and safe environment for them to foster their spiritual, educational and athletic growth. Much of his work is inspired from his own experience with his neighborhood Boys & Girls Club. In his efforts to continue paying it forward he has donated generous sums to the Metro Atlanta Chapter over the years.  “ No one achieves anything without a support system behind them.” -Evander Holyfield (at Atlanta, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B872g6Igbmg/?igshid=1vbp92x9d44j7

I had the honor of photographing Ambassador Andrew Young at the Annual Starfish Ball (a nonprofit that provides college scholarships and mentoring to students aging out of the state’s foster care system) on January 20th, 2018. Narration below by : @mylifeasyoshii Black History Month Spotlight Louisiana native turned Atlanta Icon, Andrew Young. Known for his early work in the church as well as voter education and registration in the south. Young helped draft the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He went on to become the 1st African American US Ambassador to the United Nations, #FunFact he was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. After finishing up his tenure as Ambassador, he went on to become 2x Atlanta Mayor. Eventually he became the Chairman of the Atlanta Organizing Committee and played a pivotal role in bringing the 1996 Summer Olympics to Atlanta! Thank you for your service and contributions Mr. Young! (at Atlanta, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B85efKcAoOQ/?igshid=1ruh1lxano7rh

I had the honor of photographing @repjohnlewis on August 22nd, 2018 during the renaming of ‘Freedom Parkway’ to ‘John Lewis Freedom Parkway’ in Atlanta, GA. Not only a homage; but also a reminder of his commitment to the Civil Rights movement and the justice he continues to fight for! Narration below by : @mylifeasyoshii Black History Month Spotlight *Representative JOHN LEWIS* @RepJohnLewis 17 term US Representative and Civil Rights icon in his own right. A true inspiration to all who fight for freedom and equality in this nation. Thank you for your service Representative John Lewis and Happy Birthday! “ There's nothing wrong with a little agitation for what's right or what's fair.” -John Lewis (at Atlanta, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B82q1sYgTbq/?igshid=52rojlk3r508

- ATLANTA - https://www.instagram.com/p/B8luJrYAWdc/?igshid=2ju1gmbixhjj

- ATLANTA - (at Atlanta, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8PH8TMAoRs/?igshid=1gvgup0efrs2y

- ATLANTA - (at Downtown Atlanta) https://www.instagram.com/p/B7_sBvSgHw5/?igshid=1pdny8owbyzrx

- NYC - Model : @msjannayvonne Shot by : @jsphotographyatl Location : NY Public Library (at New York Public Library) https://www.instagram.com/p/B47pSQ5gDwt/?igshid=zdrhfgl7l2l1

Had the pleasure of meeting and shooting - LOUIS GOSSETT JR - My mom loved him in ‘Officer & A Gentlemen’ & I had my first introduction to the icon in ‘Roots’ ~ Graciously humble... #LouisGossett #LouisGossettJR #JSPhotography #JSPATL (at Atlanta City Hall) https://www.instagram.com/p/BoZryLJADjJ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1unb4ranjmcr2

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SERIES : CAPITAL ASSETS | PT 1 • #Realtor Headshots #JSPhotographyATL #JSPATL

SERIES : GROUP THERAPY | PT 3 • #JSPhotographyATL #JSPATL