"I know the face of AIDS"

Photo taken to remember all of our brothers and sisters who have passed on, and for those who continue the fight.

2nd ANNIVERSARY CANDLELIGHT VIGIL FOR RASHAWN BRAZELL, Brooklyn, N.Y. FEB. 17, 2007

On a bitter cold February night, family and friends of Rashawn Brazell gathered at the corner of Fulton and Nostrand Avenues in Brooklyn, NY to mourn the loss of 19-year old Brazell and to pray that 2007 will bring with it the answers, the justice and the closure that the Brazell family has sought since his February 2005 murder.



Nostrand Avenue Train Station, Brooklyn. One of the places where parts of Rashawn's dismembered body were found.




Volunteers hand out leaflets to the community.




Desire Brazell, Rashawn's mom speaks to the crowd.


The Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project.


Friends embrace.


Crowd begins to gather at the corner of Nostrand Avenue and Fulton street.


Unty Fellowship's Bishop Zachary Jones and GMHC Executive Director, Dr. Marjorie Hill exchange warm smiles on a cold winter night.


Candles for Rashawn.




Rashawn's father.


Desire Brazell, Rashawn's mom lights candles for her son.



Community comes together for Rashawn.




Reward for Rashawn: $22,000


Candles for Rashawn.




Dr. Marjorie Hill.


Candles for Rashawn.






Bill, Big Rod, and Boris Powell, Program Director for GMAD. Adodi brothers unite for Rashawn.


Candle and glow for Rashawn.


Bill helps Rashawn's sister light a candle for her brother.


Crowd.


Desire Brazell gets a warm hug from a supporter.


Rashawn Brazell (1985-2005).
Rest in Peace.


For more info and to see how you can help, please visit rashawnbrazell.com.

"Hurricane Tina" Exhibition!

February is a busy exhibition month for me. Three exhibitions in a three week period is a lot to prepare for, especially with a day job in the way! Oh well, it does pay the bills, but I relish any opportunity to show my work to the public, and this year is presenting itself with many opportunities. As each one comes to fruition, I'll post the info on this blog.

In the meantime, below is an invitation to my solo exhibition, 'Hurricane Tina'. The Gay Men's Health Crisis, Inc. (www.gmhc.org) hired me to work on this ad campaign that reflects the realities of gay and bisexual men of color in the age of Chrystal Meth. With my photography, and writer Khary Polk's "realness", GMHC has produced a book and video PSA. The launch of this campaign will feature larger than life size images from the book and the video will run throughout. And what's an opening without a hot DJ pumping fierce music to set the tone just right?!

Check it out! HURRICANE TINA opening Thursday February 15, 2007 at the LGBT Center, NYC from 6pm-8pm. FREE and open to the public. Exhibition runs through April 28th.

Hope to see you there!
--Ocean