Sunday, April 10, 2011

Photo-essay: Right to feel safe: Stop hate crimes NOW!!!! Protest March, NYC.

Statement: Action Group Right to Feel Safe is fed up and has taken the initiative to organize a march against hate crime. Right to feel safe consists of a group of friends of Damian Furtch who each have dealt with anti-gay violence in the past.


On an overcast spring day, a colorful contingent of community activists, supporters and friends assembled under the arch in NYC's Washington Square Park in response to the recent gay bashing of twenty-six year old Damien Furtch, in front of a McDonald's in Greenwich Village.

(Click on any image to enlarge)



Damien had just finished his shift at the Pink Teacup Restaurant in the wee hours of the morning of March 30th, 2011 where he was approached and subsequently attacked by two men, reportedly because he was wearing pink attire. The attack left Damien with two black eyes, other bruises and emotional scarring. Since the incident, one of the attackers has been arrested, while the other is still at large.



The protest march kicked off at Washington Square park and continued through the streets of Greenwich Village, stopping traffic and commanding attention from curious onlookers from all parts of the village.











The marchers, chanted loudly, blew whistles and made bold statements; some with their fashion choices, others with signs and slogans.












Bruncher's dining alfresco had front row seats to the protest march.



Reflection of the protest march.



Protester's marched through the city freely and openly, under a ray of brotherhood, sisterhood and a deep concern for the LGBT community.








At one point during the march, a female protester exclaimed that the African-American man pictured here "touched" her as he walked by. Members of the security detail called the Circle Crew approached the man in question, who explained everything off as an innocent mistake.

Peace prevailed and another LGBT protest commenced with a lingering determination to stand up to injustices happening in the LGBT community.



Member's of the Circle Crew provided security detail for the march.



The McDonald's restaurant where Damien Furtch was attacked. West 3rd street, Greenwich Village.



Damien Furtch


One of Damien's attackers is still at large. Tipsters can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or submit tips at nypdcrimestoppers.com or text info to 274637 (CRIMES), entering TIP577.

Saturday, April 09, 2011

Spring-autumn leaf

While searching for spring, I found this leaf that looks like a remnant of autumn.

Harlem walk, NYC

El Yunque Rain Forest. Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico.

"According to ancient Indian Legend, the good spirit 'Yuquiyu' ( or 'Yokahu' ) reigned on his mighty mountain-top throne, protecting Puerto Rico and its people."

The El Yunque Rain Forest is a cool, mountainous, sub tropical rainforest located in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, about a 30 minute drive from the capital city of San Juan.

I love visiting El Yunque any chance I get. The lush, green foliage commands attention, as the Coqui frogs, and exotic birds sing songs of their home. Getting to El Yunque entails an exciting and beautiful drive up the winding roads of the mountain, ears popping along the way as we reach higher altitude. We drive up the mountain until we cannot drive any more. Then we diembark the vehicles and head through the trails of the magical rainforest. Here are a few (of many) images taken on a recent trip to El Yunque. I can't wait to go back!

(Click on any image for a more detailed view).


















Saturday, April 02, 2011

JUNE 18th 2011--Save the date!

Diasporan Views: Harlem, Haiti, Cuba. Solo exhibition by Ocean Morisset at Sister's Uptown Cultural Stop, Harlem, New York.