Retrospective: Early Self-portraits, 2001-03

I came across these photographs while pouring over my archives today. Going back to look over old images is always an interesting process for me. It's a journey of sorts, of seeing where I was and what I was feeling at the time the photo was taken. When I first started to teach myself photography, there were two genres that captured my soul; Documentary Photography and Self-portraiture.

Looking back, i recall having a need to turn the camera onto myself, not in a vain way, but mostly as a document or record of my feelings and state of being. In 2001-03, I had been immersed in the Saturn Return, undergoing a major spiritual transformation. I was searching for myself. I didn't know this at the time, but part of the whole reason why photography was introduced to me in 2001 was to serve as an instrument of healing. I get that now. As we all know, the road to healing is never a smooth one, but a journey well worth taking. I can say that now, because as i looked over these images, though taken eight years ago, it seems like a lifetime given my current perspective of peace, love and fearlessness.

Click any image to enlarge.

Reflections#1: Afro- Cubano, 2003 Havana, Cuba

Just days after the earthquake ravaged Haiti, Cuba opened it's airspace to the US for Med-Evac planes transporting people in need of immediate medical attention, cutting the travel time by 90 minutes. Despite the tensions between the US and Cuba since 1962 when the US imposed an embargo, the Castro regime found the heart to set aside cold-war politics for a more urgent and dire cause. In an open letter to “sister Republic of Haiti” Cuban leader Raúl Castro pledged: “On behalf of the Cuban people and government, I convey to you our most heartfelt condolences and reiterate that you can count on aid in solidarity from our country at this difficult time.” His letter was translated in the state-run Cuban newspaper Granma.

In honor of this act of compassion, I put together this gallery, celebrating Afro-Cubano people and culture. Whether born in Haiti or Cuba, we all share the same origins...Africa.

Enjoy!
































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Though I'm Haitian-American, I was Cuban the entire time I was there. I immersed myself in the spirit and beauty of Afro-Cuban culture...
...and I chilled out on the beach!

Sister's Uptown Bookstore and Cultural Center 10th Anniversary celebration.

Sister's Uptown Bookstore and Cultural Center has become a staple in the Hamilton Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, surviving even in the face of an economic dowturn and gentrification. Serving the community for ten years with literary nourishment and a cultural connection, Sister's has proven to be a chill uptown spot with a down home feel, worthy of an afternoon hangout. If you're in the hood, be sure to visit!

Sister's Uptown Bookstore
1942 Amsterdam Avenue
at W. 156th Street
New York, NY 10032
212-862-3680 phone


The images below are from the 10th Anniversary Celebration on January 30, 2010 which featured poetry readings, singing, musical instruments, smooth vibes and lots of cake!.