People 'died' in Grand Central--10-8-10

The Flash Mob: Homophobia Kills Die-In, took over a good portion of the NYC's Grand Concourse today at the height of rush hour. At the call of three whistles, the crowd of a few hundred people, descended to the floor and 'died', a powerful display of protest against homophobia and remembrance for those lives loss to hate.

The flash mob was organized by The American Equality Bill (AEB) PROJECT, a movement dedicated to the filing and passage of The American Equality Bill (AEB). The AEB is one complete bill to add "sexual orientation and gender identity" to the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and related laws.

In September, a spate of teen suicides and ant-gay attacks (including one's in the Bronx only days a go), have a nation facing homophobia head on, not as a gay issue but a human right issue. The American Equality Bill, and it's passing, will guarantee all hate crimes against gay men and women illegal. Today's mob scene was to call attention to homophobia which is becoming an ever-increasing problem and threat in the gay community.

Police presence was at a premium, with Chief's and Captain's milling about the air of uncertainty about how many people may actually be in the flash mob. My estimation is there were somewhere around 300 people in the mob. But I could be totally off. As the protesters lay 'dead', names of victims of homophobic hate crimes were announced and repeated by the mob, even recalling Mathew Shepard who some youth in particular may not be acquainted with. Mathew Shepard was a 21-year-old student at the University of Wyoming who was tortured and murdered near Laramie, Wyoming, in October 1998, reportedly because he was gay.

After the names were read, the crowd began to clap thunderously which echoed throughout the large concourse. Everyone rose to their feet chanting various messages like "Civil Rights now!"" and "hey, hey, ho-ho, homophobia's got to go"! The mob shouted into the atmosphere, creating a powerful clash against the police officer's growing impatience with a crowd that took it's time to disperse.

All in all, it was a powerful experience and I was happy to document such a historical (and creative) expression of protest.

To Learn more about The American Equality Bill (AEB) PROJECT, "like" them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=278882199073&ref=ts#!/group.php?gid=278882199073&v=info.



Historic Grand Central Terminal, a beautiful setting for a flash mob.



A few minutes till the 6pm time to 'die'.



Mob and commuters fill the Main Concourse.



Police prepare for the mob scene.







Live Art Event @ 6pm



A moment of shared tenderness in the crowd.



Paul Schindler, Editor Gay City News and Andy Humm, Journalist/Activist/Co Host of GayUSA on Manhattan Cable and FreeSpeechTV speak with police.



Commuter at the information booth.




At the sound of the whistles, the mob laid down on the floor.





Onlookers take in the powerful scene.



Looks like a plie of bodies under the banner. A powerful statement!













After the mob got up, chants against homophobia ensued.








And very quickly police began dispersing the mob.





Dedicated to all those who dared to Be...



Also, here's a video clip by John Torres.



And another great video clip by Bombshellfilmfest.

CAPTURE BROOKLYN EXHIBITION OPENING RECEPTION

It was a GREAT opening night at the CAPTURE BROOKLYN exhibition in DUMBO Thursday night! Art lovers, supporters, and artists came out in droves! I was happy to be in this exhibition and proud to be amongst the company of so many great photographers! If you haven't seen the show yet, do check it out! The exhibition at the PowerHouse Arena is up until October 15th. The PowerHouse Arena is located at 37 Main street in DUMBO, Brooklyn. For more info, visit, http://capturebrooklyn.nyphotofestival.com/.


Crowd at the opening reception.




Section of a wall of photographs hung salon style. Mine are in the colorful photographs on the right from the 2009 West Indian Day Parade.




Visitors viewing my photographs.






Yours tuly holding court and my beer!




Photographer Marcia Lloyd, yours truly, and mybrotherfromanothermother, Joseph Torres.



Opening night crowd.

My Next exhibition participation!

I'm proud to have 4 of my photographs selected for the CAPTURE BROOKLYN exhibition sponsored by the New York Photo Festival! The juried exhibitiion which opens on Thursday September 24h at 7pm @ the amazing PowerHouse Arena, kicks off the 3 day DUMBO ARTS FESTIVAL in Brooklyn!

For more info about this exhibition visit: http://capturebrooklyn.nyphotofestival.com/

For more info about the DUMBO Arts Festival visit: http://dumboartsfestival.com/

Hope to see you there!

West Indian Day Parade, Brooklyn, NY 2010

The Annual West Indian day Parade never disappoints. Music, food, parade, festivities and everything in between here and the smallest village in Trinidad is on full display at New York's largest parade. From a photographer's standpoint, it's challenging yet fun to photograph this parade. Challenging because of the enormity of the crowd, and everything happens in a flash so you have to be quick! But it's also fun, because there is so much to photograph. I've been going to the West indian Parade since I was a kid growing up in Crown Heights, Brooklyn where the parade begins. I have fond memories of going as a family, sitting on my dad's shoulders to view the vivid display of costumed revelers gyrating to the beats of island music. We also used the opportunity to sell items like leather handbags made in Haiti, Records, and anything else we wanted to get rid of, because with a crowd of a million or so people, we were sure to sell our wares.

This year, I went as the lone photographer, seeking to capture an aspect of my West Indian heritage and to share amongst the pride . The parade is many things to many people. But to me, it's a day to celebrate West indian Heritage, Culture and Pride, embracing our rich history and paying homage to our not-so delicate past. All in all, it was a great day. I must say, there appeared to have been less colorful costumes on display this year, a sign of the current economic times, I'm sure. A Facebook Friend of mine told me that her daughter, who usually participates in costume at the parade, had to sit it out this year due to the cost of her costun=me which she quoted as $500 dollars. Nevertheless, those in attendance, costume or not, enjoyed a great parade with good music, food, vibes and sunny skies. Enjoy the pics!


Sugarcane and coconut water vendors.





Cheering the band on. Flags for St. Lucia.




Quiet anticipation for the beef and pork kebobs.




Chillin' in a safe spot.




Parade