Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
NAACP — Evolution of Equality
Today marked the 100 year anniversary of the NAACP. I shot portraits of some of the black community leaders in Naples and Fort Myers as they gave their reflections on the NAACP — it's past, future, as well as race in our community. To read their entire contribution to the Naples Daily News go HERE.
Veronica Shoemaker, 79, former Fort Myers City Councilwoman, stands in an area that used to be called "the bottoms." The area, just north of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard near the railroad tracks, was where the black community lived in "shanty homes." The tracks separated black and white communities. "There were laws against African Americans going west of the railroad tracks," she says.
"We have come this far in the first 100 years and the time has finally come for all the other good things that are happening right now. People are very, very appreciative as we celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the NAACP for the effort that was put forth for us. But we can’t sit back and take it for granted.
We must never forget voter registration and education. That is the key, believe you me. Voting is a master key to the continuation and the implementation of what has happened in the last 100 years. The NAACP has been the mother, the father, the sister, the brother that has kept this civil rights movement together."
Oliver Phipps, 46, the principal of Estates Elementary School in Golden Gate Estates, stands with students of every color who attend his school. Phipps is the son of teachers. His mother was a third-grade teacher in a school with all black students and his father taught in an all white elementary school.
"Today, four decades after many African-Americans lost their lives because of the color of their skin, I am able to be an elementary school principal in a desegregated society. I remember my father telling me the story of his first day on the job as a teacher of an all-white middle school. When he got to the school and looked in his classroom, there were no materials. He went to the principal and the principal told him that his materials along with all the other teachers’ were in the cafeteria. He could not use the custodial staff to assist him until they were finished assisting the white teachers. When he got to the cafeteria, he thought he was in teacher heaven."
Dr. Ann Knight, 76, a former Fort Myers City Councilwoman, sits in an old school desk in the classroom where she attended first grade at the WIlliams Academy Black History Museum. The Williams Academy was the first government-funded school for black students in Fort Myers.
"I returned to Southwest Florida after graduation from South Carolina State University and worked in the public schools for 40 years. I have witnessed many changes in our school system due to our desegregation.
In 1965, the local chapter of NAACP filed a suit in Lee County that mandated our public schools to become desegregated. As a result of desegregation of Lee County Public Schools other doors opened for people of color."
Wilson Bradshaw, 59, president of Florida Gulf Coast University, remembers growing up in segregated schools in West Palm Beach. He marvels at how times have changed and how the NAACP has helped in evolution of equality.
"With the recent election of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States of America, our great country stands before the world as a glowing example of what can be achieved when the foundational principles of democracy are actualized. Still, we must not be complacent.
Since the inauguration, I have been asked many times, “Now that America has elected its first president of African descent, does race matter anymore?” Racism still exists and race still matters. However, we are living in a world where equal opportunity and education are beginning to matter more, and I am delighted to be a part of this evolving landscape."
Ralph Anthony, 42, a 16-year veteran of the Naples Police department, was the community policing officer for the River Park area in Naples for four years.
"I try to not focus on race. I try to just concentrate on doing the job. Again, the job is challenge. Once you start working on some of the problems, working with community leaders and they see that you’re dedicated to work on the problems, after awhile they see you as a part of their community and I don’t think race is a factor. After awhile everybody knows you.
Good people make good families. Which in turn makes for good schools, good recreational parks and good churches. That in turn influences the community. "
David Bankston, 46, is the chief technology officer and co-founder of Neighborhood America, a technology company based in Naples.
"Race is one of those things that is never far from your mind as African-American. Growing up, it seemed we could never be perceived as equal team members. I watched others get promoted with far less experience. I felt the instant reaction as you turn the corner to enter the room for an interview. Nothing was said aloud, but it was evident — you were not “what they were looking for” and the interview progressed to the inevitable conclusion. I overheard many “jokes” that were cut short. I drove behind the Confederate flag truck guys who were wishing for the days of separatism and inequality. I watched how it always seemed that the news highlighted the worst minority they could find for the “what happened quote.” I remember, as a child, walking into stores only to be followed, glared at.
Hmmm. I thought — what’s it going to take to change the world?
The answer, to my surprise, was there all along; the American spirit is still alive in all of us. The founding fathers’ dream still lives. “One nation...,” “Indivisible,” “Peace and justice for all.” It took us 100 years to overcome, and by no means has the issue of race in America been “solved,” but we as a nation have joined in one voice and said “Racism is old thinking, and it’s a new day. The majority of us agree.”"
LaVerne Franklin, 68, former Collier County NAACP president, sits inside the sanctuary Bethel AME Church, a historically black church, in Naples. Franklin, originally from Philadelphia, says that God's words have given her strength to persevere through the tough times of segregation and inequality.
"Raised and educated in the North, I encountered overt, covert and institutional racism. Stratification based on color and race in housing, academic course selection and employment was counteracted with social justice survival strategies that were taught by family members and the NAACP. God’s words gave me the strength to persevere — When you have fought the good fight, finished your course, and run the race set before you (2 Timothy 4:7) you won’t have to wonder what it would have been like if you had given up and failed to reach your goal. You will have no regrets as you hear our savior say, “Well done.”"
Veronica Shoemaker, 79, former Fort Myers City Councilwoman, stands in an area that used to be called "the bottoms." The area, just north of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard near the railroad tracks, was where the black community lived in "shanty homes." The tracks separated black and white communities. "There were laws against African Americans going west of the railroad tracks," she says.
"We have come this far in the first 100 years and the time has finally come for all the other good things that are happening right now. People are very, very appreciative as we celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the NAACP for the effort that was put forth for us. But we can’t sit back and take it for granted.
We must never forget voter registration and education. That is the key, believe you me. Voting is a master key to the continuation and the implementation of what has happened in the last 100 years. The NAACP has been the mother, the father, the sister, the brother that has kept this civil rights movement together."
Oliver Phipps, 46, the principal of Estates Elementary School in Golden Gate Estates, stands with students of every color who attend his school. Phipps is the son of teachers. His mother was a third-grade teacher in a school with all black students and his father taught in an all white elementary school.
"Today, four decades after many African-Americans lost their lives because of the color of their skin, I am able to be an elementary school principal in a desegregated society. I remember my father telling me the story of his first day on the job as a teacher of an all-white middle school. When he got to the school and looked in his classroom, there were no materials. He went to the principal and the principal told him that his materials along with all the other teachers’ were in the cafeteria. He could not use the custodial staff to assist him until they were finished assisting the white teachers. When he got to the cafeteria, he thought he was in teacher heaven."
Dr. Ann Knight, 76, a former Fort Myers City Councilwoman, sits in an old school desk in the classroom where she attended first grade at the WIlliams Academy Black History Museum. The Williams Academy was the first government-funded school for black students in Fort Myers.
"I returned to Southwest Florida after graduation from South Carolina State University and worked in the public schools for 40 years. I have witnessed many changes in our school system due to our desegregation.
In 1965, the local chapter of NAACP filed a suit in Lee County that mandated our public schools to become desegregated. As a result of desegregation of Lee County Public Schools other doors opened for people of color."
Wilson Bradshaw, 59, president of Florida Gulf Coast University, remembers growing up in segregated schools in West Palm Beach. He marvels at how times have changed and how the NAACP has helped in evolution of equality.
"With the recent election of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States of America, our great country stands before the world as a glowing example of what can be achieved when the foundational principles of democracy are actualized. Still, we must not be complacent.
Since the inauguration, I have been asked many times, “Now that America has elected its first president of African descent, does race matter anymore?” Racism still exists and race still matters. However, we are living in a world where equal opportunity and education are beginning to matter more, and I am delighted to be a part of this evolving landscape."
Ralph Anthony, 42, a 16-year veteran of the Naples Police department, was the community policing officer for the River Park area in Naples for four years.
"I try to not focus on race. I try to just concentrate on doing the job. Again, the job is challenge. Once you start working on some of the problems, working with community leaders and they see that you’re dedicated to work on the problems, after awhile they see you as a part of their community and I don’t think race is a factor. After awhile everybody knows you.
Good people make good families. Which in turn makes for good schools, good recreational parks and good churches. That in turn influences the community. "
David Bankston, 46, is the chief technology officer and co-founder of Neighborhood America, a technology company based in Naples.
"Race is one of those things that is never far from your mind as African-American. Growing up, it seemed we could never be perceived as equal team members. I watched others get promoted with far less experience. I felt the instant reaction as you turn the corner to enter the room for an interview. Nothing was said aloud, but it was evident — you were not “what they were looking for” and the interview progressed to the inevitable conclusion. I overheard many “jokes” that were cut short. I drove behind the Confederate flag truck guys who were wishing for the days of separatism and inequality. I watched how it always seemed that the news highlighted the worst minority they could find for the “what happened quote.” I remember, as a child, walking into stores only to be followed, glared at.
Hmmm. I thought — what’s it going to take to change the world?
The answer, to my surprise, was there all along; the American spirit is still alive in all of us. The founding fathers’ dream still lives. “One nation...,” “Indivisible,” “Peace and justice for all.” It took us 100 years to overcome, and by no means has the issue of race in America been “solved,” but we as a nation have joined in one voice and said “Racism is old thinking, and it’s a new day. The majority of us agree.”"
LaVerne Franklin, 68, former Collier County NAACP president, sits inside the sanctuary Bethel AME Church, a historically black church, in Naples. Franklin, originally from Philadelphia, says that God's words have given her strength to persevere through the tough times of segregation and inequality.
"Raised and educated in the North, I encountered overt, covert and institutional racism. Stratification based on color and race in housing, academic course selection and employment was counteracted with social justice survival strategies that were taught by family members and the NAACP. God’s words gave me the strength to persevere — When you have fought the good fight, finished your course, and run the race set before you (2 Timothy 4:7) you won’t have to wonder what it would have been like if you had given up and failed to reach your goal. You will have no regrets as you hear our savior say, “Well done.”"
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Never give up, never back down
Lisa Lefkow, 48, right, kisses her sister Bonnie Thayer, 31, after they finish the 21st Annual Naples Daily News Half Marathon on Sunday, January 19, 2008 in downtown Naples. Lefkow is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. The two said they were running for "Team Lisa," and sending the message "never give up, never back down."
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Adji Update
For those of you wondering, Adji Desir, the 6-year-old boy I posted about, is still missing. The Collier County Sheriff's office called off the ground search on Saturday, January 18 and are now continuing the investigation through tips.
This is one place you could go if you have tips: HERE
This is one place you could go if you have tips: HERE
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
MISSING
On Sunday, I covered the first day of searching for 6-year-old Adji Desir. He was last seen outside of his grandma's home in Farm Worker Village in Immokalee, Fla. — a migrant town about 40 miles outside of Naples. They have kept searching with no leads. He has been on Nancy Grace, Headline News on CNN and our local news non-stop, but still no sign of him. Please, I know people come to this blog from all over, and the chances of him being in California are slim, but keep your eyes peeled. And for goodness sake, if you have kids, hold them close. I feel so much for Adji's family. Please keep them and Adji in your prayers. Please take the time to read the stories and see his photo here.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Light Painting Photo Columns
For all of 2008, I and fellow staff photographer Greg Kahn spearheaded a photo column where we light painted landmarks and historic sites in the Naples Daily News coverage area. It was a team effort that was fun, sometimes frustrating, but educational and definitely worth it. We published one picture a month for 12 months. Here they are. Feel free to click on the links to read the stories.
The Naples Pier
Team Members: Lexey Swall-Bobay, Greg Kahn, Michelle Cassel and Jakob Schiller
The Ochopee Post Office
Team Members: Greg Kahn, Lexey Swall-Bobay, David Albers and Michelle Le
Lely Freedom Horses
Team Members: Lexey Swall-Bobay and Greg Kahn
Edison Winter Home Banyan Tree
Team Members: Greg Kahn, Lexey Swall-Bobay, Michel Fortier and David Albers
Haldeman House
Team Members: Lexey Swall-Bobay, Greg Kahn, David Albers and Courtney Potter
Holocaust Boxcar
Team Members: Lexey Swall-Bobay, Greg Kahn, David Albers and Manuel Martinez
The Hitching Post
Team Members: Lexey Swall-Bobay and Greg Kahn
Sunniland Oil Field
Team Members: Lexey Swall-Bobay, Greg Kahn and Josh O'Connor
Koreshan State Historic Site
Team Members: Lexey Swall-Bobay, Greg Kahn and Jennifer Whitney
Palm Cottage
Team Members: Lexey Swall-Bobay and Greg Kahn
Naples City Dock
Team Members: Lexey Swall-Bobay and Greg Kahn
Everglades City Hall
Team Members: Lexey Swall-Bobay and Greg Kahn
The Naples Pier
Team Members: Lexey Swall-Bobay, Greg Kahn, Michelle Cassel and Jakob Schiller
The Ochopee Post Office
Team Members: Greg Kahn, Lexey Swall-Bobay, David Albers and Michelle Le
Lely Freedom Horses
Team Members: Lexey Swall-Bobay and Greg Kahn
Edison Winter Home Banyan Tree
Team Members: Greg Kahn, Lexey Swall-Bobay, Michel Fortier and David Albers
Haldeman House
Team Members: Lexey Swall-Bobay, Greg Kahn, David Albers and Courtney Potter
Holocaust Boxcar
Team Members: Lexey Swall-Bobay, Greg Kahn, David Albers and Manuel Martinez
The Hitching Post
Team Members: Lexey Swall-Bobay and Greg Kahn
Sunniland Oil Field
Team Members: Lexey Swall-Bobay, Greg Kahn and Josh O'Connor
Koreshan State Historic Site
Team Members: Lexey Swall-Bobay, Greg Kahn and Jennifer Whitney
Palm Cottage
Team Members: Lexey Swall-Bobay and Greg Kahn
Naples City Dock
Team Members: Lexey Swall-Bobay and Greg Kahn
Everglades City Hall
Team Members: Lexey Swall-Bobay and Greg Kahn
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Year in Photos
Please check out the great work done in 2008 by the Naples Daily News staff photographers. Go HERE.
or here:
http://www.naplesnews.com/videos/detail/2008-photos/
or here:
http://www.naplesnews.com/videos/detail/2008-photos/
Sunday, December 21, 2008
"Mejor Amiga"
Miss Tracy Crazy Miguel is becoming Señora Navarro this weekend. I have the honor of shooting her wedding. Here are some pre-wedding portraits I shot of her and her fiancé, Kiko, today.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Golf
Normally, I don't give a hoot about golf, and especially about photos of golfers teeing off. But, I like the intensity in Greg Norman's eyes in this picture I shot yesterday at a tournament here in Naples. This is the same intensity he gives you if you take a picture before his club hits the ball. I made the mistake of letting him hear my shutter on Saturday. I knew better then, and certainly knew better after. He turned and looked at me with the look of death (but I swear the club wasn't even in his hands). Didn't matter.
And I just thought this squirrel was funny. He seemed to like attention.
And I just thought this squirrel was funny. He seemed to like attention.
In search of irie
In a dimly lit room filled with dust and handmade tools, Matt Nickell carves the perfect wave.
Cascades of white foam barrel away from his fingers and break to the ground.
Surrounded by the color of the sea, Nickell moves his arms back and forth, shaving away millimeters at a time.
Irie.
It is what Nickell hopes to achieve in his art and in his life, and it’s the name of the surfboards he’s been making since 1992.
Irie is a Jamaican word that means to be in tune with nature and the planet, and the way he feels on the water, said Nickell, 38, who admits Jamaica is one of the few places he hasn’t surfed.
A Naples resident since 1977, Nickell, 38, grew up in the shallow surf of the Gulf Coast, but has chased waves just about everywhere. He rattles off a few of the places in no particular order — Nicaragua, Hawaii, the Virgin Islands.
“The waves are fickle in Jamaica,” he said. “If I’m going somewhere to surf, I want to know there are going to be waves.”
He continues to shape the board, referring every-so-often to one of the hundreds of handmade templates he’s created. Rock and roll music pours from a radio in the corner, surrounded by clutter: Music that is less for listening than for filling empty space, as he sands from the tail to the nose and back again.
His boards are used by some of Naples’ best surfers and sold in Olde Naples Surf Shop on Third Street South. He does it less for the popularity, and more for the love of creation.
Just like a wave that is sucked out to sea, only to become the next wave, Nickell’s passion and inspiration is recycled every time he is on the water.
He watches the way other surfers will come off of a wave, giving him ideas for the tail of his next board. Maybe instead of a thumb tail, he’ll create an octagon, giving the rider more maneuverability.
“The water is like a canvas,” Nickell said.
And a place to attain irie.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Little People in Savannah
I drove to Savannah, Ga. yesterday. I guess I just needed my own personal silent retreat. Get out of Naples. Get away from work and everything familiar. My cousin asked me why I was coming here. I didn't have a reason, except that I've always wanted to see this city. Unfortunately, I arrived with five dead camera batteries and no charger. (I thought it was in my car. Apparently not.) So, I'm shooting with my point and shoot. It's ok, though. I love my little camera and it definitely lightens the load. I walked around for five hours today (good thing for new shoes) and I've probably only said a couple dozen words all day. That includes ordering a coffee at Starbucks and food at Spanky's. I find myself thinking in Facebook-speak — not to be confused with Bob Dole-isms. (i.e.: Lexey loves Spanish moss. or Lexey thinks the light is always good in cities like Savannah. or Lexey is effing cold.) I can tell when looking through my pictures from today, that I had no desire to really talk to anyone. Hence why everyone in each frame is itty-bitty.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Moved by Change
There is sense of relief in the air. Whether it is because they voted for Barack Obama or because they are just glad the presidential election is over, most people I see are smiling today. A weight has been lifted and the country can move forward. I felt lucky to be covering the news last night. I felt lucky to be a journalist and witness and report on an historic moment in time.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
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