and educate. Photography books also played a major part in my growth and development, as I would spend hours in the local library studying images in books and magazines. This process enabled me to see a world outside my community, thus inspiring me to want to travel. Sadly today many art, photography, and music programs are being eliminated from schools and young people are not being afforded the chance to bring their talents into fruition. (Nation19) Who is the most interesting person you ever captured on film?
(Jamel Shabazz) The most interesting person I ever captured was a baby named Wanique who was seconds from coming out of his mothers womb. I was able to capture the miracle of life and that image was made over thirty years ago.
(Nation19) It is said that ancient Egyptians and Atlanteans used crystals to document events. Do you have any knowledge to build on this?
(Jamel Shabazz) I have no knowledge
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of this particular science, however when time permits I will research it and get back at you. (Nation19) How do you see today’s mathematics?
(Jamel Shabazz) I see today’s mathematics as wisdom wisdom all being born to culture and refinement. Wisdom is the manifestation of the knowledge, the way one makes his/her knowledge born by their words and action. Wisdom is also symbolic of the woman who is the mother of civilization, queen of the universe, bearer of life and helpmate to her king. A nation can rise know higher than its woman and that is why we as men must guide and protect her, because from her womb comes forth future generations. Presently, we are living in a very serious day and time. A time when the images of Black women are being shown all over the world and these images are not positive; they are images of
www.nation19.com / APDTA / Fall Winter 2011
a sassy, loud, arrogant, quick to cuss you out woman. A woman who will get on national TV, and belittle herself with no shame. Just look at programs like The Flava of Love, Basketball Wives, Bridezilla, Jerry Springer, and Maury to name a few. It is disheartening to see these horrible images especially knowing the effect they have on us as a people. If you notice magazines showing the Black woman, she is always half naked and here in New York on any given day you see images of her shamelessly on public display like a piece of meat. What we are seeing is a clear example of not having culture and refinement. How does this effect the family and how are “We” viewed as a people around the globe? In order to be victorious in our fight against negativity we must save our women, for again they hold the future of our nation within their bellies. (Nation19) What type of music best describes your work?
(Jamel Shabazz) Old School R&B, Jazz, Conscience Hip Hop, and Reggae. Both Mos Def’s “Umi Says” and Marvin Gaye’s “What’s going on” are audio soundtracks to the overwhelming majority of my images. (Nation19) Who is the love of your life?
(Jamel Shabazz) My Queen.
(Nation19) how would you describe War?
(Jamel Shabazz) Tragic and unnecessary. (Nation19) Thank you.