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Foreward The Central Area of The Links, Incorporated is pleased to present this compilation of photography presented by youth across the 15 states where our 70 chapters provide transformational service to communities of African descent. This initiative, entitled “My Community: Through the Eyes of the 21st Century African-American Child, Linking Images” focused on bringing to life the power of art by engaging young people in the appreciation of the beauty that surrounds them. This important effort was the brainchild of our 19th Central Area Director, Glenda Masingale Manson. The works included display the creativity of our youth and their perceptions of our world through the eye of the camera lens. The photographs in this book reflect their hopes, concerns, dreams, and love for nature and life of our youth, and provides a glimpse into what is meaningful to them. A total of 25 chapters submitted entries for this initiative. We are grateful for the entries from across the Central Area, and we thank those chapters for lending their support and guidance to these talented young people. We hope you will enjoy this book with sincere love and appreciation of today’s youth as seen through their photography.
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Acknowledgements The Central Area of The Links, Incorporated would like to extend a special thank you to Glenda Masingale Manson, 19th Central Area Director, for her leadership and vision in shaping this project. We also thank Schylbea Jean Hopkins, who helped to lead this initiative, during her appointment as Central Area Arts Facet chair, as well as Karen Patricia Williams, who served as Central Area Program Chair, during the 2015-2019 administration. Appreciation is also extended to our current Central Area Arts Facet Chair, K. Dawn Rutledge, and current Central Area Program Chair, Janice Garnett, who both provided support in the completion of this project. Lastly, but certainly not least, we thank the dynamic Chapter Arts Facet chairs, and the 25 chapters that diligently worked with these amazing young people and submitted these entries on their behalf. We are eternally grateful for your friendship, service, and patience in helping to bring this project to fruition. In Friendship and Service, Monica Boone Allen 20 Central Area Director th
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Background “My Community: Through the Eyes of the 21st Century African American Child, Linking Images” Leaders are concerned that the United States is losing its competitive edge in creativity and innovation, and that the call for even more rigorous academic standards is insufficient without a related focus on developing creativity and imagination. Numerous and varied national task forces have produced reports about the need to reform schooling to develop those critical skills. On October 18, 2015, The Links, Incorporated from the Central Area gathered in Nashville, Tennessee at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts to rollout a new proposal placing priority on empowering children by engaging them creatively through the visual arts. This new signature arts initiative, “My Community: Through the Eyes of the 21st Century African-American Child, Linking Images,” was a photography project for students in grades 5-12 centered around the theme, “See My World.” Chapters across the Central Area participated in the initiative through its conclusion at the 45th Central Area Conference, held July 31-August 4, 2019, in Nashville, Tennessee – the city where the rollout of the concept began. As one of the disciplines in the visual arts, photography can help young people in the development of their creative thinking skills as well as foster further appreciation of art. Particularly, this initiative lends itself to better understanding the human experience and the world around us through the eyes of a child. The Links, Incorporated is dedicated to increasing student participation in the arts. Decades of research and experience show that high quality arts education can play an important part in achieving a range of educational objectives. The arts can motivate and engage students; stimulate curiosity and foster creativity; teach 21st Century skills such as problem solving and teamwork; and facilitate school-wide collaborations. The power of the arts and humanities to foster creativity in developing minds, to engage and motivate students in school and to prepare all children for productive futures is vital for the future of our nation’s cultural and economic verve. We want children to look at their world and determine what they find beautiful and what they would like to change. 3
CENRAL AREA PHOTOGRAPHY PARTICIPANTS As of May 1, 2019 Archway (MO) Central Illinois (IL) Circle City (IN) Columbus (OH) Cream City (WI) Dayton (OH) Detroit (MI) Frankfort/Lexington (KY) Gateway (IL) Great Lakes (MI) Huntington (WV) Jackson (TN) Kalamazoo (MI)
Lansing/East Lansing (MI) Madison Metropolitan (WI) Music City (TN) Nashville (TN) North Shore (IL) Oakland County (MI) Omaha (NE) River City (TN) St. Louis (MO) Toledo (OH) Tri-City (MI) Windy City (IL)
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Jordan Holmes, 14 Archway (MO) “The Cat” Students were asked to capture images that allowed others to see how they view their community in a positive and beautiful way. Jordan wrote, “I was inspired to take this photo because I noticed the light illuminated the cat in a very special way. And I figured the light would, like, express the way she feels. All people and animals have feelings. The cat shows how she acts in my home.”
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Kyla Watts, 13 Archway (MO) “Monologue of Saint Louis, Missouri” Students were asked to capture images that allowed others to see how they view their community in a positive and beautiful way. Kyla wrote, “I was inspired to take this photo because I was getting in the car while my older brother picked up my little brother from inside (this school). It was rainy and the lights on the school were on and it showed how Jennings, my community, got quiet and more melancholy at night time.”
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Rozilyn Alzebdieh, 17 Central Illinois (IL) “Suicidal Thoughts” Suicide is a very prominent factor that exists in young America today. It had not occurred to me that it would ever affect me in the least. However, someone very close to my heart tried to take their life. I was in a very dark spot when I created “Suicidal Thoughts” and so I pushed all of my negative feelings into this drawing. I had to keep myself together and “Suicidal Thoughts” helped me. It wasn’t created to help anyone but if it could touch some hearts and change some minds, I would be eternally thankful.
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Sarai Cardona, 15 Central Illinois (IL) “Waterfall� A family trip at Wisconsin Dells, where we gazed at the crystal clear water and beautiful rocks. A memory that I wanted to remember.
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Anahy Lopez, 14 Central Illinois (IL) “Palm Trees� The palm tree picture is an amazing moment for me because I have never seen palm trees, and it was my first time in Florida.
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William Rasdell Circle City (IN) “How A Picture Tells A Story: Photographing Shapes� High school students studying a photo to explain what they see. Each student was given a Canon camera. Students photographed shapes around the neighborhood and then presented their photographs to the class.
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Hana Hussein, 16 Columbus (OH) “I Found It” “Dreamy and fanciful where we are all our true selves, in other dimensions where dreams come true. When I found it, I think I found myself.”
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Dewonne Quinn, 10 Cream City (WI) “Neighborhood Tour” “As kids get older, I am sure they would love to have a memento of their childhood home and neighborhood. Take a trip out with your child to photograph your home, town, school, playground, grocery store, post office, etc. Add in any photos of their favorite things to do, people to play with, or childhood treasures. Compile all the images you collect into a family album you will all appreciate for years to come.”
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Tremaine Smith, 10 Cream City (WI) “Look, It’s Brewers Accidents”
the Milwaukee Stadium/Happy
“Get out of the mindset of perfection and practice erative composition with this one. Spend an afternoon snapping photos without using the view finder! Close your eyes, frame your shot, point, and click. Everyone will be surprised by how, even without trying, you can still get accidental shots that you are bound to fall in love with.”
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Mykal Comminey Dayton (OH) “Sunset”
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Marie Brown, 14 Detroit (MI) “Stop” “Wikipedia describes a stop sign as urgent notification that we must come to a complete stop and make sure no obstacles are in the way before proceeding. Now, I see this sign every morning on my way to school. On the day I took the photo I hit the sign with a snowball. I felt like the sign was a barrier placed there to block me from getting to school and falling, “Stop.”” But, I’m a positive person and always hopeful. See on this sign is also a smaller sign that says, “4 WAY.” A “4 WAY” lets me know there are always options, even for me. I may have to stop sometimes but I will always push hard to move forward to achieve in school. 15
Marie Brown, 14 Detroit (MI) “The Beauty Around Me” “I live in Detroit, Michigan and this winter has been very cold. We have had zero and below zero-degree weather, polar vortex twice, high winds, blizzards, ice and snow, snow, snow. So much snow and cold weather that my school was closed many days. On one of the cold snowy days my school was closed, I decided to go outside with my camera and walk around the neighborhood. I wanted to just play and have fun and take a few snowy pictures, then something wonderful happened; I begin to see the little things that I often overlook, like water dripping down our gutters turning into ice or the last few leaves we didn’t clean up in the fall that now look like frozen art. I began to appreciate winter and noticed that I was surrounded by nature’s beauty. This photo was taken in my front yard, the small snowflakes and shiny pieces of ice were sparkling as if singing to a happy song. I enjoyed my time outdoors in the snow, took lots of pictures and walked home singing, “HAPPY!” So many people miss the good things about living in the city, but I find so many16 things to be happy about. One is nature, always changing, always unpredictable, and always surrounding me in beauty.”
Kobi Mitchell, 18 Detroit (MI) “Creative Vandalism” “This picture was taken in the Eastern Market, located in the heart of downtown Detroit and one of the country’s oldest and largest year-round public markets. The cow, created from a variety of produce that can be purchased at this openair farmer’s market, is the unofficial symbol for the Eastern Market. It is also a resource for many innercity residents who live in food deserts.
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Melea, 15 Frankfort/Lexington (KY) “What Nature Means to Me!” “This weekend, I was in Tennessee for Spring Break 2019. We stayed in a house with a big back yard that had a woods in the backyard. There were two red storage building the backyard. There were lots of trees, leaves and beautiful greenery. During the day, the leaves blew in the wind and provided us shade. I took my dog for walks and I played in the red storage building and we listened to the birds. In the evenings, we had bonfires and at the end of our stay we burned all the dead leaves and branches. Burning the leaves and branches helps to clear the area for new things to grow. New life. This is what nature means to me. 18
Madison, 15 Frankfort/Lexington (KY) “The Ocean” “My favorite aspect of nature is the Ocean. It is a reflection of life. Just like life, the ocean is vast and full of wonder and the unknown. I’m fascinated by the mysteries of the ocean. When I go to California in the summer, I enjoy the going to beach the most. I love the sounds of the waves and the smell of the salty air and watching the deep dark blue waves. Being at the beach always makes me remember how amazing the world really is. I’m reminded that as with the ocean, life is nothing to fear, instead it is something by which to be amazed.
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Cyan Kelley, 12 Gateway (IL) “CitiTrends” “This photo was taken at CitiTrends in North Oaks Plaza. This fashion store where you can get cool clothes for yourself. I was not happy to see a picture with two white girls on the poster when my community and the store is black. Why don’t they have girls on the poster that look like us? This is why it is negative.”
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Peyton Kelly, 9 Gateway (IL) “The Ultimate Cheese” “In a world of small fries, it is survival of the fittest. When you defy gravity and come out on top, you deserve to be showcased!”
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Jalen Fountain, 17 Great Lakes (MI) “Walk the River” “Throughout life, you will face your biggest fears to get further. Fear kills the ability to see beauty. It is a product of thoughts you create. Use your mind as you will but keep fear away.”
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Isaiah Shook, 16 Huntington (WV) “I See You!� In the midst of all the bad things that are happening in this world, there is still beauty all around us if we look for it.
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Isaiah Shook, 16 Huntington (WV) “Here Comes My Big Brother� In the midst of all the bad things that are happening in this world, there is still beauty all around us if we look for it.
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Tim’Mara Wagoner, 14 Huntington (WV) “Dandelion, leather”
wood
and
In the midst of all the bad things that are happening in this world, there is still beauty all around us if we look for it.
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Tim’Mara Wagoner, 14 Huntington (WV) “Hurry Guys, It’s Dinner!” In the midst of all the bad things that are happening in this world, there is still beauty all around us if we look for it.
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Kendarious Dupree, 14 Jackson (TN) “Trilogy” This photo is of my three favorite superheroes. They are pictured as a threesome to show power and protection in the world. I love the beautiful colors. Artwork makes me feel positive and powerful. When we think positively, we do better, and we treat others better. We even encourage others to do their best. Superheroes are not real, but a good source of imagination. I imagine a world that is peaceful, loving, and positive.”
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Adaisha Woods, 16 Jackson (TN) “Bold and Beautiful Giraffe” I love bright and bold colors because they make bold statements. I also love animals. This photograph represents both of those to me. As a child, I was very shy and afraid to stand up and speak out. When I look at this beautiful giraffe and all it’s boldness, it makes me feel confident in myself and my abilities to do great things. This newfound confidence has helped me to speak up and share my opinions. I have a voice to contribute to the world and make it a better place. One day I hope to be in the position to help others find their confidence and their voice.
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Kalamazoo (MI) “Pottery”
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Zarraya B. PaytonBenford, 15 Lansing/East Lansing (MI) “Beautiful Baby” Beauty can be seen in the littlest of us. The beauty of a child as seen in innocence and newness. The beauty in what is to come for this little one and all that he can do and be…the beauty and the fragile balance of life for each of us. This baby face is a representation to the beauty in ALL that can be for and in his life. The beauty of life created by God.
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Imani Sutton, 18 Lansing/East Lansing (MI) “The Door of Opportunity” The significance of the door is different to each viewer. The surface of this door could easily speak to roughness of life on the surface, getting past or going through difficulties…cracked, weather burned, edges chipped, some areas smooth but color faded and edges uneven. Still the door is intact. It may open to endless possibilities to pursue goals and dreams. The red door knob could speak to the struggle to open the door or caution in dreaming big and desiring more in life.
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Kamivah Jones, 11 Madison Metropolitan (WI) “An Alternative to Sugar” Kamivah participated in a Photovoice Project which was designed to reveal real life experiences and empower marginalized individuals. Kamivah was asked to take a photograph of something in her environment that influenced her health. She took a photograph of beautiful flowers outside of her apartment building. “Flowers are a food source because bees use them to make honey that is better for us than sugar.”
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Isabelle Chang, 11 Madison Metropolitan (WI) “Smoking is Bad for Everyone” Isabelle participated in a Photovoice Project which was designed to reveal real life experiences and empower marginalized individuals. Isabelle was asked to take a photograph of something in her environment that influenced her health. She took a photograph of someone holding a cigarette and the package which displays the warning from the Surgeon General. Isabelle said, “Smoking hurts all of us because we breathe the smoke just like them (the smoker).”
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Music City (TN) “Tweens 2 Queens� Ages 10-13 Girls are the future. Making sure they have all the health information needed to make the best health decisions they can is paramount to their healthy future. A major component to health is selfefficacy, which is linked to self-esteem. We work with girls and their mothers to encourage health and wellbeing by providing medically correct information while encouraging open communication as a risk reduction strategy.
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Randy Joshua Howard II, 18 Nashville (TN) “Cranes Over Nashville� The vision of this photograph is to illustrate the growth of Nashville and how the city is undergoing a new birth. The photo was taken of the construction of the Music City Center in 2017.
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Randy Joshua Howard II, 18 Nashville (TN) “Ruby Falls” The vision of this photograph is to illustrate the wonder, beauty, and unknown natural source of one of God’s creations. Its age and where the water comes from that makes up Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, Tennessee has never been determined. It was taken while on a trip in March 2019.
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Chayse Johnson North Shore (IL) Chayse Johnson participated in the Generation F-Stop initiative in partnership with the North Shore (IL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, Family Focus, and the Evanston Art Center with funding from the Philip and Edith Leonian Foundation. Generation F-Stop combined photography with journal writing as an empowering way for students to identify, examine, and visually articulate relevant issues shaping their lives. 37
Dianney Hunt North Shore (IL) Dianney Hunt participated in the Generation F-Stop initiative in partnership with the North Shore (IL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, Family Focus, and the Evanston Art Center with funding from the Philip and Edith Leonian Foundation. Generation F-Stop combined photography with journal writing as an empowering way for students to identify, examine, and visually articulate relevant issues shaping their lives. 38
Terri Hazzard Oakland County, (MI) “Memories” This picture reminds me of when we would have barbecues at my aunt’s house. Our family and friends would be invited, and we played music and had a surprise water balloon fight. We would sometimes have a huge dance battle between the boys and the girls, and it was supercompetitive. My favorite was the limbo because I would always win.
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De’amari Lee Oakland County, (MI) “Love Your Picture” I chose this picture because it looks cool and reminds me of being in my church. My favorite thing about this picture is it looks like an angel from heaven, and it makes me think happy thoughts. The guardian angel looks like God is looking over the world. My family prays every day to make sure we are safe.
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Aaliyah Farmer, 13 Omaha (NE) “30 Americans Art Exhibit� I learned lots that I did not know about before in the 30 Americans Exhibit at the Joslyn Art Museum. Some of the things that I learned a lot about was the 30 unique black artists. Around the 1970s, all the artists used different styles of art to call some attention to the political issues and the social issues that were happening in the United States. As I was walking around, observing all the highly creative styles of art the artists used, I saw many paintings, sculptures, photography and more!
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Brooklyn L. Harris, 14 River City (TN) “The Church� I have been exposed to church since I was born. My grandfather is a Methodist minister and my father is a Baptist minister. Being in church has helped me to view the world from a different perspective. I have always been drawn to church art and looking at different stained-glass windows in the various churches that I visit. When I saw this display, which featured the Rev. Dr. Henry Logan Starks at the Memphis Theological Seminary in Memphis, Tennessee during Black History Month, this artwork fit right in. 42
Brooklyn L. Harris, 14 River City (TN) “Brooklyn’s Trip” I have always struggled when it comes to nature and beautiful sceneries, and while visiting my uncle and his family in Orlando, Florida, we toured this nice resort area. My parents always told me to enjoy the “beauty of nature” and I felt that his photograph was truly what they were talking about. I took several photos of nature while I was there, but this was my absolute favorite!
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Kneely Hutcherson, 14 St. Louis (MO) “The Teen Voice” Two years ago, I was involved in change my community by being a part of photography project. I was able to document through photographs the placement of a new vegetable garden that I also help to plant and paint. However, the older I became the more I felt left out, someone without a voice, or right.
Joining MSK/MBK we were able to collaborate with the Contemporary Art Museum to create protest fabric banners. Some of the banners were of positivity with optimism others showed how far we still must go toward equality for all. The banners gave a chance to voice what we as a teen were really concerned with. A trip to the movie called “The Hate You Give” Allowed me to produce photos describing how we felt about protesting for a cause. After several meeting, we as a group of young teens with things to say decided to create a Youth Summit. The youth summit would allow teens between the ages 14-18 to talk and create solutions with each other about Cyber Bully, Black Economy, Colorism, Violence and Opioids, and School to Prison Pipeline. I was able to tell our story by documenting through photography. 44
Riley Fletcher, 10 Toledo (OH) “The Monarch” and “The Great Pumpkins” I took these two pictures when my family and I went to a pumpkin farm. There were pumpkins, butterflies, and apple trees. I wanted to take pictures while I was there. When I was looking at what I could photograph, there were pumpkins and a butterfly right in front of me. So, I took the pictures!
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Savanna Fletcher, 10 Toledo (OH) “My ‘Nameless’ Pet Gecko I wanted to take a picture of my pet gecko. It is our family pet, but my niece plays with I the most. I picked the gecko up and held it in my hand, because it runs fast and could get away from me. I do not know if the gecko is a boy or girl, so it is nameless currently. I decided to photoshop the picture by putting the gecko on a log because I thought it looked cool!
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Caleb Dawson Tri-City (MI) “Things I Would Like to Change” (Arson/Crime Scene) This was my grandfather’s home as a child. That’s a shame. The last occupant to live in this house was murdered by some teens that he used to help. 47
Darrold Newton Tri-City (MI) “City Hall” Nice big homes on Center Avenue. The city changing so much, I’m glad to see there is still some elegance on Center Avenue.
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Phumelele Gumede, 12 Windy City (IL) “Mattress Against Bus Stop Shelter� There are so many things that we throw away that are used here to grow plants, the mattress, the empty cans and tires.
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Menzi Ndlovu, 11 Windy City (IL) “The South African Flag, Botanic Gardens” I chose this picture because this is the flag of my country.
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www.centralarealinks.org Monica Boone Allen Central Area Director
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