This past weekend I explored the world of photojournalism. I actually need to express full disclosure and say that I have although I use the word explore, many of my explorations are not my first experiences in the chosen subject focus. I have been in the world of photography for several years now and have had the pleasure of exploring many photographic events, items and subjects that have caught my attention. As for photojournalism, it is one of my favorite types of photography. I have had the honor of having some of my photojournalism work published in the Philadelphia Daily News.

         Photojournalism is truly a photographer’s dream of capturing life one image at a time. Occupy Philadelphia was a major event here in the city of Philadelphia a few years ago. There were photographers from all over the world eagerly capturing every moment of every day as those who chose to demonstrate freedom of speech by setting up a housing village right in the heart of the city, at the base of city hall. That is an event that I can tell and show my grandkids that I was there – right in the mix – taking pictures!

         I think about the civil rights movement… That is one of the most powerful times in our history. It is because of the photojournalist that I can appreciate the determination and strength of those who lit the way for us. We will never forget the face of Emmett Till in his casket, or the images of the assignation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr… And, it is because of photography documentary organization of The Farm Security Administration that we know the effect of the depression - still to this day.

         The FSA was the small, but extremely significant photography program that employed such great photographers as Gordon Parks and Dorothea Lange. It is because of the images created through photojournalism that we can share in the joy of the World Series or the pain of a terrorist attack all over the world. That is why I enjoy capturing the excitement of life as it unfolds.

         This weekend, I had the honor of doing just that. I attended an event called POWER, Philadelphians Organized to Witness Empower and Rebuild. It is a movement in its beginning stages. It is a call to action for The City of Philadelphia to build opportunities that work for all people through creating: better schools, better jobs and better pathway to citizenship. The people who attended this event at Deliverance Evangelistic Church in north Philadelphia showed passion and enthusiasm about making positive changes in the City of Brotherly Love.  Below are a few photos from that day.