Project Statement:
“Blackbirds” is an ongoing documentary photography project focusing on young dancers in the Dance Theatre of Harlem. For years, African Americans have been barred from ballet. They were repeatedly told they didn’t have the discipline or the right body type to dance. Founded more than 40 years ago, the Dance Theatre of Harlem remains committed to ushering in a new generation of black and brown ballet dancers.
Artist Bio:
There was a moment in my life where I realized there were stories that I wanted to see that were not being told. So I bought a camera and started a new chapter.
I aim to tell stories that are often overlooked and lack representation. I began telling long-form stories focused on the African American community. My curiosity has led me to photograph young black ballet dancers in Harlem and an African American funeral home in Brooklyn.
In 2016, I was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to photograph hip-hop culture in Ghana. I was also accepted into the Eddie Adams Workshop for photojournalism. Everyday I take a photo of my son.
And the story continues…
