Honor, Courage, & Sacrifice

Freedom Fortress

Tucked in the unforgotten plethora of stories untold, the fort which slaves made an exodus to became a beacon of freedom. This fort for resettlement was one of the richest aspects of African-American culture that transcribed a place for slaves and seceded from the Union in a city once known as Black Hampton, Virginia.

As I walked the fort, I listened to the whispers of souls through the visual effects of the buildings. I was guided by African-American history that spilled out in droves over this fort and found myself engulfed by the rich history and beauty of Battery Church 232.

As a child, I spent countless hours in a small Baptist church learning the traditions and culture of gospel singing. While standing at attention in front of this degradated building, I found myself consumed by the Negro spirituals that succeeded through the walls of this building. It allowed me to reflect upon my childhood when we were instructed to sing the infamous Dixie Land song: " Oh I wish I was in the land of cotton, old times there are not forgotten, look away, look away, look away Dixie Land. Oh I wish I was in Dixie! Hooray! Hooray! In Dixie Land, I'll take my stand to live and die in Dixie."

As I tried to capture the image of Battery 232, I felt a volcano of anger approaching my consciousness. I visualized the inhumane treatment of the slaves and how they were physically abused, denied food, and cheated out of the wages for their Union jobs by their supposed protectors, and though many of them may not have realized it at the time, they were excluded from the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863, which was directed at slaves in rebel-held territory. Technically, they remained the property of the Union until the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865.

I stood there in awe but allowed myself to go back to the past in order that I may move forward to create an image that would allow my photography to be a vivid spoken word. Even though this military base is scheduled to close next year the artifacts located here will last a life time. Having an opportunity to be in the midst of history, I immediately increased my appreciation for African-American history, the contribution of slaves, Veterans, and all those who took part of the Civil War.

Tangier Island

Tucked away in the Eastern Shores of Maryland's mainland, Tangier, Virginia has a unique island that maintains their British native tongue, and culture on Tangier Island.

Founded in the early 1800's, this vast fisherman island and crab country was my choice for a date night and a visit to the Bay View Inn with my hubby.

The island is very unique with the total width of the island being two miles. The people were very friendly for an island of 500 people, mostly the elderly, 75 students in the K-12 grade school, and two unique souvenir shops. The island was made up of families with the Sir names of Crockett, Wallace, Pruitt, Thomas, Marshall, Charnock, Dise, and Parks. I enjoyed touring this small island on a golf cart. The roads are very narrow and there are probably three cars on the whole island. People mainly traveled by golf cart, mopeds, or bicycles.

The purpose of my visit was to go to the Bay View Inn Bed and Breakfast. My husband and I enjoyed the hospitality of the owners, the Wallace's. We had a personal tour of the island, visted their bed and breakfast, and enjoyed lunch at one of two restaurants on the island.

The photo is a crab shack on the island. Tangier Island is known for their crab business but since the regulation offices of Richmond, Virginia established new regulations on the fishermen, the island has decreased in population because there is little to no work.

The Old Point Comfort lighthouse on Fort Monroe

It was in the midst of the hot season and my job required that I attend a conference with the military representatives and various colleges and universities. All the while, I was wishing I could be outdoors catching the wonderful rays of sun and taking photographs of all the artifacts located at Ft. Monroe in Phoebes, Virginia. There I sat with a room full of people who wanted to go outside as bad if not worse than me.

We finally took a lunch break and I found myself outside capturing every image that was in close proximity. As time drew near, I noticed a large artifact that moved my spirit, the eleventh lighthouse established in America. The Old Point Comfort Lighthouse was built to mark the entrance to the Port of Hampton Road and to guide ships into the Chesapeake Bay. I was captivated by the size and the beauty. I found myself going back in history in my mind just to bring myself to the present so I could capture the images. I saw ships, slaves, and men warring with their souls against their egos. How wretched are we, caught up into perception but trying to survive by our mere illusions for existence.

I found myself transforming into a ship being guided by the light of connectivity to the world, a large object secured in the universe of souls of men and women. I began to wonder what impact I could make on the world if I stood still in the midst of the storm as the lighthouse; if I provided guidance to the lost, bewildered, and those without balance. Here I was in the middle of the day creating images in my mind that was beyond my control. I envisioned waves and the turbulent weather that caused men and women to get lost in a world of expectation of others. I found myself pondering on what contribution this lighthouse made to time and space in the universe at the time it was fully functional. Just for a moment, I was caught up in a blissful memory of the evolution of life. In my mind time and space stood still for an instant moment. The shutter speed on my camera was infused with light that captured the stillness, serene, and calmness of the image before me. Engulfed in a visionary world, I found myself creating an image that impressed upon my soul a path for safety.

Here I was captivated by a still structure that purified me at the thought of its existence. Through the power of now, I found myself gaining strength and encouragement from the stillness of this artifact. I saw representation of my life in this lighthouse with circumstances I am faced with; sometimes things are stable, steady, and serene but at other situations are turbulent, and unstable.

As I stand before the base of the lighthouse, I gain a true understanding of the impact it made for those who were seeking the possibilities of what lies ahead. When people see some things as darkness, on the other side there is light. The light always represent the gateway to all understanding. Yet, that which appear hidden is always present, which is in the light!

Military Matters

It is the VETERAN, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the VETERAN, not the reporter who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the VETERAN, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the VETERAN, not the social change, organizations who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to fair trial.

It is the VETERAN, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.

It is the VETERAN, not civil right activist, who has given me my civil liberties.

It is my VETERAN, not the perceived possibilities, who has given me unconditional love.

It is my VETERAN, not my family or friends, who has restored my hope to freedom and expression.