Occupy FoHi is a community organization created for the community, by the community. Set to raise awareness and lift the voices of those who reside in Forest Hills, Queens, New York. Protesting against the racial injustices in the United States, and the ongoing battle against police brutality, Occupy FoHi hopes to help bring about positive change in our communities, and push for racial equality.
The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement was originally founded on July 13th, 2013. The hashtag #BlackLivesMatter emerged from the fatal and tragic shooting of the young Trayvon Martin, by George Zimmerman in Sanford, Florida. Unfortunately, and frustratingly, Zimmerman was acquitted of all charges in Florida v. George Zimmerman. The Black Lives Matter movement was co-founded by three black community organizers: Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza, and Opal Tometi.
Since that tragedy, racial injustices against the black community continued, sparking outrage from recent events such as the murder of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. An officer had pressed his knee on Mr. Floyd’s, 46, neck for approx. 9 mins. He was already handcuffed for allegedly using a counterfeit 20 dollar bill. He laid on the street, shouting to the officer “I can’t breathe!” and calling out to his deceased mother before he too passed away. Officer Derek Chauvin had continued to use excessive force even after Mr. Floyd was unconscious.
Breonna Taylor was a 26 year old emergency room technician, who was fatally shot by Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD). She was shot 8 times by the police who entered her home late at night over the assumption of drugs being sold from that house. They entered with a no-knock warrant, without warning, without identifying themselves. She was innocent and her murderers remain at large, no consequences to those officers who murdered an innocent young woman. Her tragedy deserves justice, as for all the people of color who have lost their lives over the years to police brutality.
Some people I have gotten to know, and have known for some time now, have put a lot of hard work into organizing these protests. I was able to join a couple of these protests and decided to photographically document these important moments of our history. Our world, especially in the United States, are currently facing two very different but very deadly pandemics: The Coronavirus Pandemic (also known as COVID-19), and the Racism Pandemic, which has been in this country for far too many years, decades…centuries.
But that does not, and will not stop people from being able to use their voices to shine light on what desperately needs attention in our country. The young will lead, and other’s will follow. The chants “No Justice No Peace,” “Black Lives Matter,” “Say His Name,” and “Say Her Name,” filled the streets, capturing the attention of onlookers, some who had joined in on marching with us.
Photography done by me.
Tools used: NikonD5600 and Adobe Photoshop CC
Nature has always inspired me in more ways than one. From such natural beauty to it’s artistic skills. The vibrancy and blend of colors found in nature are definitely a sight to see. During my spare time, I love to venture out into various parts of my city to explore.
I had visited the Queens Botanical Garden, located in Flushing, NY, and had a little fun with my camera. I captured several beautiful types of flowers, and was truly memorized by the colors I was seeing within them. These photos I had taken are just some of the many I wanted to share. Nature just continues to show us how special and amazing it really is, and that for me, it will always act as one of my teachers when it comes to art and design inspiration.
Photography done by me.
Tools used: NikonD5600 and Adobe Photoshop CC
Often times I enjoy drawing during my spare time. I am an animal lover, so I specifically love drawing animals, such as my two pets; my dog Miki, and my cat Hannah. I use BLICK STUDIO drawing pencils, and/or charcoal on paper.
Painting has always been one of my favorite activities to do during my spare time. It offers me a sense of freedom, to bring a blank surface to life. Whether it’s painting still life or the beauties in nature, I love to be able to capture the colors I see and blend paints in order to view a similar effect on canvas.
Tools used: Arteza Acrylic paints and canvases, and Blick Art brushes.
The autumn season has always been one of my favorites. As someone who’s life revolves much around art and design, I tend to view this season in particular as one for an opportunity to be inspired and connect with nature.
From the change in color of the tree leaves to those of yellows, reds, and browns, to catching glimpses of animals preparing for the winter to come, fall is truly a site to see.
I had spent an afternoon in Central Park, Manhattan to capture photos, and had taken the time to edit them as well to emphasize the colors of fall, and bring focus to interesting subjects in my photos. For example, the photo I’ve taken of the lone musician playing center stage to the statue of the Angel of the Waters (Bethesda Fountain), seems to have an untold story behind it. Is this angel dear to their life? How often do they come and play here? Is it a song for this angel? Only they may know.
As you can see in the raw unedited photo of this, there were many people around, in addition to the trees looking slightly dull. The other onlookers made the photo feel rather busy, and I wanted to bring more attention to the musician playing. By doing so, makes the story behind this photo stronger, and demonstrates the life that the musician’s music is brings into the environment around them.
Tools used: NikonD5600 and Adobe Photoshop CC
