The American maritime experience was unique for people of color, from their forced arrival as slaves by ship, in the mid-Atlantic region, pre and post emancipation to today. People of color have been central to America's economic growth, cultural fabric and national angst.
Historic ships represent early cutting edge design and dreams. Ships, sailors and designers were risk taking heroes, ahead of their time. Similarly dance artists are heroes, as cutting edge artists taking risks. Martha Graham said dance artists are first to feel society’s imperceptible zephyrs, in the forefront of social thinking.
Hero Project collaborates with dance artists of color, bringing a unique perspective to the story of maritime, dance expression and social history. Some have identified the photographs as a poignant reminder of the horrific history of the "Middle Passage."
Our first project collaborated with world class dance-artist Desmond Richardson aboard the SS United States. Desmond was heralded as a once in a century dance artist. His interpretation with gravitas, of the iconic SS United States supports the view of his brilliance.
To date, six ships have become photo duets with dancers: SS United States (Philadelphia); Steamship Lilac and Tanker Mary A. Whalen, (NYC); tall ship Peking, (Hamburg, (formerly NYC); USS Destroyer Turner Joy, (Bremerton, WA); and HMS Queen Mary, (Long Beach, CA.)
My photographic journey informs the Heroproject passion from 40 years ago, as a freelancer for the Washington Daily News. My front page photo illustrated the murder of Mr. Wharlest Jackson, a Mississippi NAACP leader.
In 1969 winning a Washington Post photographic summer internship resulted in 83 published images in two months.
After earning an MFA in photography at RIT, I became a contributing photographer to the New York Times, completing over 850 assignments. Many for the NYT featured dance artists of color as well as for Smithsonian Magazine and others. Courageous photo editors supported my quest featuring artists-of-color, in media that would not welcome that focus.
My maritime interests stemmed from a Chesapeake Bay childhood. Professional seafaring began as a trans-Atlantic ordinary seaman culminating with a USCG Masters license, providing credibility for my current career as an aerial photographer to the maritime industry.
The heroproject.us combines these passions.
I would like to continue this story collaborating with enthusiastic dancers and other historic vessels around our nation.
