Zire's Photos of the Month

Proud Poppas Photo Exhibit

2011-06-11T16:43:00.000-07:00

Greetings All,

Proud Poppas United will be launching a Photography essay which will culminate in an exhibition. The photo essay is entitled "Proud Poppas." My scope is to demonstrate images celebrating and encouraging the pride of being an active father. In the minority communities, there is a progressive concern of absentee fathers and the devastating effects of this challenge on our children, our families and community.

HARLEM ARTS ALLIANCE

229 West 135th Street, New York, NY 10030

I had the honor to photographing a few fathers, and I asked them the views on fatherhood. What did it mean to them? What were the privileges and benefits of being an active father?

In addition, a video presentation is in development to compliment the photo project, Proud Poppas United and its endeavors. The presentation will have interviews, poetry, imagery and more.

I believe that by displaying these images will not only celebrate fatherhood, but will become contagious and bring other men closer to their children, and instill a permanent presence of existing example within the well-being and development of our children, our families, our communities and our people as a whole.

Thank you for your interest and support!!!

Find out more about "Proud Poppas United"

http://www.proudpoppasunited.com/

2010 Recession: Land of Opportunity:

2011-02-12T00:35:00.000-08:00

A gentleman approached me asking for directions. After some small talk, he stated he was headed to his 3rd job interview of the day. Having some time before his appointment, he decided to take a coffee break, smoke a cigarette and look the "Help Wanted Ads." Gook Luck!

The Season of Change: Autumn

2010-10-23T22:46:00.000-07:00

I woke up one morning and noticed the fallen leaves and the beautiful array of colors on the trees on my block. I took a afternoon walk in Prospect Park and brought my camera. This is my kind of weather, I love this weather. Here are a few photos. I hope you like them.

"...and remember, anything real... is always changing" ~Osho

Played hookie with my sun and went to the Yankee Game!!

2010-09-08T23:19:00.000-07:00

I knew it was the first day of school, but I couldn't pass up free tickets and the chance to take my son to his 1st Yankee game. GO YANKEES! {Thanks Dale!}
It was his first game, my 2nd, and still have the ball! {Thanks Jr!} The yanks were playing the Baltimore Orioles. It was a great game. Yanks Win Game 1! Last Inning HOMERUN BY SWISHER! GO YANKS! Another movie finish. What a great experience to have with my son! His first MLB game.

Spike Lee's 2010 Brooklyn Loves Michael Jackson Birthday Celebration

2010-08-29T21:12:00.000-07:00

Film Director & Actor, Spike Lee held his 2nd annual "Brooklyn Loves Michael Jackson Birthday Celebration" in Prospect Park, Brooklyn on August 29th, 2010. People from all over the US and beyond came out to celebration the legacy of Michael Jackson. My family & I was in attends.

Here are a few images from the event. The love and the music vibrated the entire park. People young and old dances sung along to every song! It really amazes me to see children who really know the words, ha. Hundreds of look-alikes of all versions of MJ were there in full effect, and what I mean by versions; there were the Beat It Michaels, Thriller Michaels, Billy Jean Michaels, Rock With You Michaels were all there spinning, moonwalking, pointing and toe standing. People came with lifelong MJ memorabilia, birthday balloons, gloves and classic original LPs. You know can't have a bunch of Michaels in one place without having a dance-off!

I hope you enjoy the photos, play some MJ and dance along.

Hip Hop Legends at Wingate!!!

2010-08-02T15:26:00.000-07:00

Performances from the Hip Hop Legends, Slick Rick The Ruler, Naughty By Nature & Salt & Pepa.

Bilal performs at the BAM rhythm & blues festival.

2010-07-22T23:38:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have not heard of this brother, Bilal is one of soul music's hidden jewels. The first song I heard from him was the classic "Soul Sista" in 2001 from the album 1st Born Second. Now with his long awaited second album on the way entitled, Airtight's Revenge, Brother Bilal decided to show Bk some love and performing for free at Metro Tech Park.

I was maybe 2 blocks away when I heard his singing on my favorites... Sometimes!

Purelements 4th Annual COAR Concert.

2010-06-19T15:37:00.000-07:00

I was invited to the cover the Purelements 4th Annual Celebration Concert. This being my 3 year shooting for them, I knew they were talking it to another level , but this show was off the hook. The line was headed down the block. The community came out in full effect all for the love art, dance, music and love. Here are some photos from the beautiful event and celebration.

About Purelements: An Evolution in Dance
Receiving rave reviews in the New York Times and the Village Voice, Purelements: An Evolution in Dance is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit performing arts organization with its own unique brand of dance that fuses elements of modern, hip hop, jazz, ballet and African dance. Founders and co-executive artistic directors, Kevin Joseph and Lakai Worrell have evolved from break dancers, straight from the streets, to highly sought-after professional stage artists and choreographers.

Purelements: An Evolution in Dance
1958 Fulton Street. Suite 409
Brooklyn, NY 112233
www.purelements.org
347-533-8933

Late Night Fairy Ride. My Mp3 and My Camera

2010-05-09T20:11:00.000-07:00

Journey To Wisdom: Spring Gala Fundraiser

2010-04-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

I had the honor of covering the First Annual Spring Gala Fundraiser and Silent Auction, hosted by Journey To Wisdom Foundation, Inc. At the event, the keynote speaker was the Honorable Rev. Adrian Smith; ministry by dance was the talented and graceful, Ms. Keisha Worrell along with a performance by the awesome music ministry of “Bro Paul” Marlon Anderson. It was a beautiful and successful event.

Journey to Wisdom Foundation, Inc. was founded in 2008 in NYC by young women following the prompting of the Holy Spirit. "What started out as an obedient leap of faith has grown into an organization that has touched many. We are an organization with hopes of inspiring others to recognize and acknowledge the love of Christ and to grow in their faith.” Journey to Wisdom Foundation also focus on making access to education easier for the young people of our community as well as in the underserved nations of the world. Find out more about Journey to Wisdom Foundation, Inc.

http://www.journeytowisdom.org

New York City Mayor's Office of Contract Services & MWBE Leadership Council Briefing

2010-03-24T00:42:00.000-07:00

A Tree falls on the roadside in Brooklyn.

2010-03-16T17:08:00.000-07:00

I went out running one evening at Prospect Park. This was many a few days after sever rain storm we had in NYC. While running, I noticed this great big old tree. Not underestimating the power of Natural, but I was shock to see a tree this big blown down. There were birds that flew back inside the tree on its branches and just chirped and chirped, as if they were wepping for this old spirit. It was saddening.

I came back out the morning with my camera. Then I noticed all the trees that were down were all by the pathed roads and trails. I went back to the elder tree and looked at it roots. All of its large roots were gone. I think they were removed to level the paths and roads around the trees.

Tree will naturally grow its roots and angle itself to with stand almost any kind of weather for many many years.

The removal of tree roots must stop.

Here are some up lifting shots...

Phife Dawg Diabetes Benefit Concert

2010-02-03T22:51:00.000-08:00

I got a email about a diabetes awareness concert by Phife Dawg. Not knowing if it was really happening, but being a true hip hop head, I grab my camera and go. Wow, Tribe Called Quest, Lost Boyz, KRS One, Consequence, Mos Def and Talib Kweli. The host of the evening was Michael Rapaport. The show was closed out by your boy, Jay Electronica... Whoa. It was strong up in there. This was flyest hip hop concert I've been to in years.

Phife Dawd of the hip hop group, A Tribe Called Quest, has been fighting with diabetes since the early 1990's. After being placed on dialysis and hospilized in 2002, he began to spread the awareness about his illness. In 2008, he was blessed to have a successful kidney transplant, since then, he has made a full recovery.

Rumor has it, that this was his first performance since his surgery, and this was the beginning of the Come Back!!! Personally, I was hype to see him perform one of my all time favorite A Tribe Called Quest joints "Butter" I lost my voice that night.

KRS-One's Book Signing Party: The Gospel of Hip Hop

2009-11-09T18:23:00.000-08:00

November 10th, 2009, I was invited to shoot a book signing party for one of my childhood hero, KRS-One of B.D.P. KRS-One released a book titled, The Gospel of Hip Hop. I had the pleasure of shaking hands with the Legend. Amongst these legends, there were Hip Pioneers who came out to represent and show support, The Father of Hip Hop DJ Kool Herc,

DJ Vince Rock, EmCee Freddie Fox, Sadat X and many other.
They took us back with classic portable music devices like cassette players to the begin evolution of the "Turntables aka The 1s & 2s. There was Gragiffi I hope you enjoy the photos.

Save Hip Hop!!

Freddy Fox & DJ Kool V!!!

HIP HOP ROYALTY

The Father of Hip Hop, DJ Kool HERC & The Embassador, KRS-One

WE MUST SAVE HIP HOP!

PEACE AND LOVE ALL!

Family Trip to Museum of Natural History.

2009-08-27T22:07:00.000-07:00

My oldest son, Tobi, won tickets to the Museum of Natural History from a raffle held at the Brooklyn Library. To be honest, I think I was more excited than my kids. I have not been to that museum since I was maybe 10 years old. I thought it was the coolest trip. I remember seeing that whale hovering in the air, the dinosaurs bones, the aftican art, the animal statues, the native american exhibit, everything. I couldn't wait to go. My kids were axnious to see the statue from the movie, Night At The Museum, ha.

"Give Me Gum Gum, Dumb Dumb!"

Allen & Fifth Clothing Launch Party

2009-08-15T18:39:00.000-07:00

Burning Spear Comes to Brooklyn

2009-07-30T21:16:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful experience. My spirit is blazing in love and light!! He had the crowd mesmerized. The ancestors blessed me, somebody saw me taking pictures and gave me their VIP pass so I can move down front and get closer shots... Whoooooo... Blessings & Guidance!

PEACE!!

Farewell Tribute to Michael Jackson in Brooklyn

2009-06-28T13:50:00.000-07:00

On June 25th, 2009, The Greatest Entertainer to ever perform pasted away... The King of Pop, Michael Jackson. His death was literally felt all over the World. Tributes to his legacy where demonstrated on ever part of the earth.

In Brooklyn, NY, June 28th, 2009, a Tribute & Prayer Vigil was done @ Hoyt-Schermerhorn subway station. That was the train station where the music video from Michael Jackson 's 1987 single "Bad" was filmed, directed by Martin Scorsese. It was beautiful turnout. Young and Old came out to say "Farewell" to our hero, our embassador of music and love, our brother, our friend. We played his music, sung his songs and tried to do his dances in the streets of Brooklyn. Before the police shut down the party, 50 Balloons were released in the air to represent the 50 years of his life he dedicated to word. We will remember you, we will miss you and your music live in our hearts forever.

Art-Ecologik presents Clash of the Titans

2009-06-24T15:57:00.000-07:00

Art-Ecologik presents:"Clash of The Industry Titans" - An art social + dance party 4 young corporate professionals, artists, designers & musicians. Come out for a fun-filled night of art, music and minglin' with one of the hottest DJs-DJVicBlack from Gangstarr!

ALL GIRL ARTIST LINE UPS IN NYC!!!:

Alexandria Smith-Garrison (Parsons)
Venus (SVA)
Lissette Barros (The School of the Museum of Fine Arts )
Carrie Hawks (Barnard)

Purelements, an Evolution in Dance: 3rd Annual COAR Concert

2009-06-20T12:17:00.000-07:00

June 20th 2009, I took my daughter to work with me. I photographed the Purelements's Dance Performance @ Boys and Girls HS. The program presented a dynamic mix of modern, jazz, ballet and Africa performed by youths aging 4yrs old - 18yrs old.

To find out more about Purelements, go to http://www.purelements.org/

The Learning Tree Multi-Cultural School Science Fair

2009-04-14T15:20:00.000-07:00

On April 14th, 2009, I had a assignment to photograph a Science Fair at The Learning Tree Multi-Cultural School in Corona, NY. The science fair participants were from grades 1st to 7th, but their talent and curiousity for knowledge was sky high. I was truly amazed with project entrees from these young scientists.

Let The Fair Begin!!

Although all the student were winners for their projects and all received medals & trophies, one student won the 1st Place Trophy.

This young man created a "Hummer Hoverin' Hovercraft" After a brief demonstration, it was a clear decision.

1 in 69 Million: Every 1 Vote Counts

2008-11-04T21:23:00.000-08:00

History was made on November 4, 2008.

The 1st Black American was elected President.

Barack Obama won in a landslide of 69,492,376 votes.

Many people, including myself were first time voters. It was truly an incredible experience to be a part of such a historic moment. I decided to grab my camera and return back to the local voting center, to meet and thank all who voted. I also asked if would hold up"1" finger to represent the vote they gave in support of Barack Obamo. The people of Brooklyn came out and supported in record numbers, contributing a total of 603,525 votes.

I am proud to be one in millions to help make this incredible moment happen. Here are a few more people who were very proud to be "1" of many.

Yes We Can!! Yes We Did!!

A Flower grows in Brooklyn

2008-10-23T08:36:00.000-07:00

On a surprisingly cold day during the rush hour, I was headed to Kinko's in downtown Bk. While exiting the subway, on my way up the stairs I noticed a green bush at the entrance of the subway. Sprouting from the top of the bush was a flower. It sat there trembling from the season's strong winds. Its vibrant color stood out amongst the people coming and going, and it contrasted against the tall building towering in the far background. I had to photograph it. Funny thing is when I climbed to the top of the stairs; it kind of disappeared amongst the broader scenery. I guess you have to see something from the bottom-up to appreciate its beauty.

Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival

2008-07-12T08:22:00.000-07:00

Date: July 12, 2008

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Event: The Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival

Presenter: The Brooklyn Bodega & The Room Service Group

The event was So Fly. It was wonderful to see so many people of all ages, all cultures, all races together celebrating their love for Hip Hop, which actually is a culture within itself. With the beautiful weather and the beautiful vibe, it was like a old skool block party. The only thing was, we weren't spinning vinly, the artists came to the block.

Wes Jackson, Pres of The Brooklyn Bodega & "Uncle Ralph" McDanials of Video Music Box

Artist: J. Period

Artist: Homeboy Sandman

Artist: Zaki Ibrahim

Artist: Fresh Daily

Artist: 88-Keys

DJ Syn City

Artist: Keith Murray was in the Building!!!

Artist: the one, the only... Jeru The Damaja!

Kevin Powell came thru and kicked it with Uncle Ralph and the people.

Artist: The Talented, Mickey Factz blessed the mic.

Artist & Activist: Brother Jay (of X Clan) came thru.

Hip Hop Legend DJ Premier was on the 1s & 2s.

Premier took us all back with a tribute to Big L... throw your "L's" up!!

You can't spell Brooklyn without "Boot Camp. "Bk's own,"Buckshot"!!

DJ JS-1 rip the tables!

Then came the main event, the man of the hour... Our Teacher... KRS-One.

"Manhattan keeps on makin it, Brooklyn keeps on takin it, The Bronx keeps creatin it and Queens on fakin it.... Yeeeaaaahhh!!!"

To all my people & family... Bronx, Harlem, Queens, Staten Island, L.I. & Brooklyn... Mad Love!!!

Harriett's Alter Ego: "The Class Reunion" Pt. 3, Minority Report

2008-06-05T17:26:00.000-07:00

Boost Mobile Dunk Contest & Jordan Brand Classic

2008-04-19T08:31:00.000-07:00

With a 360-degree spin directly under the basket, Iman Shumpert sent his fellow Jordan Brand All-Americans off their seats, and a trophy into the arms of the 6'4" guard. The Georgia Tech-bound guard's dunk in the championship round of the Boost Mobile JamFest Slam Dunk Competition on Thursday night drew a perfect score of 40 from the judges, which included rappers Jadakiss, Styles P & Tiffany Evans

Shumpert joined fellow All-Americans B.J. Mullens, Brandon Jennings, Devin Ebanks and Drew Gordon in the dunk competition on Thursday evening held on the campus of Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY.

It was a New York rivalry game on the biggest possible stage. While it wasn't the featured event of the evening, the Jordan Brand All-American Classic was, it was the regional version. The best players from the city and the suburbs were divided into two different colored Jordan Brand uniforms at Madison Square Garden. While the Casual hoops fan might perceive a regional all-star game on the undercard of national contests as a tool to fill seats, but you'd have to be kidding to think the game would be less competitive than the "All-American" contest. In fact, they are probably tougher.

Saturday night, as Brandon Jennings, Tyreke Evans and the like prepared for their Jordan Classic, New York City and Suburban prep stars like Erving Walker, Ryan Pearson, Mookie Jones, Marcus Morris and Kevin Jones clawed hard on the Garden hardwood in front of a crowd that was still only getting to their seats. The gathering audience seemed more interested in the title game than the local opening act, luckily for the Regional kids Michael Jordan waited until after the their game was over to make his appearance and steal the audience's attention.

Evans defeated Jennings in a national AAU 14-and-under tournament when they were eighth-graders. Last month, Evans was the MVP in the McDonald's All-American Game in Milwaukee at the expense of Jennings' West team. Saturday, though the teams were named Home and Away, all the West Coast players were on the Away team.

Irv Gotti was in the Building.

The Man himself.... MJ.

The Jena 6 rally in Brooklyn, NY

2007-09-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

The organizers of the rally, Assemblyman Karim Camara, Ms. Donna Nassor of Friends of Justice, and NYC Council Member Al Vann, spoke and invited a number of other leaders to participate, including NYC Council Member Charles Barron; Rev. Herbert Daughtry of House of the Lord Church; Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood of St. Paul Community BaptistChurch; Hazel Dukes, President, NAACP New York State Conference; and activist/writer Kevin Powell. There was a commentary, healing prayers, artists, and words ofsolidarity from various leaders and activists.

Unfortunately, due to my day job, I arrived at the tails end of the event. But I was fortunate enough to get a few shots & meet and speak with Kevin Powell and a few of our community leaders. I was mostly impressed & happy to see all the youth that attended & participated. It was truly a beautiful turn out.

Jena 6 Rally in Brooklyn, NY

2007-09-20T20:14:00.000-07:00

In Jena, Louisiana, white students hung nooses in a tree at the public high school, to warn black students not to sit under the a white tree. The school dismissed this hate crime as a harmless prank. When black students protested, the local District Attorney threatened to take their life away with a stroke of my pen. After a schoolyard fight broke out between black and white students, the District Attorney responded by charging six black students with attempted murder. This does not just happen in Jena, Louisiana. Youth of color are treated this way all over America. Help us build a justice system that truly serves all our children.

The organizers of the rally, Assemblyman Karim Camara, Ms. Donna Nassor of Friends of Justice, and NYC Council Member Al Vann, spoke and invited a number of other leaders to participate, including NYC Council Member Charles Barron; Rev. Herbert Daughtry of House of the Lord Church; Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood of St. Paul Community Baptist Church; Hazel Dukes, President, NAACP New York State Conference; and activist/writer Kevin Powell. There was a commentary, healing prayers, artists, and words of solidarity from various leaders and activists.

Unfortunately, due to my day job, I arrived at the tails end of the event. But I was fortunate enough to get a few shots & meet and speak with Kevin Powell and a few of our community leaders. I was mostly impressed & happy to see all the youth that attended & participated. It was truly a beautiful turn out.