On my mind of late has been the idea of the missed picture. Was there a moment when I should have taken a picture and instead I “wimped out?” It is not a question raised lightly. Usually, if I see something and I happen to have my camera, then great. If I don’t, then I simply have to be present and enjoy that moment. And maybe that’s the key word: enjoy. The incident that I purposefully missed was not one that I think of with joy.
The moment took place when Steve and I were traveling around down south. We entered an establishment through a gate. On either side of the gate entrance stood black lawn jockeys. Now before I continue, let me be quick to state that everywhere we traveled people were welcoming and inclusive, and if I stood out as the only person of color, no one made mention of the fact. As we left the establishment, having had a great time inside, Steve asked if I wanted to take a picture of the lawn jockeys, as an image that I could use to provoke conversation about a topic that people find difficult to discuss. I said no. We drove away.
I have no image captured in pixels, but the moment will remain with me. All the moments remain with me, when I am reminded of the complexities of race in this country and how that complexity has played out over time. And still does.
Words + Images 