Saturday, August 15, 2009

Before the Memories Fade: Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton

I caught up with Congresswoman Norton in her Capitol Hill office on August 13th. Even though Congress is out of session, Rep. Norton's office was bustling and her staffers were hard at work. I'd like to again thank her for taking time out of her busy schedule for my interview. This was a fun interview for me because growing up in the Washington, D.C., area I have watched her fight to become D.C's House Representative. She was also one of my last television news interviews before I started doing production full time.

I must say I was very happy with the shot that I set up for Rep. Norton's interview. It's a very pretty shot with beautiful colors and she looks good in it. The interview itself was very interesting and even became emotional at one point when she talked about her time in Jackson, Mississippi. She was shown around by Medgar Evars, hours before he was assassinated. "It is impossible to recount what I felt."

On what she thought about the youthful participation in the movement, she said: "Sometimes you have to be a little foolish to do some of the things we did by facing guns with non-violence, but change in our society is far more often propelled by young people with a new vision for our country."

Here's a fun fact for you: In the 60s, Rep. Norton sported an extremely large afro, which, looking back at photos, was very stylish and cool.

To find out more about Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton: http://www.norton.house.gov/

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Before the Memories Fade: Bob Adelman

While taking a short vacation in Florida, I set up an interview with Bob Adelman, photographer and social activist known for his historic coverage of the Civil Rights Movement. The interview was held in Bob's Miami home on August 6th.

Upon entering his house I saw some of his fantastic work displayed on the walls. All I can say is "Wow!" On a personal level, Bob was very easy going and had a lot of good stories to tell.

During the interview, Bob told me how he got interested in the movement and why he began to travel and shoot photographs, many times while in harms way. He also explained why he believes he became trusted by many people in the movement to deliver the truth through photography.

I think the interview went well and Bob provided some great insight into the movement. I had a great time and hope to get back down to Miami and talk with Bob again.

At the end of the interview Bob autographed one of his many books for me. Thanks again, Bob!

If you'd like more information on Bob Adelman and to see some of his work, visit: http://www.bobadelman.net/