Ernest Withers 1922 - 2007
11/30/2002 - The Event: Gordon Parks, Jr.'s 90th birthday. "A Great Day in Harlem" photo shoot organized by Jason Miccolo Johnson featuring 90 Black photographers from across the country. I had gotten a last minute call the morning of the shoot advising me to "get to the city NOW!" I hopped on the shuttle from Logan and arrived panting to 126th & Amsterdam mere minutes before Parks was scheduled to arrive.
With photographers on both sides of the street in place for the shoot, I belly flopped to the ground and scooted on my stomach to the center of the pack. I had a tiny camera w no telephoto capacity but undaunted I stayed low and snapped away. After the shoot, a half dozen photographers made their way across the street (including Withers) to find out just who I was. "You bad sis," said one. "You was in the zone," remarked another. I don't remember what Withers said to me. I do remember his knowing smile and the twinkle in his eyes as he gave me "the look." The look that told me I'd done good.
He was a wonderful photographer. And so are you. You do have a knack of being in the right place at the right time. You are often dusted by greatness.
Posted by
Anonymous |
10/28/2007 12:55 AM
You are so blessed to be able to capture such a special event!
Thank you for preserving our history.
Keep on Creating,
Radiant Jasmin
Posted by
Radiant Jasmin |
10/30/2007 2:19 PM