I’m back. In many ways I’m fulfilling my goal of being a somebody, which it turns out I always was. Someone too busy to post here, but SOOOOOOOOO much goodness. I will try to recap. But first, organization is key. Now that I’m here, I’m onto many big things. Currently in Atlanta, Georgia at Spelman College here promoting my upcoming political analysis of #afropunk with the Pulitzer Center. It’s about to be 6am and before I can finalize my 4pm presentation, I’m finishing my investigative techniques homework for my master’s project at Columbia Journalism School. I’d taken a 2017-2018 off after learning I had Adult ADHD. It’s something I’ve dealt all my life, but as a deficiency of discipline, which was an incomplete perception. Now I’m more conscious of how my mind works. I’m still behind on some things, (like 12 hours behind my investigating class!) but I’m right on time according to the universe. I learned that part of juggling and focus is being absolutely clear about revolving and evolving responsibilities and adapting. This is what that looks like in computer form. This is the unfun things that make the fun things happen!

Week 98

Every week I feel more solid than the one before. I am in such a different place than I was two years ago when I had to move back home after three years of living on my own in Brooklyn. I have 7 weeks until I leave for Johannesburg, South Africa! Within that time I will also finish my Master’s project. As I write it I hesitate because I know I have a propensity to procrastinate, but also know that I have a better handle on my attention deficit issues. No matter what I will get a good chunk of it complete. So I won’t be taking on anymore work, just finishing freelance gigs I have already lined up and my master’s project. Saving $$, fitness and French.

99 weeks

Declaration: By Sept. 15, 2019 I will be living in France or a Francophone country.

This is the goal I am setting for myself. Each week I will be sure I am getting closer and I will blog about my achievements and breakdowns. The last year and a half have been nothing short of amazing, coincidentally that is exactly the time I stopped updating the blog. 

A summary of what has happened since I stopped blogging:

- I had a six-month contract with NBCNews.com and published several articles during my time there

- I got to shoot for NYTimes Magazine and had a photo essay published in the paper’s metro section 

- I produced a video for UN Women

- Participated in a panel discussion about race, women and photography at Columbia Journalism School

- Was interviewed by my school alumni magazine

- I shot several assignments for Google this year, including the Lynching In America project, which was on exhibit in Brooklyn Museum. I gave an artist’s talk!!

- Travelled to France twice and London, in a few weeks I’ll be headed to South Africa to report from Afropunk. I almost went to Kenya this November, but there is a lot of protests happening right now. Hopefully I will be able to go in April 

- Selected to participate in the Eddie Adams Workshop for the 30th anniversary

- Contributed to the MFON: Black Women Photographers group 

Right now I am working on a museum commission for the Underground Railroad Museum in Niagara Falls, NY, which opens this Spring, working on my Master’s Thesis project and creating the first annual family reunion. Practicing my French. I am on a break from school and in the mean time will be freelancing. Setting my sights on Commercial work and Magazine editorials. Think I can pay off my school loans by the time I return in Sept ‘18? I’ma try like I can!!. 11 months. I have so many project ideas!! I’m execute them all. Super pumped for life!!! 

Any way that is all for now. See image below:

image

I am no longer striving to be somebody. I am now, but really I always was. I’m the CEO of my life. Let’s get to life’s work.

(^_^) -B

First story I worked on for NBCBLK!!! A product of that fateful evening Dec 2nd :).. Prince died on this day… and quickly replaced my story, but I got a shot before it all changed.

First story I worked on for NBCBLK!!! A product of that fateful evening Dec 2nd :).. Prince died on this day… and quickly replaced my story, but I got a shot before it all changed.

Space is important because it frames the mind. No matter the space I have dwelled I always try to transform it into an office space. For my birthday my dad gave me an 8x4 sheet of metal. Now I can layout the multiple projects that fill my head.

The biggest decision was to move my bed. Now the primary focus of my room is not rest, but work, signified by the central position of my desk and the prominence of my work station to the right.

I am a visual person by nature and this round of Spring cleaning was so necessary after a few months of depression and self doubt. I am 1000% ready for grad school next month and life in general. This is my command center. I am happy to have moved back home for this phase of my life. It is a privilege that I don’t take lightly. Some people don’t have the support system to take big leaps. Super hyped and motivated ✨

March 11, 2016 I received a very special letter in my inbox. I was numb. The next two years I will work the hardest I ever have in my life, happily. I am grateful for the chance to learn and master my craft. Ima play “Big Rings” by Drake when I...

March 11, 2016 I received a very special letter in my inbox. I was numb. The next two years I will work the hardest I ever have in my life, happily. I am grateful for the chance to learn and master my craft. Ima play “Big Rings” by Drake when I graduate. ❤️✨😝😝😝

Spent the last few days Spotlighting… Rummaging through the local history room in the Yonkers library and securing copies of government documents. This is the less glamorous side to journalism n investigations but I’m a happy lil journo nerd. It’s...

Spent the last few days Spotlighting… Rummaging through the local history room in the Yonkers library and securing copies of government documents. This is the less glamorous side to journalism n investigations but I’m a happy lil journo nerd. It’s crazy to have a hunch validated, whispers and overheard conversations manifest into well documented facts. I have to close my eyes now because they hurt from searching for clues. So many leads to follow… Down the hole this rabbit goes.. 🐰

Woop woop… Second times a charm? Last time around I had my ass handed to me, but it inspired me to keep going. My last review at the Bronx Documentary Center was wildly more positive. So I plan on redeeming myself at the 2016 NYT portfolio review...

Woop woop… Second times a charm? Last time around I had my ass handed to me, but it inspired me to keep going. My last review at the Bronx Documentary Center was wildly more positive. So I plan on redeeming myself at the 2016 NYT portfolio review this time around!! Loving life right now. ❤️🔥

On set of a photo illustration shoot on my mother’s kitchen counter for a blog post about environmental issues. Work with what ya got!

On set of a photo illustration shoot on my mother’s kitchen counter for a blog post about environmental issues. Work with what ya got!

Me, taking a step in the right direction. Visiting NBCUniversal headquarters in NYC for a networking event. It was amazeballs to say the least. Hopefully it is fruitful. That depends on me. I can do it… I know I can. 🐰

Me, taking a step in the right direction. Visiting NBCUniversal headquarters in NYC for a networking event. It was amazeballs to say the least. Hopefully it is fruitful. That depends on me. I can do it… I know I can. 🐰

Before and After.. I updated my website. For a long time the crying soldier was an image I really connected to. I saw myself in the girl. Earlier on in my career I was more concerned with capturing epic moments. I am now more contemplative in my shooting, looking for deeper meaning in everyday occurrences. I try to fit the big picture into little moments.