I love this photo for many different reasons, but the primary reason is the innocence of the children that are in this photo. There were a series of photos taken around this time by two photographers, and in April of 1941 Russell Lee and Edwin Rosskam arrived in Chicago. Their mission was to record how people lived and worked throughout the United States. The southside of Chicago had been termed by the government as the “Black Belt” and the United States government sent these two men there to record the “Black Belt”. The government looked at the photos and saw poverty and at the time this was an example of pure discrimination on their part. I am not that old but when I was younger ropes, bikes, different balls for sports, and your friends and family were all you had for enjoyment. The little girls in this photo are happy to just be jumping rope outside with each other. The worlds troubles, ignorance, and discrimination were not a concern for them. The world was in the palm of their hands, but the fight was greater than one could ever imagine now. We now have several examples of successful people from the southside of Chicago and Chicago overall. One or more of the children in this photo may have turned out to be successful as well, but in that moment, all they had were each other and their jump rope. Maintain that child like innocence, live in the moment, and never be discouraged by your circumstances. 

​Written By Ronald Anthony Wilson.

This Jean-Michel Basquiat painting was purchased for $110,000,000 by billionaire Yusaku Maezawa. All things that were mentioned in the previous sentence are significant but the most significant thing is the work. Do you think Basquiat had any idea that this painting would sell for 110 million dollars, 15 years after the painting was complete. I don't think he cared. He just wanted to paint, because it was his passion. Basquiat was not being paid at the time for this painting. No one told him paint and be paid for it. I watched the documentary that was based on his life. The movie tells a story of a man that had a passion turn into success. Success is the result of PASSION. Please find your passion and execute. Once the execution happens then comes success and then the financial gain as well. Do What You Love!

I would first like to start by saying no one donated money to the poor child in the bottom picture of the two pictures below. That is a very sad thing and no I am not African, HAHAHA!! Well I picked these two pictures just to display and talk about my growth. I am not using this to brag or boast but just give you some insight of who I was and who I have become. 

The bottom picture is my high school ID picture, obviously. I was only 16 years of age in this picture and my life is written all over my face in that photo. This list of classes to the right of the photo were hardly ever attended except for 6th period lunch of course. I wanted to be cool so bad back then and be part of the cool crowd in high school. This had a lot to do with looking so awkward and not having much as well. My home life was a wreck. Drugs, alcohol, and total disarray was the basis of my home life. I wanted some comfort, love, and acceptance so bad at that time. I was so lost and didn't think life had any upside and if it did it wasn't meant for me. I thought the age of 21 was as far as life would take me. I thank God for the life that I was given growing up. I took positive value from the hurt and pain that I had to endure. 

The picture above is of me at the age of 30 in 2014. The home life had changed obviously along with the attitude. The 30 year old version is still self-discovering but he has the understanding that self-discovery is imminent and he is excited. Self confidence has been established and the value of life is understood. He has totally disassociated himself from the 16 year old version. Acceptance of others is no longer desired and he is now his own cool crowd. The future is bright and limitless and I am ready for change at that age.

I am still growing and gaining as much knowledge as I possibly can but you can't be the same person forever. Growth is inevitable.

This Photo hits home in many different ways but I am inspired and motivated by the photo more than anything. The 80's was the start and RISE of the crack epidemic. I was born in 1984 in the heart of this era. This era is destroyed many homes and lives and has definitely birthed some amazing individuals in this life. I am 33 years of age and the thought of making it to this age being a product of that era and crack cocaine was unfathomable. Overcoming those odds and being here to talk about it makes me smile. You can do anything you want with all odds against you. There is nothing bigger than your drive and ambition if you want the end results of happiness. Your current circumstances do not define you and your faith will prevail. I still have a ton to do in this life but I am beyond ecstatic about what I have currently and my faithful future. KEEP FAITH and KEEP HUSTLING.

​I chose this photo for more than the story that comes with the young man in the picture. The young man in the picture is Kalief Browder. Mr. Browder was incarcerated at the age of 16 at Rikers Island New York city jail complex for 3 years for allegedly stealing a backpack from someone. He had a terrible experience in the facility and spent a majority of his time in solitary confinement. After three years Kalief was released from Rikers and charges were dismissed, due to lack of evidence in the case. Kalief’s mental health was greatly affected from his time in Rikers and after three years out of the facility, Kalief committed suicide at his home in the Bronx New York. I have heard many different reactions to Kaliefs story and not all are sympathetic. Some individuals think that he was a weak individual and that his story of his experiences in jail are just one of thousands. Kalief spent 3 years in jail to show and prove his innocence of the charges against him. His mental health was affected greatly and his recovery was tougher for him and his family than expected. We are all different and we all deal with things differently. Someone else may have been released and moved on in life and the experience have no real effect on their mental state. Have more of an understanding for a person’s strengths and weaknesses. Let’s not judge people and try to understand that their struggle is different from your own. May all weaknesses become strengths and all strengths become stronger to help others with their weaknesses. 

The photo below is of Lorraine Maher, aged nine and today. She is mixed and of Irish descent. St Patrick's day is here for March and I just wanted to show that there is diversity in this holiday. Africans make up a very small percentage of the Irish population but there are African Irish men and women. Picture from article 'Growing up in Ireland I was the only black person' Written by Anthea McTeirman.

I chose this pic for many different reasons. Hattie McDaniel is the first African American to receive an oscar. She received her award for best supporting actress in the film "Gone with the wind". This of course is a great achievement for any actress but especially an African American actress. My biggest concern with awards and recognition is the fact that individuals don't feel accomplished unless others praise them for their work. Be happy and confident in yourself and that gold trophy should not matter to you at all. 

This photo should be an inspiration to all human beings and especially African Americans. No one on the face of the planet thought that a black president was EVER possible. This was not only possible but he lasted two terms and left with the 3rd highest rating in departing of all presidents. ALL things are possible with drive and ambition. This man led the office with class and integrity. His terms in office are greatly appreciated by me and I am sure by many others. When you think you can't do it, refer to this "impossible" feat and know that it is possible. Thank You President Barack Obama. 

This sign and protest is exactly what most of the world feels and STUFF. Language is inappropriate and the "stuff" can be anything but this world  is exactly just that. Love this sign and that fact that she is protesting while holding the sign. 

My most favorite place in the states. Always energetic and full of life. Great weather and just all around fun. Home is where the heart is and Miami definitely is home.