As a photographer, I knew I had to be there to document the 500-year flood that devastated Baton Rouge. I drove around the city and arrived at the Intersection of Winbourne and North Foster.

I knew I had to get on it when I saw rescue boats heading into the floodwaters. It wasn’t easy. The rescue boat was packed with people, and there wasn’t much room for me and my camera gear. But I managed to squeeze myself and my equipment onto the boat, and we set off into the floodwaters.

The ride was rough. The water was choppy and turbulent, and I had to hold tight to avoid being thrown around. But I was determined to capture this flood and its destructive power.

As we made our way through the flooded streets, I was struck by the sheer scale of the disaster. Houses and businesses were submerged under water, and people were stranded. It was a scene of chaos, despair but also of hope and resilience.

Despite the danger and the difficulties, the people of Baton Rouge were fighting back against the flood. They were working together to rescue one another and to save what they could of their homes and possessions. And I was there to capture it all.

As I snapped photos of the rescue efforts and the devastation, I knew I was doing something important. I was documenting a moment in history, and I was giving a voice to the people who were suffering.

When the rescue boat finally returned to shore, I was exhausted but exhilarated. I had hitched a ride on a rescue boat to capture a 500-year flood in Baton Rouge, and I had succeeded. And as I looked at the images I had captured, I knew I had made a difference.

Being an African American photographer at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) has been a unique and rewarding experience. As a member of the HBCU community, I have had the opportunity to work with and learn from a diverse group of individuals committed to excellence and making a difference in the world.

One of the most meaningful aspects of being an African American photographer at an HBCU is the sense of belonging and community that I have found here. As a historically marginalized and underrepresented member, it can be challenging to find a sense of belonging in mainstream institutions.

At an HBCU, however, I have found a supportive and inclusive community of peers, faculty, and staff who understand and value my experiences and perspectives.

Another benefit of being an African American photographer at an HBCU is the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by the rich history and culture of the African American community. HBCUs have a long tradition of fostering the talents and aspirations of African American students and have produced many notable leaders and innovators in various fields.

As a photographer, I have had the opportunity to engage with and learn from this rich history and culture, which has helped me to develop my voice and vision as an artist.
In addition to the personal and cultural benefits of being an African American photographer at an HBCU, I have also had the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to my community through my work. As a photographer, I have had the chance to document and celebrate my fellow students’ achievements and stories and contribute to a greater understanding and appreciation of the African American experience.

Being an African American photographer at an HBCU has been a deeply rewarding experience that has allowed me to grow personally, culturally, and professionally. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this vibrant and supportive community and use my skills and passions to impact the world positively.

As an African American photographer capturing protests in Baton Rouge after the police shooting of Alton Sterling, I learned several lessons that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Here are a few of the most important ones:

1. The power of community: The protests in Baton Rouge were a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of the African American community. Seeing people from all walks of life come together to stand up for justice and equality was genuinely inspiring.
2. The importance of documentation: As a photographer, I was able to document the protests and capture the powerful emotions and messages of the demonstrators. This documentation helped bring attention to the issues at hand and amplify the voices of those speaking out.
3. The need for compassion: The protests in Baton Rouge were fueled by anger and frustration, and it was easy to get caught up in the moment’s emotion. However, as a photographer, it was vital for me to remain compassionate and remember that the people I was photographing were real people with real pain and suffering.
4. The value of perspective: As an African American photographer, I brought my perspective and experiences to the protests. Seeing and documenting the events from this unique vantage point allowed me to capture a more complete and nuanced picture of what was happening.
5. The importance of being present: As a photographer, it was essential to be present and attentive to what was happening around me. This meant being aware of my surroundings, being ready to capture important moments, and being open to unexpected events.

Overall, my experience as an African American photographer capturing protests in Baton Rouge after the police shooting of an unarmed black man was both challenging and rewarding. It was a powerful reminder of the strength of community, the importance of documentation, the need for compassion, the value of perspective, and the importance of being present.