Daniel Gwynn: Interview

Daniel Gwynn exonerated death row inmate #197
Daniel Gwynn 197. Photo Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

Daniel Gwynn: Interview

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TW: Does the state of Pennsylvania provide reparations or any form of compensation for   prisoners who were wrongfully convicted? 

DG: No they don’t, not even an apology.

TW: When you were incarcerated, what was the thing you missed the most about loosing your freedom?

DG: I missed my family the most, especially when they started getting sick and dying. I couldn’t be there to hold their hands, say goodbye, or apologize for my misdeeds.

TW:  What was a typical day like living on death row and in solitary confinement?

DG: Waking up every morning at 6am to stand at the door for count; catching the guard with the sign-up sheet for the yard/ shower; then the morning meal. Most of the day was spent in my 8’ x 10’ cell watching TV, painting and educating myself about fighting this injustice.

TW:  You met the legendary Mumia Abu-Jamal who like you continues to profess his innocence. Why do you think the state of Pennsylvania won’t provide him with a new trial even though in 2011 he was taken off of death row and moved into the general population?  

DG: In my opinion, Mumia is in a political quagmire that has spiraled out of control. His accusers forged this case against him to blame him for the death of Officer Faulkner in spite of the evidence leading to a more likely suspect. Mumia is a political activist in the wrong place whom they wanted to silence. 

TW: What was that first day like when you were released from prison on February 28th, 2024.

DG:  I was very disoriented and fearful, thinking that the guards were going to come after me and drag me back because I know how evil these people can be. Also, it didn’t feel real, even after I walked into my aunt’s house and saw my family standing there in front of me. Sadly, I couldn’t recognize any of them. I missed watching them grow up. I couldn’t feel the immediate connection. 

TW:  What was the key to surviving 30 years in prison mentally and physically?

DG:  The keys to my survival were educating myself and learning to paint. Some of the other death row prisoners like Mumia taught me the importance of education and finding my strengths to make it from one day to the next. One of my strengths was painting. My paintings helped me navigate through my childhood traumas and pains. It also helped me acquire income to purchase books, commissaries and to provide charity to pay it forward. 

TW: While incarcerated you started to tap your creativity as an artist by relaying on canvas the things that you went through leading up to and during your incarceration?  How much did your creative pursuits assist you in enduring the daily trauma of prison life?

DG:  Prison, especially death row solitary confinement is a Hell that can make you or break you. My righteous indignation over my unjustified imprisonment lit a fire in my belly to fight back. Through art, I found my voice to tell my story in a way that the public could relate and sympathize with what I was going through. I didn’t know this at the time. I was just trying to survive by putting one foot in front of the other. My art and story drew local and international attention.

Art work by Daniel Gwynn during his 30 year stay on death row
Artwork by Daniel Gwynn, Copyright 2025

TW:  You have a perspective on life like most folks if fortunate never will have.  What would say to those who have never been imprisoned that take their freedom for granted?

DG:  I would say that it’s a shame that they are taking their precious freedoms for granted: the right to vote; the freedom to choose how you live; the freedom to have a family and raise them; and the freedom to make this world a better place. I was trapped in a box where the walls closed in on me day after day, and I was suffocated by the onslaught of corruption, biases and injustices with my hands tied. Out here, I see people walking around with their hands tied and taking for granted those precious freedoms; a self-inflicted debilitation that’s leaving people angry and feeling hopeless.  

TW:  Why do you think there is such a high recidivism rate amongst black men in America?

DG:  I believe it’s due to the intentional systemic miseducation and socio-economic attack on the black community. The game is rigged, and with boots on our neck we can’t breathe. When I got out, I had to sign up for welfare benefits to help get me started. A couple of weeks later I found a part- time job and a place to live. Seeking to follow the rules, I reported this to the welfare office. Would you believe that they immediately cut my benefits.

TW:  What is a typical day like for Daniel Gwynn these days?

DG: Most of my time is spent alone studying, working and exploring. I’m trying to learn about the world out here and how to be a good steward. Tackling technology and social scenes has been my greatest challenges. I’m also battling the mental imprint left on me by prison. I’m making progress though while advocating for the next wrongful conviction to be overturned.

Daniel Gwynn exonerated death row inmate #197
Daniel Gwynn. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

To access the artwork of Daniel Gwynn, the 197th person to be exonerated from Death Row in America, link herehttps://www.danielgwynn197.com

Spring Fling: Embrace Bold Colorful Men’s Hairstyles This Season

Fashionable male wearing stunning multi colored hair style
Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

Spring Fling

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Embrace Bold and Colorful Mens Hairstyles This Season

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Spring is the perfect time to refresh your look, and what better way to do it than with a vibrant, head-turning hairstyle? This season, men’s hair is all about embracing color, creativity, and confidence. From subtle highlights to full-on rainbow hues, colorful hairstyles are making waves, offering endless ways to express individuality and embrace the energy of spring.

One of the hottest trends this year is pastel perfection. Soft shades like lavender, mint green, and baby blue are ideal for those looking to dip their toes into the world of color. These muted tones work beautifully on shorter cuts, such as textured crops or sleek fades, adding a touch of whimsy without overwhelming the look. For a bolder statement, vivid neons are stealing the spotlight. Electric pink, fiery orange, and lime green are perfect for men who want to stand out and channel their inner rebel. These shades pair exceptionally well with edgy styles like mohawks or spiked hair.

Fashionable male wearing stunning multi colored hair style
Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

If you’re not ready to commit to an all-over color, consider highlights or ombre effects. Subtle streaks of silver, rose gold, or even cobalt blue can add dimension to your hair, creating a modern, eye-catching look. This approach works particularly well on longer styles, such as man buns or flowing locks, where the color can blend seamlessly for a natural yet striking effect.

For those who prefer a low-maintenance option, temporary hair dyes or colored gels are a great way to experiment. These products allow you to switch up your look for a day or a weekend, making them perfect for festivals, parties, or just adding a pop of fun to your everyday style.

This spring, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and embrace the power of color. Whether you opt for a subtle pastel, a bold neon, or a creative combination of shades, colorful hairstyles are a fantastic way to celebrate the season and showcase your unique personality. After all, spring is all about renewal—so why not start from the top?

Fashionable male wearing stunning multi colored hair style
Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

The FAA’s Challenges: The State of Air Travel in America

passenger jet in flight out of Philadelphia International airport
Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

The FAAs Challenges and the State of Air Travel in America

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Is It Safe to Fly?

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In recent months, a series of high-profile incidents involving passenger flights in the United States has raised concerns about the safety of air travel. From near-misses on runways to mid-air mechanical failures, these events have left many wondering: Is flying still as safe as it once was? And could these incidents be linked to the upheaval within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in recent years, including the mass firings of federal workers during the Trump administration?

The FAA, the agency responsible for regulating and overseeing civil aviation, has faced significant challenges in recent years. During the Trump administration, the federal workforce experienced widespread disruptions, including hiring freezes, budget cuts, and the dismissal of key personnel. Critics argue that these actions may have weakened the FAA’s ability to maintain its rigorous safety standards. While the FAA has long been a global leader in aviation safety, the loss of experienced staff and institutional knowledge could have created gaps in oversight and enforcement.

Since then, the FAA has struggled to rebuild its workforce and address systemic issues. A 2023 report by the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General highlighted staffing shortages and outdated technology as ongoing concerns. These challenges have coincided with a surge in air travel demand as the industry rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic. The combination of increased traffic and strained resources has put additional pressure on an already overburdened system.

Despite these issues, aviation experts emphasize that flying remains one of the safest modes of transportation. The U.S. commercial aviation industry has not experienced a fatal crash involving a major airline since 2009, a testament to the robust safety protocols still in place. However, the recent spate of incidents—such as runway incursions, engine failures, and near-collisions—has sparked debate about whether the system is being pushed to its limits.

So, is it safe to fly? The answer, for now, is yes—but with caveats. While the FAA and airlines continue to prioritize safety, the agency must address its internal challenges to maintain public confidence. This includes investing in modernizing its systems, hiring and training more air traffic controllers, and ensuring that safety regulations keep pace with the growing complexity of air travel.

For passengers, the best course of action is to stay informed and vigilant. While the odds of being involved in a serious aviation incident remain extremely low, the recent events serve as a reminder that safety is a shared responsibility. As the FAA works to address its shortcomings, travelers can take comfort in knowing that the aviation industry’s commitment to safety remains unwavering—even in the face of mounting challenges.

In the end, the skies are still safe, but the margin for error may be shrinking. The question is whether the FAA can rise to the occasion before another crisis forces its hand.

Passenger jet in flight
Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

Behind The Scenes: Heroine’s & Vixens Series


Text by Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

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Gina Iannece

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Gina would become the 23rd woman to be cast for the Heroine’s & Vixens series. Casting subjects for the series over the past few years has been decidedly  organic. One subject generally leads to the next when more of the work has gotten published on social media and the web. Gina initially contacted me via Instagram. At first, I thought the message she sent was spam so I didn’t respond to her request to model for me. As time went on I noticed her IG handle liking various photographs that I posted on my feed which moved me to take a second look at her earlier message. There were also some photos that accompanied the original message so I looked at them a little more carefully as well.  I observed that one of the photos that she sent was a picture of herself looking through Best of Erotica, a book I had published in Germany back in 2003, so I followed up knowing she was for real and immediately started a dialogue.  Oddly, when I initially responded to her message, she didn’t believe it was me.  Friends of hers suggested that it probably wasn’t  me and that somehow she was being duped. Gina went as far as to check my authenticity sending a  friend request on my LinkedIn account. I obliged while being quite amused at the same time.

Now that we both knew we were being sincere I contacted KVaughn, my creative director so that he could begin styling the shoot scheduled for a February 1, 2025 release date.  In the weeks leading up to the shoot, Gina was very attentive and professional in her response times to all requests and worked collaboratively with the entire team during her shoot.  Michael Connor did a fantastic job on hair & makeup.  Tony C. was on point with keeping the light on set just right and KVaughn was as magical as always in creating different looks to accommodate the complexity of the scenes we produced in studio.  

Thanks as always to an amazing crew and Gina Iannece.

 

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Gina Iannece: On Grief and Hope

Glamorous Woman at a beautiful castle looking sad and sorrowful
Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

Text by Gina Ianneci, Copyright 2025

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On Grief and Hope

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Model: Gina Ianneci

Photo: Tony Ward

Stylist: KVaughn

Hair & Makeup: Michael Connor

Lighting Grip: Anthony Colagreco

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Throughout my life, I’ve faced traumatic experiences that I can easily recall, along with the memories and associated emotions. 

For better or worse, these experiences are a part of me. The biggest one for me will always be the loss of my
brother, who was just 21 years old when he fell asleep and crashed his car on the NJ Turnpike. At this moment
Tony captured me, I was thinking about my brother and this ten-year-old video I found last year on YouTube.

In the video clip the actor Billy Bob Thornton shares his experience of losing his brother. He explains how this
loss has profoundly affected his outlook on life, leaving him with a persistent feeling of melancholy. Thornton
mentions that he never fully trusts happiness and often feels 50% happy and 50% sad. He advises people who
have lost a loved one to accept their feelings and honor them through their work or art. He emphasizes that
one never truly gets over such a loss but can learn to live with the pain and use it as a source of inspiration. I
relate deeply to his perspective and how he articulates his feelings.

 https://youtu.be/4Pn3y7S5FAw

Woman wearing ancient battle armor with messy hair in front of an old castle
The Warrior. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

To access additional articles by Gina Iannece, link herehttps://tonyward.com/feature-gina-iannece-meeting-the-moment/