Besides the fact that Trump is now a convicted felon, with a pending sentencing hearing on July 11, 2024, other reasons are first and foremost Trump’s turbulent history with the black community stretches back decades. In 1989, he took out full-page ads in New York newspapers calling for the reinstatement of the death penalty after five black and Latino teenagers were accused of assaulting and raping a white female jogger in Central Park. Though they were later exonerated by DNA evidence after spending years in prison, Trump refused to admit his mistake.
As president from 2017-2021, Trump consistently downplayed issues like systemic racism, police brutality, and economic inequality disproportionately impacting black Americans. His administration’s harsh immigration crackdown and Muslim travel ban were seen by critics as thinly veiled appeals to white grievance.
Perhaps Trump’s most incendiary moment came after the deadly white supremacist rally in Charlottesville in 2017, when he condemned “hatred, bigotry and violence on many sides” rather than directly denouncing the racist extremists. His lukewarm response provoked a firestorm of criticism that he had emboldened far-right factions.
On matters of criminal justice reform, minority voters felt Trump’s gestures were too little, too late. His support for the broadly popular First Step Act reduced sentences for some non-violent drug offenders, but he took no meaningful action on larger issues like ending excessive force by police or discriminatory policies within the justice system.
Trump’s loud promotion of economic nationalism and restrictive immigration policies have also turned off many black men seeking upward mobility and entrepreneurship. His hard-line negotiating stance on free trade agreements and insistence on limiting pathways to legal immigration run counter to the interests of many black business owners and workers who depend on the free flow of labor, goods, and capital across borders.
More broadly, Trump’s divisive persona and penchant for inflammatory racial rhetoric alienate many black male voters who want a president offering a positive, forward-looking vision of an equitable, multi-racial democracy. His reactionary appeals to white resentment and unmistakable nostalgia for an earlier, less-diverse America ring hollow with younger generations of black men.
While Trump insists his policies have been a resounding success for minority citizens, it appears actions speak louder than words for this key constituency. Barring a drastic change in strategy, the former president seems likely to continue trailing badly with black male voters eager for leaders promoting racial comity over grievance politics.
In our fast-paced world, feeling down from time to time is inevitable. However, when these feelings persist, they may be indicative of depression, a common but serious mood disorder. The good news is that there are numerous strategies to help lift your spirits and improve your mental health. Here are some practical solutions to consider when you’re feeling kinda blue.
1. Connect with Others
Isolation can exacerbate feelings of depression, making it essential to maintain social connections. Reach out to friends, family, or join a support group. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with someone you trust can provide comfort and perspective. If face-to-face interactions are challenging, consider phone calls, video chats, or even text messages to stay connected.
2. Engage in Physical Activity
Exercise is a powerful mood booster. Physical activity increases the production of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. You don’t need to run a marathon; even a brisk walk, yoga session, or a dance class can help alleviate symptoms of depression. Find an activity you enjoy and make it a regular part of your routine.
3. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation are effective techniques for managing depression. These practices help you stay grounded in the present moment and reduce the impact of negative thoughts. Apps like Headspace or Calm offer guided meditations that can assist you in developing a mindfulness routine.
4. Maintain a Healthy Diet
What you eat can significantly impact your mood. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can improve your overall well-being. Avoid excessive sugar and caffeine, which can lead to mood swings and energy crashes. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and flaxseeds, are particularly beneficial for brain health.
5. Seek Professional Help
If your feelings of depression are severe or persistent, seeking professional help is crucial. Therapists and counselors can provide valuable tools and strategies to manage your depression. In some cases, medication may be necessary to regulate mood. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional if you need support.
6. Set Realistic Goals
Depression can make even the simplest tasks seem overwhelming. Break your day into small, manageable tasks and set realistic goals for yourself. Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. This can help build a sense of achievement and boost your self-esteem.
7. Engage in Activities You Enjoy
Pursue hobbies and activities that bring you joy. Whether it’s reading, gardening, painting, or playing a musical instrument, engaging in pleasurable activities can distract you from negative thoughts and provide a sense of fulfillment.
Remember, it’s okay to feel down sometimes, but persistent sadness is not something you should face alone. By incorporating these strategies into your life, you can take proactive steps towards improving your mental health and finding a brighter, more hopeful outlook. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help and support from those around you.
TW: Do photographers continue to drop off print portfolios these days to potential clients, or is that way of getting assignments a thing of the past?
KB:I think there is no one way of showing work. I think that these days most photographers do prepared digital presentations on an Ipad or laptop.. I personally really like having a really nicely printed analog book and promo pieces.. one of the reasons I like this technique is specifically because most people aren’t doing it that way. I do also have a digital presentation that can augment the analog stuff. But, at the end of the day, each photographer chooses his or her own way really.
TW: Can a NYC photographer make it without an agent or does word of mouth continue to be an effective business strategy?
KB: I’d say that there isn’t one way for doing these things. I have done both and also a hybrid of both. When I didn’t have an agent, I would hire agents to negotiate my fee onceI got a client that was calling and inquiring about a big job. I don’t like to negotiate about my work and then be on set with the same people I was just negotiating with. I like to be the good cop. Also, I think it really helps to have someone on your side that is current on all the legalities and usage ratios and concepts. I take pictures.. I want someone on my team that deals well with all of that other stuff, That being said, I know photographers and other artists that are wildly successful without agents. i’ve just preferred to do it the other way.
TW: What is the responsibility of a photographers agent?
KB: Well, Ideally and most importantly they deal with all the technicalities.. usage, percentages, being the bad cop in negotiations. I want my agents to know more people than i do. I want thoier scope of the politics of the industry to be wider than mine.. or at least different. I want them at the parties im not at. i want them to be working while i sleep ha. Contracts are so complex these days that i NEED them and the team at teh agency to be able to make sense of all the legalese. Agents are meant to make the photographers job easier.. The photographer’s job is to be a photographer.. not a lawyer or any such thing. Photographers are problem solvers and I think it’s logical to delegate the responsibilies that we may not be the best at.I deally the agent is another set or sets of eyes on the photographers work. Sometimes agents see trends in the industry that we as photographers don’t. There are many photographers who have work that begins
TW: Do you own the copyright to your images? Or do you or your agent sign work for hire agreements?
KB: Depends on the usage for the job. In most cases yes, I own the copywrite.. but part of usage negotiations are exactly that. Most of the time it is not an outright buyout in perpetuity.. Clients usually dont do that because it’s costly. Most of the time they negotiate an exclusive arrangement that overs a set amount of time (2 year exclusives seem to be popular). Fun example: I shot a campaign for MGM Grand right before the pandemic hit. there was a two year exclusive on those images.. Meaning, the brand could do whatever they wanted with those images within that time frame. the images were of lots of beautiful people having a good time in the enclosed space of the casino. the pandemic hit and all those kinds of images could not be used.. They just weren’t a realistic portrayal of what the world was like during lock down. Once the pandemic subsided, MGM wanted to used them.. but by this point the 2 year exclusive had expired and they had to pay me my fee AGAIN to use the images! free money is the best kind!
TW: How often do you ask your subjects for model releases and in what context?
KB: Most of my subjects tend to be celebrities or people who we casted specifically for the job. The releases in those cases are handled by the line producer at the agency or magazine. If I’m shooting ” real” people, I generally ask them to sign a release depending on what’s going on on the shoot.
TW: How much can a photographer expect to earn for a billboard ad on Times Square?
KB: Well, its not really calculated in that way. fees are usually a product of usage ( where the ad will run and for how long ) If the ad is running in Times Square, its likely that it is running elsewhere and the usage has some detail in it that says the ad can be used outdoors etc. So, it kind of runs the gamut.. the first as I shot that ran in Times Square I think I was paid just a few thousand dollars.. I got a 70k day rate for another.
TW: Has AI had an impact on your workflow regarding commissioned assignments?
KB: Not in a major way. I do use the Adobe Ai in photoshop on occasion.. “Generative fill” certainly saves time in retouching. I feel that AI is a buzz word that encompases a bunch of stuff.. most of which isn’t “artificial intelligence” and most of which has been with us in some form for a long while.
TW: For celebrities, do you prefer to shoot in studio or location?
KB: Both. Either. All of the above depends on the story that needs to be told.
TW: Who is or was the most influential photographer that inspires your creative ambitions?
KB: Too many to mention really. inspiration is everywhere if you seek it out. I LOVE William Eggleston, Avedon, Guy Bourdin is probably my favorite photographer of all time. I love Kwaku Alston, Terry Richardson, David LaChappelle, Tony Ward, Matthew Salacuse, Brooke Nipar, Guy Aroch and many many others.
TW: If you were to pick one assignment that you’ve had thus far, which one would you say was your favorite and why?
KB: I really think that when I shot the 2017 trade campaign for Viacom that was a really big statement for me. It’s one of the biggest shoots I’ve ever done and one of the most fun. For two weeks I shot in ads NYC and LA for ALL the Viacom properties. Viacom ( now Paramount ) was MTV, VH1, BET, Cartoon Network, Country Music channel etc. the assignment was to shoot one celeb from each property each in complete and subversive situations.. This involved multiple set builds and hundreds of extras.. Lots of moving parts, VERY challenging. This shoot felt like something that I was training for for all of my career. ALL, the skills that i had acquired ended up being used on that shoot. and I love the way the work came out.
TW: You are an excellent karaoke performer. How did you get into it and what do you like most about stage performance?
KB:I’ve learned many life lessons from Karaoke: the concept of selling an idea, getting people on your side, convincing people to be excited about what you’re excited about and finally, being able to just let go! That’s Karaoke. there are many ideas that Karaoke taught me that are VERY applicable to my professional photography. including how to run a set with dozens of people on it. Being a photographer can sometimes be like being on stage!
I got into Karaoke through a friend of mine named Chris Goldteeth, who ran a party here in the city on the Lower East side called Karaoke Killed the Cat. It was an amazing party and we even went on a world tour in 2007!
TW: If you were to make a comparison to your photography business and your chess game, what is your next move?
KB: Chess has long been seen as a game that is a measure of intellect and intelligence. This is NOT true. Many chess players are idiots. Chess is more about pattern recognition and prioritization.
Chess teaches us to be creative in our solutions and being able to think and put yourself in your opponents shoes.. In that way, chess teaches a form of empathy. Chess also teaches patience.
In chess, one should never make a move without a reason. Good chess is very efficient that way. Energy and time should not be wasted on extra actions. When it comes to my career, I think many of these principles apply. I think I’ve played a good game so far. I think the overall strategy is: identifying patterns and trends, applying knowledge you have learned from past games and being aware of how they fit into the games of today and being able to adjust actions to fit current circumstances. Chess theory grows and evolves over time. Yhe more we learn , the more novel concepts are introduced into the game. We must be flexible and tolerant of new ideas.. This applies to chess, life and photography.
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It’s been said that American universities are currently, “On fire.”
This is the United States of America where one of our greatest symbols is the torch of Lady Liberty which represents enlightenment and is also seen as the illumination of the human spirit and the pursuit of truth, dispelling darkness and ignorance.
I say this because it seems that some of our citizens seem to have our nation confused with a small foreign entity the size of New Jersey in the Middle East.
As we have witnessed recently, many of our elected officials have forgotten that their primary role is to act as the voice of the American people, representing the American public’s interests in areas such as legislative, executive, and judicial roles within the American government and not in the interest of foreign governments or the unregistered lobbies that are tethered to such countries.
Every level of our elected American government should be defending every single one of our citizen’s constitutional rights without hesitation or interruption from outside influence as their oath of office clearly states. Legislators should asking, “What’s in the best interest of the American people?” not “How will AIPAC grade me?”
As American citizens, we are free to discuss openly how we feel about the policies of our government as well as governments around the world and especially ones that we support with inordinate amounts of our hard-earned tax dollars. Our taxation should rightfully provide our opinions with representation. Unfortunately, that is not what we are witnessing as of late.
As expected, a disrespectful foreign leader, namely Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently facing numerous corruption charges, has launched an attack on American university faculty members, students and journalists for peacefully exercising their First Amendment right to free speech.
Let’s be very clear and point out that Netanyahu seems to think he’s the Prime Minister of the United States. He is not.
This delusion is certainly encouraged by the spineless American legislators who give him repeated standing ovations as if he were some sort of a celebrity whenever he speaks to our Congress. This also allows for this corrupt racist and his apartheid regime to continue to thanklessly treat the American tax-payers’ as an endless ATM with no limit.
This is a man who has snubbed American Presidents on numerous occasions. This a man who said, “9/11 was good for Israel.” This a man who has insinuated on more than one occasion that Americans are gullible and “easily moved to Israel’s side.” This is a man who encourages the U.S. to send its’ young people off to die in senseless wars against Iraq and other countries that his regime repeatedly antagonizes. This is a man who has prevented the U.S. from delivering food, water and desperately needed medical aid to the civilian population in Gaza that he is actively committing a brutal genocide against with zero regard for the condemnation of his regime’s actions by the civilized world.
His indifference to his crimes against humanity is also evidenced by his rabid, verbal attack on younger American citizens attending some of our finest universities and educational institutions. These young adults are peacefully protesting a genocide that they want no part in helping to fund or be complicit in which is perfectly understandable.
Hard working American citizens have contributed $15.8 billion dollars to his 75 + year old apartheid state which is perfectly capable of defending itself and standing on its own.
Regardless of the inordinate financial support that Netanyahu’s regime continues to leech off of the U.S., he still decided to attack American citizens by falsely claiming with no evidence, “What’s happening in America’s college campuses is horrific,” Netanyahu said. “Antisemitic mobs have taken over leading universities. They call for the annihilation of Israel. They attack Jewish students. They attack Jewish faculty.” He then went on to make the absurd and baseless suggestion that American university students, faculty members and journalists of whom a large majority are American Jews, “are reminiscent of what happened in German universities in the 1930s.”
That’s a wildly bizarre allegation coming from a racist Zionist who want’s to punish and “quell” American youth as Nazi sympathizers while sending the youth of Israel in the IDF to act like Nazis and kill the Semitic peoples of Palestine, mostly women and children indiscriminately and with impunity.
It sounds like Netanyahu and his regime are exhibiting textbook projection to blur the truth.
I for one, am glad that American students, faculty members and journalists have created a spark and have risen to the cause of justice and humanity which is not something that Netanyahu and his regime will ever be able to claim.
Keep this torch for justice illuminated until all apartheid governments are abolished and no human being lives under their rule.
Self Portrait by James Domingo. Copyright 2024
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About The Author: James Domingo is a veteran professional photographer and political activist based in Philadelphia. He specializes in photographing people on location or in the studio and often promotes his activism on his Facebook profile. This is James Domingo’s first contribution to this zine. For additional article by James Domingo, link here: https://tonyward.com/james-domingo-erasing-the-myth-of-superiority/
I’ll never forget when I first met Kareem Black in 1997. He was a student at SVA School of Visual Arts in New York. While finishing up his photography training at SVA he made an appointment to visit me at my studio in Philadelphia to ask my advice on becoming a professional photographer. He often reminds me that I was the first real photographer that he met. During one of his visits, I asked him to model for a picture for an upcoming book, called Tableaux Vivant’s. The picture is one of my favorites from the book, of which Kareem received a copy during his visit.
The Figure. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2024.
Our meeting had an impact because when he left SVA and started a career as a pro, he took off! Kareem and I have stayed in touch remarkably 25 years later, and this month of May 2024 I’ve decided to reach out and celebrate his success by inviting back to his home town for a feature shoot. Kareem was thrilled. So was I and the results of the cover shoot speaks for itself.
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To access more behind the scenes with photographer Kareem Black, check out our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/0UEYAERF1IM
