What color is the family that sits at this table?

What color is the family that sits at this table?, originally uploaded by marrngtn (Manuel).

What color is the family that sits at this table?

I can tell you that a little over two years ago one of the persons
that sits here lost there job because the division they worked for
moved to South America. I can tell you that one of the children that
sits at this table was up at 7AM working on their history because
grades are important in this household. I can't count the number of
times this table has served as an anchor for family discussions about
the care of sick and/or dying family members. This table has served
dinner to relatives as they have traveled back fourth from different
states to visit hospitals and other relatives. This table serves as
an at home office and wrapping station for Christmas Gifts. I can
tell you that tears of joy and sorrow have been shed at this table.

The most intriguing part of this table is that it was bought at the
DAV(Disabled American Veteran) Store because of the importance of
having a table in the household as part of our civility, humanity and
family values. Why the DAV Store because when you have to start all
over after life knocks you down you can't be too proud of honest
living and frugality to support your family.

I say all of that to say that in 2009 why does it really matter and
are those experiences really any different from anyone else. Why are
we still polarized by the color of skin instead of the content of our
character. Judge me by deeds and accomplishments not by the color of
my skin. You short change all that I am by lumping me into what you
perceive of me and my color. You know not my struggle nor my
aspirations. All of those things that keep me up at night you dismiss due to the
color of my skin.

There are corrosive forces in America from Rush, Jesse to Fox News. We the majority Black, White, European, Hispanic, Asian, Chinese, Russian, Nigerian, Ethiopian or Indian have much more in common with the pressures of taxes and health care than separate us. Granted we all may make different decisions based on importance which our culture may drive but, we still have more in common than we are different.

Prom Season 2009

©2009 Eyes Upon Me Photography (Eyesuponme.wordpress.com)

Yes, prom season is upon us. I had the opportunity to photograph a young couple Friday night.

Long Day on Metro

Long Day, originally uploaded by marrngtn (Manuel).

While waiting for a train at Columbia Heights I took this shot. I really liked the shot looked with the gentlemen sitting on the bench.

The Written Word

The Written Word, originally uploaded by marrngtn (Manuel).

After looking at the Official White Photostream on Flickr this morning, the picture of President Obama's Signature struck me. I thought back to the last words my Dad wrote to me and how much he thought of candidate Obama in 2008. Sadly he passed never having a chance to cast his ballot. He was short 32 days of exercising his right as an American Citizen.

So, I thought why not use a few of the pieces licensed under CC License to create a derivative work and honor both of these men.

Thanks to White House for Posting these great shots.
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/whitehouse/)

Cherry Blossoms 2009

This year the bad weather and my busy schedule forced me to the tidal basin at a less than oprtune moment to capture the blossoms. Even with the weather and bad lighting I managed to get some respectable shots.

Look again!

Look again!, originally uploaded by marrngtn (Manuel).

I have been searching myself for the last few weeks. Really trying to
be a better "Me." I hope that people around understand my need to
overcome some obstacles and challenges in my life. But some how I
think this is what they see. I am sorry for that but I must heel and
close out the things in my life that bring me down and take way the
weapons that so often have been used against me.

Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life.
Proverbs 4:23

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they
(A)may have life, and have it abundantly.
John 10:10

Obama 2009 Inauguration

Sea of humanity in the 3rd Street Tunnel, originally uploaded by marrngtn (Manuel).

Deep in the Crowd, originally uploaded by marrngtn (Manuel).

Dont Let Them Lie About The Numbers, originally uploaded by marrngtn (Manuel).

3rd Street Tunnel of Doom, originally uploaded by marrngtn (Manuel).

They came believing in a "Hope for Change." They came by the thousands to see the manifestation of that belief with the swearing in of Barack Obama as the 44th President.

David "Nick" Lynch

4th Grade Play Ground for WBT, originally uploaded by marrngtn (Manuel).

Wednesday, 12/31/08, I was saddened to learn that a friend of mine from way back had been killed in a car crash. It is so ironic that only a week earlier I had found and posted this photo(Nick is all the way on the left with the red and white striped shirt) as part of my "Way Back Tuesday" pool on flickr. I have known Nick since kindergarten at Glenarden Woods Elementary School.2008 was a crappy year. I lost my cousin, my dad, the son of very good friend/coworker and a relationship of significance in my life. The year could not just leave with what it had already taken but had to add another in its waning hours.I was so happy when we had our twenty year class reunion to learn that he was the football coach for Suitland HS. I promised him that I would come and see his team play. He laughed and said yeah everybody promises.Much to his surprise I did bring my family out to see his team play football. I never will forget at the end of the game him running around collecting the flags from the stands. I got to see another long time acquaintance at the game Chris Jones.In 2006 we came out to Ravens Stadium in FREEZING weather to support the team in their championship game. Suitland won the game and it was well worth the expense of blankets and arctic gear.RIP Nick...You touched the lives of so many young men....http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/31/AR2008123101058.html