Day 373 (January 8, 2015) – New York, NY
It’s actually too cold to walk around with my X100s taking photos. I snapped this image quickly with my iphone6 and then my hands were back in the warmth of my pockets. This has the makings of a bad winter and I’m not happy about it!
Day 346 (December 12, 2014) – New York, NY
It’s gotta be cold in there. I’m not sure how they do it. They are crammed in a space that can’t be more than 8’x4′ and filled to brim with stuff…..all kinds of stuff. 100 + different magazines….30 flavors of gum….every type of M&M made and on and on and on…just stuff. This guy definitely looks a little grumpy. He always looks grump….but today..he must be annoyed with all of the people rushing by undoubtedly heading to some place warm….while he stays in his icebox.
Day 338 (December 4, 2014) – New York, NY
Is anyone listening to his words….his powerful words…his words of hope. I need them this morning. I’m still upset after another failure of the justice system. I need these words. He is singing for me. He is singing for hope. He is singing for Eric Garner and the the countless black lives taken away. This is my soundtrack as I get ready for another day…with a slight chip on my shoulder and an uneasiness in my step. But I know when I get there….I’ll just put on the mask. The mask that lets me live each day in this place. The mask that hides my tears and pain. I’ll stay strong, stoic and unmoved….but on the inside… damn…on the inside I’m lost….I’m scared…I’m angry…I’m uncertain…..
Day 329 (November 25, 2014) – New York, NY
I don’t have much to say today. I should be heading downtown to another protest, but I know that won’t lead to anything. I’m still torn by the decision and I’m still upset about what the future potentially has in store for me…for my unborn children..for my race. I’m glad it’s going to snow. Maybe that will cool things down a bit. And I’m glad I have some time off…to think…to laugh…to tell stories about good times….we all need something good to think about.
Day 313 (November 10, 2014) – New York, NY
These words ruined my night. I just spent the last few hours laughing and smiling with incredible company. We bonded over personal stories and we broke bread together. I was with my extended work family and fellow colleagues who fight for social justice and change. Wine glasses were never left empty and the buzz in the room never wavered. I was in a fancy restaurant doing fancy things. But naturally I wondered about the people working there. Were the “busboys” serving our hors d’oeuvres and main meals? (I think they were.) Will they fully and equally participate in the tips from what I’m sure is a hefty bill? (I’m afraid I don’t think they will) I worked in a restaurant in college and I remember the times when I became a server for the day. You see, I worked in the kitchen as an expediter. Not the job I applied to, but the one I was given. I knew the money was in the front of the house and that’s where I wanted to work. But this was a fancy restaurant in New Brunswick and none of the servers looked like me. Hell, no one in the front of the house looked like me. I admit that I don’t know the stories of the workers I saw today and I don’t know if this restaurant is a good or bad employer. I do know that the words on the door a few feet away from the entrance just bothered me. I know business owners and customers treat different people differently. For some, they have to work through special doors and only in dedicated spaces. For others, the full run of the house. I guess these feelings are just a part of me. I guess I just can’t separate things. I can’t just have a good time. I can’t just ignore or simply not see what’s in front of me. I can’t. And I won’t.
Day 309 (November 6, 2014) – New York, NY
It’s cold. It’s rainy. And it sucks! That’s it.
Day 306 (November 3, 2014) – New York, NY
I’m getting tired of these scenes, but they are every where if you are not afraid to look. I’m thinking about the mid-term elections and how decisions that politicians make impact so many people. Maybe we’ll continue cutting funds to homeless shelters. Maybe we’ll keep on ignoring income inequality and the decline in wages. Just maybe we’ll keep on going about our business as if nothing was wrong with this city….this great country. Maybe politics won’t get in the way of progress. And maybe we’ll find compassion again. Hell…maybe we won’t be ashamed to look in the mirror and actually face our demons….our truths….or faults. Maybe one day this scene will be different. Maybe I’ll be able to smile again and walk the streets as if nothing is wrong…..maybe.
Day 303 October 31, 2014 – New York, NY
Honestly folks, I’m not exactly sure what this is. It just might be the beginning of some crazy pagan ritual. I’m kinda scared to ride the train with these folk. I guess this is just Halloween in the City. And…talking about Halloween in the City……have you ever noticed that kids trick and treat at all of the stores? Well…at least in the hood, that’s how it goes. You find a commercial strip and just go store to store for the goods. I was secretly hoping that the Jamaican spot in my neighborhood would be handing out beef patties…..but no…. all I got was a “ya must be mad!, and candy dun! and, what da’ ras!?!? You na even’ have costume! gweh!!!” Well…at least I tried.
Day 301 (October 29, 2014) – New York, NY
Coming into the office early isn’t always that bad….especially if this is the view that greets you.
Day 296 (October 24, 2014) – New York, NY
Who does this anymore? Seriously. This is the scene on forty deuce (42nd Street) on my walk to the train. I actually think he is European. I can’t quite make the accent, but regardless this is not 1992! He’s got his trunk open showing the system (aka. boombox. aka. a bunch of loud speakers) and the Lamborghini doors on a Chrysler 300! I’m just not sure what to say. I’m at a lost for words on this one.
Shawn Escoffery Photography - 365 Project 