Vision Beyond The Lens by -J.J. McQueen-

This morning I received the photo below from my aunt.  The initial impact of it was kind of overwhelming when I opened it.  Mainly, with the age of the images and the rich history behind the people in it.  I had to take a step back and absorb the moment.   I titled it just what it is, 1964 .   I actually went online and searched events from that year and I found things that are important to me and my career goals.  One was President Lyndon B. Johnson declared "War on Poverty" in the U.S...  It's ironic that I would get it today of all days because I'm doing some research on films and photos from the 60's.    The images took me to Blacksburg, S.C. March 1964.  This photo was taken by what I believe to be one of my grandfather's church members.  Why is it so important it's just a family photo? It's a family photo that's been buried under the rubble of life for 44 years.  Somewhat of a fossil to my family.  A lady that sings in the church choir with m...

Four Seasons story below.  Someone's sidewalk home.  I call this guy newspaper man.  He new everything about the upcoming election.  I asked him how did he know so much he said he used to be a English Professor at a local college.  He lost his job and he's been teaching the homeless to read for the past 2 years.  These guys have been friends for 25 years living on the streets together.  One is blind and one is a recovering drug addict.  I met them while they were feeding the pigeons.  As we approach the winter months "Homeless People" become more invisible and more visible all at the same time.  Fortunately, there are some that still take time out to notice.  I'd like to consider myself one of those people.  I'm sure my colleagues and those alike would agree that it's very easy to forget about those less fortunate than us while out pounding the pavement reaching for the next big story. While all along we're walking past the stories that make our jobs m...