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

There was no way that I could let this week go by without paying homage to one of the most influential men in American history, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The opportunities that I've been afforded are due to the blood that he and others shed for me. That statement has never been more obvious to me than it was this past week. There I sat on the campus of a historically white Catholic university, and the keynote speaker for the evening was Afro-American. Not only was he Afro-American, he's a man who's work I admire, respect and study. Spike Lee. Spike Lee is a director, producer, author and advocate for Afro-American justice. You may be familiar with some of his films like, Do The Right Thing, She's gotta have it, Bamboozled, and School Daze, to name a few. When meeting someone that has accomplished what Spike has, it can be a bit overwhelming if you think about it to hard. Fortunately, that's not how the evening flowed. He stayed true to the theme of the nigh...

The title Speed Zone sounds a little generic right? I thought so too, but continue reading; it has a great deal of depth. As a freelance journalist the world of stories seems infinite at times. Some larger than others, but none more important than the other. When I was approached about "Speed Zone", I knew it would be a challenging subject, mainly because it addresses children and their safety. During my travels to and from the city, I notice tons of things that I would love to change provided the opportunity. As of lately, it's been the speed of rushing parents in school zones. So when I was presented with the opportunity of capturing images on the subject, I couldn't turn it down. However with each great project there has to be a challenge. In one area that I covered, a parent called the school and said it was a strange man taking photographs. I found that one amusing, because I was wearing my press I.D. in plain view of anyone who had questions. That same pa...

We're eleven days into the new year and I've checked off two of my goals for the new year. The photo below is the first one on the list. I've decided as my career grows, so should my involvement with the community. So this year I'm stepping deeper into my role as a producer. In my profile I touch on impacting the masses with pictures and sound. 2009 taught me that just because you're making an impact, doesn't quite mean you're making a difference. With that being said, I've moved on the opportunity of a lifetime. I've been selected and accepted the role of Director of Video Production for The Lamp of Victory Broadcast team. The door that's been opened has offered me the opportunity to lead a group of dedicated men and women to place unfamiliar in Christian television. I get to experience what few will in this business, fulfillment. My second goal is to see my team get nominated for an Emmy Award, for the best new emerging Christian broadc...