Jamon DavisOctober 21, 2019

Black Boy Fly

Jamon DavisOctober 21, 2019

The Experience

When Joshua Renfroe first approached me about participating in this huge project he was working on, I did not know what to think. I was thinking, maybe he had a contract with a company and needed inexperienced models or maybe he was trying to do an … — When Joshua Renfroe first approached me about participating in this huge project he was working on, I did not know what to think. I was thinking, maybe he had a contract with a company and needed inexperienced models or maybe he was trying to do an independent project on the ‘gram. At the time, that was the extent of my creative thinking. One thing was for sure, whatever it was, it was going to be fire. I quickly agreed to be one of the 4 models and “Josh” did what he does best. About a year had passed and I remember thinking to myself, “Oh, Yeah! What ever happened to those photos we took last year?” Right as I was thinking that, Josh wrote me letting me know he was having an exhibition and he needed a photographer. The more we conversed the more things began to click. This was the project that he was working on the entire time. As I listened to his plan, I just thought to myself, “He doesn’t even realize it but, he is a genius…”. After attending the event and seeing how the images came out, I still have that feeling. Never have I ever thought that I would be featured in a book like “Black Boy Fly”. A book that successfully captures what it means to be a black male in every light. A book that both qualitatively and quantitatively gives back to THE CULTURE. I mean, I could go on and on about this book but, I think it would be best if you purchased it for yourself and supported my brother. So proud of my brother in photography and in Christ! Keep up the great work and I’ll be here to support you in the game and on the sidelines.

The Exhibition

The Photography Club

The Photography Club is the project that I was mentioning above. The photo to your left is one of the images featured in Black Boy Fly called Black University. I am the guy in the front and next to me are three of my brothers in the creative world, Jarod, Mark and Evan. It felt good being acknowledged on this line-up. Being one of the younger members of the group, I pull a lot of inspiration from the other men within the image. The fact that I find myself sitting next to these gentlemen is a dream come true. I thank Josh for considering me among the ‘greats’ when it comes down to New York City photographers. Also, seeing the final product made me want to go back in time and experience what it would have been like to attend an HBCU [Historically Black College/University Black University]. I can’t help but wonder what my life would have been like if this image was my 4 year college experience. Being around people who share your history, around black professors who have already broken the invisible barrier that has been placed over the black community and the camaraderie. Overall, it was amazing watching my brother’s work be admired by hundreds of people. I’m just glad that he gave me an opportunity to be a part of this group of black boys who have grown our wings and are now soaring into our future.

FAMILY sUPPORT

“Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

KJV

THE INTERVIEW

I have always been intrigued by the many inspirations of my fellow creatives. Artist often find themselves introverted because of their unique view on life but, it was good to see someone with a similar perspective as me. Joshua Renfroe and Darien LaBeach took some time to discuss the many difficulties that come with growing up as a black man in the United States of America. After some tears and laughter, they stumbled upon the inspiration behind this project. I admire that ‘Josh’ took this time to give God glory and praise. Too often, people are afraid to be an open book and speak their truth. It was refreshing to hear men discuss a topic that has become so controversial in today’s society. He mentioned, that going into this project he had ideas which were sparked by Kendrick Lamar’s song “Black Boy Fly” on his 2012 album, Good Kid, M.A.A.D City. He just couldn’t piece them together and after long nights of prayer, God began to show up in his life. The reason I admire him for what seems like an easy task, is because young black men need to know that there is nothing wrong with having a spiritual foundation. If anything, it’s needed. It’s a part of becoming whole again after having it stripped away from us in the past. I think that God, Jesus to be specific is that guide back to a spiritual and emotional connection with one another!