in connection with the ongoing historiographic project 10 Years Ago Today
Elvert Xavier Barnes Photography . Writings . Ads
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Remembering how well he had video-taped Denise's wedding in September 1994 and Sonya's wedding in June 1995 I commented to Leander that the Million Man March would be a perfect opportunity for him to practice his videography. And to add an historic event to his resume. Explaining that with his talent he may could make money through event videography. Just as I had hoped to augment my income through event photography. Before hanging up he said "We won't be able to make it to The March but when you come down for Thanksgiving bring the pictures with you. And when we take our ride down to St. Peter's and the Neck we can talk some more about our experiences ... as black men". He ended by saying "You'll the only one that I can have these indepth conversations with and not be told that I'm crazy. Or that I don't know what I'm talking about."
Since, at the time, I was in the process of several photographic themes as well as ad campaigns which brought attention to the then recent incidents involving individuals that had been killed for their high-priced tennis shoes or other expensive articles of clothing I said that one of my foci, at the MMM, would be of shoes. And that when I'd see him again, perhaps at Thanksgiving, that I hoped to began a historiographic project, whereby, over the years, I would document his face, feet and hands. We said our 'good byes' and hung up the phones.
Friday, 13 October 1995, would be the last time that I'd hear Leander's voice. At least, on the telephone.
Unable to sleep I rose at around 5 AM on Monday morning, took a shower and ate a quick breakfast. Having already prepared my camera equipment and gear the night before I left the apartment bv 6 AM. Reflecting on the conversation that I had had with Leander the Friday before I arrived at the GW Monument Grounds on the National Mall by 6:30 AM. Where along the way on 17th Street just north of Constitution Avenue and across from the street from the GW Monuments Grounds I capture the face, feet and hands of a familiar homeless black man who I had photographed several times before, in the then recent months.
My first pictures of the 1995 Million Man March were taken at 6:30 AM of the Nation of Islam assembling , at the base of the GW Monument, where before sunrise the only source of light was the flood lights surrounding the monumnet base. And a flasher, attached to my Minolta. And what, immediately, caught my attention were their hands clenched at their sides or clasped behind their backs. Dressed in tallored suits and yet, but no two alike, some with long coats and others with hats and, of course, bowties they stood 'at attention' readying for the march. Though in formation yet from head to toe and from hat to shoes each individual exhibited a distinct and different personality. Observing no two pairs of shoes nor two hats or two faces that were alike I began documenting the 1995 Million Man March.
On Tuesday and Wednesday I began contacting VIBE and Interview magazines, Calvin Kline, Spike Lee and Qunicy Jones offering my Million Man March images for future documentary projects and/or provocative ad campaigns. And while packing for a trip to NYC whereby I would deliver some of my proposals to VIBE, Interview, Calvin Kline and Spike Lee on Friday evening, 20 October 1995, I received a phone call from my sister, Elizabeth, who as Leander's mother would inform me that Leahder had been killed in a car accident, earlier that day. And with tears in my eyes ... I'd atempt to comfort her by saying 'As a black man ... he is now in a much better place!"