FEATURE
the wall of Union Market was crazy because it was a place and neighbourhood he visited in high school— it was a place that he said,“ made him.”
The social justice-driven photography mural is also sponsored by the D. C. Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment( OCTFME) in celebration of Creative Economy Month, an initiative aimed at inspiring creativity across D. C.’ s neighbourhoods. The 6th Street mural was installed in partnership with Union Market and national artistic collective Creative Mornings.
people who heard about it through word of mouth. There is a portrait of participant Ainz Neal, a father, creative, and NYC native who splits his time between NYC and D. C.“ I chose to participate in the‘ WE LOVE YOU PROJECT’ because it shows our community that we can come together and help change the perception of how we are viewed as black men,” Neal said.“ I felt that it was something that was very necessary and important. I brought my son.”
The reaction has been incredible. People in cars beep when passing, jump out and take pictures, or walk by looking at each photo. Bryon’ s own father is one of the portraits on the wall. On Thursday, Summers also photographed students from KIPP D. C. College Preparatory School at Union Market, and spoke to them about creativity, diversity, identity and celebrating their image as influential members of society. Summers told them that having his project on
“ Bryon Summers’ WE LOVE YOU photography installation at Union Market is a remarkable example of creativity,” said OCTFME Executive Director Angie Gates.“ He is an incredibly talented, visionary photographer and OCTFME is pleased to support his vision as a D. C. creative.”
“ We have worked with Bryon on various creative projects in the past, but nothing has felt as urgent as this,” says Sally Rumble, Chief Happiness Officer at Creative Mornings.“ In its simplicity, the‘ WE LOVE YOU PROJECT’ disarms this hate and allows black men and boys to take their image back. It’ s a testament to the powerful role that art plays in activism. To quote artist and activist Paul Robeson:‘ Art is the gatekeeper of truth.’”
Summers will continue his project in other cities, and will begin photographing women in his next portrait sessions. For more information about Summers and his work, visit: www. TheWeLoveYouProject. com and follow @ theweloveyouproject on Instagram and use the hashtag # WeLoveYouDC www. unionmarketdc. com
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