Featured Archives - Bokeh Focus

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Nov 2021

Amy: September Photographer of the Month

Interview by Avery Fields/ Photos by Amy Amy, 24, of Atlanta, Georgia, is Bokeh Focus’ September Photographer of the Month. Amy’s photograph received the most votes in September. She previously won photographer of the week […]

Amy: Lookin through a light bulb close up. The background is indoors and blurry — Atlanta
September 2021
Photo: Amy
© Amy

Amy: outside of a theater during daylight. Lights are under the sign that says the date of the show. — Atlanta
October 2021
Photo: Amy
© Amy

Amy: Red, Yellow and Green traffic light hangs on pole. Daylight and a tree in back of the traffic light. Yellow light in the middle is illuminated — Atlanta
September 2021
Photo: Amy
© Amy

Amy: A pole with three street signs on it covered in graffiti. Around the pole is rubbish and a black container. — Recreated one of my favorite pictures: the same place, different edit, different day.
Atlanta
September 2021
Photo: Amy
© Amy

Amy: Big Parking sign on the side of the building during daylight with a building in the background — Atlanta
September 2021
Photo: Amy
© Amy

Amy: Illuminated Taco Mac restaurant sign outside on the side of the restaurant. There is daylight and a tree in the background as well as other buildings — Neon signs are always a win.
Atlanta
September 2021
Photo: Amy
© Amy

Amy: A pattern of illuminated lints forming diamonds in repetition. — Atlanta
September 2021
Photo: Amy
© Amy

Amy: A bridge, trees, and light posts above a lake that reflects on the water — Amy, 24, of Atlanta, Georgia, is Bokeh Focus’ September Photographer of the Month. Amy’s photograph received the most votes in September. She previously won Photographer of the Week during the first week of September.
We interviewed Amy to share her advice and experiences with the greater Bokeh Focus community. She reminds photographers to “Be you and only that.”
Read her full interview here on Bokeh Focus under STORIES.
August 2021
Atlanta
Photo: Amy
© Amy

22 likes

23

Sep 2021

Many Hands Make Lighter Loads

Text by Jessica Strickland/ Photos by Jessica Strickland Debbie Booher is an advocate for the homeless in Austin, Texas. Along with working a full-time job, Booher has dedicated her life and free time to serving […]

Homeless in Austin, Texas: Woman in yellow coat and face mask giving a haircut to a man with pink barber chair cloth on — Man receives free haircut to attend a job interview in Austin, Texas. Photo: Jessica Strickland

Jessica Strickland: Woman, who is Debbie, wearing a black shirt, red cap and blue earring. She is placing food from a larger container into plate — Debbie Booher serves meal to houseless individual
Austin, Texas
Photo: Jessica Strickland
© Jessica Strickland

Homeless in Austin, TexasJessica Strickland: Two women, who are Debbie and Laura, are under a large white tarp wearing black clothes and aprons hugging each other behind a table of food in pots . — Debbie Booher hugs co-founder Laura Ritchie in Austin, Texas. Photo: Jessica Strickland

27 likes

20

Sep 2021

Emma Walkington: August Photographer of the Month

Interview by Avery Fields/ Photos by Emma Walkington Emma Walkington, 19, from Phoenix, Arizona, is our August Photographer of the Month winner. She currently lives in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Walkington competed against three other photographers and […]

Emma Walkington: a light brown and white dog wearing goggles sitting down next to another dog that is black and white also sitting down outside during daylight on leashes — Dogs sitting outside of Starbucks with their owner look ready for adventure. They could be the main characters of a story.
Georgia
August 2021
Photo: Emma Walkington
© Emma Walkington

Emma Walkington: close up of a light brown dogs eye — My dog passed not too long ago. After a week went by I was going through old photos. I stumbled upon this photo that was never edited from a few months ago.
Lawrenceville, Georgia
August 2021
Photo: Emma Walkington
© Emma Walkington

Emma Walkington: a koi fish swimming towards the surface of water — This Koi fish was in a pond and reminded me of my best friend and our matching tattoos.
Ford Museum, Dearborn, Michigan
August 2021
Photo: Emma Walkington
© Emma Walkington

Emma Walkington: clear blue skies with a bridge in the distance over a body of water — Emma Walkington, 19, from Phoenix, Arizona, is our August Photographer of the Month winner. She currently lives in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Walkington competed against three other photographers and her photo received the most votes. She previously won Photographer of the Week during the first week of August.
Regarding her photography she said, “I learned to not overlook things,” in pursuit of never missing an opportunity.
We interviewed Walkington to share her advice and experiences with the greater Bokeh Focus community.
Read her full interview here on Bokeh Focus under STORIES.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
August 2021
Photo: Emma Walkington
© Emma Walkington

Emma Walkington: two men in orange work ship attire looking over the rail of the edge of the ship — Two guys were working on a boat that I happened to pass by. They were looking over the edge to make sure the guy on the dock was tying the rope properly.
Sue Locks, Michigan
August 2021
Photo: Emma Walkington
© Emma Walkington

Emma Walkington: blurry trees I the foreground and red bird that is focused on in the background seen through a small part of the trees. — During quarantine I walked around my neighborhood a lot. This red bird was sitting just on the other side of the bush from me.
Lawrenceville, Georgia
August 2021
Photo: Emma Walkington
© Emma Walkington

Emma Walkington: Clear gradient blue sky with the moon in the distance. Telephone towers are in the foreground and middle ground. — During a Harvest moon on a road trip I captured the beauty.
Kentucky
August 2021
Photo: Emma Walkington
© Emma Walkington

Emma Walkington: a gradient sky from blue at the top to yellow at the bottom. mountains are in the distance from the perspective of standing in the middle of the street with cars parked on the sides of the road. — This is how the streets look today in a historic Arizona town that existed when the state was founded in 1912.
Arizona
August 2021
Photo: Emma Walkington
© Emma Walkington

21 likes

17

Aug 2021

Survivor, Mother, Principle and Activist

Text by Maddie Hughes/ Photos courtesy Maddie Hughes When tasked with finding a female leader in our community, I searched around to find one, and realized that my own mother is a prime example. She […]

Survivor, Mother, Principal, and Activist: Blonde woman holding a Dr. Sues book sits in chair reading to group of four elementary students sitting on floor of classroom — Jennifer Laughridge teaching in a classroom. Photo courtesy Maddie Hughes

28 likes

3

Aug 2021

The Potential Within

Text by Ciana Bruce/ Photos by Charletta Cloud & Ciana Bruce Church and education sustained her passion for serving others. But her potential paved the path for a new service — leadership. Jacquelyn Ponder, who […]

The Potential Within: Jacquelyn Ponder, Black woman with short curly hair wearing a long black dress with white floral patterns and black shoes — Preaching Women Honoree 2013
Photo: Jacquelyn Ponder ©Jacquelyn Ponder

The Potential Within: Jacquelyn Ponder in a green top receiving an award from a woman in a white shirt during ceremony — Pastor Ponder being presented with an award at President Obama’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA)/ Tribute to Preaching Women Celebration Dinner Ceremony Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo: Charletta Cloud

25 likes

7

Jul 2021

Standing in the Gap: The Life of Missionary Gussie Breedlove

Text by Stephanie Breedlove/ Photos courtesy of Gussie Breedlove One of the unsung heroes of the Atlanta community is Missionary Gussie Breedlove. This story explores her life and impact on poverty-stricken communities throughout Atlanta. Missionary […]

Misssionay Breedlove at a impoverished community after a clean up event. Photo: Gussie Breedlove ©Gussie Breedlove

31 likes

23

Mar 2021

Chris Onuoha: February Photographer of the Month

Interview by Olivia Goss/ Photos by Chris Onuoha Chris Onuoha, 22, from Newcastle, Britain, is our February Photographer of the Month winner. He competed against three others and his photo received the most votes. Chris […]

Chris Onuoha: People walking midday on a street in York Minster with Gothic towers rising up at the end of the street — York, England
February 2021
Photo: Chris Onuoha
© Chris Onuoha

Chris Onuoha: Gothic style church tower seen a small distance away across the treetops — February 2021
Photo: Chris Onuoha
© Chris Onuoha

Chris Onuoha: Closeup of dock railing and shadows in water with white Whitley Bay Lighthouse and nearby buildings in the bacground — Saint Mary’s Island, England
February 2021
Photo: Chris Onuoha
© Chris Onuoha

Chris Onuoha: Neist Point - Long view of white lighthouse and lighthouse point buildings with ocean in the background — Skye, Scotland
February 2021
Photo: Chris Onuoha
© Chris Onuoha

Chris Onuoha: A view over a narrow bay with lowhills at water's edge under a cloudy sky with sunbeams breaking through — Skye, Scotland
February 2021
Photo: Chris Onuoha
© Chris Onuoha

Chris Onuoha: A lonely whte house reflected in a large pond backed by grass covered low hill — February 2021
Photo: Chris Onuoha
© Chris Onuoha

Chris Onuoha: — Skye, Scotland
February 2021
Photo: Chris Onuoha
© Chris Onuoha

Chris Onooha: Old Drone of Storr-An ariel view of bays and low hills on a foggy day — Skye, Scotland
February 2021
Photo: Chris Onuoha
© Chris Onuoha

Chris Onuoha: Black and white aerial view of a steep-sided valley with stream under a gray cloud-filled sky — February 2021
Photo: Chris Onuoha
© Chris Onuoha

Chris Onuoha: Horizon - Stormy dark clouds and rainstorms on the horizom of an aerial view of a broad green plainwith low hills in the foreground — February 2021
Photo: Chris Onuoha
© Chris Onuoha

Chris Onuoha: Young man with dark beard and short light brown dreads stands in front of brick wall with hands in dark hoodie pocket — Chris Onuoha, 22, from Newcastle, Britain, is our February Photographer of the Month winner. He competed against three other Photographer of the Week winners. His photo received the most votes.
We love the way his images capture the light, landscapes and historical architecture around him!
We interviewed Chris to get to know him better as a photographer and to share his advice for new photographers.
Read his full interview here on Bokeh Focus under STORIES.
February 2021
Photo: Chris Onuoha
© Chris Onuoha

23 likes

19

Mar 2021

Syed Hamza: January Photographer of the Month

Interview by Olivia Goss/ Photos by Syed Hamza Syed Hamza, 16, from Istanbul, Turkey, is our January Photographer of the Month winner. He competed against three others and his photo received the most votes. Hamza […]

Syed Hamza: Person facing away from camera in a hooded beige parka facing a snow-covered fieldand low hill with evergreen trees in the distance. The word SOLITARY in text. — Syed Hamza, 16, from Istanbul, Turkey, is our January photographer of the month winner. He competed against three others, and his photo received the most votes. Syed won the photographer of the week during the first week of January. We love his creativity and beautiful work!
We interviewed Syed to get to know him better as a photographer and to share her advice for new photographers.
Find her full interview here on Bokeh Focus under STORIES.
January 2021
Photo: Syed Hamza
© Syed Hamza

Syed Hamza: Dark-haired man in whitet-shirt and tan pants kneels in sand with hands in lap against gray sky — Istanbul, Turkey
January, 2021
Photo: Syed Hamza
© Syed Hamza

Syed Hamza: Person in dark clothing high in a gray sky in a harness with a windsail — Istanbul, Turkey
January, 2021
Photo: Syed Hamza
© Syed Hamza

Syed Hamza: Sihouette of a people and and a tallsqure post in the distance standing on a mountain ridge against a cloudy gray sky. — Istanbul, Turkey
January, 2021
Photo: Syed Hamza
© Syed Hamza

Syed Hamza: Person leans against glss walld building, standing in the dark night rain. — Istanbul, Turkey
January, 2021
Photo: Syed Hamza
© Syed Hamza

Syed Hamza: Person stands leaning back on a glass door, silhouetted against a grassy sun-lit yard, holding his cellphone up to his ear. — Istanbul, Turkey
January, 2021
Photo: Syed Hamza
© Syed Hamza

Syed Hamza: Sihouette of man faving camera against gray sky — Istanbul, Turkey
January, 2021
Photo: Syed Hamza
© Syed Hamza

Istanbul, Turkey
January, 2021
Photo: Syed Hamza
© Syed Hamza

31 likes

15

Mar 2021

Vladimir Zuev: Featured Photographer — Bokeh Focus Exhibit 2020

Vladimir Zuev was one of our eight featured photographers in our 3D, immersive, virtual Bokeh Focus Exhibit 2020 — The New World: Isolation. Biography Vladimir Zuev, 36, was born and raised in Moscow, Russia. He […]

36 likes

15

Mar 2021

Andrea Klerides: Featured Photographer — Bokeh Focus Exhibit 2020

Andrea Klerides was one of our eight featured photographers in our 3D, immersive, virtual Bokeh Focus Exhibit 2020 — The New World: Isolation. Biography Andrea Klerides is a 31-year-old photographer living in Astoria, New York. […]

COVID-19 The New World Isolation: — Even though children were not able to physically attend school in the five boroughs, schools remained open to provide meals for those children and families in need. Astoria, Queens.
April 2, 2020
Photo: Andrea Klerides
© Andrea Klerides

COVID-19 The New World Isolation: Empty 8 lane freeway with sign flashing flatten the curve — On an always busy Grand Central Parkway at the entrance to Astoria, Queens, and the RFK Bridge which leads into the Bronx, an empty roadway with a sign that looked to be working: Save Lives #flattenthecurve.
April 2, 2020
Photo: Andrea Klerides
© Andrea Klerides

42 likes

15

Mar 2021

Benjamin Thomlinson: Featured Photographer — Bokeh Focus Exhibit 2020

Benjamin Thomlinson was one of our eight featured photographers in our 3D, immersive, virtual Bokeh Focus Exhibit 2020 — The New World: Isolation. Biography Benjamin Thomlinson, from Atlanta, is a 25-year-old Winter 2020 graduate of […]

Observing how creative citizens can get with their diverse collection of masks that help keep them safe every day and encourage a robust social distancing atmosphere for everyone in the New Normal
October 12, 2020
Photo: Benjamin Thomlinson
© EPN Media

Some cars have car fresheners in their dashboard; others may have baseball caps. In today’s New Normal, the dashboard ornament of choice is none other … than the N95!
October 12, 2020
Photo: Benjamin Thomlinson
© EPN Media

A snapshot of several locals in Atlanta, with masks embedded in their everyday routine. As of late, masks have become interwoven into the “personal essentials” that one keeps on their person — phone, wallet, keys, MASK
October 4, 2020
Photo: Benjamin Thomlinson
© EPN Media

A local worker progressing through the day, adhering to clean safety guidelines while still delivering excellent customer service
October 4, 2020
Photo: Benjamin Thomlinson
© EPN Media

Cleaning duty has certainly not been put on the back burner in the New Normal. Most restaurants have either doubled or tripled their cleaning protocols
October 12, 2020
Photo: Benjamin Thomlinson
© EPN Media

A sign posted on a storefront, encouraging all current and future patrons to adhere to COVID-19 prevention guidelines.
October 4, 2020
Photo: Benjamin Thomlinson
© EPN Media

Individuals speaking at a public community forum with Cobb County police, encouraging voting and peaceful social action.
May 31, 2020<
Photo: Benjamin Thomlinson
© EPN Media

In the wake of socio-political unrest, college students band together in full support of those affected by social injustice for a safe and peaceful protest and a community forum with Cobb County police.
May 31, 2020
Photo: Benjamin Thomlinson
© EPN Media

Amid recent coronavirus climate, young adults unite for a socially distanced session, consisting of prayer, meditation and conversation about the current socio-political climate.
June 28, 2020<
Photo: Benjamin Thomlinson
© EPN Media

In addition to adhering to mask mandates, a couple can still enjoy a fun and safe day outside the house.
October 4, 2020
Photo: Benjamin Thomlinson
© EPN Media

33 likes

21

Dec 2020

Trevon Davis: November Photographer of the Month Interview

Interview by Salinah On Yeugo/ Photos by Trevon Davis Trevon Davis, 20, from Austin, Texas, is our November Photographer of the Month winner. He competed against three other photographers for his title and his photo […]

Trevor Davis Photo Gallery: Girk in light vlue gymnast leotardstanding out side looking at rainbow painted on wall. — A gymnast stands outside an Austin, Tx. stadium clearing her mind before preparing to start an aerial exhibition.
April 2020
Photo: Trevon Davis

Trevon Davis photo gallery: Young woman with short dark hair wearing fade blue jeans an blue top leaning against an outdoor railing against a bright blue sky. — On a Saturday afternoon a model poses outside in the town square of downtown Houston, Tx. “The sky was the perfect shade of blue and felt like I had the right shot.”
May 2020
Photo: Trevon Davis

A model poses in the clothing brand TrueGeekUSA streetwear in an Austin, Tx. park.
May 2020
Photo: Trevon Davis

A bystander stops to pose for a portrait photo on a hiking trail in Austin, Tx.
December 2020
Photo: Trevon Davis

Trevan Davis photo gallery: Young man with short dark hair stiing in the raod with arms clasped aroun knees staring into distance. — A model poses for a portrait photo in the middle of an empty Austin, Tx. street.
December 2020
Photo: Trevon Davis

In the home studio of Trevon Davis located in Austin, Tx. a model poses in the pristine light.
December 2020
Photo: Trevon Davis

Jay Dior sits in his car posing for his upcoming album cover shoot in Austin, Tx.
December 2020
Photo: Trevon Davis

Trevon Davis photo gallery: Couple embracing while lying on purple blanket next to a pool. — Two models pose showing their love and raw emotion for each other outside an apartment complex located in Austin, Tx.
The inspiration behind the editing of the photo came from rapper Future’s, 2016 studio album Purple Reign.
April 2020.
Photo: Trevon Davis

Trevon Davis photo gallery: Couple embracing while lying on white blanket on park grass — In an open field located in Austin, Tx. a couple lay in the grass posing for a portrait.
April 2020.
Photo: Trevon Davis

39 likes

11

Dec 2020

Nikki Raitz: Featured Photographer — Bokeh Focus Exhibit 2020

Nikki Raitz was one of our eight featured photographers in our 3d, immersive, virtual Bokeh Focus Exhibit 2020 — The New World: Isolation. Biography Nikki Raitz is 21 years old and currently pursuing a BFA […]

Art Photo: Dancer in abstract pose wrapped in red fabric against red background — During this shoot, I asked my models to work with the fabric rather than against it.
In this shot, my model has become a part of the swirling fabric around her, creating a new shape as a part of a whole.
Sept 27, 2020
Photo: Nikki Raitz
© Nikki Raitz

27 likes

17

Nov 2020

Kevin Barrett: October Photographer of the Month Interview

Interview by Salinah On Yeugo/ Photos by Kevin Barrett Kevin Barrett, 21, from Powder Springs, Georgia, is our October Photographer of the Month winner. He competed against three other photographers for this title, and his […]

43 likes

20

Oct 2020

Jan Düerkop: September Photographer of the Month Interview

Interview by Olivia Goss/ Photos by Jan Düerkop Jan Düerkop, 37, from Hamburg, Germany, is our September Photographer of the Month winner. He competed against three other photographers for this title and his photo received […]

Read interview on Bokeh Focus

Subway departing station at night with tall street lamps on right. — “This picture was taken in the winter and I had to make several attempts to nail the timing for the subway to depart during my exposure.”
Photo: Jan Düerkop

Bokeh photo at night of large white arrow painted on dark, wet asphalt street. — “A road marking on a pedestrian bridge in Wolfsburg, Germany. The bokeh lines are the light of a building of the ‘Autostadt’ in the background.”
Photo: Jan Düerkop

Bokeh photo of night traffic with medium blue sky and a tall building with center tower. — “This is a long exposure shot of the old postal office in Hamburg, Germany. I actually planned to take this one for a while and I am pretty happy how it turned out.”
Photo: Jan Düerkop

Closeup of front wheel and handlebars with headlampof bicycle — “This detail shot of a bike is actually the bike of my girlfriend. It’s a pretty old one which she got as a gift from her aunt; approximately 30 years old and still in a good shape.”
Photo: Jan Düerkop

Closeupof dandelion head with several blurred lights in the background. — “This close-up shot of a dandelion in full bloom was taken in the Hamburg harbor. I liked the contrast of the very urban surroundings and this dandelion lying around.”
Photo: Jan Düerkop

Rocky shoreline with large boat moored clsoe to shore against cloudy night sky. — “This boat was docked in the harbor of Texel during our pre-COVID holiday in the Netherlands. I only took this one shoot as we were actually in a rush to get to our boat and got lucky in terms of sharpness and correct exposure.”
Photo: Jan Düerkop

Weathered wooden pier posts and cross supports stand in dark, calm water uner dusky skies. — “Some remains of a pier in the Netherlands where I actually shot the whole golden hour and then had to select my favorite out of 45 pictures.”
Photo: Jan Düerkop

Multi-story,modern office building seen from perspective of looking up from the ground against an overcast, cloudy dusky sunset — “This office building in Hamburg is quite a known spot for photographers which you can also climb up to. I got lucky during golden hour to catch this one person almost in the middle of the building. It reminds me of old Aztec ruins.”
Photo: Jan Düerkop

TheElbphilharmonie opera house against an early dusk sunset sky. — “As a photographer living in Hamburg a picture of the Elbphilharmonie opera house Is mandatory in my portfolio. This one is special as I used the reflective steps of a building on the other roadside to create the reflection.”
Photo: Jan Düerkop

Close-up of heather with dewdrops in sepia tones. — “I went out to shoot some heathers blooming during this year’s season and got lucky with this shot which was during sunrise: The bokeh balls are actually dewdrops.”
Photo: Jan Düerkop
In Jan’s interview he tells us more about himself as a new photograpgher.
Find it on Bokeh Focus under STORIES.

38 likes

28

Sep 2020

Joshua Elliot: August Photographer of the Month Interview

Interview by Olivia Goss/ Photos by Joshua Elliot Joshua Elliot, 19, from Leeds, England, is our August Photographer of the Month winner. He competed against three other photographers for this title, and his photo received […]

22 likes

17

Aug 2020

Tyra Gathers: July Photographer of the Month Interview

Interview by Olivia Goss/ Photos by Tyra Gathers Tyra Gathers, 22, from Kennesaw, Georgia, is our July Photographer of the Month winner. She competed against four other photographers for this title and her photos received […]

12 likes

15

Jul 2020

Andrea Klerides: June Photographer of the Month Interview

Interview by Ciara Lawrence/ Photos by Andrea Klerides Andrea Klerides, 31, from Queens, New York, is our June Photographer of the Month winner. She competed against four other photographers for this title and her photos […]

Andrea Klerides, from Queens, New York, the winner of our Bokeh Focus June Photographer of the Month contest.
Photo: Courtesy Andrea Klerides
Read interview on Bokeh Focus

George Floyd Protest Astoria, New York park, black & white photo, woman on knees clasping hands looking upward — A woman holds a sign saying, “I can’t breathe,” at a protest gathering in an Astoria neighborhood park in Queens, New York.
Photo: Andrea Klerides

George Floyd Protest Astoria, New York park, black & white photo, closeup of young woman with black hair and glassesraising her right fist in protest — Young woman standing with neighbors – many that are masked to protect themselves from COVID-19 –raises her right fist in protest against George Floyd’s death.
Photo: Andrea Klerides

A stridently chanting,maskless young man at the park protest surrounded by neighbors.
Photo: Andrea Klerides

George Floyd Protest Astoria, New York park, black & white photo, looking at the backs of a large group of people kneeling on one knee with right fists raised — Protesters at neighborhood park take a knee with fists raised in protest.
Photo: Andrea Klerides

Clasping her hands and looking upward while chanting, this young woman protests with her neighbors against George Floyd’s death while he was in the custody of police.
Photo: Andrea Klerides
Read interview on Bokeh Focus

16 likes

16

Jun 2020

Sven Hühn: May Photographer of the Month Interview

Interview by Arianna Lasha/ Photos by Sven Hühn Sven Hühn, 30, from Wiesmoor, Germany, is our May Photographer of the Month winner. He competed against 4 other photographers for this title and his photo received […]

May photographer of the month winner, Sven Hühn, shares his experiences and advice for photographers of all ages..
Read interview on Bokeh Focus

27 likes

28

Apr 2020

New Breed of Cops: Michael Tashji

Text and Photos by Michael Tashji On a Friday night in Bloomfield, N.J., middle school children hang out at Foley Field to watch the highschool football team play. Officer Marvid Camacho provides security at the […]

Camacho and his son Matteo at Bloomfield Middle School.
Photo: Michael Tashji
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Officers Camacho and Romano enter the Bloomfield Police station.
Photo: Michael Tashji
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Camacho picks up his order at a coffee shop in Bloomfield.
Photo: Michael Tashji
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Camacho, Romano and Charles at the Old Canal Inn.
Photo: Michael Tashji
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Camacho patrols the hallways at Bloomfield Middle School.
Photo: Michael Tashji
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Camacho talks to his sons Matteo and Mariano in their bedroom.
Photo: Michael Tashji
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A Thin Blue Line flag displayed in Camacho’s back yard.
Photo: Michael Tashji
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Charles patrols the streets of Bloomfield.
Photo: Michael Tashji
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Charles and his friends at Bloomfield High School.
Photo: Michael Tashji
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Charles shoots a basket at Bloomfield High School.
Photo: Michael Tashji
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Charles watches football in his basement.
Photo: Michael Tashji
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Charles reviews an ongoing case at the Bloomfield Police station.
Photo: Michael Tashji
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Officers Romano and Camacho at the Bloomfield Police station.
Photo: Michael Tashji
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Romano and his son Matthew talk with a resident of Bloomfield.
Photo: Michael Tashji
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Romano holds his daughter Juliana.
Photo: Michael Tashji
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Camacho and Romano pay their tab at the Old Canal Inn.
Photo: Michael Tashji
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Romano coaches the Bloomfield Bengals at Foley Field.
Photo: Michael Tashji
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Romano weighs in junior league football players at Foley Field.
Photo: Michael Tashji
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12 likes

12

Jun 2017

Kids Compete, Learn in Juvenile Justice Jeopardy Game

Text and Photos by Ali Sardar Spending a Saturday morning in a classroom is not something most kids want to do. So why did 110 kids between 9 and 17 years old in Lawrenceville, Georgia, […]

Steve O'Reilly standing in front of a group youth, explaining a situation — Steve O’Reilly, Strategies for Youth’s director of youth outreach program, explains to students what police officers are trained to do when they are called about a gun being pointed at someone.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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a youth wearing a NBA sponsored t-shirt, sitting in a classroom — Student smiles in amusement at the scenario on the screen.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Students wearing NBA sponsored t-shirts sitting in a classroom thinking of what the best choice for the issue presented before them. — Students ponder the situation displayed by program director Steve O’Reilly.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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youth wearing NBA sponsored t-shirts sitting in a classroom — Students discuss possible answers with their team leader.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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a group of youth sitting in a classroom. — The youngest group of students are eager to see what the next scenario will be.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Youth in NBA sponsored t-shirts sitting in a classroom — A student is ready to begin the next round.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Youth in a NBA sponsored t-shirts discussing the answer. — Two students are eager to quickly discuss and answer before time is up.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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A youth sponsored by NBA reading a pamphlet about Strategies for Youth program. — A student reads the pamphlet about what to do and what not to do when interacting with police officers.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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A youth wearing a yellow Nike headband, sitting in a classroom with other youth. — A student is surprised to see a scenario she could relate to.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Lisa Thurau is standing a classroom, explaining Strategies for Youth. — Lisa H. Thurau, Strategies for Youth’s executive director, spends a few moments after the program to explain its importance for the youth.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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32 likes

22

May 2017

Rally Held to Support Jessica Colotl’s Immigration Fight to Keep Dreamer Status

Text and Photos by Ali Sardar ATLANTA — Advocacy groups and protesters rallied this weekend downtown in support of Jessica Colotl, whose Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status was recently revoked. Her story made headlines […]

Jessica Colotl Rally: Kuck Immigration Partners, the law firm handling Jessica Colotl's case, was at the rally. Until recently, she worked at the firm as a paralegal. — Kuck Immigration Partners, the law firm handling Jessica Colotl’s case, was at the rally. Until recently, she worked at the firm as a paralegal.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Jessica Colbotl Rally: A protester showed her support for Jessica Colotl at a rally Saturday to protest her Dreamer status being revoked by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. — A protester showed her support for Jessica Colotl at a rally Saturday to protest her Dreamer status being revoked by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Colotl’s Immigration Fight: Jessica Colotl Rally: Two protesters gave the power sign as they held up their placard at the rally. — Two protesters gave the power sign as they held up their placard at the rally.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Jessica Colotl Rally: The crowd gathered in front of the Richard B. Russell Federal Building Saturday to protest against ICE immigration actions and stand with Jessica Colotl. — The crowd gathered in front of the Richard B. Russell Federal Building Saturday to protest against ICE immigration actions and stand with Jessica Colotl.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Jessoca Colotl Rally: A representative of Georgia Equality was one of the speakers about the actions taken against Jessica Colotl. — A representative of Georgia Equality was one of the speakers about the actions taken against Jessica Colotl.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Jessica ColotlRally: A protester displayed her homemade sign to the crowd. — A protester displayed her homemade sign to the crowd.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Jessica Colotl Rally: Protesters waved their signs in the 87-degree heat in Atlanta Saturday. — Protesters waved their signs in the 87-degree heat in Atlanta Saturday.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Jessica Colotl Rally: A representative of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials expressed her concern about Jessica Colotl's immigration status. — A representative of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials expressed her concern about Jessica Colotl’s immigration status.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Jessica Colotl Rally: The crowd paid close attention to the speaker, who was describing injustices in the United States. — The crowd paid close attention to the speaker, who was describing injustices in the United States.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Jessica Colotl Rally: An elderly protester expressed her concern for Dreamers like Jessica Colotl. — An elderly protester expressed her concern for Dreamers like Jessica Colotl.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Jessica Colotl Rally: Protesters were holding “#STAND WITH JESSICA” signs to bring attention to her case. Her status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program was revoked in May. — Protesters were holding “#STAND WITH JESSICA” signs to bring attention to her case. Her status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program was revoked in May.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Jessica Colotl Rally: The crowd gathered at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Richard B. Russell Federal Building in downtown Atlanta to voice their concerns and protest the legal action taken against Jessica Colotl. — The crowd gathered at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Richard B. Russell Federal Building in downtown Atlanta to voice their concerns and protest the legal action taken against Jessica Colotl.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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31

Mar 2017

Community-based Organization Battles Chronic Absenteeism in Queens

Text and Photos by Becky Holladay “Good morning, Love Bugs, it’s a beautiful day!” Meaghan Holley sang through the door of an apartment. “Psych. It’s actually really gross out. But we still have to get up and […]

Chronic School Absenteeism: Primary school=age children in windter coats stand on steps to brick apartment complex walkway in the drizzling rain. — On a cold and drizzly morning, children who attend elementary school PS 104 Bayswater in Far Rockaway, Queens wait for the #NoExcusesBus to take them to school on December 12, 2016.
Photo: Becky Holladay
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Meaghan Holley, Director of Rockaway Rising, plays with a student while they wait for her older sister to finish getting ready. Holley started the #NoExcusesBus in March 2016 when she learned that nearly 70 school-age who lived in one apartment complex were defined as chronically absent, which means missing two or more days of school a month.
Photo: Becky Holladay
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Two students who ride the #NoExcusesBus wait for Holley to finish a conversation with their mother. Rockaway Rising’s approach to chronic absenteeism is to combat poverty as well, and attend to the needs of the childrens’ families in whatever capacity they need.
Photo: Becky Holladay
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A student waits for the #NoExcusesBus to leave for PS 104 Bayswater. The bus sometimes makes three trips in the morning. On this particular day, they drove nearly 75 children to school.
Photo: Becky Holladay
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Holley talks to a student about her behavior on the #NoExcusesBus, December 5, 2016.
Photo: Becky Holladay
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Students play a game with Holley while waiting for more students to get on the bus.
Photo: Becky Holladay
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Holley greets a student who’s come out to get a ride to school. In this particular district, students above the 2nd grade who live less than a mile from school are ineligible for the city school bus, which has an affect on attendance and chronic absenteeism.
Photo: Becky Holladay
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A student adjusts his hood in the drizzling rain outside school. Before the #NoExcusesBus, children who were ineligible for the city’s public school bus and had to walk to school would sometimes miss school if it was raining or snowing.
Photo: Becky Holladay
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Holley hugs a student while waiting for the #NoExcusesBus that runs from an apartment complex on Dix Avenue in Far Rockaway, Queens, to elementary school PS104.
Photo: Becky Holladay
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A student waits to disembark the #NoExcusesBus on December 5, 2016.
Photo: Becky Holladay
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A student takes a ride on the #NoExcusesBus on December 5, 2016. This particular morning, the bus made three trips between the apartment complex on Dix Avenue and the elementary school PS104.
Photo: Becky Holladay
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Holley gives a hand to a reluctant student on the #NoExcusesBus on December 5, 2016.
Photo: Becky Holladay
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A Rockaway Rising employee tries to cheer up a student by hand delivering him to the front door of the school on December 5, 2016.
Photo: Becky Holladay
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20

Jan 2017

Nonprofit Art School Helps Youth Thrive in Skid Row, Los Angeles

Text and Photos by Sean Myers LOS ANGELES — Nestled among nondescript warehouses and infamous streets, Inner-City Arts in downtown Los Angeles’ Skid Row is an oasis for artistic growth and self-exploration that serves more than 8,000 students […]

Art school Inner City Arts: Students sit at tables and paint glaze on handmade pieces in one of two ceramics studios. — Students paint glaze on handmade pieces in one of Inner-City Arts’ two ceramics studios. For many of them, it’s their first time learning about ceramics, touching clay and expressing themselves in a three dimensional form.
Photo: Sean Myers
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Art school Inner City Arts: Eight pottery wheels line a glass window. — Eight pottery wheels line a large glass window that over look the school’s gardens.
Photo: Sean Myers
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Art school Inner City Arts: Art studio shelves and tables are lit by an orange glow cast by a large skylight that has orange walls. — A dramatic skylight with bright orange walls casts an orange hue throughout the space
Photo: Sean Myers
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Art school Inner City Arts: — Photo: Sean Myers
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Art school Inner City Arts: Students sitting in a large circle play drums as a group inside a music studio at Inner-City Arts. — Students play drums as a group inside a music studio at Inner-City Arts, putting students in the present moment like the arts. Students slow down and really engage in the flow of their work.
Photo: Sean Myers
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Art school Inner City Arts: Students gather around a computer to review a project they created during class in the digital lab. — Students gather around a computer to review a project they created during class in the digital lab.
Photo: Sean Myers
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22

Nov 2016

Young People Protest U.S. Election in New York, Washington, Nationwide

Text by Karen Savage | Photos by Devin Khan NEW YORK — Chants of “not my president” and “love trumps hate” filled the air as thousands of young people stood shoulder to shoulder Wednesday night, filling […]

Protest: Young People Protest U.S. Election — Read the full story

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25

Jul 2016

Violence by Police, Against Police Risks Tearing Country Further Apart

Text by Daryl Khan | Photos by Karen Savage and Marco Poggio NEW YORK — Gavin Long was not among the peaceful crowds on July 10, the week before he savagely murdered three Baton Rouge […]

Police Violence: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA. July 8, 2016. Young activists at the Radical Arts and Healing Collective in New Orleans prepare a banner portraying Alton Sterling, an African American Baton Rouge resident killed by police officers on July 5, 2016. — NEW ORLEANS, July 8, 2016: Young activists at the Radical Arts and Healing Collective in New Orleans prepare a banner portraying Alton Sterling, an African American Baton Rouge resident killed by police officers on July 5, 2016.
Photo: Marco Poggio
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NEW ORLEANS, July 8, 2016: Hundreds of people gathered at Confederate General Robert E. Lee Circle to call for an end to police brutality in the wake of the killings of Eric Harris, Victor White, Alton Sterling and other individuals.
Photo: Marco Poggio
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BATON ROUGE, July 9, 2016: Young protester standing near Airline Highway in front of the police headquarters.
Photo: Marco Poggio
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BATON ROUGE, July 9, 2016: Young protesters in front of the Baton Rouge Police Department headquarters.
Photo: Marco Poggio
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BATON ROUGE, July 9, 2016: A protester confronts a sheriff’s deputy in riot gear during a standoff near Airline Highway. Protesters are calling for justice for Alton Sterling, who was killed by Baton Rouge police on July 5.
Photo: Marco Poggio
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BATON ROUGE, July 9, 2016: A moment of collective prayer during a protest against police brutality in Baton Rouge. Protesters took the street to denounce the killing of Baton Rouge resident Alton Sterling and other individuals across the country.
Photo: Marco Poggio
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BATON ROUGE, July 10, 2016: Heavily armed law enforcement agents press through peaceful protesters. About 185 people who took to the streets tprotesting the killing of Alton Sterling were arrested between July 8 and July 10.
Photo: Marco Poggio
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BATON ROUGE, July 11, 2016.: Graffiti on a building near the place where Alton Sterling was killed in the early hours of July 5, 2016.
Photo: Marco Poggio
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BATON ROUGE, July 10, 2016: Heavily armed police attempt to disperse the crowd at a protest. Protesters are calling for justice for Alton Sterling, who was killed by Baton Rouge police on July 5.
Photo: Karen Savage
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BATON ROUGE, July 10, 2016: Heavily armed police arrest a peaceful protester at a protest. Protesters are calling for justice for Alton Sterling, who was killed by Baton Rouge police on July 5.
Photo: Karen Savage
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BATON ROUGE, July 10, 2016: Police follow protesters through Baton Rouge’s Beauregard Town neighborhood. Protesters are calling for justice for Alton Sterling, who was killed by Baton Rouge police on July 5.
Photo: Karen Savage
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BATON ROUGE, July 10, 2016: A photographer with his hands up moves away from police during a protest. Protesters are calling for justice for Alton Sterling, who was killed by Baton Rouge police on July 5.
Photo: Karen Savage
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BATON ROUGE, July 10, 2016: Peaceful protesters holding signs and taking pictures in Baton Rouge. Protesters are calling for justice for Alton Sterling, who was killed by Baton Rouge police on July 5.
Photo: Karen Savage
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BATON ROUGE, July 9, 2016: A Baton Rouge police officer pointing a long gun at a JJIE reporter during a protest on Airline Highway on the night of July 9.
Photo: Karen Savage
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BATON ROUGE, July 9, 2016: A Baton Rouge police officer who pointed a gun at protesters and reporters was back on the street less than 24 hours later at a protest in the Beauregard Town neighborhood.
Photo: Karen Savage
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BATON ROUGE July 10, 2016: A woman cries as police carrying assault-style weapons move closer to the crowd at a protest. Protesters are calling for justice for Alton Sterling, who was killed by Baton Rouge police just after midnight on July 5.
Photo: Karen Savage
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BATON ROUGE, July 10, 2016: An arrested woman is loaded into a police van seen beyond the feet of reporter Karen Savage, who was arrested at a protest in Baton Rouge. Protesters are calling for justice for Alton Sterling, who was killed by Baton Rouge police just after midnight on July 5.
Photo: Karen Savage
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30

Sep 2015

Searching for a Solution Where ‘Fear and Weapons Meet’

Text and Photos by Rebecca White NEW YORK — “And I soon gathered that being perceived as dangerous is a hazard in itself. I only needed to turn a corner into a dicey situation, or […]

Brownsville Youth Court, Brooklyn, New York.: Project Reset — Brownsville Youth Court, Brooklyn, New York.
Photo: Rebecca White
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Brownsville Youth Court, Brooklyn, New York.
Photo: Rebecca White
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21

Jul 2015

Unspoken Truths: Young People in Recovery

Text and Video by Roger Newton Youth Today spoke to six young people July 2 at the 2015 International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous in Atlanta, asking them a series of personal questions about alcoholism and […]

Recovery: Pink card with hand-written black printing "Iwasn't willing to face the consquences of my actions."

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4

Jun 2015

Broken Promises, Broken Lives

Text by Daryl Khan | Photos by Robert Stolarik The mostly black electorate of Baltimore elected a white candidate to be the next mayor in 1999. My editor at The Boston Globe asked me to […]

Baltimore Protests 2015 April & May — APRIL 28, 2015-BALTIMORE MD-USA- Large number of protesters were out in the streets Tuesday night to protest the death of Freddie Gray, who was killed while in police custody one day after his funeral. Minutes after the police made an announcement for the 10 p.m. curfew police began firing tear gas canisters at members of the media and protesters.
Photo: Robert Stolarik for The New York Times
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24

Dec 2014

A Tale of Two Cities

Text by Daryl Khan | Photos by Robert Stolarik “Government must focus on the needs of families, must be the protector of neighborhoods and must guard the people from the enormous power of monied interests. […]