Featured Archives - Bokeh Focus

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 […]

7 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

15 likes

16

Jun 2020

Sven Hühn: May Photographer of the Month Interview

Interview by Arianna Lasha/ Photos by Sven Hühn Sven Huhn, 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

25 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
Read story on Bokeh Focus

Officers Camacho and Romano enter the Bloomfield Police station.
Photo: Michael Tashji
Read story on Bokeh Focus

Camacho picks up his order at a coffee shop in Bloomfield.
Photo: Michael Tashji
Read story on Bokeh Focus

Camacho, Romano and Charles at the Old Canal Inn.
Photo: Michael Tashji
Read story on Bokeh Focus

Camacho patrols the hallways at Bloomfield Middle School.
Photo: Michael Tashji
Read story on Bokeh Focus

Camacho talks to his sons Matteo and Mariano in their bedroom.
Photo: Michael Tashji
Read story on Bokeh Focus

A Thin Blue Line flag displayed in Camacho’s back yard.
Photo: Michael Tashji
Read story on Bokeh Focus

Charles patrols the streets of Bloomfield.
Photo: Michael Tashji
Read story on Bokeh Focus

Charles and his friends at Bloomfield High School.
Photo: Michael Tashji
Read story on Bokeh Focus

Charles shoots a basket at Bloomfield High School.
Photo: Michael Tashji
Read story on Bokeh Focus

Charles watches football in his basement.
Photo: Michael Tashji
Read story on Bokeh Focus

Charles reviews an ongoing case at the Bloomfield Police station.
Photo: Michael Tashji
Read story on Bokeh Focus

Officers Romano and Camacho at the Bloomfield Police station.
Photo: Michael Tashji
Read story on Bokeh Focus

Romano and his son Matthew talk with a resident of Bloomfield.
Photo: Michael Tashji
Read story on Bokeh Focus

Romano holds his daughter Juliana.
Photo: Michael Tashji
Read story on Bokeh Focus

Camacho and Romano pay their tab at the Old Canal Inn.
Photo: Michael Tashji
Read story on Bokeh Focus

Romano coaches the Bloomfield Bengals at Foley Field.
Photo: Michael Tashji
Read story on Bokeh Focus

Romano weighs in junior league football players at Foley Field.
Photo: Michael Tashji
Read story on Bokeh Focus

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

youth wearing NBA sponsored t-shirts sitting in a classroom — Students discuss possible answers with their team leader.
Photo: Ali Sardar
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

Youth in NBA sponsored t-shirts sitting in a classroom — A student is ready to begin the next round.
Photo: Ali Sardar
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

Jessica ColotlRally: A protester displayed her homemade sign to the crowd. — A protester displayed her homemade sign to the crowd.
Photo: Ali Sardar
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

23 likes

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

Holley talks to a student about her behavior on the #NoExcusesBus, December 5, 2016.
Photo: Becky Holladay
Read the full story

Students play a game with Holley while waiting for more students to get on the bus.
Photo: Becky Holladay
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

A student waits to disembark the #NoExcusesBus on December 5, 2016.
Photo: Becky Holladay
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

Holley gives a hand to a reluctant student on the #NoExcusesBus on December 5, 2016.
Photo: Becky Holladay
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

15 likes

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

Art school Inner City Arts: — Photo: Sean Myers
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

41 likes

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

22 likes

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

BATON ROUGE, July 9, 2016: Young protester standing near Airline Highway in front of the police headquarters.
Photo: Marco Poggio
Read the full story

BATON ROUGE, July 9, 2016: Young protesters in front of the Baton Rouge Police Department headquarters.
Photo: Marco Poggio
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

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
Read the full story

22 likes

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
Read the full story

Brownsville Youth Court, Brooklyn, New York.
Photo: Rebecca White
Read the full story

16 likes

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 […]

5 likes

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
Read the full story

15 likes

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. […]

NYPD officers Ramos & Liu killed during protests over Eric Garner case verdict — Brooklyn, New York, Dec. 21, 2014: A wall referring to the shooting of Michael Brown on a doorway of a building along Myrtle Avenue, the route the killer took toy get the subway after shooting the two officers.
Photo: Robert Stolarik for The New York Times
Read the full story

20 likes

3

Dec 2014

Young, LGBTQ and Homeless

Text and Photos by Patricia Chourio Mick was 17 when his parents kicked him out of their Minneapolis house for being gay. He spent months couch surfing and sleeping in homeless shelters. Shortly after, he […]

Young, LGBTQ & Homeless — Photo: Patricia Chourio
Read the full story

17 likes

9

Oct 2014

Homeless After Class

Text and Photos by Patricia Chourio The third week of the semester at Kennesaw State University, while many students were concerned about parking or trying to avoid long lines to get their books, Jalyn was […]

Photo: Patricia Chourio
Read the full story

11 likes

22

Sep 2014

‘Shell Shocked’ Documents Violence in New Orleans

Text by Ellen Kennerly | Photos by Kara Khan It’s easier to get a gun than a textbook in New Orleans, America’s murder capital. ‘Shell-Shocked’ — a movie filled with violence, death and schoolroom chaos […]

6 likes

29

Aug 2014

A Funeral in Ferguson

Text by James Pound | Photos by Robert Stolarik A calm returns to Ferguson as the city quietly seeks answers and mourns the loss of Michael Brown, the unarmed teen that was shot and killed […]

AUGUST 25, 2014-ST LOUIS, MO-USA: Lesley McSpadden walks into the Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church before the services for her son, Michael Brown who was shot and killed by police on August 9, 2014.(Robert Stolarik for The New York Times)

AUGUST 25, 2014-ST LOUIS, MO-USA: Members of the community outside the Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church during the funeral services for Michael Brown who was shot and killed by police on August 9, 2014.(Robert Stolarik for The New York Times)

AUGUST 25, 2014-ST LOUIS, MO-USA: The casket of Michael Brown, the unarmed teen that was shot and killed by police in Ferguson Missouri August 9, 2014 arrives by a horse drawn carriage at the St Peter’s Cemetery Monday afternoon..(Robert Stolarik for The New York Times)

6 likes

6

Aug 2014

In the Line of Chicago Fire

Text by Katy McCarthy | Photos by Daniel Shea A while back I sat down to listen to a radio special on Chicago public schools and was blown away by what I heard. In a […]

5 likes

23

Jul 2014

Celebrating Peace in a Community Touched By Gun Violence

Text and Photos by Laura Bult NEW YORK — At a children’s summer party last Saturday afternoon at the Redfern Houses in Far Rockaway, Penny Wrencher made an introduction between two friends. She knew they […]

Teenagers stand outside the “Children’s Day of Peace” event at the Redfern Houses in Far Rockaway.

A boy blows bubbles at the “Children’s Day of Peace” event at the Redfern Houses in Far Rockaway.

Shenee Johnson, 40, lost her 18-year-old son, Kedrick Morrow, Jr., in 2010 when he was shot and killed at a high school party.

Penny Wrencher poses with friends and family members at the “Children’s Day of Peace” event. She is wearing a T-shirt that reads “For the Love of Dre” in honor of her son, Andre Saunders, an MTA bus driver who was shot and killed in 2011.

A young girl celebrates at the “Children’s Day of Peace” event at the Redfern Houses in Far Rockaway.

Taylonn Murphy, Penny Wrencher, Shenee Johnson and Vernell Britt all lost children to gun violence. They came together at the “Children’s Day of Peace” event at Redfern Houses in Far Rockaway.

A young girl jump ropes at the “Children’s Day of Peace” event at Redfern Houses in Far Rockaway.

Taylonn Murphy lost his daughter, Tayshana “Chicken” Murphy, when she was shot and killed in Harlem’s Grant Houses.

Jahmel Leath, 13, wears the T-shirt of his murdered cousin, Stack Bundles.

Penny Wrencher organized the “Children’s Day of Violence” at Redfern Houses in Far Rockaway. She lost a son, Andre Saunders, in 2011.

The “Children’s Day of Peace” at Redfern Houses in Far Rockaway.

A little girl holds a balloon at the “Children’s Day of Peace” event at Redfern Houses in Far Rockaway.

Young girls sit together at the “Children’s Day of Peace” event at the Redfern Houses in Far Rockaway.

8 likes

2

Jul 2014

Youth Locked In: Portraits Inside Rhode Island Training School

Text by Katy McCarthy | Photos by AS220 Students, Rhode Island Training School I suppose the primary difference between a bedroom and a cell is the side of the door the lock is on … […]

4 likes

9

Jun 2014

West Harlem Gang Raid

Text by Daryl Khan | Photos by Robert Stolarik NEW YORK — Whenever LaQuint Singleton found himself about to get into a fight out in the courtyards or in the small playground in front of […]

JUNE 4, 2014-NEW YORK, NY-USA: Members of the NYPD Gang Division raid the Manhattanville Houses and the Grant Houses early Wednesday morning holding warrants for more than 100 gang members wanted in connection for murder, and other gang related offenses. Members of the NYPD apprehend hang members at the Grant Houses early Wednesday morning. (Robert Stolarik for the New York Times)

10 likes

28

May 2014

Police Brutality in the Bronx

Text by Daryl Khan | Photos by Robert Stolarik UPDATE: ‘Prominent Lawyer Takes Case of Bronx Boy Allegedly Pushed Through Window by Police’ NEW YORK — The 14-year-old boy sat on the stoop of Hookah […]

Javier Payne and his family joined Rev. Al Sharpton at the national Action Headquarters in Harlem on May 24, 2014 to call for swift justice in the recent incident involving the NYPD. (Robert Stolarik for JJIE) — Rev. Al Sharpton at the national Action Headquarters in Harlem on May 24, 2014 calling for swift justice in the recent incident involving the NYPD allegedly pushing 14-year-old Javier Payne through a plate glass window. (Robert Stolarik for JJIE)

City Council Member Ritchie Torres who represents the district where Javier Payne was allegedly pushed through a glass window by the NYPD at his offices in the Bronx on May 24, 2014. (Robert Stolarik for JJIE)

The scene outside the Hookah Spot in the Bronx on May 24, 2014, nearly one week after 14-year-old Javier Payne was allegedly pushed through the storefront glass window while in custody of the NYPD. A window washer cleaned the windows of the shop. (Robert Stolarik for JJIE)

The emergency room entrance at Jacobi Medical Center where Javier Payne was brought in after allegedly being pushed through a plate glass window by members of the NYPD. (Robert Stolarik for JJIE)

Outside the 48th Precinct in the Bronx on May 21, 2014, where the officers who allegedly pushed Javier Payne through a plate glass window are stationed. (Robert Stolarik for JJIE)

Constance Malcolm in the Bronx on May 21, 2014 outside the home where her son Ramarley Graham was killed by members of the NYPD in February 2012. (Robert Stolarik for JJIE)

Teachers and students leaving Public School 22 on on May 21, 2014 in the Bronx where Javier Payne attends the 8th grade. (Robert Stolarik for JJIE)

A weathered sign outside Public School 22 on May 21, 2014 in the Bronx where Javier Payne attends the 8th grade. (Robert Stolarik for JJIE)

Yoseluis Montero a friend of Javier Payne leaving Public School 22 on May 21, 2014 in the Bronx where Payne attends the 8th grade. (Robert Stolarik for JJIE)

A young girl is handcuffed and place under arrest on May 21, 2014 outside Public School 22 Wednesday afternoon in the Bronx where Javier Payne attends the 8th grade. (Robert Stolarik for JJIE)

The blood stained sidewalk on May 18, 2014 outside the Hookah Spot on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx where 14-year-old Javier Payne was allegedly pushed through a glass window by police from the 45th precinct while he was handcuffed. (Robert Stolarik for JJIE)

A police car flew past the Edenwald Houses in the North Bronx on May 17 2014. (Robert Stolarik for JJIE)

Members of the NYPD stopped vehicles along White Plains Road on May 17, 2014 in the North Bronx, where there has been a recent surge in gun violence.(Robert Stolarik for JJIE)

Police cars parked outside PSA 8 at the Edenwald Houses in the confines of the 47th Precinct in the North Bronx on May 17, 2014. (Robert Stolarik for JJIE.)

9 likes

7

May 2014

Bringing Hope and a Camera to Haitian Kids

Text by Katy McCarthy | Photos by Project HOPE Art Youth Participants After finishing up a gardening project in November 2010 in New Orleans’ 9th ward, Melissa Schilling, a photographer with a master’s degree in […]

8 likes

28

Apr 2014

REFLECT: Convicts’ Letters to Their Younger Selves

Text by Katy McCarthy | Photos by Trent Bell Early in 2013, photographer Trent Bell found out that a friend — a father and professional — had been sentenced to 36 years in prison. It […]

Convlict's Letters to Their Younger Selves — Photo: Trent Bell
Read the full story

15 likes

11

Apr 2014

The Courts at “Portland’s Projects”

Text by Katy McCarthy | Photos by Elicia Epstein Remember how good it felt to be young with a ball clasped in your hands? How cool it felt to be in the center, shouted at […]

11 likes

2

Apr 2014

Stories of LGBTQ Youth from the Big Easy

Text by Meral Agish | Photos by Kara Khan and Meral Agish NEW YORK — A woman pulls out a letter she has written to her younger self and dedicated to her daughter. The advice is […]

15 likes

28

Mar 2014

Execution of a 14-Year-Old

Text by Corey Hutchins | Photos by Sean Rayford This story was also published by the Center for Public Integrity. ALCOLU, S.C.– A few miles off I-95, past acres of brown-and-white fields where blackbirds circle overhead, […]

9 likes

26

Mar 2014

Battling Meth: A Mother’s Road to Recovery

Collaborative Project by Shaddi Abusaid, Daniela Duron, Elizabeth Keener, Roger Newton and Lindsay Walker Lindsay Curio sits on the porch of her family’s trailer. It’s a crisp, cool November morning, and the leaves on the […]

7 likes

21

Mar 2014

The Walls Come Crumbling Down

Text by Katy McCarthy | Photos by Andrew Wilkinson It was difficult enough to harness my limited focus in High School with sturdy walls around me. I did my learning at New Technology High, a […]