The Manrilla Blog | Life. Art. Religion. Culture.

On April 19th at approximately 11pm I was stopped on Anderson Ave near the corner of Stoughton Road by three police officers, one with a drawn gun. I was asked to put my cell phone down and to raise up my shirt and turn around. I did this twice and then was asked to put my hands in the air, turn around and get down on my knees. I was further instructed to place my hands behind my back whereas I was handcuffed by officer Tim Patton (#3346). During this whole process I asked repeatedly what was wrong and why was I being detained. The only reply I received was that I “fit a description”. I was given no further details than this. I was instructed to rise to my feet and was taken to the police car, where I had my back turned to the officer. During this process it began to rain hard and in moments I was fully drenched. With my hands cuffed behind my back it soon became difficult to see as the rain was running down my eyes and face. Again, I inquired as to why I was stopped and was give the same response, “you fit a decription”. After being taken to the car the 2nd female officer took my cell phone which was on the ground and turned it off. For the first few moments of this confrontation, Pete Olsen heard some details of the incident. When the lady officer turned off my phone I was completely isolated. A third officer arrived on the scene where they conferred and it was decided that the initial officer, Tim Patton, “got the height and size all wrong”. I pointed out to the officer that I am 6′ 5″ tall. So who ever this suspect was, they were either much smaller or much taller than myself, making it clear that I was not the one they were looking for. The handcuffs were finally taken off of me but I was still placed between the police car and officer Patton, who kept rather close, leaving me no room to move. In the end I was never given any details other than, “I fit a description”.

I hope that all of you take some time to read this. This is not fiction, but fact, happening less than an hour ago. I especially hope that my white friends and colleagues read this because it’s important to understand the types of harassment that people of color still go through in the United States. Racism is still alive and well. If you have any doubts, walk a mile in my shoes - but you might wanna take a bullet-proof vest with you on that walk.

Had a job in Chicago yesterday. Worked with a really cool guy, Blake Discher. We were working on an ad for Amex, shooting a CFO or something like that on top of a building. We had a lot of fun shooting the shit and he dropped some real valuable knowledge in my lap. It was one of the best days I’d had in a while and I’ve been having good days! Blake is a fellow member of APA, Advertising Photographers of America. If you’re a photographer and are not a member, I’d recommend joining. Especially if you’re new to the business. We talked about how the industry has changed and continues to change. For the good and the bad. But we both agreed that there is always room for those who do genuinely good work. He offered a lot of help in return as well for which I am very grateful. After the shoot we went and had dinner, which he bought. Yeah, a real gentleman and get this, he’s from Detroit! Yeah, I know. We’re all like that. The envy of the Free World. So I got lots of new stuff to work with. Been having a cool time with new girl lately. Got lot’s of Web work to get crackin’ on. And I’m planning a move, as it seems right now. Yeah, I’m busy.

Julia and I hung out today. We went out to take some pics. I’ve been shooting with my Yashica D a lot lately. It’s this cool little 2 1/4 medium-format camera from the 50’s or 60’s. I dunno, just having fun shooting film. What? What? You need aspirin? This type-a pain you couldn’t even kill with Mydol. @#$% around and get sprayed with Lysol - In yo’ face like a can of mace, bebeh, is it burnin’? Well, @#$% it, now ya learnin’!. Yeah. Ol’ Dirty Bastard lives on.