I am so pleased to be part of a collaborative effort that is bringing the NOH8 Campaign to Atlanta, Georgia for the first time over the 2011 Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday weekend.
If you follow my Portrait, Travel, and Wedding Photography Blog as well you may recall my ongoing Photo Documentary titled Responding to Hate with Love done in response to a hate crime in Piedmont Park involving my dear friend Josh Noblitt and Trent Williams. As a minister of Social Justice, Josh is committed to working to bring about healing as well as restoring justice across the social landscape. In our ongoing conversations about ways to engage our community and continue this work of reconciliation, Josh approached me and Nikki Noto of V-Day Atlanta about joining him in his effort to bring Adam Bouska and the NOH8 campaign to Atlanta.
Josh was very clear about connecting the struggle for civil and human rights in the gay community with the historical legacy of Dr. King. Bringing this campaign to Atlanta, GA during the height of media coverage about bullying and its deadly consequences and the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell was not coincidence. He was clear about his understanding of Dr. King's message of love, non-violence, and creating a Beloved Community where All God's Children have a seat at the table.
The NOH8 campaign's silent, non-violent, artistic approach to protest is right in line with this mission. I'm proud to be a part of bringing it to this city "Too Busy to Hate" for the first time.
Special Thanks to our Proud Sponsors:
St. Mark United Methodist Church
W Atlanta- Midtown Hotel
The Emory University Center for Ethics
Special Thanks to GA Voice, Project Q for the amazing initial press coverage.
GA Voice Article: NOH8 Campaign is coming to the city too busy to hate
Project Q Article: NOH8 Campaign to make Atlanta Stop
GA Voice Cover Story: Strike a pose for equality
I will be documenting the event with photography and video. Stay Posted. Photography and Film by Carlton Mackey.
