Recently published work - updates

Some recently published work done on assignment for the Folger Shakespeare Library, the Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC), and Operation Understanding DC (OUDC).

OUDC Class 26 | MLK weekend retreat

Class 26 of Operation Understanding DC (OUDC) held its opening workshop retreat at the historic First Baptist Church of Georgetown in Washington, DC.

OUDC 's mission "is to build a generation of Black and Jewish community leaders who promote respect, understanding, and cooperation while working to educate racism, anti-Semitism, and all forms of discrimination."

Congressman John Lewis

I recently scanned some photographs of John Lewis, the brave civil rights leader who became a congressman. These photographs were made in 1996. 1997, and in 2014.

Mr. Lewis is a great American hero. As the head of SNCC (the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) he was a Freedom Rider, and the first person across Selma, Alabama's Edmund Pettus Bridge on the march that became known as Bloody Sunday.

There is recent news that he is battling cancer. I pray for his healing.

I have had the opportunity to photograph him on several occasions, and recently heard him speak at the Library of Congress.

His quiet grace and humility never fails to inspire.

Plus, he's just a truly nice person.

Operation Understanding Class 25 / A Wider Circle

Members of Operation Understanding DC's Class 25 volunteered recently at A Wider Circle, a program that works to alleviate and eliminate poverty.

OUDC's mission is "to build a generation of Black and Jewish community leaders who promote respect, understanding and cooperation while working to eradicate racism, anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination."

Operation Understanding DC- Class 25 | workshop

Class XXV of Operation Understanding DC (OUDC) met for their first workshop over the Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend. This group's mission is to " build a generation of Black and Jewish community leaders who promote respect, understanding, and cooperation while working to eradicate racism, anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination."

There were numerous sessions, including one led by former SNCC (Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee) civil rights movement veteran and labor activist, Larry Rubin.

This is a worthy organization, who are actively learning to build a wiser fairer future for themselves and our society.

I have been documenting OUDC since its inception, for over twenty five years.

Larry Rubin

Executive Director Yolanda Savage-Narva