PFOP Feature: Jamel Shabazz

“I actually picked up my first camera in 1975″ - Jamel Shabazz

In no way, shape, or form is this a PFOP Shine post. Jamel Shabazz is an icon, and has established his existence and recognition way before you and I were even born in this world.  That’s still no excuse for you to not have heard the name Jamel Shabazz.  Photographing our world’s most iconic figures and capturing moments in history incomparable to any other individual with a lense and camera of any brand, you being unaware means you’re lost in the sauce.  Pretty much swimming in it. Just google the name. Hailing from Brooklyn, and gained notoriety for capturing the true feel of what it felt like to be a child of the 80’s, Jamel Shabazz defined perfect imagery. He is what young artists strive in this life to be, to accomplish what he accomplished.  I’m fortunate and privileged to have crossed paths with this man for a Q & A into his thoughts. We here at PFOP bring you the inspiring, Jamel Shabazz.

First and foremost, this means alot, thanks for allowing me to set this up.  I have so many friends involved in photography.  They’re going to go bonkers after they see and hear about this.

You’re pretty much an icon in photography and I’m sure you’re aware of that.  Describe the feeling and moment when you first picked up a camera and realized you wanted to make this your profession, what you would do for all your years on this earth.
I recognized photography as a possible career option during the summer of 1980. I had just returned from spending 3 years in Germany while in the military, and came home to a very different Brooklyn. There was so much energy and life around me that I felt the need to capture it all. The camera became my compass that guided me to various communities and to enable me to meet countless people, as I recorded their lives.

What inspires you to get out and shoot?
My love for my community and the people that live within inspire me to go out and shoot. Photography is actually a secondary form of communication. What is first and more important to me is to engage the youth in dialogue. The photographs I take are records of those I had conversation with.

How was it first getting into photography? Did you shoot everyday or operate off of feeling?
I actually picked up my first camera in 1975. I was 15 at the time and most of my crew were graffiti artists. I always wanted to go the road less traveled, so I picked up the camera instead and instantly fell in love with the power that it possessed. From that point on, I made it a ritual to always keep it by my side and document life around me.

What are some of your favorite memories of your childhood?
Some of my favorite childhood memories were having ciphers in Red Hook projects with my partners. We would discuss how we were going to improve our communities and our lives though study and hard work. Despite our age we were conscious and aware of our roles as young men, who would make a difference.

“A Time Before Crack” and “Back in the Days” capture a moment where you can actually feel and envision how it was to live in the 80’s era. Especially it being before my time, me being be born in 89, you hear it in rapper’s rhymes but you’re photos give off that “Wow, so this is what it was like? feeling ” When you took these photos did you have a set project in mind? Or, was it more along the lines of I have to take this photo and capture this moment?
Both of my books “Back in the Days “and “A Time before Crack,” give a genuine look and feel of what New York City was like during the 1980’s. We are talking about a time before the crack and AIDS epidemic. These were times when the majority of our families had two parents and both the music and programs on television were about elevation. As a young photographer I saw all this beauty and positive energy around me and just felt I had to document it. At the time I did perceive the concept of a book or even an exhibit, but to have a visual record of all the people I would engage and communicate with. Once Crack/ Scarface came, everything would drastically change for the worse.

Is there any person you wished you could shoot but haven’t had the chance to?
There are a few people I would like to photograph; one is the Obama Family, and recording artists Guru, India Arie, and the legendary Jim Brown.

Describe the highpoint in your life when you started to noticed you were being highly recognized for your work.
The highpoint of my life came when I first put up my website about five years ago. I started to receive emails from some many people that I had photographed along with countless people who just appreciated seeing images from the 80’s. That is the time period when I realized that my work had serious impact.

How has Brooklyn’s culture changed over the years? Do you recognize a different in it’s people and society?
Since the post crack era so much has changed in Brooklyn. Countless lives have been lost, families have been dismantled, and many neighborhoods that were once African American, have now been gentrified. Tragically, gangs have made their way back. On a positive note, a lot of implants from various cities and countries are moving to the “BK”, bringing a new energy and feel that is making it a magnet. I will always love Brooklyn, both past and present.

Who are some of your top musical inspirations?
My top musical inspirations are Guru, Mos Def, Common, Jill Scott, and India Ire. I love everything that Philadelphia International records put out. I love the music of Marvin Gaye, Gil Scott Heron, Curtis Mayfield, and countless other conscience artists whose music inspire and enlightens.

Describe your come up til now. What was the process and experience like becoming who you are recognized as today from first starting out as a young photographer?
For the past 35 years my life has been filled with purpose and commitment. There have been many hardships along the way, but I have been blessed with countless “angels” that guided me as I made my way on this vast journey called life. I would have never imagined that my work would touch the lives of so many people and I am truly thankful and blessed for all the opportunities that have been offered to me. I go to rest every night, knowing that I attempted to make a difference.

What’s the best advice you can give to young, emerging, photographers or even aspiring artists and musicians looking to follow in similar footsteps as yourself?
Regarding advice, I would advise emerging artist to strive to define their purpose in life. Once you realize what that is, go out and make it happen. It’s about having goals and objectives and a solid game plan. When you strive to do what is right, I strongly feel blessings will be bestowed upon you. Most importantly never forget where you came from. So many young people are in need and we all have the power to give back. As artists we have a gifts and I feel that we should use these divine gifts to make the world a better place.

What are some upcoming projects you have in the works?
I am presently writing a story about my experience growing up in the late 1970’S. In addition, I have written a series of thought provoking plays that deal with real issues.

If I was organizing an event, how would I be able to have Jamel Shabazz attend and showcase his latest work?
One of my greatest joys is to share my vision with the masses, so if you were to arrange an exhibition based on my work, I would make myself available as long as I can play the music.

Most inspiring movie to you and why?
One of the most inspiring movies to me is Roots. When Roots came on national television during the mid 70’s, it instilled in me and countless others an identity that many of us never knew. From that moment on, my whole way of thinking changed. At the time, rather than wanting to be in a gang, I decided to seek the path of a righteous man.

If Jamel Shabazz somehow didn’t pursue photography, what would he be doing?
If I never pursued photography as a path I probably would have been a High School teacher. It is important to note that for 20 years of my life, I worked as a Correction Officer, mostly on Rikers Island. I made it my duty to try to save the lives of thousands of young men and women (many unjustly), who got caught in the web of this society.

Last words?
Let us work towards peace! We all have the power to effect change, so let’s use this ability to bring back the love and respect, and combat that which is negative and detrimental to both our communities and our families. I am pained with what I am seeing today. The internet has allowed me to witness first hand, just how bad things really are. Someone has to step forward and start addressing these issues. If not, we are going to see situations far worse than crack and AIDS, in days to come.

Visit www.jamelshabazz.com