My life was saved by the people on the streets who are looked past and ignored daily. While dealing with the trauma of finding my younger cousin murdered in an alleyway I fell into a deep depression.
I didn't want to be around anyone because social expectations weighed heavily on me and pushed me into a space of isolation. I found myself in the streets taking photographs and talking to people who had no expectations of me. While taking portraits I had some of the most revelatory dialogue in homeless encampments, near rehab centers, in front of liquor stores. The healing happened as I watched the people who society had abandoned and that life had rained on finding the joy in the world. To watch people who had lost so much still laugh, and form bonds, and love on one another...it was inspiring.
I felt solidarity in not dealing with loss, depression, anger, and ultimately trauma, alone. These are the people that taught me how to live again and to work on my happiness daily.
