Dear friends, it’s been a long time since I have posted and I apologize for my absence. I have been completely consumed with some really, really exciting new initiatives and plans. I am hoping to shake up the world as we come out of lockdown. In the meantime, I wanted to tell you a story that may resonate with you. I spent a day with George Clooney in his Hollywood garden some time ago. We had worked together 25 years earlier as we were both beginning our careers and it was so nice to reconnect. We are much older now and hopefully wiser. I asked him to describe our time. He said that we are living through an extraordinary period in history, that we have more information at our fingertips and more connectivity than ever before yet somehow, we seem to know less. He continued…if we want to get the news today, we probably go to a source online that confirms what we already believe, and so we are in danger of being trapped in our own echo chamber – and that magical thing called a shared experience, where we respectfully debate our differences, is rapidly disappearing. Yet as I write this post today, I am reminded of our beautiful and unique community. I know for sure you are all different types of people who believe in different things, yet you continue to engage with my stories, and I am always inspired by your uplifting and thoughtful comments. Your support reinforces my optimism for a brighter, fairer and more inclusive future. We show up and we are present. At the end of my day with George I asked, “What do you hope for as we face these challenges?” He said, “I hope for reason because reason always wins out.” George Clooney, I salute you.
Dear friends, it’s been a long time since I have posted and I apologize for my absence. I have been completely consumed with some really, really exciting new initiatives and plans. I am hoping to shake up the world as we come out of lockdown. In the meantime, I wanted to tell you a story that may resonate with you. I spent a day with George Clooney in his Hollywood garden some time ago. We had worked together 25 years earlier as we were both beginning our careers and it was so nice to reconnect. We are much older now and hopefully wiser. I asked him to describe our time. He said that we are living through an extraordinary period in history, that we have more information at our fingertips and more connectivity than ever before yet somehow, we seem to know less. He continued…if we want to get the news today, we probably go to a source online that confirms what we already believe, and so we are in danger of being trapped in our own echo chamber – and that magical thing called a shared experience, where we respectfully debate our differences, is rapidly disappearing. Yet as I write this post today, I am reminded of our beautiful and unique community. I know for sure you are all different types of people who believe in different things, yet you continue to engage with my stories, and I am always inspired by your uplifting and thoughtful comments. Your support reinforces my optimism for a brighter, fairer and more inclusive future. We show up and we are present. At the end of my day with George I asked, “What do you hope for as we face these challenges?” He said, “I hope for reason because reason always wins out.” George Clooney, I salute you.
Dear friends, it’s been a long time since I have posted and I apologize for my absence. I have been completely consumed with some really, really exciting new initiatives and plans. I am hoping to shake up the world as we come out of lockdown. In the meantime, I wanted to tell you a story that may resonate with you. I spent a day with George Clooney in his Hollywood garden some time ago. We had worked together 25 years earlier as we were both beginning our careers and it was so nice to reconnect. We are much older now and hopefully wiser. I asked him to describe our time. He said that we are living through an extraordinary period in history, that we have more information at our fingertips and more connectivity than ever before yet somehow, we seem to know less. He continued…if we want to get the news today, we probably go to a source online that confirms what we already believe, and so we are in danger of being trapped in our own echo chamber – and that magical thing called a shared experience, where we respectfully debate our differences, is rapidly disappearing. Yet as I write this post today, I am reminded of our beautiful and unique community. I know for sure you are all different types of people who believe in different things, yet you continue to engage with my stories, and I am always inspired by your uplifting and thoughtful comments. Your support reinforces my optimism for a brighter, fairer and more inclusive future. We show up and we are present. At the end of my day with George I asked, “What do you hope for as we face these challenges?” He said, “I hope for reason because reason always wins out.” George Clooney, I salute you.
reverend ct vivian. “Today it is with great sadness that I post a tribute to one of my all time heroes and mentors. The Reverend CT Vivian passed away early this morning, he was 95 years old. He was one of Martin Luther King’s closest advisors and a most loyal champion for the Civil Rights Movement. Dedicated to non-violent protests, CT Vivian spoke truth to power and courageously confronted his racist foes with dignity and resilience. I photographed him in Atlanta, Georgia at the Ebenezer Baptist Church where Martin Luther King used to preach to his congregation. After the shoot, CT took the day off and spent hours giving me private counsel – the principles of non-violent direct action – the importanace of compassion – how to fight for justice and drive positive change. I asked, ‘What do you say to my generation?’ He replied, ‘When you get knocked down stand back up, stand up to the powers that be, but do it peacefully with grace in your heart, without violence.’ I picked up my camera and focused the lens – he closed his eyes and raised his hand. ‘Reverend, what are you thinking at this moment?’ I asked. He replied, ‘I’m reaching for the stars my brother, reaching for the stars.’ Reverend CT Vivian, I salute you.”
A note to my followers. Here we are together — in a technological trance. Here we are together — divided by tribalism. Here we are together — distracted by mass myths. We are separated by borders, walls, windows and computer screens, yet still we quarrel and argue. We are either sore losers or gloating winners. We should be coming together to solve common goals. We should be united by heart. We should put aside our grievances and dare to listen to each other.
This is a picture of Gasser Abdel Razek with his young son. This brave, kind man is a human rights advocate in Egypt. As I took this picture in Cairo during the height of the Egyptian Revolution years ago, he said to me: “The first thing I took to Tahrir square was my satellite phone — the second thing I took was my 18-month old son. Even though he didn’t understand what was going on, I hoped it would shape his future. I really wanted him to be there.” On November 19th, 2020 Egyptian security forces arrested Gasser Abdel Razek at his home in Cairo and took him to an unknown location for interrogation under bogus charges of terrorism. This threat and harassment of a compassionate human rights leader is unjust and immoral.
Friends, though we ourselves face daunting challenges of historic proportions, let us recognize our people power and rekindle the spirit of optimism. I am joining forces with Human Rights Watch to fight for Gasser’s release. Please repost this picture and share this story with your neighbors. Gasser Abdel Razek, I salute you.
#FreeGasser #FreeEIPRStaff
Dear friends, this is your 3-day countdown! I will never forget the day I photographed Naomi Wadler, the inspiring student activist. We had the most amazing conversation about leadership and responsibility. I asked her about the current social gridlock and paralysis we are all experiencing. She said something extraordinary, “Talk with people, don’t talk at them. Listen to them, don’t just hear them.” I then asked her advice, “Naomi, how can I, a white middle-aged man be of service to your cause?” She paused, looked into my eyes and said, “Stand with us, not in front of us.” This young, fearless leader gave me the best instructions for navigating a future path.
Join us this Friday, December 18th at 5:30pm EST to honor and celebrate Naomi Wadler. Please see link in my bio to RSVP. Naomi Wadler, I salute you.
john lewis. “I first met Rep. John Lewis in his office in Washington DC. It was a cold, dark January morning and we were planning a photo session. His voice was gentle, his face kind, his demeanor good-hearted. He reflected on his childhood and how raising chickens taught him a great deal about personal responsibility. ‘I would preach to the chickens and they would listen.’ He then whispered, ‘You know I’m the last one left.’ ‘The last what?’ I asked. ‘The last living speaker from the March on Washington.’ In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his epic I HAVE A DREAM speech and John Lewis spoke proudly by his side. ‘I loved and admired that man, he was my hero’ he said. It now seemed obvious – I had to persuade the congressman to brave the cold and to be photographed in front of the Lincoln Memorial where he once shaped American history. I nervously made the ask. He paused, ‘I’ll be there tomorrow at 8am, I’ll give you ten minutes.’ The next day I arrived at the memorial while it was still dark. I realized that the mighty columns would dwarf this humble man, so using perspective as a tool I found a quiet spot of frosted grass further away below the steps and set up my light and camera. He arrived just after sun up – today he was different – tough, ready for action, determined and committed. ‘Let’s do it,’ he said. I captured the man as a towering national monument. After five minutes I was done. I thanked him and as I escorted him back to his warm car he whispered, ‘I gave you ten minutes – you only took five – now I have five minutes spare to make a difference. Let’s hope I’m successful.’ John Lewis, rest in peace, I salute you.”
A note to my followers. It is with great joy that I can tell you my friend Gasser Abdel Razek has now been freed from an unjust incarceration in Egypt. I was proud to collaborate with my foundation The People’s Portfolio and my partners at Human Rights Watch. Together we formed a global advocacy campaign for our heroic champion’s immediate release. Today’s victory means a wonderful, compassionate man is home and safe with his family. Here is a mural I made for the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, GA. It is an epic lineup of global human rights defenders from Myanmar, Russia and Egypt. They stand together for freedom. The inclusion of Gasser and his son brings hope and optimism to the cause. Today is a good day for truth and justice. Gasser Abdel Razek, I salute you.
@peoplesportfolio @humanrightswatch @ctr4chr
A note to my followers. It is with great joy that I can tell you my friend Gasser Abdel Razek has now been freed from an unjust incarceration in Egypt. I was proud to collaborate with my foundation The People’s Portfolio and my partners at Human Rights Watch. Together we formed a global advocacy campaign for our heroic champion’s immediate release. Today’s victory means a wonderful, compassionate man is home and safe with his family. Here is a mural I made for the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, GA. It is an epic lineup of global human rights defenders from Myanmar, Russia and Egypt. They stand together for freedom. The inclusion of Gasser and his son brings hope and optimism to the cause. Today is a good day for truth and justice. Gasser Abdel Razek, I salute you.
@peoplesportfolio @humanrightswatch @ctr4chr
A note to my followers. It is with great joy that I can tell you my friend Gasser Abdel Razek has now been freed from an unjust incarceration in Egypt. I was proud to collaborate with my foundation The People’s Portfolio and my partners at Human Rights Watch. Together we formed a global advocacy campaign for our heroic champion’s immediate release. Today’s victory means a wonderful, compassionate man is home and safe with his family. Here is a mural I made for the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, GA. It is an epic lineup of global human rights defenders from Myanmar, Russia and Egypt. They stand together for freedom. The inclusion of Gasser and his son brings hope and optimism to the cause. Today is a good day for truth and justice. Gasser Abdel Razek, I salute you.
@peoplesportfolio @humanrightswatch @ctr4chr
A note to my followers. It is with great joy that I can tell you my friend Gasser Abdel Razek has now been freed from an unjust incarceration in Egypt. I was proud to collaborate with my foundation The People’s Portfolio and my partners at Human Rights Watch. Together we formed a global advocacy campaign for our heroic champion’s immediate release. Today’s victory means a wonderful, compassionate man is home and safe with his family. Here is a mural I made for the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, GA. It is an epic lineup of global human rights defenders from Myanmar, Russia and Egypt. They stand together for freedom. The inclusion of Gasser and his son brings hope and optimism to the cause. Today is a good day for truth and justice. Gasser Abdel Razek, I salute you.
@peoplesportfolio @humanrightswatch @ctr4chr
A note to my followers. It is with great joy that I can tell you my friend Gasser Abdel Razek has now been freed from an unjust incarceration in Egypt. I was proud to collaborate with my foundation The People’s Portfolio and my partners at Human Rights Watch. Together we formed a global advocacy campaign for our heroic champion’s immediate release. Today’s victory means a wonderful, compassionate man is home and safe with his family. Here is a mural I made for the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, GA. It is an epic lineup of global human rights defenders from Myanmar, Russia and Egypt. They stand together for freedom. The inclusion of Gasser and his son brings hope and optimism to the cause. Today is a good day for truth and justice. Gasser Abdel Razek, I salute you.
@peoplesportfolio @humanrightswatch @ctr4chr
A note to my followers. It is with great joy that I can tell you my friend Gasser Abdel Razek has now been freed from an unjust incarceration in Egypt. I was proud to collaborate with my foundation The People’s Portfolio and my partners at Human Rights Watch. Together we formed a global advocacy campaign for our heroic champion’s immediate release. Today’s victory means a wonderful, compassionate man is home and safe with his family. Here is a mural I made for the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, GA. It is an epic lineup of global human rights defenders from Myanmar, Russia and Egypt. They stand together for freedom. The inclusion of Gasser and his son brings hope and optimism to the cause. Today is a good day for truth and justice. Gasser Abdel Razek, I salute you.
@peoplesportfolio @humanrightswatch @ctr4chr
A note to my followers. It is with great joy that I can tell you my friend Gasser Abdel Razek has now been freed from an unjust incarceration in Egypt. I was proud to collaborate with my foundation The People’s Portfolio and my partners at Human Rights Watch. Together we formed a global advocacy campaign for our heroic champion’s immediate release. Today’s victory means a wonderful, compassionate man is home and safe with his family. Here is a mural I made for the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, GA. It is an epic lineup of global human rights defenders from Myanmar, Russia and Egypt. They stand together for freedom. The inclusion of Gasser and his son brings hope and optimism to the cause. Today is a good day for truth and justice. Gasser Abdel Razek, I salute you.
@peoplesportfolio @humanrightswatch @ctr4chr
A note to my followers. It is with great joy that I can tell you my friend Gasser Abdel Razek has now been freed from an unjust incarceration in Egypt. I was proud to collaborate with my foundation The People’s Portfolio and my partners at Human Rights Watch. Together we formed a global advocacy campaign for our heroic champion’s immediate release. Today’s victory means a wonderful, compassionate man is home and safe with his family. Here is a mural I made for the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, GA. It is an epic lineup of global human rights defenders from Myanmar, Russia and Egypt. They stand together for freedom. The inclusion of Gasser and his son brings hope and optimism to the cause. Today is a good day for truth and justice. Gasser Abdel Razek, I salute you.
@peoplesportfolio @humanrightswatch @ctr4chr
A note to my followers. It is with great joy that I can tell you my friend Gasser Abdel Razek has now been freed from an unjust incarceration in Egypt. I was proud to collaborate with my foundation The People’s Portfolio and my partners at Human Rights Watch. Together we formed a global advocacy campaign for our heroic champion’s immediate release. Today’s victory means a wonderful, compassionate man is home and safe with his family. Here is a mural I made for the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, GA. It is an epic lineup of global human rights defenders from Myanmar, Russia and Egypt. They stand together for freedom. The inclusion of Gasser and his son brings hope and optimism to the cause. Today is a good day for truth and justice. Gasser Abdel Razek, I salute you.
@peoplesportfolio @humanrightswatch @ctr4chr
A note to my followers. It is with great joy that I can tell you my friend Gasser Abdel Razek has now been freed from an unjust incarceration in Egypt. I was proud to collaborate with my foundation The People’s Portfolio and my partners at Human Rights Watch. Together we formed a global advocacy campaign for our heroic champion’s immediate release. Today’s victory means a wonderful, compassionate man is home and safe with his family. Here is a mural I made for the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, GA. It is an epic lineup of global human rights defenders from Myanmar, Russia and Egypt. They stand together for freedom. The inclusion of Gasser and his son brings hope and optimism to the cause. Today is a good day for truth and justice. Gasser Abdel Razek, I salute you.
@peoplesportfolio @humanrightswatch @ctr4chr
Friends, I am excited to announce I’ll be going live on Instagram with @rankinarchive The Great tomorrow at 2pm EST. We’ll be having an honest conversation about life on the road with a camera. I hope you can join us.
Friends, today is the day! Join us at 5:30pm EST for The People’s Portfolio Award Ceremony. I am so proud to serve inspiring leaders of our time who lead us towards truth and justice. Naomi Wadler is the voice of her generation. I asked her, “If you could speak to all the political leaders in America, what would you say?” Her face remained calm, she paused deep in thought for almost a minute of burning silence, then stated, “Recognize your power and do something!” It’s time for us all to recognize our own collective power. Our Instagram family is now above 230,000 people. This is people power alive and kicking. Please help us to continue supporting and serving leaders like Naomi in the future. Help us to help them. I humbly ask you all for a small donation of $5 each (please see link in bio to register and donate). Our strength is in numbers and know that each dollar you pledge will be matched by my supporting board so your kindness will go twice as far. If you’ve been moved by my stories over the years, this will help us continue our mission. Let’s reset our values and think of others. Naomi Wadler, I salute you.
A note to all my followers. I want to say a heartfelt thank you to all of you for your wonderful support. Last night was our fundraising event honoring the great Naomi Wadler. She made an uplifting powerful speech calling for action and was supported by a humble and inspiring Senator Cory Booker. The senator showed true leadership in his support for Naomi’s cause and I am honored to have played a small part in bringing these good people together. We made a difference, we lifted hearts and took a moment to reflect where we have come from and where we are going. Let’s work together next year. Let’s be transformative and let’s serve the needs of others. Thank you for kind donations. It will allow us to keep going. Our generous board will continue to match all your donations until the new year, so please follow the link in my bio to donate. I look forward to a new year with new stories to tell and new adventures to share with you all. Big love from your dedicated servant, Platon.
Friends, tomorrow is the big day! Many years ago, I was invited to attend President Barack Obama’s inauguration and the evening inaugural ball. I decided to photograph all the dignitaries, distinguished guests, politicians and superstars who were in attendance that magical night. Towards the end of the evening, a charismatic young man walked into my studio area with his parents. All three were dressed to the nines, joyous and filled with optimism. I took this picture of an exuberant Cory Booker. Years later, Senator Cory Booker would run for president himself. My dear friend and founding board member, Scott Dadich reached out to the senator and invited him to participate in tomorrow’s celebrations. It is with great humility and pride that I announce today, Senator Cory Booker will present the award for Inspiring Leadership to Naomi Wadler at The People’s Portfolio virtual event tomorrow (see link in bio to RSVP). I am reminded of some great words of wisdom from George Lois, “True captains show themselves in stormy waters.” How wonderful it is to have Senator Cory Booker present our award to Naomi Wadler, the voice of her generation. Senator Cory Booker, I salute you.
A note to my followers. I want to thank my friend Rankin for hosting an honest discussion on his instagram platform yesterday. His generosity and humility moved me deeply. Despite some technical difficulties, Rankin and I were determined to keep going and not be disconnected. After all, this is life these days and we have to work so hard to share humanity in our isolation. For those who were not able to join us, please go to @rankinarchive and you can view our discussion there. I hope our honest conversation provokes some uplifting thoughts. Stay tuned for Part 2. Rankin, I salute you.
A note to my followers. Following the victorious release of our friend Gasser Abdel Razik from unjust incarceration, I wanted to reach out to you all to say a big thank you for all your support and kind comments. We really have created a special community together.
I now have some exciting news for you all. I want to invite you to a special virtual event that is close to my heart. I am proud to have founded The People’s Portfolio (@peoplesportfolio), a non-profit organization that champions human rights defenders around the world. We are hosting our annual fundraiser on December the 18th at 5:30pm EST. You are all so welcome to attend, and you can do so by following the Eventbrite link in my bio.
Your donations will help us move mountains, to lift the voices of human rights leaders around the world and give them the resources and tools to amplify their essential stories in 2021—and beyond. As a measure of our commitment, my generous board of directors will match every donation, large or small, so your kindness will go twice as far.
At this year’s event, we will be honoring a new rising star. I am proud to announce we will be giving this year’s Inspiring Leadership Award to Naomi Wadler, a student activist who is changing the narrative around girls of color. Supporting her is a chance to nurture tomorrow’s leaders and invest in an inclusive future. For those of you who are able to attend, I will be your host for the evening, telling stories, showing pictures and debuting something new and very exciting indeed.
We are a beautiful family, bonded by common goals – promoting kindness, compassion, and respect for one another. Standby, I will reveal more details on my next post. Come on friends, let’s march forward together. Naomi Wadler, I salute you. #kindisthenewcool
Friends, the countdown has started! We are now five days away from The People’s Portfolio 2020 Inspiring Leadership Award Ceremony. I made a promise to you all that those who are able to attend will get to see something really special and unique. For the first time I will be debuting a short film honoring Naomi Wadler, this year’s awardee. This film will bring you into my New York studio, up close and personal as if you were part of my team. Here is a small clip to whet your appetite. I’m so excited to see you all this Friday, December 18th at 5:30pm. Please see the link in my bio to RSVP. This is also our annual fundraiser so your kind donations will help me and my foundation continue to serve and celebrate brave and courageous leaders who fight for human rights around the world. Let’s march forward together. We belong to something beautiful. To all my followers, I salute you.
