Stephen Hill Instagram – Deep Breath Breathe writer/director @jamieburtonoare of @jomajafilms with one of her many proud family members who showed up for our premiere screening. Uncle Paul Haire. Prior to our film block, I saw a beautiful film called Mosiah about Marcus Garvey. After that screening, I noticed Unc in his hat, in a sea of Garveyites proudly clad in Red Black and Green. I was able to meet him and share in the making of this photograph shortly after. Unc told me he inherited the hats of Grandaddy Eugene Henderson Burton, affectionately known as Doc. He said he switched his style up and started rocking the denim and cowboy boots to go with it. Now, he’s purchased a few more cowboy hats to go with the collection. We chuckled when I told him he had on what they call a Canadian suit/tuxedo. It was great to have him there and see how proud he is of Jamie. Looking at this photo, I could talk all day about their beautiful brown faces anchoring and complimenting the mahogany wood backdrop or the balance between the weight of his hat and her earrings. But I find myself thinking of the etymology of the word Cowboy. It is said that black cow-HANDS were first derogatorily called cow-BOYS, and the name stuck. I’m also thinking I want to go riding. But most importantly, I’m thinking of how long after we stop breathing, even a single item endowed or imbued with our essence can connect, heal, and inspire those we leave behind for generations to come. We all live and breathe our allotment of that first breath. “The LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature” (Genesis 2:7) We breathe for those that no longer can. Aloha (Alo=face, Ha=breath) Now take a deep breath and give thanks to all that breathes life into you. ✊🏿❤️🙏🏿 #stephenhillphotos #leicaphoto #breathefilm #ericgarner #icanbreathe @detblackfilmfest #genesis27 John and Marlene Boll Family YMCA