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I am so grateful that I was recently chosen to take part in a very historic event in Brooklyn a couple weeks ago. I was asked to be in "A Great Day in Brooklyn" Photo Doc for DOPE SWAN. You all remember the infamous Great Day in Harlem photo, and also the Great Day in HIP HOP joint. Its a gathering of the movers, shakers, entrepreneurs, activist and artisit that make up the "BROOKLYN RENAISANCE ERA". An new phrase being coined out here in Brooklyn.

The talented great photo historian of our generation JAMEL SHABAZZ was the man behind the lens on this great day, and I couldn't have thought of anyone more perfect for this task. I got to be matched up with the likes of MOS DEF, BROOKLYN COUNCILMAN CHARLES BARRON, JERU the Damaja, Michael K. Williams, Game Rebellion, Councilmen Kevin Powell and a plethora of artists, musicians, and activisits that help BROOKLYN continue to make its world mark on creative arts movements.

Community arts organization launches year-long initiative documenting the Brooklyn Renaissance

Brooklyn, NY – June 17, 2008 – On Sunday, June 8, community arts organization DOPE SWAN launched Brooklyn, Stand Up!: Documenting the Brooklyn Renaissance with "A Great Day in Brooklyn," a historic photo event shot by renowned cultural documentarian and Brooklyn native, Jamel Shabazz.

Jamel Shabazz prepares to shoot historic "A Great Day in Brooklyn" photograph in front of the Brooklyn Museum of Art.

Photo credit: The Jamel Shabazz Photography Group

"A Great Day In Brooklyn" follows the footsteps of Art Kane's iconic image of jazz aficionados, "A Great Day in Harlem," and will be the cornerstone of Brooklyn, Stand Up!, a year-long study into what has been called the Brooklyn Renaissance. In addition to the photograph, the Brooklyn, Stand Up! project will consist of several components, including: monthly arts programming in and around Brooklyn, an online archive of interviews collected from Brooklyn's self-made leaders, and a scholarship fund for Brooklyn students wishing to pursue an education in the arts.

Actor and hip-hop emcee Mos Def passes time on his skateboard at the "A Great Day in Brooklyn" photo shoot.

Photo credit: The Jamel Shabazz Photography Group

Several amazing artists, activists, and entrepreneurs whose lives and works breathe the essence of Brooklyn were in attendance, including the owner of New York City's first eco-eatery Sean Meenan, Michael K. Williams from HBO's "The Wire", hip-hop emcee, actor and community activist Mos Def, Black Girls Rock! founder DJ Beverly Bond and Tony Award winning Def Poetry Jam artist Suheir Hammad.

Michael K. Williams of HBO's "The Wire" (left) poses for a Jamel Shabazz portrait with hip-hop emcee Jeru the Damaja at the "A Great Day in Brooklyn" photo shoot.

Photo credit: The Jamel Shabazz Photography Group

So much positive love and energy flowed between present and future legendaries on the steps of the Brooklyn Museum that another photo event was scheduled to capture those who were MIA. "Another Great Day In Brooklyn" will take place at dusk on the evening of June 20, 2008 at the Brooklyn Bridge Park. Following the photo will be an invite-only reception at the powerHouse Arena where guests will have an opportunity to be shot by Jamel Shabazz for an upcoming book titled A Great Day in Brooklyn, see unreleased images from Dave Chappelle's Block Party, Amir Ebrahimi's I LOVE BK project and "A Great Day in Brooklyn," and purchase books from Jamel Shabazz's long list of titles including Seconds of My Life, A Time Before Crack, Back in the Days and Last Sunday in June.

For additional information and visuals, contact Arin Lawrence.

www.dopeswan.org
www.agreatdayinbrooklyn.org

The crowd gathers around Jamel Shabazz as he takes portraits of "A Great Day in Brooklyn" attendees.

Photo credit: The Jamel Shabazz Photography Group