Page 40 - Provoke Mag Vol5

Robyn Easley
It was placed on my heart to share the story of free people, amongst slaves, a few weeks ago. When finalizing a trip to New Orleans, I sought after a great photographer. A New Orleans native, Cyrus Washington (24/7 Films & Photography) stepped up to shoot this fantastic set of photos. He saw my dress and heard my concept, then offered a great place to shoot. He said, “ Let’s shoot in Tremé, the first black neighborhood in New Orleans before the Civil War. The slaves had special rights, worked to create the New Orleans culture and created their own homes”. After his recommendation, I discovered the schools were integrated, after a civil rights movement. Then the war took place, and the land and schools were re-segregated near 1890 (well after the Civil War).
Cyrus and I completed a sunrise shoot, which symbolizes a new dawning. This shoot conveys gravity in time, as it captures bondage and liberation in present time. This community still thrives on creativity, through music, fine arts, enrichment, but still is chained by poverty. What’s astonishing and beautiful, is that the people are still welcoming, nurturing, empowered, and hospitable.
-Robyn Easley
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