Move! I love to stroll. My chapter brothers during a probate show in Gainesville, Florida last year. This picture was taken before I was assigned as the fraternity's nat photog. I miss those care-free, no responsibilities-laden(not much anyway) days. Definitely kept a brother in shape!

Strolling(verb): The traditional dance or “party walk” performed by culturally-based fraternities and/or sororities.

Every photographer has their niche, or at least strive to find his/hers. I personally prefer human expressions and thus far all my subjects have been, well human. Here's one of the few that you'd agree goes against my norm. A tarantula that was being displayed by a student group on the Reitz Union colonnade. I tried to pet it after this shot, squinting to find a sting... some legitimacy to Peter Parker and my web slinging device... no such luck.

As promised here is the audio slide show, it is pretty self explanatory. You can click on the four divergent arrows on the far right to view in full screen. Click on CHISPAS for more information about the group. Click here for President Obama's views on the Dream act.

During the latter part of spring this year a group of UF students from CHISPAS ( the Coalition of Hispanic Integrating Spanish Speakers through Advocacy and Service) advocated for the DREAM act to be passed by Congress. D.R.E.A.M. stands for the Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act; I'm passionate about the issue and did a soundslide feature on the demonstration that day. Expect it soon.

Ok so the title is in reference to the magazine, Blacklistedmag.com and not my first official shoot for their article 'Brother of Another Color'. I have a vested interest in the online magazine and newsletter because its produced for blacks, by blacks (Like FUBU but Blacklisted is here to stay). The mag presents news stories, addresses controversial issues and updates on pop culture. More importantly it is run by free-thinking friends of mine who tell stories about people like Marcus Brown (picture above) who is an African American in an Inter-Fraternity Council (predominantly white) fraternity. Click here if you are willing to "elevate the dialogue".

Taking grad photo shoots is a bitter-sweet reminder that my 4 year tenure at UF is about to be over. I actually enjoyed spending the hour or so with Shari-Ann partly because she has a priceless smile and it was great recounting some of our favorite memories of being a Gator. She did ask a pertinent question though, who is going to take my (the photographer's) graduation pictures?

Women's Appreciation Day (WAD) is one of my favorite events that my chapter hosts annually. I have three angels for sisters and I the women in my life (mom included) dearly, and even if they are not in attendance its still a great opportunity to appreciate women. I took way more pictures but these two were in my top list for 'most telling'. We invited a representative from Mary Kay to do facials, there were also massages, free food etc. Disclaimer, no its not the same person in both pictures lol.

It's funny that the day after UF proposes budgets cut, where the 'worse possible scenario' may lead to eliminating funding for the Multicultural and Diversity Affairs, the Plaza of Americas is filled with culture & colors from Cree and Aztek/Mexika indigenous peoples. Keith Sharphead is Cree, originates from Alberta Canada; Juan Salinas (middle dancing) and Joana(Juan's daughter) are Aztek/Mexika from Mexico city and they participated in the 2nd annual cultural awareness demonstration on campus. I was blown away by the dancing and captivated by their clothes. It is more obvious to see the implication of budget cuts on places like the IBC or La Casita, Center for Service & Leadership or programs such as Gatorship, but this demonstration by beautiful people of an amazing culture may not have happened if the MCDA didn't have a hand in sponsoring it. Now that's another thing worth protesting about!

The Ladies of the Iota Lambda chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. marched and joyously sang through campus. They were amongst a sizable new class of Greek initiates to join the NPHC and MGC councils. Though quite a few people wondered why they only marched and sang, I was impressed because thier serenade was a refreshing difference from the usual 45 minute shows other organizations put on in order to introduce their members. Probate shows seemed to have become commercial, and people were lining up with quarters in anticipation of the next step and dance routine. The first picture, with the little girl and the 'future aka' shirt, made it in today's Alligator.

This year's FACES Modeling Troupe Inc. fashion show was different from the years prior. Some of the clothes weren't as flashing and the strides as exaggerated. The themes and throw back videos were still interesting, and definitely a great opportunity to practice taking pictures with flash in the Reitz Union.

On my way to class I noticed a swarm of students outside Turlington and fire trucks on standby. Grateful that I didn't forget to carry my camera to school today I start snapping away, almost forgetting that I was going to be late for my class... again. Again humbled by the fact when my pictures make it in the Alligator. Maybe, just maybe, I can live up to my childhood fantasy as Peter Parker...where my web shooting device at?

When I left my research methods class yesterday, I noticed students with 'undocumented?' posted on their shirts. To someone else that may have easily been lost in translation. But to any immigrant or student with family members who don't have American citizenship, one would feel almost compelled to stop and find what the placards and protests are about. Maria & Marcos are members of CHISPAS at UF and the were creating awareness for the Dream Act; to allow undocumented high school graduates temporary residency to study in college or join the military. To the many amongst us, including myself, who came to the United States as children and have the potential to thrive given the opportunity to attend college, the Dream Act seems like a basic human right. I only hope the country's leaders and Congress sees so too.