By Staff
What inspired you to become a photographer?
My father is a photographer and I used to hate him for it. From a young age I really did not like getting pictures taken of me. Luckily he always sent me away with a good camera which I used to capture my adventures. And even luckier so I was able to learn allot about photography out of the corner of my eye. A few years ago I realized that my memory is not as good as it used to be and I started taking more photos of my experiences and my kids. In 2017 I was on a train in NYC going to an event to give a speech and I saw a Black Father on the train with his kids. Missing my children because of my crazy work schedule at the time I snapped a picture of him. I began to take pictures of other Black fathers because it was important for me to capture those moments in solidarity with them as they faced societies expectations of them as men. After showing these images to another Black father and seeing the importance in his eyes as he watched other Black fathers go throughout their day I realized the importance of showcasing the virtue of Black men and boys. This is when I decided to undertake my project called the Four Virtues as a photo essayist.
What would you like for people to walk away with having experienced viewing your photography?
I want people to see the virtue in Black Men and Boys. If people do not see our virtue then we will never be able to contribute fully into society.
Why is it important to advocate for African American men?
African American men have been foundational in their contributions to American society. Yet we are the easiest demographic to demonize and write out of collective history. My life exists to the preservation of our lives, souls, and contributions past, present, and future.
Tell us about some of what you feel have been outcomes of your work to empower African American men.
The work that we do as a team has saved lives in Chicago. We have provided over 2000 transitional jobs to Veterans, their families, youth, and community members to address issues of violence, disinvestment, and despair. This work has provided over $10 million dollars in wages and economic stimulus in communities that need it most. The issues we address have an outsized impact on African American men and boys.
How has your life been impacted from your humanitarian work?
Many veterans after their military service are seeking the purpose that military service readily provides. I was blessed to be able to come back to my community, the South Side of Chicago, and contribute to solving problems and improving outcomes for those who have given me so much. This path is not easy but I am grateful for the peace that it gives me as a person.
What does success look like for you?
Success looks like me being forgotten and the positive outcomes of my work continuing for thousands of generations into the future.
What should people expect from you in the next five years?
They should expect me to build a coalition of thinkers and doers that reshape the outcomes of our most distressed communities so that future generations are proud of our efforts.
Images: https://www.ghettoefflorescence.me/
Exposition: https://www.philographerswrit.com/
About
Dr. Eli Williamson is an accomplished organizational executive who consults with high-net-worth individuals/families and cross-sector institutions on how best to leverage existing behaviors for philanthropic good. Through culturally competent programming, he has helped individuals and organizations create authentic community relationships that facilitate positive social outcomes.
Personal Background
Eli Williamson co-founded Leave No Veteran Behind, an Illinois-based non-profit focused on employment and education opportunities for veterans. While serving as Executive Director at Leave No Veteran Behind, Eli implemented educational debt relief and transitional employment programs, workforce skills training, and community service opportunities for veterans making the transition from military to civilian life. He is the former Director of Veterans Programs for the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, where he led the foundation’s place-based grant-making in support of Illinois Veterans. As the Director, he led the grant- making efforts to improve veteran outcomes in the areas of employment, behavioral health, and navigation of services. Currently, he contributes to the arts as a photo essayist using street photography and written exposition to uplift the narratives of the Afro-American Diaspora.
Before 2009, Dr. Williamson’s journey took him to both Iraq and Afghanistan, where he served as a non- commissioned officer in the US Army. His role as a member of Psychological Operations (PSYOP) and an Arabic linguist involved outreach to foreign civilian communities, supporting special operations forces. His transition from the military was marked by his service as a retention officer, providing career counselling and transition support to fellow soldiers. This personal journey instilled in him a deep understanding of the challenges faced by veterans, which he now uses to guide his philanthropic work.Eli received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Linguistics (with a minor in African studies) from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and is presently completing a master’s degree in Non-Profit Management from DePaul University. Hereceived his Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, from the Chicago Campus of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. He serves on the Board of Advisors for TalentoTotal and the Board of Directors for the South Shore Chamber of Commerce. Eli is a dedicated father and enjoys taking summer wilderness adventures in his camper with his standard poodle, Starla
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