What are some things you are passionate about?

Photography, music (I play bass), curating new art projects.

What prompted your passion for photography?

When I was young my dad had this really old camera that didn't work. I always loved looking into the viewfinder and pretending that I was taking a picture. My senior year of high school I took a B&W film class which solidified my love for photography.

You fearlessly and unapologetically advocate and display your love for black women. In a world that continuously oppresses black women and what we wear, how we look, tries to tell us how we are supposed to feel, where does that sense of love and advocacy come from?

It comes straight from the source, black women. Black women are the most wondrous human beings on the face of the planet. They're the most influential and coveted group of people while simultaneously the most degraded and loathed. They sift their way through the mire uplifting not only themselves but all oppressed peoples, especially black men. I believe it is my duty and the duty of all black men to respect and protect black women. Regardless of a black woman's gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status, education status, etc. ALL BLACK WOMEN need to be protected.

Many people enjoy the arts but are afraid it wont be produce a lucrative career. What is your advice for creatives (those who create music, art, photography, theater, etc.) who are afraid to pursue their passion?

If you're afraid to do it it's probably exactly what you're supposed to be doing. Being a creative is you running your own business 24/7. You never leave the office but at the same time you are never in the office. By this I mean that as someone who wishes to pursue a creative career, you are required to hone your craft and put out work on a regular basis in order to secure a following and monetary compensation. The later part of the statement speaks to the fact that no one really cares whether or not you create or put out work. For example, I want to be the most sought after fashion photographer in the world. I can say that everyday forever but unless I take the necessary steps to become the most sought after fashion photographer I'll never achieve that goal.

Any let downs and joys associated with pursuing your passions?

A big let down is the overall lack of support of the arts in the Albany area. We're growing but it's still a very small, cliquey community. One of the greatest joys was selling my 1st piece at Albany Center Gallery as well as securing the Marketing Coordinator position at The Barn. In 5 years I see myself traveling more for fashion photography (internationally hopefully).

Top 5 items you have to have on your person.

Top 5 things are: my Polaroid journal, sketchbook, wallet, cell phone, and water

Describe your struggle with mental health and how did you overcome it.

My struggle with mental health is ongoing but mainly persisted throughout my middle and high school years. I never went to any doctors to be diagnosed by a professional mainly because I kept my depression to myself. I come from a family of devout Christians so I was never sure how my parents would respond. Being young I didn't quite understand why I was feeling the way I was either. I had to do a lot of soul searching. I cried a lot, I wanted to die. I remember praying to God on a regular basis begging Him to kill me in some form or fashion because I knew if I killed myself I'd go straight to Hell (according to the Bible suicide is an unforgivable sin). I taught myself how to love myself in spite of the voices of others and myself. Later on I read about Seasonal Depression and began to take even more steps to deal with my depression. Fall/Winter is the hardest time of the year for me, especially living in the Northeast where there is far less sunlight during that time. Creating became one of my biggest outlets. It kept me out of my head and out of my bed which became almost like a graveyard. There were days and weeks where I only got out of bed to go to the bathroom and shower, really didn't eat too much if my mood was bad enough. To this day each day is a gift and a struggle. I'm in a far better place than I was and I promised myself that I'd never let it get that bad again.

Lada: I met Kenneth at a "He said she said event" (shout out to Swain lol) and immediately wanted to interview him for his passion for photography. Since then, Ive been blessed to be part of his series and witness his talent. I also appreciate how open he is to discussingmental health and his undying love and appreciation for black women.