WSSN Stories

LOS ANGELES, CA— For several decades now, casting director Jacqui Pitman, owner/CEO of Pitman Casting Inc. and PartyPit Productions Inc., has played a crucial role in the success of numerous long-standing TV shows.

With her creative insight, Pitman has contributed to over 500 shows, including iconic staples like “America’s Most Wanted,” “Price is Right,” “Let’s Make a Deal,” “Face Off,” and “Big Brother 2.” Pitman served as the casting director for ABC’s “The Golden Bachelor” and is now casting for the highly anticipated spinoff series, “The Golden Bachelorette.”

Pitman’s contributions to the world of dating shows and reality television are extensive. Her career began in the late ’80s with classic courting shows like “Love Connection,” Fox’s “Studs,” and as the notable casting director of CBS’s “Big Brother 2” which was said to be the season that revitalized the series. In 2004, when she was Senior Vice President of Development at Lighthearted Entertainment, Pitman created, and executive produced the MTV hit dating show “NEXT” which was inspired by her own dating life. She also developed and co-executive produced ABC’s hit show, “Extreme Makeover.” In 2017, in partnership with Asylum Entertainment, Pitman created, executive produced, and cast Bravo’s “To Rome for Love,” a groundbreaking series following five single African American women in Italy, produced under her PartyPit Productions Inc. banner.

“My television career has been AMAZING! From casting to developing, to executive producing and creating my own shows, I have had the opportunity to interact with some of the most fascinating people. Casting itself is like a big puzzle where we find the pieces that we think will fit naturally. But I must admit, dating shows are my thing! From “Love Connection” to MTV’s “NEXT” to the ultimate fantasy of living in one of the world’s most romantic places, Rome, Italy, while filming “To Rome for Love,” playing Cupid over the years has taught me so much about men and women. It’s clear pursuing love is a never-ending quest, no matter how old we are. But who could ask for a better day job than mine? It truly has been an unimaginable experience,” reveals Pitman.

Under PartyPit Productions Inc., Pitman specializes in all facets of reality show production, from casting hosts and experts to overseeing logistical aspects like background checks and casting finals. Her expertise extends across various platforms, including Fox, NBC, Discovery, OWN, Lifetime, WE and streaming services like Amazon, Netflix, Snapchat and Hulu. She continues developing original reality show concepts, with recent options at GSN, ABC, and CBS Studios.

Born in New Jersey and raised in foster care, Pitman’s childhood experiences have shaped her compassionate persona. She has long been involved in philanthropy, organizing annual drives to support children in the foster care system. Currently, she’s launching “Marvin Cares for Kids,” a non-profit named after her late brother, aimed at helping foster children transition into careers in the entertainment industry.

Don’t miss what casting director Jacqui Pitman and her casting team have in store for you next!

For upcoming opportunities with Pitman Casting Inc., visit https://pitmancasting.com.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Daughter of man, speak to your people and say to them:  When I bring the sword against a land, and the people of the land choose one of their daughters and make her their watchman, and she sees the sword coming against the land and blows the trumpet to warn the people, then if anyone hears the trumpet but does not heed the warning and the sword comes and takes their life, their blood will be on their own head.  Since they heard the sound of the trumpet but did not heed the warning. If they had heeded the warning, they would have saved themselves. But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood. Well not on my watch. Sounding the alarm!

How Foolish to Ignore God’s Warnings!

A loving God who loves us so much that he warns us of upcoming impending judgment and doom, and what do you do, you ignore His warnings. Woe unto you! How foolish it is to ignore God’s warning. Ignoring God’s warnings ALWAYS breeds tragedy.  Learn from past history and do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, “Return now from your evil ways and from your evil deeds.’ But they did not listen or give heed to Me,” declares the Lord. [Zechariah 1:4]. How foolish to ignore God’s warnings. Learn from the Past!

Before God destroyed the world the first time with a flood of water, He raised up Noah, a man of righteousness, and allowed him to prophecy and forewarn the people of his day for 120 years. Did they listen? No. Tragedy!

Before Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed with fire and brimstone from heaven, God allowed Abraham to intercede for the people there. Did they listen? No. Tragedy!

God used His prophets to forewarn the children of Israel that, if they did not change their ways, they would be led away captive by the Babylonians for a period of seventy years. Did they listen? No. Tragedy!

Listen, God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? [Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18].

God’s warnings always precede His judgment. But those who want to self-destruct don’t repent. Instead of repenting and sparing themselves the negative repercussions, they continue on their wrong journey and ruin their lives. Come back to your senses as you ought and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame. [1 Corinthians 15:34].

A Vision of Chaos-

I looked at the earth, and it was formless and void, at the heavens, and there was no light there. I looked at the mountains; they were quaking, and all the hills moved back and forth. I looked, and no people were there. All the birds of the sky had gone. I looked, and the fruitful land had become a desert. All its towns were broken down because of the Lord, because of his burning anger. For this is what the Lord says: “The entire land will be devastated, but I won’t completely destroy it. Because of this, the land will mourn, and the heavens above will be dark. Because I have spoken and decided, I won’t turn back from doing it. [Jeremiah 4].

Ignoring God’s Warning ALWAYS Breed Tragedy!

As a senior leader and key advisor reporting to the C.E.O., Crystal Crawford will oversee strategic partnerships to expand the impact and efficacy of the Weingart Foundation.

LOS ANGELES, CA—- After an extensive national search, the Weingart Foundation, a private grantmaking foundation that partners with communities across Southern California to advance racial justice, has chosen Crystal Crawford to serve as its first Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships. In this newly created role, Crawford will oversee strategic partnerships and manage relationships with key stakeholders to expand the impact and efficacy of the Weingart Foundation.

“Crystal Crawford is an experienced and strategic leader who has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing justice and equity for vulnerable communities across California,” said Joanna S. Jackson, interim President and C.E.O. of the Weingart Foundation. “As a nationally recognized leader in fighting poverty and advancing health and well-being, particularly in communities of color, she will be a tremendous addition to the Weingart team. We look forward to working with Crystal to cultivate meaningful partnerships that will help us strengthen our work serving communities most impacted by systemic inequities.”

Crawford, who has extensive experience in the legal, philanthropic, and nonprofit sectors, currently serves as Executive Director of the Western Center on Law & Poverty, a trailblazing legal and advocacy organization that works to bring about systemic and structural change in every branch of government. Previously, she was a program director at The California Wellness Foundation where she developed the organization’s groundbreaking Women’s Initiatives, a multi-million-dollar investment that advanced the health and economic security of women of color. Before joining Cal Wellness, she served as C.E.O. of the California Black Women’s Health Project, the first statewide organization solely devoted to improving the health of California’s Black women and girls through policy advocacy, education and outreach.

Crawford said: “I have been a long-time admirer of the Weingart Foundation’s outstanding commitment to racial justice and racial equity. Its impactful work has helped to transform communities and systems. At this time when work advancing racial justice and diversity, equity and inclusion is under heightened attack, I am looking forward to working with my colleagues as we deepen the Foundation’s work in communities and forge new partnerships with courage and boldness.”

Crawford is active in the leadership of numerous civic, advocacy and community organizations, including serving as chairperson of the five-member Los Angeles County Public Health Commission. Originally from Harlem, New York and Teaneck, New Jersey, Crawford earned her bachelor’s degree in history from Dartmouth College and law degree from the New York University School of Law. She is admitted to the bar in California, New York and New Jersey.

ABOUT THE WEINGART FOUNDATION

The Weingart Foundation is a private, nonprofit grantmaking foundation that partners with communities across Southern California to advance racial, social, and economic justice for all. Our vision is a dynamic and effective social change sector that is creating equitable systems and structures needed to achieve justice. Founded in 1951, the Foundation has to date granted over $1 billion to organizations, strengthening their efforts in human services, housing, health, education, and community power building. In addition, the Foundation builds networks and collaboratives with philanthropic, public sector, and community leaders to advance equity and justice together.

By Rhonda Smith | Special to California Black Media Partners

In 2008, I received news no one ever wants to hear. I was diagnosed with Stage I breast cancer, with an ER/PR positive tumor type.

The road to recovery was tough, taking more than a physical toll on my body. I grappled with the emotional and mental strain of navigating a health care system that too often fails to address the unique needs of Black women. There was no manual to guide me through this journey, no prescription to ease the burden, and no roadmap to help me navigate the challenges ahead.

The stark reality that Black women are 41% more likely to die from breast cancer than White women is a grim reminder of the systemic inequities that pervade our health care system. According to the American Cancer Society, Black Americans have the highest death rate and shortest survival rate of any racial or ethnic group in the country. This disparity extends beyond breast cancer, impacting colorectal, prostate, and lung cancers, among others.

To help overcome these inequities, we need to attack cancer at its roots; we must catch it early, and we must ensure the means to catch cancer early are accessible to the communities most at risk. I consider myself fortunate to have received a Stage 1 diagnosis. Yet, it pains me to know that for many others, their breast cancer is often detected in later, more advanced stages. It is a sobering reality – one that underscores the need for action.

Fortunately, there is hope on the horizon. Some California congressmembers — particularly U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25) — are taking decisive action. Ruiz is a lead sponsor of a bill to dramatically expand access to cutting-edge early detection tools for Medicare beneficiaries, including millions of Black Americans in underserved communities. With bipartisan support from a strong majority of his colleagues in Congress, as well as many of our state’s representatives, this bill is closer than ever to passage.

Named in honor of Nancy Gardner Sewell, a civil rights leader and passionate advocate for health justice, the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act would ensure Medicare has the latitude it needs to cover an exciting new class of cancer detection tests as soon as they’re cleared by the FDA.

These tests utilize the latest scientific achievements to identify cancer signals in a patient’s blood stream. They can pinpoint many different types of cancer from a single blood draw, dramatically improving doctors’ ability to detect cancers early and at stages where they are most treatable.

The importance of early detection in improving cancer outcomes cannot be understated, especially for African Americans, who often face later-stage diagnoses and poorer prognoses.

A recent study estimates that preventive cancer screenings in the past 25 years have given Americans at least 12 million more years of life, translating to a remarkable $6.5 trillion saved in health care costs. Too many cases are diagnosed after the cancer has spread and treatments, no matter how advanced, are less effective. And even for those forms of the disease, like breast cancer, for which there are screenings, patients can remain asymptomatic until the cancer has metastasized.

That’s why MCED tests are such a game changer, especially when it comes to cancers we currently can’t detect.

Any health care provider that can draw blood already has the tools to administer an MCED test. One of the largest obstacles to the widespread adoption of these tests isn’t technical – it’s the fact that Medicare has no pathway to cover new cancer screenings like MCED in a timely manner, even though people over the age of 65 are at the greatest risk of developing cancer. Without the possibility of Medicare coverage, MCED tests won’t be available for the underserved and older adults who would benefit the most.

The next phase of our fight against cancer – and the disproportionate toll it takes on Black Americans – starts by urging Congress to pass the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act and ensuring the benefits of this legislation reach all corners of our communities.

I don’t advocate for change for myself, but for every Black woman who has faced, or will face, a similar battle. Please heed my words – for yourself and your health. Ask for the necessary tests or screenings. If you’re unsatisfied with their response, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion. We’ve got the power to take control of our health.

Together, we can rewrite the narrative of health care, catch and treat cancer early, and ensure that every woman has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of her race or background.

About the Author

Rhonda Smith, Executive Director of the California Black Health Network, leads initiatives to advance health equity for Black Californians, leveraging her expertise from roles including consulting and spearheading health disparities initiatives for BIPOC communities. With an MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech, Rhonda has led transformative projects like the LiveHealthy OC Initiative and the Susan G. Komen® Circle of Promise California Initiative to address health disparities and promote whole person care approaches.

War, Drought, Starvation, Terrorist threats, Uncertain and knowing that the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; tell me what manner of persons ought you to be?  [2 Peter 3:11]. Jesus is coming back with a vengeance, handing out judgment to all those that are disobedient and refuse to accept Him as Lord and Savior, I ask you, what manner of person ought you to be?

Knowing that God is planning judgment should bring us all into a sobering reality. You cannot be preoccupied with the cares of this life and neglect the welfare of your soul. That is the tragedy that happened in the days of Noah. UNDERSTAND – Salvation is a gift from God. It is the provision, the escape route that God has made for everybody to escape His judgment and wrath.  Therefore, give the more earnest heed to the things which you have heard, lest at any time you should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall you escape, if you neglect so great salvation; which at first was spoken by the Lord and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him. [Hebrews 2:1-7].

Live a life of wisdom instead of foolishness, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil understanding what the Lord’s will is. We must recognize how short our time is. Moses says in [Psalm 90:12], “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.  If we do not realize how short our time is, we will not make the most of it. Our time is short because death awaits us. It is short because certain opportunities currently before us will not always be there. If you haven’t given your life to God, do it right now, because the next second isn’t promised. Understand that life without God is “futile.” It is empty, worthless, unfulfilling. [Ecclesiastes 1:2] says, “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”

I appeal to you therefore, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. [Romans 12:1–2].

Oh, how I love you, Lord! You are my defender. My God is my protection, and with him I am safe. Praise the Lord! The danger of death was all around me; the waves of destruction rolled over me and the grave set its trap for me. In my trouble I called to the Lord. In his temple he heard my voice; he listened to my cry for help. Then the earth trembled and shook; the foundations of the mountains rocked and quivered, because God was angry. The Lord reached down from above and took hold of me; he pulled me out of the deep waters. He rescued me from my enemies, the Lord protected me. He helped me out of danger; he saved me. This God—how perfect are his deeds! How dependable his words! He is like a shield for all who seek his protection. God alone is our defense. The Lord lives! And so, I praise you among the nations; I sing praises to you. [Psalms 18].

Living in Uncertain Times with God on Your Side!

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

God’s warnings are meant for our good. [2 Timothy 3:16]. God never tells us to do something without a reason. If God gives us a warning in Scripture, [Matthew 24:15] it is there for our good. For God’s Word is our keeper, the watcher of our souls; and when a danger is approaching, it rings the alarum and gives us warning. So, consider the message and understand the vision. [Daniel 9:33].

Jesus has been detailing the destruction, devastation, and hardship that all of us will face soon and very soon. Unprecedented wrath and devastation. A time of suffering and despair, so please take heed; for he has told us all things beforehand. [Mark 13:23]. He said when you see ‘the abomination that causes desolation’ standing where it does not belong–let the reader understand.

Jesus did not give these instructions for us to speculate about the future. He gave them that we might be armed and ready. I tell you, wisdom shouts in the street, she lifts her voice in the square; at the head of the noisy streets, she cries out; at the entrance of the gates in the city she utters her sayings. How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you, my teachings. Understand that My warnings are meant for your good. [2 Timothy 3:16]. Take Heed! If you do not, I will laugh when disaster strikes you; I will mock when calamity overtakes you- when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you. For then you will call Me but I will not answer; you will look for Me but will not find Me, since you hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord. Since you would not accept My advice and spurned My rebuke, you will eat the fruit of your ways and be filled with the fruit of your schemes. For the waywardness of the simple will kill you, and the complacency of fools will destroy you; but whoever listens to Me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” [Proverbs 1:20–33]. Let the reader understand. The End is Near!

LOS ANGELES, CA—- From May 1st-2nd, 2024, Maternal Mental Health NOW (MMHN) hosted a two-day “Sex & Perinatal Mental Health Conference” in recognition of Maternal Mental Health Month, focusing on the critical intersection of maternal mental health and sexual wellness during the perinatal period. The event brought together healthcare professionals, sex educators, lactation consultants, holistic healers, and community advocates to discuss innovative solutions and advocate for better systems that support the emotional well-being of expectant and new parents.

“Protecting the mental health needs of Los Angeles County’s pregnant and postpartum individuals requires a holistic approach that integrates sexual health,” said Kelly O’Connor, Executive Director of Maternal Mental Health NOW. “This conference empowers birthing care professionals to provide diverse individuals and families with trauma-informed and culturally appropriate care.”

Perinatal mental health disorders, including postpartum depression and anxiety, affect approximately 1 in 5 women in Los Angeles County. These challenges particularly impact marginalized communities, with Black women experiencing maternal mortality rates three to four times higher than white women, often due to disparities in access to quality healthcare and culturally competent services.

MMHN’s event highlighted the importance of integrating sexual wellness into perinatal care, especially for underserved communities. By fostering open dialogue and collaboration, MMHN aims to reduce stigma and promote inclusive practices that support the mental well-being of pregnant and postpartum individuals.

“When we don’t actively ask and talk about sexual wellness in reproductive mental health, we are complicit in the societal implication that assigned-female-at-birth bodies are meant to reproduce, not to experience pleasure” said speaker and licensed professional counselor Catharine McDonald. “Once a person has birthed, their reproductive organs have served their purpose and lost value.”

MMHN remains committed to advancing initiatives that promote maternal mental health awareness and advocate for policies that prioritize equitable access to care for all families in Los Angeles County.

For more information about Maternal Mental Health NOW and upcoming events, visit www.maternalmentalhealthnow.org.

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media

U.S. Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) announced last week she is co-sponsoring a bipartisan bill to honor Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress.

Butler, the only Black woman currently serving in the U.S. Senate, and Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA.) proposed the legislation to posthumously endow Chisholm with Congress’s highest award in commemoration of her accomplishments, activism, and legacy.

If the bill passes, Congress will present Chisholm, who was elected in 1968 to represent New York’s 12th District in the United States Congress with the Congressional Gold Medal. A statue of Chisholm will also be erected in the U.S. Capitol in her memory.

“Shirley Chisholm left a mark on our nation’s history that demands its own recognition,” Butler said.

“She was a trailblazer — the first Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and the first to run for President — who opened doors for generations of Black women,” Butler added.

Chisholm, a lifelong public servant, worked in education and social services before being elected as the second African American to the New York State Assembly in 1964. She is remembered as a passionate leader who advocated for women and minorities through legislation she introduced and supported.

Warnock said Chisholm’s legacy inspired him to fight for the rights and well-being of Black Americans.

“Shirley Chisholm broke barriers for Black women, Black Americans, and any American who refuses to be confined by injustice,” Warnock said.

“As an educator, and a trailblazing Congresswoman and presidential candidate, she fought for an inclusive democracy, one that lives up to our nation’s highest ideals of equity and justice under law,” he added.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Why? Why would you delay? You know one of the most tragic phrases in the English language is “too late.”  It indicates something that once held promise now is without hope.  Listen, I cannot tell you when the door will shut, only that it will shut one day.  I cannot tell you who will be allowed into the kingdom of heaven, only that Jesus is the gatekeeper.  And according to the gatekeeper’s own testimony, there will be those who will be left outside, the foolish ones, the ones who were invited but rejected the invitation or were so negligent and casual about the invitation they failed to prepare properly for it.  Oh, foolish virgin. Don’t you know that the most important thing a person can do in this life is to get prepared for the next. To get ready to meet God. It’s your responsibility to do because one day you will stand face to face with Christ either by death; [Hebrews 9:27] or by rapture; [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17] and you want to be ready because once the master of the house gets up and closes the door, you’ll stand outside knocking and pleading, Lord, Lord, open the door for us. But “He will answer,” I don’t know you or where you come from.

Please don’t wait until it’s too late!  For when the Lord comes again, the time for salvation is gone! Be ready… this is the basic message of the parable. Oh, Foolish Virgins!

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Photographs serve as historical records, framing both big moments and small ones. Those images evoke a range of emotions such as passion, sadness, joy, nostalgia and more, connecting us emotionally to the history captured in them.

L.A.-based photographer and organizer Ron Wilkins, 78, showcases powerful images he captured from the Black liberation movements of the of the 1960s and beyond in his new book “Crook’s Lens: A Photographic Journey Through the Black Liberation Struggle,” published on Jan. 30, 2024.

The book by Wilkins includes photographs of renowned revolutionaries with whom he interacted, including Huey P. Newton, Angela Davis and Stokeley Carmichael (aka Kwame Ture).

“I have a responsibility to our African ancestors who struggled for our liberation, who made sacrifices and committed a lot of time,” said Wilkins. “Some of them lost their lives in that struggle. I felt as an activist/organizer after all these years that since I’m still alive, I have a responsibility. The book is also a reflection of my evolution and ongoing work. I felt it was important I share my history, especially with young people. They can learn something from my example and carry on the struggle.”

Wilkins was born in San Francisco, but his family relocated to Los Angeles in 1959. His peers gave him the nickname “Crook,” which is reflected in the title of his book. Constantly looking for ways to make money, Wilkins often resorted to stealing and reselling things.

He recalls, “On a couple of occasions, guys would look at me and say, ‘you’re quite a crook.’ That’s how I got the name. When I became politically aware and became part of the struggle, people would often call me Brother Crook.”

Eventually, Wilkins started stealing cars.

One fateful night he was arrested and served 8 months in a juvenile detention center. The harsh reality of that experience, he says, shook him to his core, steered him away from crime, and kickstarted his journey as an artist with a revolutionary perspective.

He started to capture images of history-making moments through his lens. His subjects became some of the most influential Black organizers and activists of the time.

“When I was in detention, I noticed how segregated the place was and I spearheaded a movement on the part of Black inmates against those who were holding us, to end segregation in the pen. That was 1963. After I was released and returned to the street, the Watts rebellion jumped off. That was the cauldron that helped me develop a revolutionary consciousness and decide to become a part of a movement to fight the system and do this for the rest of my life.”

In 1967, Wilkins joined the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) after that group began to embrace the principles of the Black power movement, he told California Black Media.

During his time with SNCC, Wilkins met a professional photographer within the organization. He began to learn more about photography. This chance meeting planted a seed of inspiration within him to capture images of the growing movement he was observing and in which he was participating.

“There is a saying ‘seeing is believing’. I could tell you something but in the back of your mind you would think I’m just talking. But if I show you the image, the picture makes it very plain. That is the power of photography.”

Wilkins’ book chronicles his life story through a diverse collection of photographs, capturing his encounters with historic Black organizers in the liberation movement and his travels to Africa. However, his most prized photo is of 5 Black girls sitting on the porch of the Pyramid Housing Projects in Cairo, Illinois in 1972.

The housing project had been under attack by White supremacists in the area. Wilkins traveled to Illinois to serve as an armed patrolmen tasked with protecting the residents.

Additionally, Wilkins photographed Nina Simone, who was invited to lead a protest march through the heart of downtown, where White business owners were refusing to hire Black employees.

“One morning walking home from patrol, I ran across these five black girls sitting on a step after a night of enduring all of this gunfire. I saw them and said, ‘don’t move.’ I think it was the best picture I ever took. It captured so much feeling. Their facial expressions. Their spirits were still intact. They had a quiet courage that their bodies reverberated with. They could see hope in the future, even though they had endured a night of this intense gunfire.”

Wilkins’ hope is that his book will uplift the spirit of the young revolutionaries he photographed and inspire others to recognize that the struggle is not over. He also hopes it will remind young people that they can aspire to the same heights of passion, intelligence, and bravery that define the lives of the heroes depicted in his photos. 

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