November 25, 2011 - My trip to Haiti.
I recently went to Haiti with Common. I’d never been to a third world country before or seen poverty the way I did there. Below are a few images from the trip and an interview CNN did with me about the experience.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO TRAVEL WITH COMMON?
I’ve never been to a place like Haiti, so initially it was an experience I couldn’t pass up. My work tends to shelter me from the negative reality of the world since I’m generally hired to accentuate a more glamorous lifestyle.
It was an exceptionally eye-opening trip given the obvious state of crisis Haiti is in, but also because of the contrast of people I experienced it all with.
Common is someone I work with back home, so having him there raised an awareness of how our day-to-day lives are so different from the Haitians’ right now. That heightened awareness will continue to affect my life and keep me grounded, which made this trip a crucial step in my career.
WHAT WERE YOUR INITIAL THOUGHTS WHEN YOU ARRIVED IN HAITI?
Getting off the plane, about 10 men were insistent on carrying my bags in hopes of being tipped. They would do anything for a couple dollars.
The most shocking moment was when I saw a group of children shaking a fence, begging for food and money. I had never seen such desperation before. These sights stick with you. I knew I wouldn’t leave the same.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPH FROM THE TRIP? WHY?
I took a photo of a man standing in rubble, wearing a Tampa Bay Buccaneers jersey. He had one leg, one crutch, and was holding the hand of a half-naked child.
I’m from Tampa, Florida, so seeing this man in a familiar jersey just hit home. It made me realize how much I take for granted. I’ll ever forget what that photo taught me.
READ THE REST OF THE INTERVIEW HERE.
