There’s more to being a good neighbor than having sugar and milk when someone asks, it’s about adding value to the community so that everyone around you is enriched.

Experience Bridgeport is an ongoing documentary project, with the singular purpose of telling an honest story of who are at this moment in time. This is my contribution to the neighborhood.

This garment features the “Smoke Stack”, because it’s our landmark, it’s what we can see from a distance that lets us know where almost home. The hoodie was selected as the vessel for this launch because I feel it connects to the blue collar roots of the city, speaks to our durable and resilient spirit — also I like the idea of a Neighborhood[ie].

Given the communal nature of this project, I felt it was important to highlight my neighbors from the city of Bridgeport. These launch photos feature Imani Nicole, the founder of Crown Graphics Studio, proudly based in Bridgeport.

When the concept for Experience Bridgeport was developed, I was literally trying to figure out how I could use my skills to be a good neighbor. I was an “all-city” kid, I lived and socialized in every section of the city to the point everywhere felt like home.

The feeling has stayed with me throughout my life. I feel at home in every neighborhood around the city. As I matured, I learned to appreciate the lessons I learned in city, to take pride in being a product of my environment. Along with my maturity, came a feeling of giving back and I spent some real time trying to figure out ways I could be impactful.

Eventually I realized that I could use photography to articulate how beautiful Bridgeport is, to highlight the diverse cultures and communities that call the city home. It was, and still is, important to me that our city is documented in a way that offers a sense of pride and belonging.

I genuinely hope this project resonates with you and I appreciate your support on all levels.

The Neighbor hoodie can be purchased here!

Peace!