Day 821 Last of The “Safer is S.E.X.Y” Series, Photo VI

Posted by Thaddeus Miles on March 31, 2014

Day 821

I hate to do it but this is the last photo of the S.E.X.Y. series. Next up, photos from the Boston Flower Show. Since I wanted to go out with a bang, I chose one of the most energetic ladies I met during the event. When I first walked in she was trying to get the people in the room pumped up and sharing some real knowledge about respecting your body. She was funny and bold and her facial expressions had me thinking I was among “Happy people”.

After her pep talk she asked the ladies in the room to get up and strut their stuff. Those ladies walking around the room doing their thing is what really made me take my camera out of the bag.

Her expression in this photo says to me… “See Me? You Better Recognize…I’m beautiful, I’m sexy and that lame game you’re pushing at me needs to chill!” Like Shea Rose’s song, I’m The Sh..t!!

Blessing to all of you that have taken the time out of your busy day to follow this series. I just ask you to remember, “Safer is SEXY”.

Day 820 “Safer is S.E.X.Y” The Series, Photo V

Posted by Thaddeus Miles on March 30, 2014

Day 820

The incredible Shea Rose! I really didn’t know much about her or her music until the S.E.X.Y event. See, I’m that old school music lover and maybe a little bit of that “Gangster Rap” guy but to me a lot of this new music sounds like they are singing nursery rhymes. Really, I’m just not that hip!

When I was told Ms. Rose would be performing in support of the S.E.X.Y event I expected she would “superstar” it by coming in near the end, perform one or two songs and get out quickly. To my surprise, she was there for the entire show! The power of her presence amplified the spirit of everyone in the room, especially the younger ladies.

When she took the stage the room lit up with her energy. She focused on you as if were the only one in the room. I saw this happen time and time again with everyone she engaged. If you didn’t feel her words you didn’t have a soul. She moved me enough that I purchased her CD and I haven’t stopped listening to it since.

I hope this photo shows a little of the beauty and love we received from her that evening. Should you want to learn more about her music and charity work, check out her website at http://www.shearose.com

Day 819 “Safer is S.E.X.Y” The Series, Photo IV

Posted by Thaddeus Miles on March 29, 2014

Day 818

This lovely young lady was one of the organizers of the “S.E.X.Y” event. Because she was extremely busy making sure the event went well and the attendees connected with each other I only had a few seconds to take two photos. I chose this one and edited in this style because it captured a small part of the essence she projected.

However, one of the most interesting things I learned about (in a short conversation) is that she’s an artist —a “Painter” and…she’s my neighbor. It just reminded me that the world is small and I need to do more to make sure I connect with other artists in my community.

Day 818 “Safer is S.E.X.Y” The Series, Photo III

Posted by Thaddeus Miles on March 28, 2014

Day 818

Day 817 “Safer is S.E.X.Y” The Series, Photo II

Posted by Thaddeus Miles on March 27, 2014

As stated in yesterday’s post, having the chance to photograph some of the most amazing young women of Boston made for a lovely evening of photography. However, not having a flash and the complex light in the room made it a little more challenging (and lots more fun). Secondly none of the ladies knew who I was and being one of the few men in the room didn’t help. Really, all of the attendees were very nice and gave me a few seconds to take their photo when requested. This snapshot of Miss Black MA ambassador 2014 was taken at her dinner table right before she was about to enjoy some of their healthy food.

Day 816 “Safer is S.E.X.Y” The Series

Posted by Thaddeus Miles on March 26, 2014

Today, I decided to forgo my Boston Anime 2014 and Puerto Rico trip photos for an important cause. Last week, I attended a Safer is S.E.X.Y event in observance of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness. “Treat Yourself Thursday and Take Action” hosted by Shea Rose, native Boston singer and songwriter. She is dedicated to music for social change, and works with local organizations through her social outreach project, “My Angel Wears A Fro”.

Safer is SEXY (Sophisticated Empowered Xtraordinary You) is a social media and community outreach campaign to mobilize the community and engage non-traditional partners to promote targeted substance abuse and HIV prevention messages to Latina and Black girls and women in greater Boston.

The event offered mind, body, and sprit resources and activities; education about HIV prevention and free HIV rapid testing with 10 minutes results and Shea Rose gave a concert at the end of the evening.

I attended at the request of one of my favorite people – Irvienne Goldson- not as a photographer but a friend; however and lucky for me, I did bring my camera. I had a chance to photograph some of the loveliest young women. Beginning today until the end of the month, I will share a series of photos taken that wonderful evening and in observance of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness.