Chaos On Commerce

"Chaos on Commerce: The 1993 Dallas Cowboys Parade" delves into the turbulent intersection of celebration and conflict in Dallas during the early 1990s. Through a vivid tapestry of archival footage and official collaboration with The University of North Texas Special Collections Library, the film traces the historical roots of racial segregation and tension in the city, highlighting key events such as the murder of Santos Rodriguez in 1973 and the Rodney King verdict in 1992. These incidents set the stage for escalating violence between Black and Mexican teens. The film captures the Dallas Cowboys' victory parade in 1993, a moment meant to unite the city in celebration, but which instead descended into chaos on Commerce Street. Scenes of joy and festivity quickly turned to violence, reflecting deeper racial and social divides. Through powerful visuals of the parade's buildup, the ensuing clashes, and their aftermath, the film explores the lasting impact on the community. In its resolution, "Chaos on Commerce" underscores the efforts for reconciliation and the enduring hope for unity, revealing the complex layers of a city striving to heal and come together.

As a multi-hyphenate documentarian, my journey began with photography as a primary medium for storytelling. Through immersive imagery, I strive to educate, contextualize, and represent overlooked narratives and underappreciated subjects. Photography, which I taught myself during the pandemic, became my gateway to mastering the art of storytelling, enabling me to preserve moments and voices that often go unnoticed. In my 2nd year as a visual artist, I was honored to become the first Black photographer to hold a solo exhibition at the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden. I also became the first photographer in 32 years to have a solo exhibition at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters, and the first Black photographer to showcase at the Pollock Gallery at Southern Methodist University. I take immense pride in these milestones, as they reflect my passion for amplifying marginalized stories through powerful, thought-provoking images. In 2021, the Dallas Observer named my series "Faces of Dallas" the best photography "no one knows about." While that title speaks volumes, it also drives me to continue shedding light on stories that deserve recognition. As I transition into film-making I aim to expand my creative vision by merging my ambition and vision that i had with photography and merging it with cinematography. My mission remains the same: to shine a spotlight on the overlooked and amplify the voices of the voiceless, using visual storytelling to create lasting impact.