I have long admired your work and the rich stories your photos tell. I am on the west coast, I was just dreaming about storytelling and its role in our life. Your book "Feeling The Spirit" has long been a guide of discovering who I am and who we are....thank you! Theresa Polley-Shellcroft, Fellow artist and storyteller!
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- Theresa Polley-Shellcroft 08/23/2010
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Chester Higgins Jr. and Gordon Parks are my all time favorite photographers. Their images never fail to speak to the love in me and the hate in me, the fear in me and the confidence in me sometimes all at once. When looking through their work, I feel them. I mean I really feel them. And I can understand what it is that theyre trying to tell me. I hear them when I look at the photo. I see who a person really is when I look through the eyes of a person photographed by one of these super conscious and powerful men.
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- Ayesha Walker 08/18/2010
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Thank you for feeding our minds, stirring our senses, healing our hearts.
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- Laura Pegram 08/16/2010
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I've viewed your photos and love them all! You have a special eye. I loved silver foxes and Ethiopian photos - they were so special. Have a great day.
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- Shirley Monestier 08/16/2010
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back in 2009 you were so gracious to give a lecture to me and some of my student while i was doing a residency at the Shomburg....you truly affected all of us creatively especially your theory on light (male and female). i am sending you some links to some work i have done since then. i hope all is well with you,and the creator continues to bring you new and exiting ways to see.
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- M Scott Johnson 07/26/2010
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"Mr Higgins, I cant express here how moving and inspirational I have found your work to be, especially Elder Grace, which I discovered while working for the National Visionary Leadership Project. Thank you!"
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- Skip Coblyn 07/06/2010
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Mr. Higgins, I am inspiried by your work to take photographs that are meaningful and that leave a lasting impression on people. I have carried a camera for more than 30 years and am still learning. I have been familar with your name and work for a number of years. You, Gordon Parks, Ansel Adams and James Van Derzee have kept me motivated to keep on keeping on. I saw Elder Grace in Philadelphia great photos poorly lit space. I had a choice to eat or go to Emory University to see the Nubian installation, didn't eat......
Thank You for being you and allowing me to dream big.
Debora Clark Fairfax, Harlem USA
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- Debora Clark Fairfax 07/01/2010
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Your images capture the emotional landscape, in people as well as in geography.
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- Marie Ponsot 06/24/2010
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Your imagery on ancient Nubian and Kushite sites in Sudan is astonishingly beautiful and evokes so wonderfully the distant mystery of the fabulous monuments of antiquity along the river Nile. You are a real artist. Your images look certainly inspired! Raymond Johnson
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- Raymond Johnson 06/15/2010
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I am very grateful for your beautiful presentation today to my photojournalism workshop. Your images and words moved me and all of my students very much. There are few contemporary photographers whose works speaks to me as much as yours. Your images are so elegant, clear and complex. Thank you so much also for your wonderful book, 'Feeling the Spirit,' I will cherish and look at and show others often. I look forward to staying in touch. With warm regards, Peter Turnley, www.peterturnley.com
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- Peter Turnley 06/03/2010
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We have been "Facebook friends" for quite a bit but today was the first time I viewed your site... I am deeply impressed - the photos are warm, beautifully composed and executed sensitive portraits. I felt privileged to be there, plus I had the added pleasure of knowing well many of the people portrayed - mostly as close family friends, so the whole experience was very evocative.
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- Susan Gardner 06/01/2010
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"Your photographs took me back to so many places that I've visited over the years. Your work is awesome, a dream come true. Viewing your work, made my day. What a pleasure! Keep me posted on events and exhibits, books etc. It's a honor and pleasure to be your Facebook friend."
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- Ingrid Calvert 05/31/2010
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Hetepu, Chester. Your photos on your website allowed me to travel to many places, meeting many faces without leaving my studio. Thank you for the treat.
(Snt Urt) Kaitha Het Heru.
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- Kaitha Het Heru 05/29/2010
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I was so glad and honored to have the assignment to research photographer Chester Higgins Jr. I had seen the photos 'Morning Coffee and 'Diner in Harlem.' I soon found his website that tells and shows so much. I am proud of his genuine work. I am in such awe of the many pictures that encourage me to continue to learn about photography. I want to thank him for his wonderful and pricelss work. I am inspired to carry my camera everywhere. I must learn more about photography so that I can capture images in the same way!!! Sincerely, Marlisha Portier, San Mateo, CA
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- Marlisha Portier 05/08/2010
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Thank you so very much for your video on Geoffrey Canada of the Harlem Children Zone. I read that Mr P.H. Polk was your professor. I saw his original work and Mr. Van Der Zee's at Atlanta University's Trevor Arnett Library. I want you to know that you have inspired me to photograph. Someone is giving me a 35mm camera. I always wanted to develop film. I will be reading your recommended writings on photography (Reflections). Thank you for having a meaningful life.
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- Gwen Gilliam 03/02/2010
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"What a great man U R. Your work is ultimate testament that Africans are ONE, and: the artist makes the camera, not the camera the artist. Thank you for embodying Coltrane's AfroBlue in Light & Darkness." Malcolm Cash
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- Malcolm Cash 01/15/2010
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The Lalilbela, Ethiopia rock-hewn Church of Saint Giyorgis is awesome!!! It must be amazing to see in person. The incredible history behind many of the photos is very exciting. Thank you for sharing your wonderful and meaningful experiences through your photography on Facebook (Chester Higgins Fine Art Fan page). You are so blessed to lead such an interesting life that gives so much to others. You and your achievements honor New Brockton in many special ways. Thank you so much!!! Judy of Dothan
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- Judy Bailey Wise 01/05/2010
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Your photographs are totally Spirit-filled. Thank you for your artistry and good heart.
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- Judith Jamieson 12/26/2009
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"I'm so glad that you gave yourself a chance to blossom outside the confines of The New York Times. Saw your most recent book, 'Echo of the Spirit' -- just fabulous!"
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- Sonia Katchian of Chapel Hill 12/21/2009
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Wonderful work! Thank you for what you do.
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- Leah Reeder 11/12/2009
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Over the years, I pull 'Feeling the Spirit' off my shelf, quietly thumb through it, and think.
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- Cheryl Renee Gooch 11/10/2009
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Not a day goes by when I don't either look at or think about your images and their significance to our people. Thank-you!
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- Dana Tomlinson 11/01/2009
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I love, love, love all of the portraits and the way you have thought carefully about the organization of your web site. It is a beautiful journey and speaks to your legacy. Again, the portraits are classic and wonderful contributions.
In the spirit of Roy DeCarava, the contributions of his legacy to all of us; our community, I thank you for all you do.
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- Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe 10/28/2009
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"I have been loving your work since the 70's Black Women book. Thanks for seeing and Being."
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- Harmon Outlaw 10/25/2009
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What a beautiful composition of the Starry Giyorgis Ethiopia 2009 image Chester!
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- Alix du Serech 10/22/2009
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Your work is a powerful inspiration for me to become a better photographer...without a doubt, you are the master! Thanks for sharing.
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- Sam Reynolds 10/19/2009
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Your work is mesmerizing and absolutely breathtaking. Artistically, it brings out the best of places that are already so beautiful.
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- Maki Amare 09/25/2009
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My Lord, My Lord! Chester, your God-given eye and talent are totally amazing!
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- Thelma Austin 09/25/2009
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Your imagery continue to amaze me. Your talent to record how much the Creator has blessed humanity still astounds me.
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- Michelle March 09/25/2009
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After looking at your Giyorgis starry night photo in Ethiopia my one response "". . .then there was light." You have great eye, my brother."
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- Edward Darden 09/23/2009
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Your image of St. Giyorgis starry night is simply stunning. I am so jealous of your travels to remotest Ethiopia. What's more you record it with its true ethereal qualities. Enquan abro aderesen.
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- Gabriel Abraham 09/22/2009
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"Brother Chester, if you knew how long I've loved your work you would surely blush. I remember when my sister purchased, The Black Woman and Drums of Life, and how those images offered a cultural bridge for me to cross. Thank you for continuing to share your gift!"
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- Judy Marie Willis 09/21/2009
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Have your photo, 'Merkut of Khufu' on my office wall. It is strangely spiritual. Thank you.
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- Jim Smith 08/19/2009
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Hello Chester, Many decades have passed since our days as freshmen in residence "F" at Tuskegee. Your life's work is an inspiration for people of color and serves as a beacon for all mankind to search our souls. You have used your gift and talent well. May your Higher Power continue to bless you.
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- Ralph McWhorter 07/15/2009
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I want to convey to you how much your work has moved me. The first time I viewed your website a few weeks ago and every time I have explored your work since, my eyes well with tears. The spirit that is within you connects on such a deep level with your subjects, radiating out of them like the rays of the sun. I know that I have never seen the beauty of the human spirit conveyed in any media more clearly than in your photos.
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- Stephanie Leach 05/22/2009
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Your work is nothing short of amazing. We in Ethiopia are inspired to work hard as you have, to strengthen and expand the glorious history of all black people everywhere. Thank you and God Bless you
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- Selam Asfaw 05/22/2009
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I enjoyed your photos of Ethiopia in the May/June issue Archeology Magazine. It sounds like an interesting place to visit. John
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- John Pye 05/12/2009
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I am the Africana Studies librarian at the University of Pittsburgh and I intend to suggest to our special collections to consider photographs as documents of our history, worthy of scholarly consideration and financial support. I am also a historian with a special research interest in African American Muslims. I have seen your work for many years now and find the photographs to be Africana in visual form. The style, spirit, honesty, nobility, and diversity of our experience shine through the photographs. As the saying goes, "What comes from the heart - touches the heart." I am aware of many excellent articles detailing your work and its importance. In addition, I am an amateur photographer (currently a student at Pittsburgh filmmakers) and you are one of my favorite photographers. Some of the others are the late Teenie Harris of the Pittsburgh Courier, Peter Sanders (UK), and Jeffery Becom. Thanks for your work. Peace and blessing. - Arif Abdullah Jamal
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- Arif Abdullah Jamal 05/01/2009
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I look forward to looking at any work done by Chester Higgins, Jr. The bonus is that I am being introduced to the Omo People. Unashamedly I acknowledge I have much to learn about our people, I welcome the privilege of this exposure. In Sublime Anticipation. Louie
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- Louie 04/18/2009
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WOW. IT IS TOO BAD WE DON'T KNOW MORE ABOUT THE WORLD but I was so fascinated with this collection that I wish I had all of them in a book. Do you think he will write a book? If so, if I can afford it, I will buy one. I wish I had wall space for all of them on my walls. They are some beautiful people and so colorful. I would like to know more about them, I will try to Google them. THANK YOU and I will keep them in my prayers. Marie
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- Marie 04/18/2009
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Your website showcases the depth of your ability to document the spirit of our people. I will continue to refer back to it on future matters. The Omo people face the dam, we all face the concerted efforts of these same forces that have come on the earth to conquer nature everywhere. Appreciate you my Brother. Imani
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- Imani 04/18/2009
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Having met you and Betsy briefly in Lalibela and then in Addis, I am so excited to see the beautiful images from Lalibela and also the ones from Omo. On my trip to Omo, which kind of followed in your footsteps, I met some of the people from your photos and it makes it even more special to see them so wonderfully beautiful here in your portfolio. Thank you for sharing you love for Africa and Africans with us. Maybe our paths will cross again on this amazing continent.
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- Liza Debevec 03/19/2009
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This is indeed a great narrative about the Omo people. I wish you introduce your new friends by names. I sincerely appreciate your creative and spiritually motivated project, a project that has successfully displayed the complex and diverse landscape of humanity in Ethiopia. I am glad that the outside world will now have a chance to frame Ethiopianity beyond the alpines of northern Ethiopia. I look forward to reading and viewing the fruits of your photography in south Ethiopia. Ayele
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- Ayele Bekerie 03/10/2009
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Oh my goodness, I am in awe and just grateful for your presence in this world. The photos of the Omo people are breath-taking and your narrative touched my soul. I've always known that you see more than the camera captures, it's as if you're able to see something the normal eye doesn't see. What a gift!
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- Elwanda Young 03/05/2009
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Thank you for the wonderful pictures of southern Ethiopia and Lalibela. Your pictures tell remarkable stories. To me, the people of Omo and surrounding areas are turning their bodies into an encyclopedia of history, culture, and philosophy. Body art is perhaps the most intimate form of art. By allowing their bodies as an instrument of expression, the people share with the rest of humanity their sense of transparency, openness, beauty and happiness. In Lalibela, the people turn a rocky mountain into a live gallery of religion. Lalibela is magnificent because it is the visual expression of biblical stories and verses. Your stunning pictures are affirmations of our ancestral great sense of spirituality.
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- Ayele Bekerie 03/02/2009
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Omo Spirit,is a captivating piece that compelled me to admire not only the writing skills of Mr. Higgins but also the thoughtful and respectful manner he presented his work. The parallel he drew between himself and his African brothers and sisters he honors in Omo Spirit is fascinating. The content of the article and its style (not to mention the powerful images) are so meaningful to me that I will have to read it again. My heartfelt admiration and gratitude to Mr. Higgins.
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- Tewodros Abebe 03/01/2009
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Your work is stunning and elegant.
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- Necia Harkless 03/01/2009
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I love your work. My friend took me to a black book store in Harlem to try and give me inspiration for my photography class. I spot your Elder Grace, where I could feel the woman's eyes speaking to me like my own grandmother. I brought the book of course and I am doing my project on you Mr. Higgins. You have also given me a great idea on what to do on my final projects. I am a student at Lehman College. My majors are Black Studies and Sociology with minors in Woman Studies and Early Childhood Education. Your work has truly inspired me on so many levels as Jamaican African American Woman. Thank you for reading. I just wanted to say how much a love your work.
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- Michelle-Ann Pearson 11/07/2007
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These Omo Tribes of Ethiopia photos are magnificent! The "painted man" reminds me of a vision I had, years ago, of wizened old men, covered in white "chalk paint", hobbling on knobby sticks, their black eyes blazing red, reflecting the campfire. Isn't Africa the most amazing place? You have captured the soul of the people without holding their souls captive; how beautiful. The fierce beauty of these people is almost unbearable! You you carry such a gift in your hands and eyes and skills; it is humbling to envision you at work. It is a gift enough to simply sit with these beautiful Africans knowing that you and they have seen each other's eyes... May the ancestors smile on you as their emissary of beauty and may you continue to dance with the spirits, in joy.
Blessings. Vicki
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- Vicki Burns 02/06/2009
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Dear administration www.chesterhiggins.com, I am assured, that I shall express the general opinion of all visitors and consequently on behalf of everything, I speak you the hugest thanks for creation and maintenance of such remarkable project!
Thanks!
As very much it would be desirable to hear something about plans for development of the project.
P.S. If our help is necessary - address, we always with pleasure shall help you!
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- poseselpawala 12/16/2008
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