Deafening silence and agonizing pain were constant companions to Brandon Spaulding.
Living life was a chore.
The sudden embrace of suicide looked beautiful, many a time.
But, there was more to life after all.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Then and Now Exhibition
The School of Journalism & Broadcasting is excited to announce the opening of a photographic exhibition AND a documentary film screening.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31
Jody Richards Hall (MMTH)
1666 Normal Dr.
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY
GALLERY EXHIBITION OPENING RECEPTION
Jody Richards Hall (MMTH) Atrium: 6:00 pm
Light refreshments will be served
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Then and Now
A Visual Exploration of a Country in Change
Over 50 photographs by Lara Ciarabellini, Amel Emric, James H. Kenney, Jr., Jose Lopez, Matt Lutton, Dijana Muminovic, Roger M. Richards and Andy Spyra will be on display January 31 – April 13 exploring the people and places of Bosnia and Herzegovina since the start of the war in 1992 until today.
DOCUMENTARY SCREENING
Jody Richards Hall Auditorium: 7:30 pm
Sarajevo Roses: A Cinematic Essay
Directed by Roger M. Richards
The film’s director Roger M. Richards, an award-winning filmmaker and two-time Pulitzer Prize nominated photojournalist who was in Sarajevo at the height of the conflict and has witnessed and filmed its restoration on numerous returns––and who is thus uniquely positioned to share the tragedy’s impact on a great people and a very special place, will lead a post-film discussion.
The documentary screening, presented by WKU’s International Year Of program, is a WKU “swipable” event, free and open to the public. No parking pass is required after 4:30 pm at the Chestnut Street lot just three blocks from JRH. DIRECTIONS
For more information, please contact Tim Broekema at tim.broekema@wku.edu
ABOUT THE FILM
What happens when a modern society implodes?
Imagine waking up to find society collapsed: stores shuttered, electricity and water shut off, no food or medicine, neighbors become enemies and fighting in the streets.
That’s what happened in the city of Sarajevo, only eight years after hosting the 1984 Winter Olympic games.
These are stories of Sarajevo: a surgeon turned psychiatrist to understand and heal his PTSD; a tuxedo-clad cellist playing for the dead at massacre sites; a young woman immortalized in a photograph as she flees a sniper’s bullet; and children struggling to survive in an or
phanage near the frontline.
When Josip Broz, aka Tito, the benevolent dictator of the federation of Yugoslavia, died on May 4, 1980, nobody had an inkling of the bloodshed and ruin to come. In early 1992, a referendum on independence took Bosnia down the path to war.
During the four-year siege of the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo, the longest of the 20th century, hundreds of thousands of artillery, mortar and tank shells were fired into the city from the surrounding hills. As each exploded, it left a crater in concrete resembling a flower. Citizens stoically painted these “pavement petals” red and called them “Sarajevoroses.” Some remain today, fading reminders of innocent blood that was spilled on these streets, in this once all-embracing city. The Sarajevo “rose” represents the impact of the war on the lives of these individuals and all citizens of Sarajevo.
At its heart, “Sarajevo Roses” is a meditation on the search for inner peace and recovery after experiencing PTSD from the horrors of war; how the neighbor next door is capable of committing the most inhuman acts; and personal testimony that love, and living fully in the present, are the best we can hope for as human beings. Important lessons for a troubled world.
ABOUT THE GALLERY EXHIBITION
On display January 31 – April 13
Gallery Hours
Sunday | 4:00PM – 9:00PM
Monday – Thursday | 9:00AM – 9:00 PM
Friday | 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Closed when WKU is not in session
ABOUT THE PHOTOJOURNALISTS
Lara Ciarabellini
Lara Ciarabellini is an Italian photographer currently shooting between Trieste (Italy), Sarajevo and Rio de Janeiro. She received a Master degree in Photojournalism and Documentary Photography, at London College of Communication, University of Arts, in 2012. Her research “A visual comparison of Yugoslavian National Liberation War Movies” will be part of the Research Centre NAM at LCC. Ciarabellini’s work titled Bosnia: If chaos awakens the madness was a finalist in The Aftermath Project 2011 and work of hers has been exhibited at Nursery Gallery – London, at Savignano OFF Festival 2013, at AFFGallery – Berlin, at Officine Fotografiche – Rome, at National Scientific Library – Tbilisi, and at The Library Project – Dublin, Galerija Hran – Sarajevo, Fodar Biennal – Pleven.Cariocas in Olympia has been exhibited at Kaunas Festival in Lithuania.
Amel Emric
Photographer Amel Emric provides a uniquely intimate view into the lives of refugees fleeing ethnic cleansing in Bosnia-Herzegovina. He has taken some of the most iconic photographs of the aftermath of Srebrenica, with the mourners pictured amongst the rows of coffins and headstones. Emric’s photographs from during the campaign of ethnic cleansing from 1992-1995, when refugees were fleeing for their lives, finding themselves in the most desperate situations with what few possessions they had saved, are powerful reminders that give a very intimate insight into the lives of those caught up in the horrific events leading up to the worst atrocity on European soil since World War Two.
James H. Kenney, Jr.
Professor James H. Kenney received his bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fresno, and his master’s degree from Syracuse University. He has taught at Western Kentucky University since 1993 and has been the coordinator of the photojournalism program since 2001. Kenney has taught courses in photojournalism, multimedia, design and picture editing. He is also the director of the Mountain Workshops. He received the WKU Teaching Award in 2001.
Kenney was a photographer and photography editor for newspapers in Las Vegas, Nevada, before entering the teaching profession. He has spent his summers photographing projects in China, Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia, Nigeria and Jamaica. He spent a summer as a photographer for the Lexington Herald-Leader and worked a summer for National Geographic in their faculty fellowship program.
In 2012, Kenney made three trips to Haiti for a documentary project that was part of his sabbatical. He has been photographing the Tennessee Titans NFL home football games for the Associated Press since 2015. In 2017, Kenney traveled to Bosnia and Herzegovina to document the people of this country 20 years after the end of the Bosnian War.
Some of Kenney’s professional credits include still photography and multimedia awards in the Best of Photojournalism contests, a multimedia award in the Pictures of the Year International contest, a Best of Show in the Southern Short Course, AEJMC’s First Prize in its Creative Project Competition and multiple awards in the Kentucky Newspaper Photographers Association’s Photographer of the Year contest.
Jose Lopez
As a professional photojournalist, Jose Lopez had the great pleasure of covering major historical events and news stories from three Presidential administrations, the end of the Bosnian conflict, Super Bowls and Olympic games to the small but powerful stories of daily life. As a picture editor, he has guided the work of the world’s best in a collaborative effort, working together to place them at the right place at the right time — allowing their talent to capture the moment. Each role is essential to effectively communicating each story. Lopez has been in the industry all his life, 31 one of those years at The New York Times (16 years as a staff photographer; 15 years as a picture editor). He was member of the picture editing team that won both Pulitzers in 2002 for the Times coverage of the 9-11 attacks.
Matt Lutton
Matt Lutton is an American photographer who splits his time between his hometown of Seattle, WA and Belgrade, Serbia. He has photographed for a diversity of publications from The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Vice Magazine, the Financial Times and 2012 Magazine.
Dijana Muminovic
Dijana Muminovic, a Bosnian-American award-winning documentary photographer who, for the past eight years, has been telling stories of immigration, human rights, and people of Bosnia and Herzegovina who are still living in the aftermath of war. Most recently, she has been documenting the migrant crisis in Croatia. In the past three years, Muminovic has produced photo essays to reflect on the philanthropic work by the Sanela Diana Jenkins Foundation. Muminovic has her Masters from Ohio University and her B.A. in photojournalism from Western Kentucky University.
Roger M. Richards
Based in Norfolk, Virginia, Roger M. Richards works in nonfiction, fiction and commercial film production, photojournalism/documentary photography and multimedia production for magazine, newspaper, commercial, TV and motion picture clients. His work has ranged from coverage of the White House in Washington, DC to conflict zones around the world, including the disintegration of Yugoslavia (particularly the wars in Croatia and Bosnia and the 44 month siege of Sarajevo), the civil wars in Nicaragua, El Salvador, the US invasion of Panama, the guerrilla and narco-conflict in Colombia, political and social issues in Haiti and Peru, and the search for peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians.
Richards was a founding Senior Producer and Director of Photography with The Drew Carey Project at ReasonTV from December 2007 to November 2009. Prior to that he was Multimedia Editor/Producer, photo editor and staff photographer for The Virginian-Pilot newspaper in Norfolk, Virginia from 2001 to 2007. At the Pilot he helped pioneer Hamptonroads.tv, the first newspaper video portal in the world. He is a former Associated Press photo bureau chief in Bogotá, Colombia, and was a staff photographer at the Washington Times in Washington, DC, from 1997-2000.
His films have screened in cinemas and at many film festivals and alternate venues like as universities and schools. As a director, his first feature documentary “Sarajevo Roses-A Cinematic Essay” has been seen by audiences in Europe and the USA, including a special event screening for lawmakers at the European Parliament in Brussels and at the 2016 Sarajevo Film Festival, the leading film festival in southeast Europe. On television, his work has been broadcast on several TV networks, including ABC, NBC, FOX and the National Geographic Channel.
Andy Spyra
Andy Spyra, born 1984 in Hagen, Germany, is a freelance photographer currently based in Dortmund, Germany. He worked one year as a freelance photographer for a local newspaper in his hometown Hagen before he started to study photography at the Fachhochschule Hannover until the beginning of 2009, when he quit his studies. Besides assignments, he’s working on personal long-term projects in the Balkans and the Middle East.
Kentucky News Photographer Convention
The 2018 KNPA seminar will be Friday, Jan. 26 and Saturday, Jan. 27 at Hilton/Downtown Lexington. As in years past this year the KNPA will run simultaneously with the Kentucky Press Association’s annual winter convention.
Southwestern Photojournalism Conference
Conveniently located in Nashville this year!
Every year, the Southwestern Photojournalism Conference provides the opportunity for photographers all around the world to interact and engage with professionals who believe photojournalism is a calling and the act of bearing witness is important. We look forward to a time of learning, growing and fellowshipping with one another.
WKUPJ Shaban Athuman and Nick Wagner place 2nd & 3rd in Hearst
Congratulations to our WKUPJ student Shaban Athuman, 2nd place, and graduate Nick Wagner, 3rd place finish in the annual Hearst Feature/News competition. Shaban wins $2,000 scholarship and Nick wins $1,500 scholarship from the Hearst Journalism Awards.
Image from Shaban Athuman’s 2nd place entry
Dale Brumfield, of Doswell, Va, left, stands with Jack Payden-Travers, of Lynchburg, Va, on the day of the execution of William Morva in Jarrett, Va., Thursday, July 6, 2017. Both said they are opposed to capital punishment.
Image from Nick Wagner’s 3rd place entry
Lone Peak players celebrate after defeating Pleasant Grove during the UHSAA class 5A volleyball title match in Orem on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016.
Through Our Eyes – 11/29/17
Best of the best:
Public Information Officer Timothy Gray of the WKU Police Department grew up in the south side of Nashville, TN. Gray has lived in Bowling Green since 2004, and after previously working on a joint terrorism task force with the FBI, described his current position as unexpected. WKUPD needed someone who was connected and aimed to move in a new community-based direction. Gray’s passions lie in race relations and breaking down the barriers of race. “People fear what they don’t understand,” Gray said. “We wanted to create an atmosphere that was transparent and honest.” Gray values the power of respecting people, and getting to know the community he serves. He acknowledges that there is a level of distrust with the Police Department and certain minority groups in the community. “There are some folks wearing this uniform that shouldn’t be, but those are the few,” Gray said. “Seek first to understand, then be understood.” He is passionate about asking tough questions and seeing what the Police Department can be doing better. “We are servants. That’s who we are, that’s what we do.”|Lydia Schweickart
Honorable mention:
Kicker Ryan Nuss #37 of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers celebrates after scoring the game-winning field goal against Middle Tennessee at L.T. Smith Stadium on November 17, 2017, in Bowling Green, Kentucky.|Shaban Athuman
Jerry Ayers, 75, relaxes outside of Teresa’s Restaurant in Bowling Green, KY on the back of his 1987 Ford Wrangler. “My first car I bought was a 1957 Ford. I kept that car until her wheels fell off. After three engines and thirteen thousand dollars later I had to let her go. I’ve had this sweetie Wrangler here for fifteen years and she still has her original engine. She breaks down, but this Ford Wrangler is a easy fix.” Ayers said.|Michael Blackshire
WKU volleyball team beats North Texas to win the C-USA Volleyball Championship in E.A. Diddle Arena on Sunday, Nov 19, 2017.|Silas Walker
Undocumented, Unafraid
Undocumented, Unafraid
Video produced by Nick Wagner
Diana Lopez is familiar with the non-English speaking courtroom in Nashville. She’s been there twice before to settle two different charges of driving without a license. But circumstances were different on May 4. As an undocumented immigrant in the era of deportation-happy President Donald Trump, stress levels surged when Lopez heard that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were at the courthouse during the days leading up to her appearance. Lopez plans to fight back, no matter if it’s from inside a jail cell, or on the streets of the United States.
Summer’s Solstice
Summer’s Solstice
Human trafficking survivor empowers women with a grassroots Christian ministry
BY SAWYER SMITH
Summer Dickerson, 38-year-old from Louisville, Kentucky, is a human trafficking survivor and former prostitute. Within two years of initiating recovery from her old lifestyle, Summer accepted Christianity and founded a ministry to empower women caught in similar cycles. Her relationships with her husband and 11 children have improved drastically since her personal transformation. Her husband identifies as a former pimp, and their marriage requires daily sacrifice to overcome battles with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder that she still faces today. She includes each of her children in her ministry work in order to demonstrate her healthy changes to them.
Soon after committing to Christianity, Summer started a Bible study for sex trafficking victims. She invites women from clubs and bars around Louisville to meet weekly for counsel and secure friendship. Additionally, she welcomes women in more desperate need to live with her and her family in their home. In summer of 2017, she completed renovations for a transitional home for them as well. Here they receive mentorship and community in exchange for maintaining strict rules for recovery. On a national scale, Summer connects a community of survivors called the “Sisterhood.” To date, she has saved and transformed many of her “sisters'” lives and fervently continues to do so.
Through Our Eyes – 11/14/17
Best of the best:
My grandpaÕs leathered skin and soft eyes are brighter than most and have seen more sorrow. They’ve seen twelve presidents, a world war that took his father away, a civil rights movement, the stoplight in town be put up then taken back down again when there was no longer a need for it. His hands have helped give birth to hundreds of calves and have carried both his parentsÕ caskets. Now, at 72, with three children and seven grandchildren all spread across the country, the future of his land is uncertain. He reckons it isnÕt time to worry yet. He reckons heÕll just work this land till he dies. He reckons they’ll be buried together. |Skylar Ballard
Honorable mentions:
NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 12: Running back Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans carries the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals at Nissan Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. | Shaban Athuman
“I have memories from back at home and putting them together I could tell the difference and Up to now I can remember things from there to here,” Mohamed muketar speaks of the culture difference since moving to the United States from a refugee camp in Nairobi, Kenya. In 2004 his family moved to the United States in search for a better life. | Shaban Athuman
From left, Judy Wilkins, Jasmine Wilkins, and Sherry Simmons hold the graduation picture of Gregory Wilkins, who was murdered on Tuesday, November 26, 1996 in Louisville, Ky. He was pronounced dead as soon as he went to the hospital. Jasmine, his daughter, was two years old and in the other room when he was murdered. His girlfriend Sherry was at work, and his mother Judy was at home. “I visit his grave once a week,” said Judy. “I have been once a week for 21 years. I once dreamed that he was reaching out to my hand and I almost reached out to his. I said ‘baby, why did they take you so soon?’ He told me his time had come. Then he was gone.” Judy said. |Michael Blackshire
Through Our Eyes – 11/7/17
Best of the best:
Bill Santley, 50, waits to get off in North Hollywood on the Green Line Metro Bus in Los Angeles, California. Bill Santley has been blind all of his life. “I would suggest stay in Northern California, there are a lot of people who don’t speak english here. I have to find an address and people I try to communicate to on the train speak Spanish. Very hard to navigate around LA, and being blind makes my days more rough. Unfortunately IÕve lived here all of my life, but the train system helps. Housing is ridiculous. If your going to live in LA you better have a kid, or else people won’t help you. Or your going to get left behind.” | Michael Blackshire
Honorable mentions:
Eugene Monsun, 76, smokes a cigarette before headed back home. He has lived in Bowling Green, KY for 10 years after retiring from carpentry. ” My old roommate died a year ago so now I live with his son. I try not to dwell on death but I can’t help but think about the inevitable since he passed away. Also doesn’t help my health that I chain smoke cigarettes.” Monsun said. | Michael Blackshire
Connor Fadely helps to clear the football field following a Creek Wood victory over the Portland Panthers on October 20, 2017 at Portland East Middle School in Portland, Tn. The Red Hawks won 21-6. | Gabriel Scarlett
PORTLAND, TN – 20: Kicker Camrin Lyle of Portland Panthers sits during halftime of a game in which she did not see playing time against the Creek Wood Red Hawks on October 20, 2017 at Portland East Middle School in Portland, Tn. She is the only female member of the Portland team. | Gabriel Scarlett
Dawson, 6, trick-or-treats with his family on Halloween in Brownsville, Ky.|Morgan Hornsby
“Here, we are not prisoner,” Denise says. “The [refugee] camp was surrounded with bushes.” Since moving to Morehead in 2014, she started a garden that includes her infamous hot peppers.|Shaban Athuman
Hours after Denise Luke was born in Togo, a west African nation, her family thought they were looking at her for the last time. She was born a bit overdue, and had swallowed some bodily fluids during the birthing process. A man passing by asked what was going on and the family told him that she was dead. The man looked at her, then made a cut under both of her eyes and applied some material on the wound. Seconds later she was awake. |Shaban Athuman
Nashville, TN – 4: Runners compete in their race at the TSSAA State Meet at Percy Warner Steeplechase Course in Nashville on Nov. 4, 2017. | Gabriel Scarlett