The Birth of the Project 
​Content edited by Orlando Ferrand

In September of 2017, a long time friend Connie Pacheco (above), inspired me to continue to shoot in low-key photography as a creative challenge in response to her glamour image. What followed was a fantastic journey that took a life of its own combining the challenges and the need to finally disclose my mental health status, and expose some of the stigmas associated with mental illness. 

My First Model

Javon Egyptt continues to be a significant contributor to the project, and she set the standard for everyone to follow. Although TWSP was in its infancy the idea of combining a mental health component at this point with the images was not conceived. The reality was that I had to challenge myself to complete processing the photo a week later and it was at that moment when I made the connection between being creative and the obstacles I encounter to complete the task, any task.          ​

Media

The invitation to appear on Open with Rhina Valentin, and the inception of The White Shirt Project Reception proposed by Rhina and curated by Yina Santiago, took place at The Mott Haven Bar and Grill - March 2018

  Bronxnet Television Interview 

Interview with Rhina Valentin host of Open on Bronxnet Television - March 2018
​To watch the interview click Here

Invitation to The Bronx Week 2018 Kick-Off 2018

The Mott Haven Bar owner Rosa and Yina the manager extended a personal invitation to show some of my images for The Kick Off of Bronx Week 2018, and I accepted 
May 2018
Bronx Week Celebration @ The Mott Haven Bar and Grill

News12 The Bronx Interview @ The Mott Haven Bar and Grill

Interview with Anchor/Reporter Amanda Bossard, from News12 The Bronx- May 2018
To watch the interview click Here

Interview with Soldanela Rivera

Interview with Sodanela - NFAND  - May 2018
​José Ramón | The White Shirt Project, Son, Brother, and Nephew of Veterans​
To hear the interview click Here 

Interview with Gary Axelbank

Interview with Gary Axelbank - thisisthebronx.info - May 2018
To see the article click  Here 

Interview with Gary Axelbank

Interview with Gary Axelbank of BronxTalk on Bronxnet Television - June 2018
To watch the interview click Here

BronxNet Television Interview #2

Interview with Host of Open Rhina Valentin on Bronxnet Television - Junes 2018
To watch the interview click Here

The White Shirt Project Reception 

Interview with Naomi Yane of Bronxnet Television - June 2018
To watch the coverage click Here

NYC Black Pride  The 2018 Heritage Awards  Ceremony

The White Shirt Project was featured at The Schomburg Center - August 2018

In My Mind - LGBTQ+ People of Color Mental Health Conference 

In My Mind: LGBT People of Color Mental Health Conference - October 2018
The White Shirt Project Exhibit

Interview with Gary Axelbank - Two White Shirts

BronxTalk – Two White Shirts Series - January 2018
To watch the interview click Here

Current Exhibit - The LGBT Center NYC Until April 2020 

Images curtesy of photographer Eddie Pabon