Officially meeting George Jackson

Wow... every now and again people in this generation (80's babies) get to meet the elders that helped formulate the world we live in today. And sometimes, you get the opportunity to really connect and make friends with these wiser than wise people - and they give you a glimpse into a world that you can now only imagine through old movies, books, and music. 

Meet George Jackson - he is 83 years old. I repeat 83. And had the energy, spirit, disposition, outlook, and clarity of thought that far surpasses mine! To say that he is beautiful man would be a gross understatement. So the funny thing is that I always walk by this man - he is street vendor in my neighborhood - and he always has a HUGE smile, greets you with a booming and joyful "Hello" and "Have a nice day, now!". And I always noticed how everyone loves him. So, Mel and I had been meaning to photograph him for a minute - and yesterday was the day! And we sat there with him for 5 hours taking pictures and he told us his stories - stuff you would never hear today.

He is from Daytona, Florida but moved to New York at 17 in 1942 with 65 cents in his pocket and big dreams. He described making the trip, arriving and having a complete stranger offer him a place to stay with his wife and family. This same stranger gave him enough money to be able to rent a room which cost $4 a night - what?? And he described how he was never worried about his money situation. He described how after he paid his rent, he went to the movies, got some popcorn, and bought a train ticket (equivalent of a metrocard) and only had 5 cents to his name after that. And then, the people that were renting him the room gave him food without his asking, found him a job, and just generally took care of him. Now tell me, where would this ever happen today. People are so paranoid and fearful of others - inviting a man into your house that you met on the bus would hardly ever be an option.

His story is prolific as you can imagine - he has sons and daughters in their 50's and grandsons and grandaughters that are a decade older than us. If that is not humbling - I don't know what is. He has lived in Puerto Rico - owned a bar, shared a barber with Nat King Cole, been to jail (no fault of his own), made albums, worked all around New York City throughout the 40's to now, and he shows no sign of stopping. For him, being a street vendor is just a means to an end so that he can take care of his little credit problem and move back to his adopted home of Puerto Rico and build "Jackson's Castle". He says he is going to invite us too! 

Look at this - that was him in the 40's or 50's - AMAZING!

Yes... all of these albums were made independently by George Jackson - he made real music!

All this to say that is was such an honor photographing him. Most people walk by and look at him as if he were a lowly street vendor - especially people our age. Really - we are all out of touch and letting these people slip through our hands without ever stopping to think that they are wells of knowledge, wisdom and advice. He is our new best friend, and we care about him deeply! He has had the gall to dream, make things happen for himself, be humble, and still keep going and having faith in himself. 

Yesterday reconfirmed why we are The Agytators, why we have this name, and why we do what we do! And all of this barely touches the surface of what we learnt yesterday. So next time you see an elderly person, and you think they may want to talk, and they are open to share their lives with you - take the opportunity. It keeps everything in perspective.

Now we must run and prepare our exhibition going up at the Soho D&H Gallery with a grand opening on the 19th of this month! Talk soon.....

Much love.

Coco Black & Melly Shabazz