2012

Zihalirwa Nyumpa, 43, works as a butcher at a slaughterhouse in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I was drawn to the pride with which he carried himself, and the strength he radiated. With a disapproving look, he initially declined to be photographed. Then I noticed his bracelet with the colors of the Jamaican flag and asked if he liked the country. He lit up and shared that he loves Bob Marley. We talked about music and laughed as the walls between us came down. Zihalirwa then became interested in being photographed; I captured him the way he chose to be portrayed. Connection even over the least expected things has the power to erase differences and bring even complete strangers together.