E87: Catching The Spirit with Chester Higgins, Jr.

The Institute of Black Imagination.

Today’s conversation is with the legendary photographer, Chester Higgins. I’ve admired Chester’s work for years… he’s a master of his craft, and a technician to the Nth degree. But it’s one thing to appreciate the work of an artist, it’s another to delve into their worldview: the work we see simply being an artifact of a greater pursuit. Well, that’s what today’s holds. What appears to be captured images, is actually Chester’s attempts at in all actuality, capturing God.

In today’s episode, Chester reflects on the near-death childhood experience at the age of 9 that opened his eyes to a parallel reality, introducing him to the spirit that shapes existence. He shares his insights on the interconnectedness of life, the continuous cycle of energy, and the pursuit of capturing the elusive spirit in his photographs.

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Key Links

Haile Selassie I- Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974

Tuskegee University- a private, historically black land-grant university in Tuskegee, Alabama.

P. H. Polk - American photographer known for his portraits of African Americans.

Andrew Young - American politician, civil rights leader, and served in the U.S. House of Representatives

What to Read

Sacred Nile - Betsy Kissam, Chester Higgins Jr.

Feeling the Spirit - Chester Higgins Jr.

Elder Grace: The Nobility of Aging - Maya Angelou, Chester Higgins

THROUGH THESE EYES: The Photographs of P. H. Polk - Chester Higgins Jr., Deborah Muirhead, Amalia Amaki, Meredith Soles

What to listen to

Water No Get Enemy - Fela Kuti

Grazing In The Grass - Hugh Masekela

Mighty God (Remix) - Soweto Gospel Choir

African Drums - African Tribal Orchestra

Who to follow

W: https://www.chesterhiggins.com/

IG: Chester Higgins (@chesterhiggins12)

This conversation was recorded on October 12, 2023.

Host Dario Calmese

Producer: K.T. Thompson

Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen

Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia

Production Asst: Noa Lesche

Original Music composed by Adam Radice

Sound Engineer: Adam Radice

Visit us at blackimagination.com