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| Thomas Allen Harris |
While I was browsing through the New York Times the other day, this article really stood out to me. "Mining Memories to Preserve the Past," by Felicia Lee, discusses the work of documentary filmmaker, Thomas Allen Harris in his latest project, "Digital Diaspora Family Reunion." In an effort to make a collective memory of black history through the lens of digital media, the written word and live interaction, Harris has traveled the country searching for people's stories. Delving into boxes of old photographs, sitting down and listening to each individual and family stories, and even creating a website as a forum for discussion and sharing, Harris has created a living history of Black Americans.
What really stood out to me was the way in which Harris has chosen to portray and document this part of history. He makes the documentary not just as a record of facts, names and events, but it is personal. He is using today's technology to not only record, but to express the stories and memories of the individuals. As an aspiring photographer, and lover of art and media, I am impressed by Harris' ingenuity and creativity in combining new media (film, photography, web, and live presentation) to tell these stories in a way that is not only new, but is engaging and interactive. It brings storytelling to another level, bringing the audience into the story, integrating their own stories and experiences to mold into one evolving tapestry of life...am I getting carried away??
Anyways...
Not only is Harris' project an innovative and intriguing way to document and share history, but it is a testament, I believe, to the continued relevance and value that our roots have in our lives today. So often we seem to forget or neglect our past. We fail to remember that it is not only where we are going, but where we came from that not only matters, but ultimately determines who we are and, indeed, who we are to become. One of my favorite quotes from the article was by Harris, describing his intent and the meaning behind this endeavor, saying,
“ We take grandma for granted...We need to understand that instead of looking outside ourselves for value, we can look inside. ”
Family history is not just about finding names to put on a list or add to your family tree. Both the seeking, finding and telling of their stories makes them a part of your story. It's not just about you. And its not just about them. It is a combination––a bringing together of generations, even if they never touch in time, through recording and sharing their stories. As this happens, the gap between people doesn't seem so wide.
One thing that this has reminded me of is the need to cherish and share with those family members who are part of our time. We share a bond with family that cannot be replicated or substituted. And I have learned that when I truly listen to my family, especially my parents and grandparents, I find that their advice and their stories are not so far off the mark. I have more in common with them than not.
For example, my grandma always tells me to smile because it brightens both my day and others'. I assume she tells me this every time I talk to her, not because its just a nice thing to do (although it is), but because from her experience in life, it is better to go out smiling than to wear a frown. Now, maybe that is common knowledge, but it seems to me that the world could use a lesson or two in smiling. So, even though it is not always the most natural reaction, or something I always want to do, whenever I remember our chats, I remember that someone out there loves me and wants me to smile.
Perhaps that is a naive or simple example, but honestly, she tells me that every time we talk so I like to think it's important. And I know that in the future that is what I'm going to remember. The simple things, the little advice given along the way, is what really makes the difference in the end.
And maybe that's the point.
Family history is not just about finding names to put on a list or add to your family tree. Both the seeking, finding and telling of their stories makes them a part of your story. It's not just about you. And its not just about them. It is a combination––a bringing together of generations, even if they never touch in time, through recording and sharing their stories. As this happens, the gap between people doesn't seem so wide.
One thing that this has reminded me of is the need to cherish and share with those family members who are part of our time. We share a bond with family that cannot be replicated or substituted. And I have learned that when I truly listen to my family, especially my parents and grandparents, I find that their advice and their stories are not so far off the mark. I have more in common with them than not.
For example, my grandma always tells me to smile because it brightens both my day and others'. I assume she tells me this every time I talk to her, not because its just a nice thing to do (although it is), but because from her experience in life, it is better to go out smiling than to wear a frown. Now, maybe that is common knowledge, but it seems to me that the world could use a lesson or two in smiling. So, even though it is not always the most natural reaction, or something I always want to do, whenever I remember our chats, I remember that someone out there loves me and wants me to smile.
Perhaps that is a naive or simple example, but honestly, she tells me that every time we talk so I like to think it's important. And I know that in the future that is what I'm going to remember. The simple things, the little advice given along the way, is what really makes the difference in the end.
And maybe that's the point.
