Tuesday, May 23, 2006

1100 New US Citizens

Over 1,100 immigrants from over 100 countries were sworn in as American citizens in a ceremony at the Masonic Center in San Francisco. During the ceremony California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, a immigrant himself, spoke about his experiences when he came to America and the day he was sworn in as a citizen. Schwarzenegger recalled how excited he was the day he took the citizenship oath in October 1983, 15 years after he arrived from Austria "with my gym bag and twenty dollars in my pocket." "After that ceremony, I went home and I wrapped myself in the American flag," the governor said. "I had a smile from ear to ear because I was so excited about now being officially called an American." Mercy Ganas Prescott from the Philippines hugs California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger after being sworn in as a U.S. citizen.A man holds an American flag as he listens to Governor Schwarzenegger.Over 1,100 people take the oath as new American citizens.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger watches as the colors are retired after the ceremony.

Friday, May 12, 2006

Jim Nachtwey Speaks At UC Berkeley

One of the most highly respected documentary photographers working today, James Nachtwey spoke at the UC Berkeley journalism class last night. He has been an intrepid witness to history, working continuously for almost twenty years photographing human conflict and struggle around the world. "I want my work to become part of our visual history, to enter our collective memory and our collective conscience", Nachtwey said. "I hope it will serve to remind us that history's deepest tragedies concern not the great protagonists who set events in motion but the countless ordinary people who are caught up in those events and torn apart by their remorseless fury. I have been a witness, and these pictures are my testimony. The events I have recorded should not be forgotten and must not be repeated." His book,"Inferno" is a fabulous collection of his work over the past 20 years. A must see for any photojournalist. James Nachtwey takes time out after his interview to sign his book, 'Inferno'.
Nachtwey takes a break before speaking to the audience at UC Berkeley.
Nachtwey talks with students and has his photo taken after his interview at UC Berkeley.

Thursday, May 04, 2006

A Million Say 'Let Us Stay!'

Demanding reform of U.S. immigration laws, more than a million people took to the nation's streets Monday May 1 in what some observers said could herald a new civil rights movement. In the nation's largest coordinated demonstration since the war in Vietnam, immigrants both legal and illegal, and their supporters turned out in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Miami and other major cities. They called for justice, dignity and legal residence for illegal immigrants in the United States. A man waves an American flag as he joins thousands of people at city hall in downtown San Francisco. People hold up a large American flag as they join thousands of people marching down Market Street in downtown San Francisco. José Garcia wears an American flag as he listens to speakers at city hall in San Francisco.A woman dressed in traditional Mexican clothing joins thousands of people in front of city hall in downtown San Francisco. Thousands of people in San Francisco join over a million people across the nation as they march for immigration and civil rights of illegal immigrants in the United States. Thousands of people march down Market Street in downtown San Francisco.