Moments in Focus
Exploring the world through stills and cinema, a seasoned veteran shares travel stories, techniques, and lessons learned behind the lens.
Latest Posts
-
“Our Island, Our Tragedy: 4 Lives Lost, St. Helena Reels After Willie’s Bar Shooting“
ST. HELENA ISLAND, S.C. The air here on the island feels heavy, almost a week after the unthinkable happened right in our backyard. Early last Sunday morning, October 12, 2025, our beloved Willie’s Bar and Grill—a place where we celebrate and gather—turned into a nightmare. Four members of our community are gone, and sixteen others are hurting after a mass shooting shattered a high school alumni reunion. We know their names: Kashawn Glaze (22), Chiraad Smalls (33), A’shan’tek Milledge (22), and Amos Gary (54). The police say it was a private fight that spilled over, but no matter the cause, our community paid the highest price. The Silence that Hurts We hear the Sheriff’s frustration, and it’s hitting close to home. Sheriff P.J. Tanner told the county he can’t believe that out of the estimated 700 people at Willie’s that night, not one has stepped up to name the shooters. “We had 700 people at this party. And we have yet to get a witness that can tell us who the shooters are. It’s ridiculous,” he said. It’s hard to hear, but we know the silence is born from fear. The FBI and SLED are here, helping the Sheriff’s Office piece together the case with video, ballistics, and DNA because, without witnesses, that’s all they have. Justice for these four is moving too slow, and it’s because we’re protecting ourselves instead of protecting our village. We Are Gullah. We Must Speak. This tragedy has shaken the very foundation of St. Helena, the beating heart of the Gullah community. Willie’s isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a pillar. Now, our elders, our friends, and our neighbors are mourning and asking: How do we stop this from happening again? The chaos was absolute, with people running everywhere for safety. If you were there, if you have a video, a picture, anything please, don’t let fear win. The police are begging for anonymous help through Crimestoppers or the FBI’s dedicated portal. We have to break the silence for Kashawn, Chiraad, A’shan’tek, and Amos. Our Gullah heritage demands community let’s act like one. You can find articles and updates on this story from numerous news organizations and official channels, including: Associated Press (AP) / National News: AP News, CBS News, The Guardian, Global News. Local News: WLTX, South Carolina Public Radio, WKYC. Official Agency Request: The FBI opened a portal specifically “Seeking information” related to the mass shooting that occurred at Willie’s Bar & Grill on St. Helena Island on 10/12/2025.
-
“How Beaufort’s Music Bridges the Caribbean and the Culture of Drill“
In Beaufort, South Carolina, the air carries a distinctive blueprint one that skips across oceans and centuries, moving from the rhythms of the Caribbean to the heavy bass drops of Hip Hop and Drill. This musical evolution is not just a regional curiosity, it is a direct reflection of the area’s Gullah Geechee heritage and its deep ties to the Black History.
The sounds of the Lowcountry the spirituals, the ring shouts, and the blues contain patterns traceable to West and Central Africa. These patterns are the same ones that traveled through the Caribbean, creating a musical language that connects Beaufort directly to Kingston and Port au Prince.
Dantavis Fripp, Gullah native and culture and music listener, explains. “Growing up we listen to Reggae music, soul music R&B and Jazz even slave hymns,” Fripp said. “Reggae and dancehall were never just trends here, we knew it was West African ancestry, along with our heritage and where we from. It provides a foundation for our storytelling.”
Music provides the backdrop for the region’s youth, who are now speaking their truth through the lens of contemporary rap. While the older generations may have looked to reggae for anthems, today’s youth often turn to the aggressive, unfiltered style of Drill. This genre, characterized by its grit and powerful 808 drums, has become the preferred vehicle for articulating modern pressures.
The shifting tempo reflects the changing social spectrums. The Lowcountry faces rising concerns over gentrification, economic stagnation, and opportunity gaps. The music adapts to fit the urgency of these new realities.
“The Young boys these days are interested in killing at the most. we Faught a good squabble our music promotes fighting. Today its more weapons involved even in videos. back them they promoted parties,” Fripp added. “As a whole we are worried for the young generation. A lot can’t take a loss, We have to get a new direction with our music, The youth are wilding can’t trust anybody.”
-
“Figure It Out”
My Journey of Navigating Life’s Toughest Lessons
For as long as I can remember, “figuring it out” has been the central lesson of my life. If I needed to improve my grades, I figured it out. If I needed a job after school, I figured it out. If I needed money for bills, I figured it out. Anything I’ve ever needed, I’ve found a way to make it happen.
But what do we do when we can’t figure it out? When we’re faced with a challenge that seems impossible? Do we give up and retreat into our shells, or do we push through?
My name is Dandre Majorbartley, and this blog is about my journey to figuring it out.
Growing up, I found security in reading and writing. They were my escape from the daily struggles of life. With my parents gone, I was forced to live with relatives who didn’t know me. I felt like I was on my own, and I realized that if I was going to make it, I would have to figure things out for myself. No one was going to do it for me.
I’m writing this blog for anyone who has ever felt like they had to “figure it out” on their own. If you can relate to my story, please like, share, and subscribe.
Add your blog page intro or instructions here.
As Easy As You MAke it.com 