Faces of 2008: Portraits from the Colorado Convention Center

We are being bombarded with negative ads designed to appeal to the worst in all of us -- to our fear.

But the reality is that millions of Americans engaged in this election have the courage of hope, and they are willing to work hard to keep that message alive beyond November 4.

These portraits were taken in the chaotic heart of the Colorado Convention Center during the Democratic National Convention. They reveal the faces of people who know that hope is much harder to hold onto than fear. They are people with the courage and the temerity to keep hoping. You will find here the face of a young man who swam to freedom across the Mekong River in Laos, a woman who was among the first to desegregate the boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey, a man who earned a Purple Heart in the Korean War, and a high school teacher who traveled to the DNC because Barack Obama's campaign inspired her inner-city students to aspire. Some faces you will recognize -- John Lewis, Moby, Kerry Washington (below). Many you have not yet heard of. Yet. What they share is a deep humanity that transcends any one demographic characteristic.

This campaign makes clear that we can no longer be defined by our race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender. It is now up to voters to demonstrate that we will not be pigeon-holed by fear and divisiveness.

Comments

[mama mac]

Not to nit-pick, but don't you mean that "fear is much harder to hold onto than hope", rather than the other way around?

But the pics are wonderful. Thank you for sharing them.

[llisa]

This is beautiful. Obama supporters always look so serene.

I used to listen to music as I worked around the house. Lately, I have been listening to Obama talk. It just makes me smile.

[Danigirl65]

What a truly inspirational way to remind us what Hope looks, and feels, like. You missed only one face - the one that inspires this Hope and reminds us that, together, we can do anything.

Thank you!!

Obama/Biden '08
"There's never been anything false . . . . about Hope"

[CHARLEEE]

Mr. John Beebe, your stunning and brilliant photography, as well as the ever-so meaningful text that you write, is a much needed inspiration to the people of this country. I hope and pray that this timely post will be seen by as many caring citizens of this country as is possible. God knows, it's high time we all be focused on this message, and touched by this message.