Jelani Memory: Photographer, Entrepreneur, Just Gettin’ Started
PART OF THE SOLUTION - Purpose: To recognize black people who are part of the solution for others (bringing joy, helping others, changing lives) while being part of their own solution (self-fulfillment and actualization).
August/September '07


Solution:  Making Moments Timeless – Translation: Photography

Age: 24 

Born:  Portland, OR

Personal Philosophy: people love pictures…I love taking them.  simple.

Birthed Photography Business:  October 2006

Drew First Picture: 2^nd Grade  (Teachers and students alike were blown away.)

First Photo Taken: Can’t remember.  We take that to mean that photography is just part of who he’s always been.

Where His Work Has Appeared:  Slam, Photoshop, PDX, various periodicals and design projects worldwide.

There’s helping people through saving their lives.  There’s improving the world through non-profit work or donating money.  And then there’s making the world a better place by doin’ your own thing at the highest level.  Through the craft of photography, Jelani Memory captures, enhances and highlights life on film.  As a professional, he does the standard array of “jobs”:  weddings, portraits, magazine work, etc. His work is unique in how his images put intimacy on display while keeping the moment private to who and what he photographs.  If you came across his work in a photo album, you’d feel like an art gallery was scaled down and two-dimensionalized just for you.  That’s how we felt when we got a look at his photos.  But this young brother of few words and many images has other things on deck.  Aside from being a successful entrepreneur, he is completing a degree in Theology with a minor in Ancient Greek.  How does he manage this while being a photographer, designer and inspector for iStockphoto?  It must have something to do with being true to himself, his art and his personal priorities.  As he grows, matures and ages, we expect his art to evolve. But we’re definitely impressed with his current body of work.

Onyx Cranium’s Take on Mr. Memory: We’ll let this quote from Anais Nin clue you in on what we think of this man who lives his dreams through his work:

“Dreams pass into the reality of action.  From the actions stems the dream again; and this interdependence produces the highest form of living.”

Website: www.jelanimemory.com

THE PHOTO THAT MOVED US TO CHECK OUT JELANI MEMORY: