ATX Digital Media

29/07/2024

President Joe Biden spoke at the 60th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act at the LBJ Presidential Library on Monday, July 29, 2024. When Biden arrived on stage, he received a standing ovation for close to a minute from the packed auditorium. Ambassador Andrew Young introduced President Biden. The presentation was rescheduled today from the initially scheduled date of July 15.

During President Joe Biden’s keynote address at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Biden praised three landmark pieces of legislation passed during the Johnson administration: The Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act, and the Fair Housing Act. Biden stated, “Taken together, these three acts have made this nation fundamentally fairer, fundamentally more just and, most importantly, fundamentally more consistent with our founding principles,” President Biden said to a standing-room-only applause. He also said that more recent iterations of the court had “eviscerated” efforts from affirmative action to voting rights, and warned that another Trump presidency would push the court into more extreme territory.

This is Biden’s first public appearance since he ended his presidential campaign last week.

Huston-Tillotson University Concert Choir had a musical performance featuring Ruthie Foster before Biden's presentation.

© 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

Nokoa The Observer
by Michael Lewis

29/07/2024

Duke Fakir, the founding member and last surviving member of The Four Tops, passed away at 88. He left a seven-decade legacy in music. The Four Tops is one of the original Motown groups signed in the 60s.
Fakir died of heart failure in Detroit at this home on Monday, July 22, 2024, surrounded by his wife Piper, and loved ones, according to a statement provided by a spokesperson for the family.
In 2022, Fakir released his memoir “I’ll Be There: My Life With the Four Tops.”
Thank you, Duke, for allowing me to photograph the Four Tops during their performance in Austin in 2022 and to photograph the group backstage. I will never forget it. Rest in peace, Duke.

© 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

Nokoa The Observer
by Michael Lewis

28/07/2024

Nokoa The Observer
by Michael Lewis

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called 'the second emancipation.' To mark this milestone, LBJ Presidential Library is hosting 'The Civil Rights Act: 60th Anniversary Commemoration' on Monday, July 29th at 3 PM (CT). The program will feature a keynote address by President Joe Biden and include musical performances and readings.

While public tickets are not available, everyone is invited to watch via the live stream starting at 3:30 PM: www.youtube.com/TheLBJLibrary/live

24/07/2024

The media meeting of Chief Jeffrey B. Norman, candidate for the City of Austin Police Chief was Tuesday, July 23 at Austin City Hall. Chief Norman spoke to the media and answered questions. The chief stated he is a communicator who is committed to being a great police chief for the city of Austin if selected. I asked him about how he would win the trust of the Black community. He stated in part, to be engaged with the Black community. The chief plans to be proactive and build relationships in the community if chosen for the position. Assistant Chief Lisa Davis's main focus is also building relationships in the community.
There was a public forum of the Austin police chief finalists, Chief Jeffery Norman, and Assistant Chief Lisa Davis on Tuesday, July 23 at Palmer Event Center at 6 pm. The City Manager will select one of the police finalists by next Tuesday.
© Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

Nokoa The Observer
by Michael Lewis

23/07/2024

The media meeting of Chief Jeffrey B. Norman, candidate for the City of Austin Police Chief was today at Austin City Hall. Chief Norman spoke to the media and answered questions. The chief stated he is a communicator who is committed to being a great police chief for the city of Austin if selected. I asked him about how he will win the trust of the Black community? He stated in part, to be engaged with the Black community. The chief plans to be proactive and build relationships in the community if chosen for the position. Lisa Davis's main focus is building relationships in the community. There was a public forum of both of the police chief finalists on Tuesday, July 23 at Palmer Event Center at 6 pm. The City Manager will select one of the police finalists by next Tuesday.

Nokoa The Observer
by Michael Lewis

07/07/2024

Vice President Kamala Harris, had a 30-minute presentation at the 30th annual Essence Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana on Saturday, July 6, 2024. This was her 3rd consecutive appearance to a packed house at the festival. Harris talked about several issues but the main theme was to get Black people to vote in the upcoming election.
© 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

06/07/2024

We had an exciting first day of activities at the Essence Festival of Culture in the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Here are some panel discussions, people in the crowd, and professionals providing their services for free.
Nokoa The Observer
by Michael Lewis
© 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

05/07/2024

https://www.atxdigitalphotography.com/blog/2024/7/nikki-giovanni-at-the-austin-african-american-book-festival-2024

Nikki Giovanni was featured at the 18th Annual Austin African American Book Festival on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the Carver Museum and Carver Library.

01/07/2024

Nokoa The Observer
by Michael Lewis

Nikki Giovanni (born June 7, 1943) headlined the 18th Annual Austin African American Book Festival on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the Carver Museum and Carver Library located at 1165 Angelina Street in Austin, Texas, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Giovanni spoke at 11:00 am. Giovanni will discuss her life and work with Texas Poet Laureate Amanda Johnston. In this video, Nikki Giovanni speaks about Black Women in Space.
Giovanni has won numerous awards, including the NAACP Image Award. She has been nominated for a Grammy Award for her poetry album, The Nikki Giovanni Poetry Collection. Giovanni was also named as one of Oprah Winfrey's 25 "Living Legends". Happy belated birthday to Nikki Giovanni!
This year’s festival, Under the theme “Black Feeling, Black Talk: Activism in Poetry and Prose,” the festival highlighted the transformative power of the arts to foster growth and connection in our community.
© 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

23/06/2024

Nokoa The Observer
by Michael Lewis

Boney James had a soulful performance at the Paramount Theatre on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Boney James stated after he heard Grover Washington's Mr. Magic, he was convinced to play the sax. James performed Mr. Magic for about a minute along with Sweet Thing and Detour from his new CD. James also performed the smooth and relaxing song, "Butter" and an array of songs from his 18 albums. Black people showed up and showed out for this smooth jazz event at the Paramount Theatre. We need to have more of these events in Austin.

© 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

30/05/2024

Nokoa The Observer
by Michael Lewis

Disney’s Frozen, a Tony®-nominated musical will play a 10-day premiere engagement at Bass Concert Hall beginning Wednesday, June 5, 2024, with performances playing through Sunday, June 16, 2024. Disney’s Frozen will play Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays at 8 pm, Saturdays at 2 and 8 pm, and Sundays at 1 and 6:30 pm. There will be an additional matinee on Thursday,
June 13 at 1 pm.

The story centers on the relationship between two sisters who are princesses, Elsa and Anna. Elsa has magical powers to freeze objects and people, which she does not know how to control. After inheriting the throne, Elsa flees, inadvertently causing the kingdom to become frozen in an eternal winter, and nearly kills her sister. She must sacrifice and show true love to save the day.

This production is by the Disney Theatrical Group, under the direction of Andrew Flatt, Anne Quart, and
Thomas Schumacher, and Texas Performing Arts.

Tickets are available at texasperformingarts.org and BroadwayinAustin.com, by
phone at (512) 477-1444, or from the Texas Performing Arts ticket office at Bass Concert
Hall.

29/05/2024

Nokoa The Observer
by Michael Lewis

The Brit Floyd 2024 "Pulse" World Tour performed at ACL- Live at the Moody Theatre on Tuesday, May 28. Brit Floyd is a tribune band for Pink Floyd from Liverpool. The band was celebrating 50 years of Wish You Were Here. Wow, Brit Floyd performed for over 150 minutes. They finally ended the concert and laser light show at 11:00 pm after an exciting encore! If you own any of Pink Floyd's albums from the 70s, this is a must-see show.

20/05/2024

Nokoa The Observer
by Michael Lewis

Contemporary R&B and soul singer Charlie Wilson is headed to the 2024 Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans this summer.
He's the latest addition to the three nights of concerts in the Caesars Superdome scheduled for July 5-7.
Previously announced acts include a reunion of the Cash Money Millionaires affiliated with New Orleans hip-hop powerhouse Cash Money Records, and Janet Jackson, who is slated to make her fourth appearance at Essence. Essence Festival

Get your tickets at: https://www.essence.com/festival2024-v2/

17/04/2024

Nokoa The Observer
by Michael Lewis

Girl from the North Country is the Tony Award-winning new musical that will open on Tuesday, April 23 at Bass Concert Hall. The Depression-set musical written by playwright Conor McPherson with 20 legendary songs of Bob Dylan as they’ve never been heard before, including “Forever Young,” “All Along The Watchtower,” “Hurricane,” “Slow Train Coming,” and “Like A Rolling Stone” and featuring Tony Award-winning orchestrations by Simon Hale, is a glimpse into the lives of a variety of characters passing through a boarding house in Duluth, Minnesota by Lake Superior. It’s 1934 in Duluth, Minnesota. We meet a group of wayward travelers whose lives intersect in a guesthouse filled with music, life, and hope.
There are 8 performances of Girl from the North Country musical until April 28, 2024.
Buy your tickets from the link below:
https://texasperformingarts.org/season/girl-from-the-north-country-broadway-austin-2024

13/04/2024

Nokoa The Observer
by Michael Lewis

The Frank Erwin Center (1977) is in the process of being demolished. In addition to the shell, they must dig 25 feet into the ground to remove everything. The completion date is September 2024.
Once the Erwin Center is demolished and the debris removed, a new University of Texas Medical Center will be built on the site. This is a joint project between UT Austin and MD Anderson Cancer Center according to UT Austin officials.
Here are some quick facts about the demolition from the press release:
The project is budgeted at $25 million. It’s ahead of schedule and under budget.
The project is on schedule for completion in September, but the structure itself will be pulled down in late May. After that, the demo project will involve grading and groundwork.
80% of the material will be recycled.
The demolition was done conventionally using construction equipment, rather than with explosives, for safety purposes and to minimally impact surrounding areas and buildings.

© 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

30/03/2024

SXSW 2024 featured session included Jane Fonda, David Fenton, and Sweta Chakraborty on Thursday, March 14. The panel discussed climate behavior for most of the 60 minutes with Jane Fonda being the most passionate about it. To sum it up, Fonda believes the United States government is not doing enough about climate change. The standing-room audience had a chance to hear how feisty Fonda, 86 can be when she is passionate about an issue.

© 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

26/03/2024

This is a future image of downtown Austin next to Ladybird Lake presented by the City of Austin. They are going to assist in the development of the area where the Austin American Statesman plant is located east of Congress Avenue.

© 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

26/03/2024

The City of Austin City Manager Candidate Forum was held on March 25, 2024, to a standing-room-only audience. The city of Austin will fill the role of city manager next month.

On Monday evening, finalists T.C. Broadnax, Jr. and Sara Hensley spoke at a “Meet the City Manager Candidates” event and answered questions from Judy Maggio, former KEYE News Anchor.
The event was held at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Events Center on Wilhelmina Delco Drive.

On Tuesday, Broadnax and Hensley will undergo a private interview process hosted by the Austin City Council.

© 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

19/03/2024

Prince Harry is watching his wife, Meghan The Duchess of Sussex during International Women's Day at the 2024 SXSW festival, where she was a speaker on the keynote panel session on Friday, March 8. Seated next to Prince Harry is his best friend, Markus Anderson.
Photo credit: unknown
© 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

12/03/2024

Ryan Goslin and Emily Blunt are in Austin for the movie Premiere Fall Guy. He was at the Oscars a few days ago.
Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

11/03/2024

Women Who Embody Revolution Through Storytelling featuring Rosario Dawson, Justin Winters, Tara Houska, and Gingger Shanker was held on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at SXSW.

Amid the climate crisis, fast-paced news, social media, and increasing disconnection, hope is found in community-driven stories.
Little Indian Girl, a new storytelling collective, discusses the future of storytelling and the power of narrative sovereignty with women, Indigenous and two-spirit artists, and Earth guardians who embody revolution through art. When knowledge and culture are preserved, we create tangible solutions for the next generations. When power and resources are given to communities to tell our stories, we can shift narratives to change the world.

© 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

01/03/2024

Diana Ross performed at the ACL Live Moody Theater on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. If you were not in the audience, you missed a special treat from Diana Ross.
Diana Ross brought her Music Legacy Tour to ACL Live Moody Theater on Tuesday and treated all of us there to a magical evening of her Motown greatest hits from a span of over 60 years. Yes, Berry Gordy originally said no to Diana Ross because she was too young to record and perform in Detroit. Diana Ross ended the show with one of her songs from her 2021 album “Thank You.” Ross said she produced this album during the pandemic.

Diana Ross is truly “The Boss.”! I just want to add that Diana Ross looks and sounds good for 79 years old. Diana Ross's birthday is March 26, 2024.

No media photographer equipment was allowed in the show on Tuesday so I apologize for not providing the high quality you expect from me.
© 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved.

26/02/2024

Group shot of Black people in Austin at the Texas State Capitol on Sunday, February 25, 2024, to celebrate Black History Month. After a 3-year hiatus, Celebrating Our Black Photoshoot at the Texas State Capitol was back in 2024! It was exciting to see everyone wearing black.
© 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

18/02/2024

Black History Month 2024

Pictured is Earl Campbell who attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he played college football for the Texas Longhorns from 1974 to 1977. As a freshman in 1974, Campbell played in all 11 games and had 162 carries for 928 yards and six touchdowns on 162 attempts.

Pictured behind Campbell is Leon Holland. Holland was among the first group of African-American students admitted to the University of Texas at Austin to its undergraduate program in 1956. Holland recalled his life as a freshman college student in an article. The alumni center on campus is a well-furnished, elegant space. But in that same area stood the wooden barracks where black students lived, segregated from the dorms for white students.

Holland’s first clue that he wouldn’t have a mainstream college education came in the form of a letter.

“The only space available for Negro men students is in San Jacinto Dormitories D and F,” it reads. He still has that original letter, dated July 31, 1956.

When he arrived on campus, he found that it wasn’t a dormitory, exactly, but four or five World War II-era barracks.

Leon Holland could live in the barracks/dorms but was not allowed to eat in any cafeterias. Holland could attend classes but could not take part in nearly any student organizations. He could cheer for his school’s football team but could not expect to see any athletes who looked like him.

Holland came to the conclusion that he was allowed but not welcomed.

Fast forward over 65 years later, Retired Army Colonel Leon Holland is still active with UT.

Also pictured is Leon Holland’s wife, Peggy Holland.



© 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

12/02/2024

The National Football League Super Bowl 58 (LVIII) had one of the best overtime games between the Chiefs and 49ers and one of the best Halftime shows. Eight-time Grammy-winning singer Usher headlined the 2024 Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada with a few of his favorite friends. Alicia Keyes, H.E.R. Ludacris, Jermaine Dupri, and Lil John were part of the halftime performance. All of the artists were great but I admire the unadulterated talent (great singer, awesome piano player, no long lashes, reads music, no relationship news, and pure beauty) of Alicia Keyes. Thank you Usher for inviting a group of talented artists to perform in front of an estimated Super Bowl viewership of over 115.1 million watchers. Just in case you heard the high-energy marching band on the field, it was the Jackson State University Band known as the Sonic Boom of the South.
Watch the 2024 Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show here:
https://www.nfl.com/videos/usher-s-apple-music-super-bowl-halftime-show
© 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

Watch Usher's full Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show.

09/02/2024

Nokoa The Observer
by Michael Lewis

Texas Performing Arts in Austin presents Beetlejuice!

Very colorful visuals, eye-appealing and magical special effects, a fast-talking deranged demon with green hair and stripes, fast-moving entertainment, and matching creepy music make the Beetlejuice musical Night of the Living Dead in the House and Attic worth viewing for two hours. Be sure to get to the show early to purchase your Beetlejuice merchandise because the line can get long.

Beetlejuice is based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film. This hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz (Isabella Esler), a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon (Justin Collette) with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set, and a score that’s out of this

With an irreverent book, an astonishing set, and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, BEETLEJUICE is “SCREAMINGLY GOOD FUN!” (Variety). And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day!

Beetlejuice is performing at Bass Concert Hall from February 6 until February 11, 2024. Check the website for tickets and show times.
https://texasperformingarts.org/season/beetlejuice-broadway-austin-2024

13/01/2024

This is Charlie Wilson performing in concert last year. He stated his doctor told him to stay off his feet so he decided to stay behind the piano most of the time to perform instead of dancing. Wilson did a great job! We all hope that Uncle Charlie is much better this year.
Charlie Wilson's new single is out, "Superman." Check it out!
https://vydia.lnk.to/Superman
https://youtu.be/Wj-YAjrBz84
Uncle Charlie will be also receiving his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on his 71st birthday, January 29, 2024.
© 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

08/01/2024

Nokoa The Observer
By Michael Lewis

Another Randalls store is closing in Austin. Randalls is closing the Braker Lane and Research store on February 10th, 2024, or sooner based on inventory according to a store’s sales associate. The Randalls Pharmacy will close on January 10, 2024, at 7:00 PM. The Randalls Pharmacy is moving customer pharmacy records to the Randalls at 8040 Mesa Drive 512-345-7238. This is the fifth Randalls store closing in Austin according to my memory. The Parmer Lane, Lake Austin, 35th Street, Mopac, and William Canon stores have closed in recent years.

A couple of sales associates stated that the store closing news happened suddenly two weeks ago. One associate stated he already has a job lined up at Dick’s Sporting Goods. It seems that Randalls is closing stores while H-E-B is expanding and remodeling stores in the Austin area. The Braker Lane Randalls (10900 Research Blvd.) is having a store closing sale of up to 50% off some items until they sell out. The news is mixed with the Starbucks-connected to the Randalls store so we all will find out the final decision at the same time.

If there is any good news about Randalls closing, it is that multimillion-dollar condos will not replace the Randalls store. Hobby Lobby is scheduled to move into the property according to one of Randalls' sales associates. This is a fluid situation and plans could change in the coming months.

By the way, starting January 21, 2024, the price for a First-Class Forever U.S. Postage Stamp will increase from 66 cents to 68 cents, according to the U. S. Postal Service. Sunday marks the sixth jump in First-Class Forever U.S. Postage Stamp prices seen since the start of 2019 when the postage stamp cost 50 cents. So hurry to get some Forever stamps at the 66 cents price.
Randall's
© 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

28/12/2023

Nokoa The Observer
By Michael Lewis

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical is touring at Bass Concert Hall, from January, 9th to 14th, 2024.

Tina Turner was “Simple the Best.”

The Tina Turner Musical is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke through barriers and overcame domestic abuse to become a Grammy-winning icon and the Queen of Rock n’ Roll.

Tina Turner was one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time and has won 12 Grammy Awards.

The Tina Turner Musical will feature Turner’s top hits, including “Proud Mary,” “Private Dancer” and “The Best.”

The Tina Turner Musical is written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall and directed by the internationally acclaimed Phyllida Lloyd.

Get tickets here: https://texasperformingarts.org/season/tina-broadway-austin-2024

© 2023 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

01/08/2023

Paul Reubens, actor best known as Pee-wee Herman, died Sunday, July 30, 2023 years after a cancer diagnosis. He was 70.

The announcement of his death included a personal statement from the actor, explaining why he had kept his medical condition under wraps.

“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years," he wrote. "I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans, and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”
We will miss you.
Pee-wee Herman