En Memoria da Sebastian Rodrigues
Numb to The Pain
My city is so beautiful until I turnt on the local night news …..
I got a call from a good friend of mine the morning of June 27th 2024 . He had just hired me to film his mother's birthday party a few days prior. The tone of his voice was sad. He continued to tell me how life continues to attempt to bring us to a dark place no matter how much you push positivity .
Growing up in Chicago, death & violence has sadly become 2nd nature.
I like to call it “ numb to the pain “.
As we continued to converse he asked if I was free to film his good friends home going tomorrow.
At first I was thinking it would be too emotional for me but as we continue to talk I begin to think this would be a good way for his family to tell his story, remember him and celebrate his life.
I love my city so much, I had to build a wall in my mind to ensure the quality of my work isn’t affected by personal trauma and unfortunate situations .
After the small chat I agreed to film his friends home going. As I began to charge my camera and prepare for the next day. I googled his good friend's name to get some understanding of what happened to this young man, “Sebastian Rodriguez”.
It’s always tough reading and watching the news. I've personally lost 3 close family members to gun violence this summer & the year isn't over.
As a videographer, I've learned to remove my emotions for the sake of bringing awareness to tragic situations through my artwork.
I begin to google the young man’s name …….“Sebastian Rodriguez”
After reading the article written on abc7chicago.com .I had a full understanding of the situation but will never understand how taking an innocent life could seem so easy.
It’s very sad that a 23 year old hard working young man lost his life during a robbery within his place of employment.
“ He never had issues with nobody. The sad part is he was just 23 years old, & had some real cool brother's & a sister to look after.… we in a world where there’s no humanity anymore “.
—Norma Barito .. victims co worker—
After the day was nearly over, the sad faces turned to a bit of smiles for the moment.
My good friend , Sebastian's family & I went to dinner . It was bittersweet. I begin to see from the inside out, it’s not only my family and close community but all communities within my city affected by gun violence.
🐼🐼🐼
___________
Below is a link to the ABC news website where they covered the tragic situation of another precious life lost to gun violence within the beautiful city of Chicago .
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