Chatterbox Cafe

As a senior in college, the last eight months of my four years were spent working on a senior thesis to represent my time as an Art and Community Development student. To reflect my studies, I chose photojournalism and sound.

Photojournalism had been a constant area of exploration for me since I first dove into photography back in High School. This emphasis on capturing people’s stories reflected in my growth as a wedding photographer but was rooted in my love for knowing people's stories and understanding how to use stories as a mode of empathy, restoration, and compassion. Entering college, I knew I wanted to pursue more of this work and study art within the lens of photojournalism.

Through my studies in community development and my experience working with community development based non-profits in Chattanooga, TN and Birmingham, AL, I became interested in learning about entrepreneurship within low income and minority communities.

During the 9 months prior to presenting my work, I filled my research with photographers like Camilo Jose Vergara, Gordon Parks, Richard Mosse, and Sally Mann. Coupled with their mentorship were hours of research and conversations in the topics of community development, urban entrepreneurship and inner city development. The list of articles and books found in this research was extensive (contact me if you’d like more information). Per the decision to include sound with photography, I was inspired by TEDRadio Hour's The Act of Listening . 

Brandon Ellis, the owner of Chatterbox, a Chattanooga, TN based BBQ restaurant, agreed to let me walk alongside him as he shared his story, life, observations and hopes for how workforce development and entrepreneurship could be used as a mode for community development in overlooked communities.    

His story is one that embodies courage, sacrifice, honesty and a longing to use what he has accomplished to bring success, dignity and work into Chattanooga.

I invite you to look, listen and learn. 

Photography: Abigail Whisler

Sound Production: Tucker Krajewski