Backhaul Photojournalism

Ethiopia's capital city, Addis Ababa, is perched over 7,000 feet above sea level and serves as the home to well over 3 million people. The city's layout is a strange mix of upper and lower social classes all subsisting in the same neighborhoods and often only feet away from each other unlike most modern zoned cities.

Two men keep watch over one of the thousands of tiny 'shops' lining Addis Ababa's city streets. Despite a growing economy, many Ethiopians still suffer from extreme poverty due to a large influx of people moving from rural to urban areas.

James, a young boy at the small home for disabled children, has been suffering from extreme malnutrition despite eating a healthy diet. Even when he was able to eat, much of it was later thrown back up making the problem worse. It is unclear as to what James suffers from, local doctors are still unable to make a diagnosis based on his symptoms.

Students attending a boarding school are required to wear a uniform and shave their head. This reduces distractions by placing a strong emphasis on school work. While not all students enjoy such strict control over their looks, most agree on the importance of a good education in the pursuit of a better life.

The harsh reality for many of the children attending public school in rural Kenya is several mile commute to and from school everyday. The more wealthy are afforded the luxury of bus rides to and from boarding school.

Members of the Catholic Women's Association carry banana leafs in support of peace for the upcoming election. Historically, elections have often brought much violence to Kenya. Many return to the home region of their tribes to avoid conflicts along tribal lines.

For the children not attending school, most spend their time doing chores and running errands for their family. Here a local girl returns home with fire kindling to be used for cooking. Despite electricity being run through the area a few years prior, many homes still lack access.

The first destination of our journey to Africa was the small town of Sigomere Kenya, home to Obama's extended family. Here our primary focus was to improve the financial well being a local small home for disabled children and to check on a previously implemented aquaponics system in the local all-girls school. While visiting, we were frequently referred to by the local children as "muzungu", the Swahili term for 'white person'.

Shangela Laquifa Wadley performs a medley of Beyoncé songs at the Galaxy Queers Drag Show hosted by PRISM. Colorado State University's annual drag shows are amoung the largest in the state and draw crowds of hundreds. (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

Monae Royalz performs at PRISM's Galaxy Queers Drag Show. (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

Khrys'taaal performs at PRISM's annual fall drag show in the LSC. (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

Dick Gere performs at PRISM's annual fall drag show in the LSC. (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

Drag performer Glitta Bear'd applies the finishing touches to their makeup for their first CSU drag show hosted by PRSIM. (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

Drag performer Khrys'taaal applies the finishing touches to their makeup in preparation for their tenth CSU drag show hosted by PRSIM. (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

Vice President Mike Pence concludes his speech at Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs durin ghis visit to the state. (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

Members of Redneck Revolt and the Colorado Springs Socialists gather adjacent to Focus on the Family protesting Vice President Mike Pence's visit, citing, "Focus on the Family is a hate group that advocates for the destruction and the deprivation of rights for gay people, trans people, women, etc." (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

Vice President Mike Pence speaks at the 40th anniversary celebration of Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs. Topics ranged from the US's involvement in the Middle East to the Trump administration's stance on abortion. (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

Protesters dressed as handmaids gather outside the Denver Marriott Tech Center where Vice President Mike Pence is to give a speech at a Republican Party fundraiser. The costumes are in reference to the popular television show "Handmaid's Tale" that describes a world in which women are considered property. (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

Oliver White was introduced to FoCo Cafe by a friend of his and from day one he started volunteering to help repay the cost of his meals. This 'volunteer to eat' program put in place by FoCo Cafe helps people like Oliver who are living on food stamps and need to make the most of it. To him, the most surprising feature of the Cafe was their "totally different system" based in numerous eco-friendly practices such as composting and reusing materials. This came as a sharp contrast to the other volunteer organizations and churches Oliver had donated his time to. By far the most important part of FoCo Cafe to Oliver is the environment, "everyone feels appreciated" and "never judged". (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

Spring and her significant other Paul are a familiar sight at FoCo Cafe, often visiting up three times a week to volunteer their time for a hot meal. Frequently Spring will play her dulcimer to accompany Paul's bagpipes, much to the delight of the Cafe's customers. It was as I packed up my gear that Paul inquired if I would take a picture of Spring and her dulcimer. Unfortunately, due to some recent health issues resulting in surgery and her hunt for a job, I was unable to get a full interview with her. However, her warm smile and caring attitude made it clear she was an important part of the FoCo Cafe family. (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

Sheryl Martin started volunteering weekly at FoCo Cafe after searching for a sustainable organization in need of volunteers. What surprised her the most was FoCo Cafe's "whole environment of love and appreciation" along with their commitment to serving individuals from all walks of life "whether you are a Muslim, Christian or Jew". Outside of just the restaurant, the ideas implemented by FoCo Cafe are "setting a good example for serving the poor" given our nation's desperate need to "play catch up" when it comes to providing for the homeless. Having spent over a month volunteering with the Cafe, Sheryl looks forward most to "interacting with the customers and passing out love". (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

Cathy Morgan, the co-owner of Maxline Brewing, volunteers at FoCo Cafe on her own and with her business since being introduced to the restaurant by a co-worker. What surprised her the most was "how FoCo Cafe is such a welcoming, non-judgemental gathering place for everyone". Each volunteering sessions brings something new, whether its "slicing and dicing vegetables, wrapping silverware, wiping floors or filling salt shakers", everything helps. For her company, Maxline Brewing, FoCo Cafe is a perfect fit with their "Craft. Community. Culture." slogan. By giving back to the community Maxline hopes to separate itself as "more than just a business". (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

Manuela Girotti, an Italian immigrant and postdoctoral fellow in mathematics at CSU, found FoCo Cafe after searching online for a local volunteering opportunity. Reminded of a restaurant she encountered on her universities campus run by students for the community, Manuela loved the concept of caring for those in need locally. What surprised her the most was FoCo Cafe's emphasis on providing "organic and quality food" to their customers since "everyone deserves good food". Manuela's favorite jobs revolve around preparing food and talking with customers, "I love cooking, chopping vegetables and talking with the customers". FoCo Cafe has also provided her a means of "getting to know people and her city" while "helping build a tighter community". (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

Reggie Sterling, one of FoCo Cafe's most frequent volunteers, was introduced after his church minister brought it up during a homelessness and community outreach sermon. Prior to the Cafe, Reggie had spent three years volunteering with a local rescue mission helping those in need. What surprised him the most was FoCo Cafe's dedication to the community, "here everybody cares for the community and support comes from all sides to keep the place open". In addition to providing meals to everyone in the community, FoCo Cafe also helps "sustain local farmers in producing organic food for better healthy eating". It's this deep connection between consumers and producers that make the Cafe stand out and brings Reggie back time and time again. Here he can help give the homeless and those in need a place to get "a hot meal, a smile, and empowerment". (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

(From left to right) Sarah Kaiser, Savanah Chetham, Alanna Pipkin and Broc Bainter from the CSU Invictus Initiative chapter try to spend every other Saturday volunteering at FoCo Cafe to give back to their community. The Denver-based humanitarian organization believes in fighting toxic charities which are "organizations that do not create or support sustainable humanitarian practices". To do this, The Invictus Initiative travels both internationally and locally to "build relationships first that ensure long lasting trust with individuals and communities". The volunteers continue to return to FoCo Cafe due to their relationships first approach with customers in addition to sustainable food and business practices. (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

(From top to bottom) Christine, Mattison and Maggie Pletcher were introduced to FoCo Cafe after their babysitter Annie Freyshlag told them about the great volunteering opportunities available for younger children. With daughters in 4th and 2nd grade, Christine was looking for somewhere she could "volunteer with kids at this age". At FoCo Cafe, the community-driven environment was a perfect fit and both Mattison and Maggie who both love the cafe and consider it "our favorite restaurant". When volunteering, Mattison and Maggie are usually wrapping silverware, watering the plants or harvesting greens for the kitchen. To help share the work of FoCo Cafe, the Pletchers are also involved with the nationwide Kids Care Club that focuses on different organizations helping their communities. (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

Why did you choose your major? (Chemical and Biomedical Engineering)

"I became interested in medical research after my older brother had an injury at work. After undergoing seven years of surgeries and uncertain diagnoses, my brother has suffered from permanent nerve damage, dystonia and CRPS. He recently had a Cortical Stimulator, Deep Brain Stimulator and a Dorsal Column Stimulator implanted to help interfere with the electrical misfirings in his brain. Going through all of this with him has exposed me to the blind-side of medicine: nerves. Not only has my brother’s struggle inspired me, but made me open my eyes to the issue that damaged nerves has had on roughly 20 million Americans. It has become a high priority of mine to find a way to regenerate damaged nerves and tissues in the body so I can one day help people who have been living this debilitating life, like my brother."

The Why Axis Project is a manifestation of a larger concept I try to incorporate into my work. In my opinion, to truly understand someone, you must learn why they do what they do and not just what. The world of college gave me the opportunity to start this photo story by looking at why people chose their major versus just what people chose. This fundamental shift in thinking has allowed me deeper connections to those I met and photographed. Through this long-term photo story, I hope to share all the different answers to this question.

Why did you choose your major? (Computer Science)

"I enjoyed computers and I had done a bit of prior programming so I knew I liked it and after the first semester I really enjoyed my computer science class so I knew it was right for me. Finishing a program is very satisfying like putting the final piece into a puzzle, all the struggle and hard times I may have had writing the program get taken over by the overwhelming feeling of achievement"

The Why Axis Project is a manifestation of a larger concept I try to incorporate into my work. In my opinion, to truly understand someone, you must learn why they do what they do and not just what. The world of college gave me the opportunity to start this photo story by looking at why people chose their major versus just what people chose. This fundamental shift in thinking has allowed me deeper connections to those I met and photographed. Through this long-term photo story, I hope to share all the different answers to this question.

Why did you choose your major? (Applied Animal Behavior)

"Some people have a hard time figuring out what they're meant to do, what they're passionate about. I've been lucky enough to know my true calling my whole life. Animal behavior is practically what shaped my childhood and learning how to give a sustainable home took up my entire adolescence. I've never strayed away animals, and I don't plan to that in my schooling or my career. Animals are my passion and I hope to graduate able to make the world a better place for them."

The Why Axis Project is a manifestation of a larger concept I try to incorporate into my work. In my opinion, to truly understand someone, you must learn why they do what they do and not just what. The world of college gave me the opportunity to start this photo story by looking at why people chose their major versus just what people chose. This fundamental shift in thinking has allowed me deeper connections to those I met and photographed. Through this long-term photo story, I hope to share all the different answers to this question.

Finally, after almost two months, OPIA is finished. Created as a collaborative effort between Kyah Cook and I, OPIA features a completely original soundtrack and script.

OPIA
N. The ambiguous intensity of looking someone in the eye, which can feel simultaneously invasive and vulnerable—their pupils glittering, bottomless and opaque—you’re able to tell that there’s someone standing there, but unable to tell if you’re looking in or looking out.

Here is the story of an almost.

Shot in one day, OPIA is a personal project created from scratch by Davis Bonner and Kyah Cook.

Original soundtrack by Zacharius Rivera (https://soundcloud.com/zachariusriver...)

Written, Directed, Shot, and Produced by Davis Bonner and Kyah Cook.
Edited by Davis Bonner.

Shot on a Canon 5D Mark III

Special thanks to the Binning Family Foundation.

Denver's Capitol Hill became the scene of yet another political clash Saturday as supporters and opposers to Trump gathered to defend their side. Led by Cindi Turchik, the roughly 300 strong rally featured several speakers including Patrick Skorjanec from Gays for Trump. Those in attendance cited their participation was to "support our president." Conversely, roughly 60 protesters gathered at the foot of the capital building to demonstrate against the rally. Separated by a line of Denver Police and Colorado State Patrol officer, the two sides took turns antagonizing one another complete with the protesters destroying American and Russian/Trump flags. While tensions were high, neither broke into violence against the other. On several occasions, members from both parties tried to suggest more civil means of disagreement, however, nothing came of this and eventually both groups went their separate ways.

Why did you choose your major? (Health and Exercise Science)

"I was born with Cystic Fibrosis, so I grew up coming in and out of the hospital every few months. Eventually, you'd think the hospital would turn into broccoli, and I'd hate it (it's not the most enjoyable thing to begin with), but I became super interested in the doctors and the medicine they were giving me. Because of these frequent trips, science became my new favorite subject, specifically the science of the body and how it worked on a deeper level. That's why I chose HES (Health and Exercise Science), because everything I learn from this major might help me better understand myself and my body, and help others in a similar boat I was in too."

The Why Axis Project is a manifestation of a larger concept I try to incorporate into my work. In my opinion, to truly understand someone, you must learn why they do what they do and not just what. The world of college gave me the opportunity to start this photo story by looking at why people chose their major versus just what people chose. This fundamental shift in thinking has allowed me deeper connections to those I met and photographed. Through this long-term photo story, I hope to share all the different answers to this question.

Why did you choose your major? (Computer Science)

"From the (admittedly short) list of “things high school taught me before college,” I knew that math and science would always be a part of my academic life. However, from the (worryingly long) list of “things high school didn’t teach me before college,” I never really knew how I’d be able to apply my interests in the STEM field to an engaging and rewarding career. As such, I entered my college experience mostly in dark. After some (high-school level) research into the field of engineering, I blindly chose the one that appealed the most to me - Aerospace, thought process being, “space is cool, math is cool, sounds like a perfect fit.” However, after spending almost a year in the program, I’ve come to realize that space is still cool and math is still cool, but unfortunately Aerospace Engineering just isn’t something I could devote my life’s work to. It was a painful realization that I may have wasted two whole semesters of school in a major I was uninterested in, but overall the experience was still useful. In fact, being in the wrong major lead me to take a Computer Science course that I otherwise never would have signed up for, and it was in this class where I found my true passion for coding, and this time I knew for sure. Homework doesn’t even feel like homework, and I actively enjoy working on assignments that aren’t due for another three weeks. I guess I can’t really blame high school or my lazy research for me choosing the wrong major - some things you just have to experience on your own. I’m thankful for the realization and can’t wait to see where Comp. Sci. takes me!"

Why did you choose your major? (Biological and Chemical Engineering)

"There are two things I was completely sure of when I began looking towards my future. One, I want to help people with their problems and I want to make their lives a little easier. And two, I would make life a lot harder for myself if my parents weren’t happy with my career choice. Originally, I believed that medical school was the be-all-end-all option for being able to help people. I figured that I would go into the college of Arts and Sciences, major in a biological field of some sort, and go on to save the world. After all, two of my sisters are already doing the same thing. So, I thought, if they can do it, why can’t I? However, medical school and the process to actually get into it is hard. Like, really hard. My mom knew this so she proposed an alternative: apply to the engineering school and declare a major of Biological and Chemical Engineering. This way, I can get my prerequisites for medical school done as a lot of them will overlap with my engineering classes, and if worse comes to worse and medical school falls through, the odds of finding a good job with an engineering degree under my belt are in my favor. For now, it seems that engineering is the means that I can satisfy the two things I knew to be certain: I want to help people, and my parents need to be happy. I’m not sure where college will take me, if I will stay in engineering or the sciences at all, or if I will find my true passion and have the courage to pursue it, but I do know that I’m ready to find out."

A representative from Oman performs a hymn during the Council of International Student Affairs organized fashion show. (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

Representatives from Oman display their cultural dress during the Council of International Student Affairs organized fashion show. (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

Representatives from Indonesia perform a cultural dance during the Council of International Student Affairs organized fashion show. (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

A representative from Indonesia displays their cultural dress during the Council of International Student Affairs organized fashion show. (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

A representative from Ethiopia displays their cultural dress during the Council of International Student Affairs organized fashion show. (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

Representatives from Ethiopia display their cultural dress during the Council of International Student Affairs organized fashion show. (Davis Bonner | Collegian)

An estimated 10,000 protestors arrived at Denver's Civic Center Park Saturday afternoon to stand in solidarity with Muslim Americans and all immigrants. This huge event was organized by Phoenix St. Nolde, better known as 'Queen Phoenix' to her supporters and featured several guest speakers. Ranging from poets and musicians to lawyers and even Denver's mayor Michael Hancock, the four-hour event was packed with messages of hope and strength amid the occasional anti-Trump chant. This gathering comes just weeks after Trump's executive order banning citizens from several Muslim countries from entering the country. Mayor Hancock response to this ban was in support of those already living in Colorado saying, "Our city will stand with you. (We're) going to do everything that we can to protect our residents." Hancock was also joined by Colorado state representative Joseph Salazar who spoke about his upcoming Ralph Carr bill that, if passed, will prevent the federal government from acquiring immigration status, race or national origin of the state's citizens under unconstitutional circumstances. The only breaks from the action came during two of the five ritual prayers in which the crowd parted allowing the Muslims in attendance to partake in Dhuhr and Asr. The duration of the event was peaceful with no interruptions to the speakers or conflicts reported.

The presence of Milo Yiannopoulos at CU resulted in the clash of more than just his supporters and opposers. Set in front of the mathematics building where his event was to take place, activists from both side of the political scale butted heads over issues ranging from gay and transgender rights to the recently elected Donald Trump. Protesters braved below-freezing temperatures to get their message out, often with backlash coming from both sides. While major headlines will focus on the number of arrests made or the occasional tiff between participants, the bulk of protesters were dedicated to a passionate, yet peaceful protest. The unsung heroes of this event were those on both sides who put themselves in harm's way to separate any physical conflicts that arose. Despite a heavy police presence outfitted in riot gear, the crowd management was handled with a clear emphasis on safety rather than stifling the public display. Regardless, the entirety of the event was not always peaceful, both liberals and conservatives traded personal and political attacks that reached their peak as attendees of Milo's presentation exited the building. Greeted by the large group, Milo supporters were involved in several small altercations that led to the detainment of two protestors before both parties dispersed and went their separate ways.

The Denver Women's March, cited as one of the top ten in size, was one of the many marches taking place around the world. Throughout the course of several hours, over 100,000 participants flooded into Civic Park to show their support for women's and minority's rights. This unrest comes only one day after Trump's inauguration into office and it was clear the crowd was unified in their dislike for his policies and questionable history around women's rights. LaFonda, one of the parade's leaders told me, "it is important to show women's strength in unity." and that this was, "about more than just women." LaFonda and a handful of others lead the parade 1.3 miles through the heart of Denver before arriving back at Civic Park where several speakers addressed the crowd. Despite the hostile political atmosphere surrounding the march, no conflicts were reported and the environment was one of friendly congregation instead of anger driven rebellion. One can only hope that the concerns expressed by the public today will be answered and addressed.

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