Capturing Moments and Crafting Stories
Exploring the threads of memory to weave the fabric of my heritage, I use stunning and memorable photographs and videos.
My Maternal Grandmother: Rev. Maggie T. Mosley
The Power of Photos and Words
The Polaroid camera was my grandmother’s favorite camera. Often, I would hold the blank canvas recently released by the Polaroid camera and await the quick transformation to the photo image that my grandmother took. Sometimes, we would fan them quickly, as if fanning helped the photo transform quicker. I don’t know if this made it work, but I loved feeling like it did.
The photo to the left was taken on Christmas Day. My grandmother always dressed nicely no matter where she went. Holidays were special and important to her. I particularly love this photo because the caption is written in her handwriting. She wrote a lot and took lots of photos. I still remember going to the store to purchase 70 ct tablets for her to record the happenings of the day or to write letters to her children and grandchildren. Her love for journaling and taking photos was passed down to me. My photo collection includes over 84,000 photos and 3,000 videos. I scrapbook often, too. I miss her so much.
Remembering My Grandmother
Driving to Crawford, Mississippi
Remembering Crawford, Mississippi
Driving to Crawford, Mississippi
I drove to Crawford, Mississippi, and revisited where my grandmother lived. Seeing this sign evoked so many emotions. We spent many days driving from Water Valley, Mississippi to visit her. I always looked forward to being with her.
Crawford, MS
Remembering Crawford, Mississippi
Driving to Crawford, Mississippi
As I drove into the Crawford, I immediately felt overwhelming emotion. So many days and nights were spent in this town. Additionally, I realized that I hadn't been to Crawford in a very long time. I didn’t visit the town when I last visited my grandmother’s grave. She relocated while I was growing up in Columbus, so it’s probably been over 20 years since I have been within the city limits of Crawford.
Remembering Crawford, Mississippi
Remembering Crawford, Mississippi
Recognizing the Post Office in Crawford, MS
The love she shared with all of us left a lasting impression on me. Despite Crawford being such a small town, I was shown big love and enjoyed unforgettable moments with my grandmother.
Recognizing the Post Office in Crawford, MS
Recognizing the Post Office in Crawford, MS
Recognizing the Post Office in Crawford, MS
Seeing the post office still in the same place, I thought about the many letters we wrote to her, the letters she wrote to us and to my parents. When my family and I arrived in Crawford, we always stopped at the post office to pick up her mail, since she didn’t have transportation. As I reflected on the many things we did to help my grandmother, I remember enjoying being able to do anything that she needed for her to do.
Remembering Crawford, Mississippi
Recognizing the Post Office in Crawford, MS
Remembering Crawford, Mississippi
The love she shared with all of us left a lasting impression on me. Despite Crawford being such a small town, I was shown big love and enjoyed unforgettable moments with my grandmother.
Lodge Street
Recognizing the Post Office in Crawford, MS
Remembering Crawford, Mississippi
For your years, we would turn right onto Lodge Street to visit my grandmother or turn left off of Lodge Street to return to Water Valley. Seeing this street sign, I remember the excitement I felt when I knew how close we were to visiting my grandmother. I also remember the tears we cried every time we had to leave. Ironically, when my older children would like my parents’ home, they cried, too. It’s truly a blessing to live so close to my family now.
My Grandmother's Home
Remembering the Church
My Grandmother's Home
Once I turned on Lodge Street, I felt anxious. Not knowing what to expect, I truly wanted to see what was left of my grandmother's land and home. When I arrived at the location where she lived. I could not believe that the area looks nothing like what I remember. Some of the land is trees and is overgrown. There is a home where yard once was. Nothing about the place now shows any homage to my grandmother. This was a stark reminder that she truly is gone.
Sadness Either Way
Remembering the Church
My Grandmother's Home
I took a photo of the street sign because either direction represented sadness and death for me. If I turned left, I would arrive at the grave site of my grandmother. If I turned right, I would arrive at the church where my grandmother was buried. Neither direction brings me joy.
Remembering the Church
Remembering the Church
Remembering the Church
This photo is of the church where my grandmother’s funeral was held. I remember standing near my silver Chevy Impala in the parking lot, reminiscing with my cousins, aunts, and other family. I could still hear one of the songs performed at her funeral. The song was Precious Lord. To this day, I hate hearing that song because it reminds me of the day that my grandmother was buried. That song reminds me of the reality that my grandmother is truly gone forever.
The Street
Viewing the Gravesite
Remembering the Church
My grandmother is burried on this street. Her grave is actually right across the street from this sign. The name, W. Lindsey Ferry, always reminds me of the fact that my grandmother was taken away from me, just like a ferry takes people away from a designated location.
Viewing the Gravesite
Viewing the Gravesite
Viewing the Gravesite
My grandmother’s final resting place is down the street from the church. Pulling up to her grave, my heart felt so empty. When I took this photo, the moment felt as painful as it did the day I watched her casket go into the ground and the dirt being thrown over it. I couldn’t help but cry. I would love to have had more time with her. She was such a strong person, and I would have loved to bathe more in her wisdom and knowledge.
My Aunt: Annie Lue
Viewing the Gravesite
Viewing the Gravesite
Next to my grandmother's grave is the grave of my Aunt Annie. I am named after her. She passed in 2005, just a few months after my first marriage and before my second child. I was very young when I would see her, but I do remember her kind smile. Her smile was so welcoming. My mom shared really great stories about her, and I love hearing them.
About Vivid Doc - Dr. Cassandra Hawkins
My Mission
My Philosophy
My Philosophy
I am dedicated to capturing and preserving the essence of human experiences and cultural histories through the art of photography and videos. My mission is to create compelling visual narratives that connect past and present, evoke emotions, and inspire reflection. By intertwining artistic vision with deep personal and historical insights
I am dedicated to capturing and preserving the essence of human experiences and cultural histories through the art of photography and videos. My mission is to create compelling visual narratives that connect past and present, evoke emotions, and inspire reflection. By intertwining artistic vision with deep personal and historical insights, I want to create a unique perspective that enlightens, educates, and enriches our lives, while telling narratives that use stunning and memorable photographs.
My Philosophy
My Philosophy
My Philosophy
I truly believe in the power of visual stories to bridge the past with the present. I understand the significance of illuminating the intricate tapestry of human experiences through the lens of documentary artistry.
My Expertise
My Philosophy
My Expertise
My experience managing an archives team, contributing to academic publications, and volunteering with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History enriches my ability to create compelling narratives that delve into cultural and historical complexities.
Through The Lens: Vivid Doc - Dr. Cassandra Hawkins Gallery
Contact Dr. Cassandra Hawkins
Questions or Comments
For inquiries into my work, please use the form to contact me. I thank you for your interest, and I will do my best to get back to you soon! - Dr. Cassandra Hawkins
Vivid Doc - Dr. Cassandra Hawkins
Oxford, Mississippi, United States
