efflorescence
noun
ef·flo·res·cence | \ ˌe-flə-ˈre-sᵊn(t)s \
1: a. the action or process of developing and unfolding as if coming into flower: BLOSSOMING periods of … intellectual and artistic efflorescence — Julian Huxley b. an instance of such development c. fullness of manifestation: CULMINATION
2: the period or state of flowering
3: the process or product of efflorescing chemically
Who I Am
Dr.Eli Williamson is a photo essayist born and raised on Chicago’s South Side. His photography works to capture the intimate moments of the Afro-American diaspora communities worldwide. In 2016 he began capturing the narratives of Black Men and Boys through his four-part monograph “The Four Virtues.” The Four Virtues: Fatherhood, Work, Wonder, and Fellowship mirror the cardinal virtues. Through captured images and written exposition, he explores how these Four Virtues provide the lens through which Black men and boys should be supported, loved, and honored in our society. The Evanston Art Center has committed to featuring each virtue over four years starting in 2023 ending in 2026. In 2023 he self-published a primer called “The Four Commitments to Respect,” which provides a framework for men and boys to have the first conversation on the opportunities and responsibilities of manhood. He has published photo-essays on Medium and has contributed to the Huffington Post. Eli is a nonprofit and philanthropy executive with over a decade of experience working to solve complex problems in distressed communities. In 2008 he co-founded Leave No Veteran Behind, an Illinois-based non-profit that invests in veterans to build more resilient communities. In 2012 he served for four years as the Director of Veterans Programs for the Robert R. McCormick Foundation and serves on multiple nonprofit boards. Eli served in the US Army deploying to Iraq (2004) and Afghanistan (2007) as a non-commissioned officer as a member of Psychological Operations (PSYOP), and as an Arabic linguist supporting special operations forces. Eli received his Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Linguistics (with a minor in African studies) from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa in 2002, and is presently completing a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from DePaul University. He received his Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (2023). Currently he is attending the International Center of Photography One-Year Certificate Program in Documentary Practice & Visual Journalism(2025).
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Do you see a captured moment that you would like to buy? The best way to contact me is through the form below.
If you want to support my work directly you can Buy Me A Coffee.
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If you just came to see and feel my captured moments, I definitely understand. I visit regularly to see and feel them as well. All I ask is that you leave these precious moments on the virtual wall... Thank you for your support.
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