my grandfather captured smoke in D.C.

a reel has been sitting waiting to be converted for some years now. it was finally viewed last night and was captivating to say the least. my grandfather was in a helicopter above D.C. during the riots after MLK was assasinated. you can't see any rioting, but the city is in flames ten blocks from the capital. admist the billows you can see Washington Monuments standing in awe. there are shots of the national guard gearing up (rumor is that the government was denying they were even there). i'm starting a search for all broadcasts airing during those days so I can piece together a nice documentary on the subject. i've been tinkering with some Dylan chords, ala Hurricane to play in the background. maybe these lyrics (the trees are burning/in the city tonight/we are all mourning/he could have been/champion of the world), maybe some clips of a speech called I Have a Dream. MLK was shot on a Thursday. He was working on a Sunday sermon titled, "Why America May Go to Hell." the shots captured by my grandfather are an eerie glimpse of what America may look like in such a place. I look forward to completely this project and sharing it all with you.

Peace,
- jaw