December 9th, 2026.

Hey Travis, it’s Travis, (haha)

I’m writing you 5 years into the future. The date is December 9th 2021 on my side, so I’m speaking to you in my 31 year old self so forgive me if any slang sounds ridiculous and outdated by the time you read this.

The press talk of 00:08:46 is still pretty fresh in my mind and I really hope the film is not only a success, but the much needed springboard your directing career needs. I know this transitional season of my career now is bound to be really messy as I prepare to make my hiatus from photography in about a month. I have a feeling it’s not forever, but it’s hard to step away from something you’ve worked on for nearly 15 years, but I also know the progress so far only feels like 5. It hurts not seeing the progress financially or career wise in this path, but not making the time for new energy would hurt even more. I also know it’s hard to describe a lot of the emotions inside of what it feels like, but I hope you did learn better to describe it. Not just to family and loved ones, but to yourself. I’m at peace that the music business direction didn’t go where it need to since we accomplished all I could within the time being and I pray you still held onto Midnight Season as the bow on that journey. Maybe you found revitalization at some point, but I know where your heart is on the situation.

There was a conversation I recently had about why you held onto things for so long and I know it started at home. Holding on is exactly why the house we call home is crumbling, figuratively and literally. After while, you can’t patch up a wall but so much until you have to tear the whole wall down. But you didn’t know what tearing the wall down looked like prior….and that’s okay. The world may not know why you didn’t tear it down sooner, but we both know it’s because we were so used to patching things up. Tearing that wall takes time and accountability, however, it also takes a keen eye to know when it does need to just be patched.

And now into relationships. I pray that you found your voice and not let the trauma of never being able to lead at home hinder your leading outside of your home. If therapy taught us anything, your voice is just as important as the person your speaking to. If your heart hurts, stop denying and burying it. If you’re exhausted, don’t be afraid to admit it either no matter how energized the other person is. Admitting your mental health is not in a good space was the first step leading to this letter to you.

I hope that you continue to be an inspiration to other young black men to show them they can take creative risks. I saw our little brother the other day and I finally realized the magnitude of the influence I had on him wanting a career in photography. I remember hearing him at 14 years old that he wanted to get into photography because I was doing it. Now, here he is at 21 with his own camera in hand standing next to you. It took me to seeing him with it to realize how much of an effect it made.

And lastly, I hope you continue to provide the jewels of information to the generation after you. You’ve learned a lot in photography, videography, marketing and presenting yourself for clients and really prioritizing your mental health. I hope 36 is another great year of traveling, education and learning what you can and will do for the world around you. They are all looking. Even when they don’t tell you they are.

Peace Brotha,

Travis