#MagnificentManMonday - Chris, Carlton, and Chad

Often times television and social media paint the picture of our black men in a not so amusing light.  Unfortunately, there are some individuals who assume all black men look, walk, talk, and behave the same. This is definitely not the case.

I’ve decided to use my platform, my blog, my creative spirit to highlight some amazing men who are:

• MAKING things happen in Corporate America

• MENTORING in their local communities

• MOTIVATIONAL speakers

• MAKING MOVES in the music and entertainment industry

• MOLDING the younger generation of leaders

 I’m highlighting men who take every possible MOMENT to erase the negative images of black men in the U.S. today.

Starting today, June 5^th, Monday’s are all about men on #TheAmazingAdventuresofCACH.  I’m excited to begin the #MagnificentMenMonday series with the first guys that I came to know...my brothers. 

Chris Hamlin 

"Master of Music"

Chris passed away in January of 1998, but prior to his death music meant the world to him. He sang in the church choir and would not back down if requested to sing a solo.  He’d belt out one of those old Methodist (we are C.M.E.) hymns and wake up most of the folks who had been sleeping.  LOL!

He was a member of the Grambling State University World Famed Tiger Marching Band.  After his time at GSU, he enlisted his help to the Grambling High School band until his untimely death.

Oh, and Chris loved the ladies. The night before his death I remember him sitting at the counter in my parent’s kitchen calling a girl.  I couldn’t figure out what the ladies saw in him.  He wasn’t a “baller” and like my other brothers I thought he looked “okay” but he was never lonely. LOL.  I think it was his smile…his captivating smile and confidence. He didn’t let anyone or anything steal his joy.

I believe that when a person passes away their stories should carry on. In 2008, my family founded the Christopher George Hamlin Foundation (The Hamlin Foundation). The foundation now provides music and academic scholarships to students at Grambling State University.

What made him magnificent?

He had an infectious personality.  He never met a stranger.  If you ever crossed his path, he was more than likely wearing a huge smile.  And today, if you ever happened to see his son Greg, he's more than likely wearing Chris' smile.

To learn more about the Christopher George Hamlin Foundation scholarships, programs, or how to become a patron go to:  www.hamlinfoundation25.com

Carlton Hamlin 

"Capturing the Moment"

Why did you get into photography?

In 2009, I was looking for extra income. I started reading up on photography and did a little research.  I took out a loan to purchase my first camera and helped out a friend with a few events. My first job was a wedding which I did for free at my church and after that things just kind of took off.

Social media has helped out a lot. I was able to create and manage my own website and promoted my business via Facebook and Instagram. Of course, word-of-mouth is also a good tool. 

What do you love most about being a photographer?  

Getting to know people, meeting a diverse group of people, seeing the reaction of a parent after seeing their child’s wedding or graduation picture. 

Carlton's words of wisdom for young men who want to enter into this field:  

• Learn as much as you can.
• Don’t be afraid of the obstacles that may come your way because everything that you go through is a learning experience.
• Learn as much as you can about your craft.
• Be sure that you go into it for the passion and not the payment because you will get more out of it if you are passionate and your work will speak for itself.

Carlton and his son Justin

What challenges or opportunities have you had to overcome as a photographer?

Fear of failing and fear of the unknown…

It’s always difficult to start your own business.  Oftentimes you don’t know what to expect with the venue or the clients or even the weather. So, there’s always nervous jitters prior to every shoot.

The good news is that you are your own boss and you can make your own decisions. You dictate how successful your business can be. Your work and passion determines if you have a good business or a great business.

"Card game with the fellas" by Carlton Hamlin 

What makes him magnificent?

During a shoot, you might catch him kneeling on a train track, lying on the ground, climbing a huge hill (like the one at the Eddie Robinson Stadium).  You might see him have a client do the most awkward pose but later the finish pictures show how he was able to capture just the right amount of light as the sun began to set. 

True artistry takes passion, vision, and attention to detail and Carlton possesses all three. 

In order to capture some of the most beautiful moments of our lives Carlton gives his all. When you spend your hard-earned money with Carlton Hamlin photography, you know that you are getting excellent service!

Carlton specializes in weddings and senior shoots; however, he also has the occasional shoot with models, music artists, as well as a variety of other special events and clients. 

Here are a few notable individuals or groups that he has had the pleasure of capturing:

• Jesse Jackson

• Danny Glover

• Sheryl Lee Ralph

• Tamela and David Mann

• Donte Leach (Former Houston Texan)

Most recently Carlton captured some of the amazing moments during Grambling State University’s 2016 Season of Champions. Some of his work was featured on the Season of Champions billboard as well as the Grambling Gameday media guide.

GSU 2016 Football Features - Carlton Hamlin Photography

Check out his website:  www.carltonhamlinphotography.com for pricing and packages or send an email to ch.bizmgr@gmail.com for further inquiries. 

Bonus:  Use Promo Code: CACH_2017 to get 20% off wedding shoots and 10% off of all other shoots now through July 2017.

Chad Hamlin 

“I didn’t become a police officer to be somebody. I was somebody before I became a police officer.” 

Chad joined the Ruston Police Department in 2007 as a patrol officer.  He quickly moved up the ranks as Sergeant by 2011 (the average time for this promotion usually takes 8-9 years).  In 2014, Chad was promoted to Detective/Juvenile Investigator. And this past January (2017), Chad was promoted to Lieutenant. 

I’m gonna be really real right now and tell you that I wasn’t completely thrilled about Chad becoming a police officer.  I mean all I could think about was the bad stuff. Bad guys. The guns. The crime.  Chad had to remind me and the rest of my family that it wasn’t always bad.  An older Lieutenant who happened to be white, shared some words of encouragement with Chad when he first joined the department.

“About 95% of the people that you come into contact with are not bad people just someone who made a mistake or a bad decision. "

What do you love most about being a police officer?  

Short answer…to help people… In 2017, there is a lot of negativity surrounding the job, but I get a chance to provide a positive example to our young black males and females in the community.

Chad and other members of RPD pose with a few of the local children. 

Chad's words of wisdom for young men who wish to enter into law enforcement: 

• Do the right thing.
• Keep your grades up
• Follow the rules when you’re in high school because if not you eliminate the possibility of ever serving in this role.

What challenges or opportunities have you had to overcome as a police officer?

A black male or female police officer may endure a lot more scrutiny from peers and former associates given the negative tone surrounding the shootings of black people by police officers.

Some of our young black males and females consider it cooler to sell drugs or commit crimes versus being on the other side of the law.

Wearing a badge brings about a great deal of negativity as a black male. You are looked at as a sellout, a snitch, or a traitor.  Just like there are good people in the communities that make bad decisions the same holds true within law enforcement.

 Chad and his youngest son Jordan

Chad's sons - Jahleel, CJ, and Jordan Hamlin 

Chad and his family

My job is to protect and serve EVERYONE in the community. My goal is to erase the negative images of black males in the community by starting with one young man at a time. In the past, I have volunteered as a soccer and football coach as well as spent time with the young men at my local church.

If I can show one young man how to be respectful, make good choices, and go above and beyond in education then it will be a ripple effect throughout the community.  They will see me as a black man, a black father, and a black police officer who genuinely cares and wants to see the best in each of them.

What makes him magnificent?

I think his words above have said it all.  What makes Chad magnificent is that he keeps going, he works hard, and no matter what obstacles may come his way his pushes through with humility and true compassion. 

If you’d like to hear more of Chad’s story or to request a future speaking engagement, send an email to chamlin78@yahoo.com.