Jon Fulton Adams - Clothing Designer

Clothing designer Jon Fulton Adams of Queen's Rocket at Kansas City Fashion Week, March, 2017.

Photograph © 2017 Larry F. Levenson. 

All rights reserved.

Sonia Warshawski 48689

#WomenYouShouldKnow   #CelebratingWomen

As a Polish girl of Jewish faith, Sonia Warshawski 48689 lived in a death camp, and watched as her mother was marched to the gas chamber. 

When Sonia was 15 years old, the camp was being liberated by British soldiers and Sonia was shot. The bullet travelled close to her heart, through her, and she survived. 

"Big Sonia" is an inspiring documentary about Sonia's life. 

48689 is the number tattooed on her arm.

Photograph © 2017 Larry F. Levenson. 

All rights reserved.

Savannah Liles - Actress

#WomenYouShouldKnow 

Savannah Liles (Savannah Halliday) starred in the movie "Prodigy" (2017), as Ellie, a young genius working with a psychologist.

At eleven years old, Savannah has 11 movie and television credits, and a 12th project in post-production. 

In 2016, she appeared on The 37th Annual Young Artist Awards television special where she won Best Performance in a Short Film - Young Actress.

Savannah resides in Los Angeles.

Photograph © 2017 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Mrs. Missouri USA 2017

Lori Brown is Mrs. Missouri USA Universal 2017.

Photograph © 2017 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Milton J. Shelley, Sr. - Vietnam Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient

Milton J. Shelley, Sr., served with the 9th Infantry U.S. Army, and was wounded in combat. 

He waited 48 years to receive his Purple Heart.

Photograph © 2017 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Tricia J. Bushnell - Attorney

Tricia J. Bushnell, a former law professor, is Executive Director of Midwest Innocence Project.

Photograph © 2017 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Alvin Brooks

Alvin Brooks: Police officer, Chief of Police, Police Commissioner, community activist, founder of Ad Hoc Group Against Crime, civil rights advocate. 

In meetings with Presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama, he communicated from first-hand experience the correlation of poverty to crime and violence. 

President George H.W. Bush appointed Alvin advisor to the National Drug Advisory Council in 1989, and named him one of America's 1000 Points of Light.

As a police officer in the 1950's, Alvin was asked to participate in a line-up, in plain clothes. He was picked out of the line-up as the perpetrator of a mugging. Had he not been having lunch with a Detective at the time the crime was committed, he firmly believes he would have been charged.

Photograph © 2017 Larry F. Levenson. 

All rights reserved.

Ryan W. Ferguson - Wrongfully Convicted

Ryan W. Ferguson was a 17-year-old high school student when he was charged with murder.

He spent nearly 10 years in prison, before being found innocent.

You may have seen Ryan hosting MTV's Unlocking the Truth.

Midwest Innocence Project
Innocence Project

Photograph © 2017 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Nancy Pickard: Novelist

#WomenYouShouldKnow 

Nancy Pickard, author of a multitude of novels and short stories, has been honored with more than two-dozen awards for her writing.

"If you read for pleasure, there's probably more pleasure per inch in Pickard's work than almost any other current crime novelist." - Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Pickard has evolved into a novelist of substantial literary power." - The Denver Post

Photograph © 2017 Larry F. Levenson. 

All rights reserved. 

#CelebratingWomen

Patrick Lewallen

Patrick Lewallen

Photograph © 2017 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Matt Baldwin

Matt Baldwin.

Photograph © 2017 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Anthony Ray Hinton - Wrongfully Convicted

In 1985, Anthony Ray Hinton was convicted of murdering two restaurant managers, a crime he did not commit.

He spent the next 30 years in prison, most of it on Alabama's death row, before the United States Supreme Court overturned his conviction.

In January, 2016, Scott Pelley conducted an interview with Anthony for CBS's "60 Minutes", and you may follow this link for a written synopsis.

The Midwest Innocence Project

Innocence Project

Photograph © 2017 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Christian Micheal Shuster: Designer

Christian Micheal Shuster's modern clothing-design labels are ChristianMICHEAL men's wear, and sHe by cM.

Photograph © 2017 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Ciara

Model: Ciara Barton

Photograph © 2017 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Elise

Model: Elise Hardenburger

Photograph © 2017 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Miss Kansas City's Outstanding Teen

Kaitlyn Rigdon is Miss Kansas City's Outstanding Teen, 2017.

Photograph © 2017 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Contemplating Red Bull

A moment of meditation on the runway with the Red Edition of Red Bull at Kansas City Fashion Week.

Photograph © Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Model: Preston Jeffrey Parsons

Art Still - NFL Football Defensive End

Art Still played ten seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Art was selected to play in the Pro Bowl four times, named Chiefs Most Valuable Player twice, and a member of the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame.

He was eventually traded to the Buffalo Bills, where he played two seasons.

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Ernest Foltz - Drummer

Blues drummer Ernest Foltz entertains an enthusiastic, full-house audience.

Photograph © 2017 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Go Red For Women Fashion Show

Runway. Photographs © 2017 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved. 
Model on left: Alexa. Model on right: Lexy   Makeup: Shannon Nemec

Mark A. Norell, PhD

Dr. Mark A. Norell is a paleontologist and molecular geneticist. He is Division Chair and Macaulay Curator, plus Paleontology Professor at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

Dr. Norell is acknowledged as one of the most important living vertebrate paleontologists.

His articles appear often in major scientific journals, including Science, Nature (cover stories), and Time magazine listed his work in the 10 most significant science stories for three years.

He was named a New York City Leader of the Year by the New York Times.

Please enjoy this New York Times article, and this Wall Street Journal article.

Photograph © 2017 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Runway Model - LaRae Fashions

This dress is by designer Madison Durant of LaRae Fashions.

Model: Brynn Shaffer
Hair: Travis Harland
Makeup: Shannon Nemec

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Jennifer Tierney

Jennifer Tierney is the owner, designer, and in this image, the runway model for J.tierina Designs.


Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Dan Verbeck: Radio Reporter and Newsman

After working two years for newspapers, Dan Verbeck enjoyed a distinguished 48-year career reporting news on the radio.

Photograph © 2017 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Henry W. Bloch

Henry Bloch co-founded H&R Block in 1955 with his brother Richard.

It was through the U.S. Army Air Corps he received graduate training at Harvard University School of Business.

In 2001, Henry was inducted into the U.S. Business Hall of Fame.

Photograph © Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved. 

Kevin Willmott: Producer, Screenwriter, Director

Kevin Willmott was the executive producer and co-writer of Chi-Raq, a Spike Lee movie. 

He also wrote and directed feature movies including C.S.A.: Confederate States of America, Gordon Parks Elementary, Ninth Street, Jayhawkers, The Only Good Indian, The Battle for Bunker Hill, and more.

Photograph © Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Cynthia J. Popp: Producer, Director

Cynthia J. Popp won an Emmy® for producing The Bold and The Beautiful, and two awards from the Directors Guild of America for the same television show. 

She also directed episodes of Frasier, Jacob's Edge, and Passions.

Presently, Cynthia is Chief Executive Officer of Elocin Entertainment, and a partner in 2North Entertainment.

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

#WomenYouShouldKnow

Angelo Pizzo: Screenwriter, Producer, Director

Angelo Pizzo began his career at Warner Brothers Television, then moved to Time-Life Films.

He and David Anspaugh wrote the movie Hoosiers (1986), which earned two Oscar nominations, and named best sports film of all time by ESPN and USA Today.

In 1993, Angelo wrote and produced the movie Rudy, and in 2005 he did the same with The Game of Their Lives.

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. 

All rights reserved.

#Writer 

Pakistani Style

MH is a confident, fashion-forward Pakistani woman.

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Jason London

Jason London is a television and movie actor whose many credits include Dazed and Confused, Jason and the Argonauts, CSI, Grey's Anatomy, NCIS, 7th Heaven, and over 100 more.

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Barry Washboard Barnes, Musician

Barry Washboard Barnes plays the washboard, and is often seen playing with Ernest James Zydeco Band.

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. 

All rights reserved.

Max and Vincent Modeling Mens Apparel

Models Max MacDonald and Vincent Sung at ULAH.

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Wrongfully Convicted: Joe Amrine - 17 Years on Death Row

For a thought-provoking look at criminals, death sentences, religion and redemption, also read this article.

Joe Amrine surrendered to authorities when he was accused of committing a crime.

While incarcerated, he was charged with murdering a fellow inmate. With testimony from three other inmates, Joe was convicted and spent 17 years on death row.

Eventually, the other inmates admitted they lied.

With the help of Midwest Innocence Project, and criminal defense attorney Sean O'Brien, the Missouri Supreme Court overturned his murder conviction. He is back in society, and doing well.

Innocence Project

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Quixotic

Innovative Performance Art

Quixotic let me play with them backstage.

Photographs © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Kansas Air National Guard

Thank you for keeping us safe.

Kansas Air National Guard.

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Monica Gray

#WomenYouShouldKnow

Prologue: Law professor, and criminal defense attorney, Sean O'Brien, accepted this wrongful-conviction case in 2007 as part of Midwest Innocence Project.

When Monica Gray was 13 years old, she met Ricky Kidd, and they quickly became best friends.

Her best friend turned into the love of her life, and after Monica graduated high school, she moved in with Ricky.

On Valentine's Day, 1996, she and Ricky were stunned when police interrogated them about a double murder. They both had documented alibis.

They were released, however three months later, with Monica pregnant, Ricky was charged in the double murder. He was convicted, and sentenced to life in prison.

With permission, I am including a link where you may read Monica's account of the last 20 years.  This case is heartbreaking, and still being adjudicated. Read her remarks here:  http://themip.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/2016.11.5-Monica-Gray-Remarks.pdf.

Innocence Project

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

RonReaco Lee and Lucas Black

I shot this image during a break on a movie set more than a dozen years ago.  

On the left is actor RonReaco Lee, who has a lengthy television and movie resume. Two projects in post-production are due out in 2017. 

Lucas Black is on the right. I first saw him as Frank Wheatley in Sling Blade, and he now stars on CSI: New Orleans. His role as Sean Boswell in The Fast and The Furious movies has helped make them very successful.

The name of the woman in the center escapes me, however I remember her as the on-set acting coach.

Photograph © Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Fashion Week Wedding Dress

Kansas City Fashion Week. 

October, 2016.

Model: Jasmine

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Carmen

Carmen, who is perpetually glamorous.

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Midwest Innocence Project - Wrongfully Accused

Saber Hossinei was a successful insurance broker in Wichita, Ks, until he was charged with a crime he did not commit.

With the help of an attorney the charges were ultimately dropped, however the experience had a profound effect upon him.

He began driving to Kansas City, Mo., a 6-hour round trip, twice a week to the Midwest Innocence Project office, where he volunteered his time. 

Saber has returned to school with hopes of becoming an attorney, and is presently Development Associate with the Midwest Innocence Project.

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

James Carville - "The Ragin' Cajun"

James Carville is a political strategist, best-selling author, actor, producer, talk-show host, speaker and restaurateur. 

He resides in New Orleans with his wife, Mary Matalin, where he is a Professor at Tulane University.

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. 

All rights reserved.

War Veteran

Military service ribbons.

Veterans Day is November 11, 2016.

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Michael Stern - Symphony Conductor

Michael Stern conducting the Kansas City Symphony.

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson.

Steve McFarland - Competitive Diver, Coach, Broadcaster

As a competitive diver, Steve McFarland won two AAU National Championships, plus two bronze medals at the University Games.

After competing, Steve coached at the University of Miami, bringing about four NCAA All-Americans; became a diving analyst at the 1988 and 1992 Olympics for NBC; then ESPN, Turner Broadcast Sports, and more.

He served as President of USA Diving, and was Olympic Diving Judge at the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Games.

In 2005, he received the Paragon Award / Competitive Diving from the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

Photograph © 2015 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Frank Busch - Olympic and Collegiate Swimming Coach

Frank Busch coached the USA Olympic Swimming teams in 2008 (Beijing) and 2012 (London).

As a collegiate coach, Frank was named Coach of the Year 6 times by the NCAA, and 11 times by the PAC-10.

In 2008, He was inducted into the American Swimming Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

USA Swimming

Photograph © 2015 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Dramatic Lady

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Rowdy Gaines - Oympic Gold Medalist, Television Analyst

Rowdy Gaines is a former competitive ​swimmer, U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame member, three-time Olympic gold medalist, and member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame. 

He is a swimming analyst for ESPN and NBC, and covered the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, and the London 2012 Summer Olympics.

usaswimming.org 

Photograph © 2015 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Andrew Gemmell - Olympic Swimmer

Andrew Gemmell was a member of the 2012 United States Olympic Team, and competed in the 1,500-meter freestyle event at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

​
He just​ returned to the 2016 Open Water National Championships, and won the 10K title in one of the best fields the race has had.

usaswimming.org 

Photograph © Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.