It’s hard to determine who is being transformed with the show “Transforming Lives: Photographs from Uganda” by fine art photographer, journalist and activist Stephen Shames.

One might think this transformation is a toss-up between the children Shames is helping or perhaps himself, and very likely the attendees of the show. The exhibit is located at the Firehouse Plaza Art Gallery at Nassau Community College (NCC).

The opening reception took place recently, with Shames the center of much interest with his beautiful photos of Uganda’s children. Many NCC students came to visit, as well as professors, including art professor emeritus Robert Carter and Art Department chairperson Susan Dooley.

“I’m so taken with this artist. What impresses me most is the outstanding photography that really makes me feel something. After speaking to him with about how many children he’s helped, and realizing these children are the future leaders of Uganda, it’s very powerful. This can’t be more important,” stated NCC assistant vice president for liberal arts Roberta Schroder.

Florence Dee Boodakian, English professor at NCC and coordinator of the Human Rights Project, remarked, “I think the children’s haunting expressions remind me of my trip to Africa… It’s important for NCC students to see this exhibit.”

“It’s inspiring to see what they’ve done with these kids to give them a better life,” said Leo Anthony, a music, theater and writing major at NCC.

Naresh Singh, a liberal arts sophomore, concurred. “I really enjoy the exhibit and it’s definitely doing a good thing, helping communities. ‘Child Soldier on Crutches’ caught my eye and I feel sorry for the children.”

While Scott Ballin, a professor at Five Towns College, played keyboards at the reception and attendees enjoyed snacks. Shames explained, “Back in 1965 when I started at the university, there was no course in photography or journalism at U. C. Berkeley. I was a history major and anthropology minor. In 1967 I bought a camera and learned photography at the art studio in the Student Union. In 1968 or 1969, the campus was in turmoil, as was the country. The students went on strike to get a Black Studies Department… I became the photographer for the Black Panthers. So I did not spend much time in class.

"I became a photojournalist…. I worked for the underground press, but also for the Associated Press, Newsweek and the New York Times. That is how I learned photography and journalism – out on the streets… I use a digital Canon 5D camera for color shots and a Leica film camera with my black and white ones.”

 According to Shames’ artist statement about the non-profit organization he founded, “L.E.A.D. Uganda had humble beginnings. In 2000, I was on assignment in Uganda doing a story on AIDS. I photographed the funeral of a woman who had died of AIDS, leaving behind five orphans, the youngest baby named Sarah. I formed a special relationship with Sarah who calls me 'Dad.'  I paid school fees for Sarah and her family, as well as a dozen other orphans from the village.

"In a few short years, L.E.A.D. Uganda has transformed the lives of 90 bright, motivated AIDS orphans, child soldiers and young people in refugee camps. It is my hope that the photographs in this exhibit will inspire you and serve as a vehicle to help the children of Africa.” 

L.E.A.D. Uganda’s mission is to transform forgotten children into leaders by giving them the best education and entrepreneurial skills they need to help their communities.

Andrea Smith, a friend of Shames, remarked, “My church has helped [support L.E.A.D. Uganda] for a few years now. We have [help from] St. Peter’s Church in Manhattan, Talmadge Hill Church in Connecticut, the Legacy Church in Pennsylvania and Forefront Church in Manhattan.”

Churches, families and individuals here on Long Island can sponsor L.E.A.D. children as well. Right now 40 children are sponsored on a regular basis.  Individual one-time donations are appreciated too.

The L.E.A.D. Uganda T-shirts were designed by Shepard Fairey, the graphic artist who designed the recent famous President Obama portrait. The design is based on Shames’ photographic portrait, “Sarah." Merchandise to benefit the organization can be purchased at the Firehouse Plaza Art Gallery. All proceeds will be given to the efforts of L.E.A.D. Uganda.

Shames' images are in the permanent collections of many museums including the National Portrait Gallery, International Center of Photography and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. PBS has named Shames as a photographer whose work promotes social change.

And in turn, Shames has been transformed from photojournalist into a leader of Uganda’s children.

The show continues through March 17. For more information visit www.Stephen.Shames.com or www.leaduganda.org. Shames is represented by the Steven Kasher Gallery in Manhattan.