My love to those with whom I've shared the years and have graced my life. Family aside, these are the folks who are the most important to me.
Barbara and Anthonette Akins (“Sis” and “Mom,” who keep me straight - or try to, at least), Chuck Alexander (forgive me, Brother, for I have sinned), Brian Andersen (you so crazy), MBB (sigh), Robert Borden (whom I most enjoy beating at backgammon - when it happens), Bill (whom I’ve known longer than all) and Barbara Burbridge, CC (who is more fun to drink with than any man), Lisle Carter (sorry for the customs thing, RIP), Doug Clifton and Rich Oppel at The Charlotte Observer (two of the toughest, most demanding, most excellent editors I ever worked for), Billy D (relax, we lived, didn't we?) Phylis Denton, KD (thanks for opening your door, and your heart), “Big Al” Dyson, Charles Eisendrath at the University of Michigan (who gave me a shot - probably because I wear bow ties), Reggie Elliott (who loves cars as much as I), "Auntie" Camille Espeut (who had the dirt, but never ratted me out, RIP), Donna “Ma” Finley (great friends never change), EBLF (who shared mosquitos), Fred “Tex” Gaines, Susan Gilbert (with the goods), Dale Guldan (the best photographer I ever worked with, RIP), Dan Hanson (who could have been a 3-star chef) and Kathy Miller, Carlos Henderson (so glad I opened the door), Nick (who knows all my secrets) and Debrah Jefferson (who deserves commendation for putting up with Nick), Mark Johnson (it’s better to be not quite so broke), John and Mary Kiehl, ATM (golly),“Toots” Mayronne (the wedding queen!), CZM, Robert McDaniel (my best friend at AOB, RIP), Angus McDougall at the University of Missouri, graduate school of journalism (who during my entrance interview asked me what I wanted to be, to which I responded, “ a black photographer.” He said, “Congratulations, you’re half way there.” RIP), Michelle Miskin (back, after so many years), Lymott “B” Neal, John Archie Peak (what goes on in London, stays in London), Tony Peters (who took the walk of shame with me), Basil Phillips (RIP), Bill Pliske, Mary Ann Purnell, Bill R (the newest on the list, but my best crew ever) “Uncle” Robby (who rescued me in the middle of the night when I was eight, RIP), Nick S (oh, man, if they only knew!), John Simmons (who taught me to fly fish), Jeff Siner (who stepped up when I needed him), Sarah Stevenson, Ron Talley, Keith Ward, Norman Weissman (who taught me), John C Williams (shooter, musician, athlete, a remarkable man).