ATX Digital Photography

10/05/2025

Terry Weeks of the Temptations speaking after a concert in the Houston area in September 2025.

© 2025 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

10/05/2025

Dr. Otis Williams of the Temptations is speaking after a concert in the Houston area in September 2025.

© 2025 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

10/01/2025

The Motown sound of The Temptations and the Four Tops graced the Smart Financial Centre on September 24, 2025. With a remarkable 63 years of performances, The Temptations featured Dr. Otis Willams, the last original living member, still touring. Sadly, Abdul “Duke” Fakir of the Four Tops passed away on July 22, 2024, at the age of 88. He continued to perform with The Four Tops until his passing, including a memorable show in Austin at Bass Concert Hall in 2022. Michael Brock stepped in as the first tenor vocalist for The Four Tops in 2024.

The Temptations concert showcased beloved hits such as “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me),” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” and “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone.” Meanwhile, The Four Tops performed their first Motown hit, “Baby I Need Your Loving,” which launched their career in 1964. Their sixties catalog remains essential to any retrospective of the decade, featuring timeless tracks like “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch),” “It’s The Same Old Song,” and a romantic trilogy that includes “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” “Standing In The Shadows Of Love,” and “Bernadette.”

For fans of The Temptations and The Four Tops, this was truly a night to remember. The music from these iconic groups shaped my childhood, echoing through the radio stations of Chicago.

© 2025 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

Nokoa The Observer by Michael J. Lewis



Temptations

Four Tops

09/23/2025

Dr. Judith Joseph had an informative presentation at the Essence FestivalEssence Festival in July 2025. She spoke about mental health and high-functioning depression, especially in Black women. Dr Judith Joseph stated during her study, “I realized that a lot of folks I knew, especially Black women, would go around strong with a great face, but are going through so much and you would never know it.” She developed five tools for high-functioning people. The tools Dr. Judith Joseph spoke about are in her new book, “High Functioning, Overcome Your Hidden Depression and Reclaim Your Joy.”

According to Dr. Judith Joseph, if you look fine on the outside but don’t feel fine on the inside, learn five tools to break the cycle of High Functioning Depression and experience more joy in your life.

The book was on the USA Today Best-Selling Booklist.

A Manhattan-based psychiatrist and researcher, Dr. Judith Joseph is at the forefront of mental health innovation, bringing a wealth of expertise to her practice and research. She has expertise in pediatric and adult mental health. Dr. Judith Joseph is an internationally renowned speaker. She has been a lecturer and professional speaker at prestigious institutions such as The Executive Office of the President of the United States at The White House, Ivy League Universities, and Fortune 500 companies across the United States and Europe.

Look for additional Dr. Judith’s videos from the Essence Festival on my website. https://www.atxdigitalphotography.com/blog/2025/9/dr-judith-joseph-presentation-at-the-essence-festival-2025

These are tools to break the cycle of High Functioning Depression and experience more joy in your life from Dr. Judith’s book.
To learn more about Dr. Judith Joseph, go to her website. https://drjudithjoseph.com/

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
© 2025 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

09/23/2025

Dr. Judith Joseph had an informative presentation at the Essence Festival in July 2025. She spoke about mental health and high-functioning depression, especially in Black women. Dr Judith Joseph stated during her study, “I realized that a lot of folks I knew, especially Black women, would go around strong with a great face, but are going through so much and you would never know it.” She developed five tools for high-functioning people. The tools Dr. Judith Joseph spoke about are in her new book, “High Functioning, Overcome Your Hidden Depression and Reclaim Your Joy.”
According to Dr. Judith Joseph, if you look fine on the outside but don’t feel fine on the inside, learn five tools to break the cycle of High Functioning Depression and experience more joy in your life.
The book is on the USA Today Best-Selling Booklist.
A Manhattan-based psychiatrist and researcher, Dr. Judith Joseph is at the forefront of mental health innovation, bringing a wealth of expertise to her practice and research. She has expertise in pediatric and adult mental health. Dr. Judith Joseph is an internationally renowned speaker. She has been a lecturer and professional speaker at prestigious institutions such as The Executive Office of the President of the United States at The White House, Ivy League Universities, and Fortune 500 companies across the United States and Europe.
Look for additional Dr. Judith’s videos from the Essence Festival on my website. https://www.atxdigitalphotography.com/blog/2025/9/dr-judith-joseph-presentation-at-the-essence-festival-2025

These are tools to break the cycle of High Functioning Depression and experience more joy in your life from Dr. Judith’s book.
To learn more about Dr. Judith Joseph, go to her website. https://drjudithjoseph.com/
© 2025 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

Nokoa The Observer
by Michael J. Lewis

09/23/2025

Did you attend the Essence Festival in 2025? This is the DJ playing music during the last day and hour of the Essence 2025 at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

The Essence Festival, a highly anticipated event for music, arts, and culture enthusiasts, made its return in 2025. Held from July 3rd to July 6th in New Orleans, the festival is celebrated for its dynamic performances, powerful speakers, and a strong focus on Black excellence.

Nokoa The Observer
by Michael J. Lewis

© 2025 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

Send a message to learn more

09/06/2025

Austin, get ready! The Urban Music & Cultural Fest is BACK — bigger, louder, and stronger than ever!

📍 NEW LOCATION: Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park (1401 Trinity St)
📅 September 12–13, 2025

Headlining: THE BIZNESS 🎤🎸
Plus performances by Glenn Jones, M. Cally, Keyun & The Zydeco Masters, Jake Carter, Demola, Charmin Greene & Jermaine Williams, Yansa Samada, Paula Atherton, Afro Jazz Trio and more!

Expect two unforgettable days of soul, R&B, jazz, zydeco, and cultural vibes right in the heart of downtown Austin. 🌆✨

Tickets are moving fast — don’t miss your chance to be part of this legendary weekend!

👉 Visit UrbanMusicFest.com to lock in your spot today.

08/24/2025

Nokoa The Observer
by Michael Lewis

Y’all’s Down Home Café in Round Rock's last day is Sunday, August 24, 2025, before closing the Round Rock location permanently. Go to Y'all’s Café on Sunday to thank Geoff and Sharon for their hard work and dedication, and the great soul food that we can’t get enough of. They are located at 2000 S IH-35, Suite G1, in Round Rock.

Geoff and Sharon Beverly opened Y’all’s Down Home Café in Manor, Texas, in 2016. Then two years later, the owners relocated the restaurant to its current location in Round Rock. Y’all’s menu has a mix of Louisiana Cajun food and soul food in a southern family atmosphere. Some of the southern food favorites include fried catfish, chicken wings, and their famous fried pork chops with brown gravy! It has been 10 years of finger-licking soul food made from scratch, southern cooking.

I had the pleasure of capturing some moments at Y’all’s Café and want to extend my gratitude to Geoff Beverly for his hospitality. I want to wish him the best of luck with his new restaurant in Temple. We will certainly miss Y’all’s Down Home Café in Round Rock!
https://www.eatatyalls.cafe/
© 2025 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

Y'all's

07/26/2025

Nokoa The Observer
by Michael J. Lewis

The Austin Fire Department graduated 40 cadets from the Austin Fire Department’s 28-week Training Academy on Friday, July 25, 2025, at the Great Hills Baptist Church. The theme for Cadet Class #139 was “Through Endurance We Conquer.” The Commencement program consisted of four Cadet Awards: the hammer, the most physically fit, the best all-around cadet, and the valedictorian. The ceremony call to order and acknowledgements were performed by Battalion Chief Donnie Watson. The program also included the pinning of the 40 cadets by family and friends. After the pinning, each cadet was congratulated by Austin Fire Chief Joel G. Baker. Congratulations to all of the cadets on their achievements and graduation.
© 2025 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

The Austin Fire Department proudly celebrated the graduation of 40 cadets from the Austin Fire Department’s 28-week Training Academy. The Commencement was held at the Great Hills Baptist Church on Friday, July 25, 2025, Cadet Class #139 embraced the theme "Through Endurance We Conquer."

During the Commencement program, four prestigious Cadet Awards were presented, including the hammer award, the title of most physically fit, the recognition for the best all-around cadet, and the valedictorian honor. The ceremony, overseen by Battalion Chief Donnie Watson, commenced with heartfelt acknowledgments.

A special moment ensued as family and friends pinned each of the 40 cadets, marking a significant milestone in their journey. Austin Fire Chief Joel G. Baker personally extended his congratulations to every cadet, recognizing their hard work and dedication.

Kudos to all the cadets on their remarkable achievements and successful graduation. Here's to a bright future ahead! 🎓🔥

📸 © 2025 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved.

07/06/2025

Nokoa The Observer
by Michael J. Lewis

The 6th Annual "Women in Harmony" Awards Luncheon, hosted by the National Urban League at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in New Orleans was truly remarkable. The National Urban League, a civil rights organization committed to social justice and economic empowerment since 1910, brought together a star-studded event on July 5.

Leading the organization is Marc H. Morial, serving as the President and CEO. The luncheon celebrated prominent figures like Patti Labelle, Mara Brock Akil, and Representative Jasmine Crockett, honoring their contributions and achievements.

It was an unforgettable gathering, showcasing the dedication to equality and empowerment that the National Urban League stands for. Such events play a vital role in recognizing and celebrating the impactful work of individuals shaping our communities.

© 2025 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

The National Urban League

07/06/2025

Marc H Morial spoke at the National Urban League 6th Annual Women In Harmony Awards Luncheon in New Orleans on Saturday, July 5, 2025.

© 2025 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved
The National Urban League

07/06/2025

Representative Jasmine Crockett was one of the Honorees at the National Urban League 6th Annual Women In Harmony Luncheon in New Orleans.
© 2025 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved
The National Urban League