The mission of CivMix has been built on giving community voices and news a platform. From the daily “Rise and Shine” updates to our “CivMix Voices” blog, we want to make sure that you know not only what is happening in the #518 but also meet some of the individuals that are involved and invested in our great community. Contributor Alyssa Lotmore will be highlighting some of those individuals in our new “CivMixer Spotlight” series.
CivMixer Spotlight: DTrae Carter
From serving as Acting President of the Friends and Foundation of the Albany Public Library to being an area business owner, DTrae Carter is involved in the Albany community… although he usually is behind the scenes and behind the camera.
Q: A local photographer and the acting president of the Friends and Foundation of the Albany Public Library (FFAPL), you wear many hats. Tell us a bit about yourself and how the love of photography and books came to be.
A: Growing up in Utica, NY, books always played a role in nourishing my creativity and aspirations to see all different parts of the world. I spent a lot time at the Utica Public Library. After graduating Siena College in 2006, I moved to Japan to teach conversational English, which was a monumental experience. I learned that I am a pretty decent teacher that’s well-liked by students and a poor rule-follower, very much disliked by the Administrative staff. So, I quit the gig early and traveled around Southeast Asia for a bit: boat ride from Osaka to Shanghai; overnight train to Hong Kong; flight to Singapore; bus trip to Kuala Lumpur. The conversations, the cuisine, the architecture, the people-watching; I got to drink it all in, just as they continue to write articles and books, and film televisions shows about. By Malaysia, I had missed my friends from home enough when I realized that I wanted to return. My biggest regret was that I didn’t take enough pictures.
About a decade ago, my friend was throwing away a couple of old, but functional, Pentax K-1000s. “Waste not, want not,” as they say, so, I gave these cameras a new home and spit-shined them up real nice. I saw this as an excellent opportunity to teach myself an art form, as well as a way to guarantee that I would always have a camera in tow.
Thanks to the Albany public libraries, I was able to conduct my photography research using books and materials that I wouldn’t have had access to on my own. I owe public libraries a debt of gratitude for being an available space for all of us to feed our passions.
Q: What is the FFAPL and what led you to be involved with it?
A: In 2017, I ran for a seat on the Albany Public Library Board of Trustees. I saw that as an opportunity to be proactive in making the positive changes the city of Albany needs. What I didn’t see was how much stronger the other candidates were for the few seats available at the time. I don’t remember how close to last my position was in the election results, but it was pretty down there.
Nonetheless, it was an educational and fulfilling experience. It was my first time running for an official political office; to have received as many votes as I did was enough of an accomplishment. It proved to me that there are a number of people in this city that actually believe in my endeavor. I couldn’t help but think I was onto a good path; I realized that I was at the beginning of doing something right.
A couple of people at the Friends and Foundation of the Albany Public Library (FFAPL) confirmed this realization: Holly McKenna and Lex Bhagat, my FFAPL predecessor and FFAPL’s Executive Director, respectively. They were impressed with my commitment and invited me to sit in on their next Board meeting, hoping I would be interested in joining their cause to provide the Albany public library system with the critical support it needs.
Five years later, I am now the Acting President of the Board of Directors for this fine organization. Turns out, it’s an excellent opportunity to be proactive in making the positive changes the city of Albany needs.
Q: The Albany Public Library (APL), with the support of the FFAPL, seems to be a great community resource. What are some of the services offered that benefit the residents of Albany?
A: At times, it seems to be easier to list what isn’t offered at the Albany Public Library that benefit our neighbors. I am constantly finding new programs that pop up at the libraries. I took a screenwriting course at the Howe Branch. I sat in on a Dungeons & Dragons campaign at the Bach Branch. You can take out musical instruments! They have day passes to local museums! Through #KeepAlbanyConnected, the library branches extended their WiFi to parking lots and outdoor areas, which is particularly useful for those needing public transportation.
In April, FFAPL announced it will expand #KeepAlbanyConnected and take part in the New York Digital Inclusion Fund. Over the next two years, we will focus our efforts on advancing digital equity throughout our community. We will utilize these funds to expand wireless internet access at Albany Housing Authority campuses. Our goal is to address this critical need in these Albany neighborhoods and help bridge their digital divide.
Actually, I take back what I said about it being easier to not list the services. My hope is that we all get lost in the amount of services our public libraries offer.
Q: You have probably snapped photos of the APL’s beautiful libraries. As a photographer, and owner of Lark Street Photo, what are your favorite type of photos to take (i.e. people, architecture, nature, iconic local landmarks)?
A: That’s a tough one. I believe our artistic or aesthetic vision should always continue to evolve. These days, I enjoy in-depth urban exploration. A lot of our world can be so mesmerizing, even in its decay. And, of course, food. I always enjoy restaurant menu shoots. Waste not, want not, right?
Professionally, I enjoy taking all sorts of exposures: real estate, events, portraits; all of it is invigorating.
I will say, the architecture of Howe Branch in South End of Albany is incredibly impressive. This is one of the places on my list of things I would like to capture in Albany.
Q: What are three things that you love about Albany and/or the Capital Region?
A: 1) The Gems: the hidden nuggets, the sweet spots, the secret nooks, the familiar escapes – The Capital Region has some of the best in the world. Being a photographer, you notice more areas, too. I nominate myself for the Head of the Department of Capital Region Hidden Gems.
2) This isn’t going to sound like an endorsement, but I truly believe it is: Albany is an easy place to get away from. Hear me out. An hour drive in any direction and you are in an entirely new environment. Double that and you’ve hit a major city with ease. That’s all a day trip. Not a lot of other places in Upstate NY that have this gift.
3) I like being able to say I live here. It can be frustrating or a weird experience, but it can also be magnificent once you plant some roots into your neighborhood.
