This portrait of Queen Mother Dr. Delois Blakely—community mayor of Harlem, Goodwill Ambassador to Africa, founder of New Future Foundation—was taken at 142nd street in Hamilton Heights, New York, by photographer Francois Bonneau, who says he is committed to creating portraits of people who make a positive difference. I especially like the vibrant colors of Dr. Blakely’s outfit popping out against a neutral New York background, which helps her exude even more strength and confidence.

“I photographed her after she had held a press conference to protect affordable housing and bring attention to predatory lenders and mortgage fraud especially preying on the elderly in neighborhoods undergoing gentrification in New York City,” Bonneau explains. 

“The foreground with Queen Mother guarding her domain embodies authority, power, compassion. She is the queen of human rights, standing for the protection, dignity and respect of African-Americans, the community of Harlem, the African diaspora, and all who have been subjugated or oppressed.” 

(Photographed with a Canon 5D Mark III, a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT and color filter on flash.) 

Check out more Photos of the Day, and email submissions to rangefinder@emeraldexpo.com.