A love letter to Southside Fort Wayne

This particular morning, I decided to take a photo walk around town. It took me about two and a half hours to reach my destination, Fortezza Coffee, but I’m glad I made the journey.

Lately, I’ve found it a little harder to take pictures just for the sake of it, without overthinking the composition or the aesthetic. But this walk helped clear my mind. It reminded me how important it is to slow down and just see—really see—what’s around me. It gave me a new perspective on Southside Fort Wayne.

Fun fact: I wasn’t born in Fort Wayne. I was actually born in Atlanta, Georgia, and moved here when I was around three or four, just before kindergarten.

I’ve always had a love and hate relationship with this town. Even though I didn’t grow up in Atlanta, I’ve always felt drawn to bigger cities. Sure, Fort Wayne is the second largest city in Indiana, but it’s different. There’s a saying that Fort Wayne is a big city with a small town feel, and that couldn’t be more true.

As I’ve gotten older, though, I’ve come to appreciate it more. Being involved in the local art scene and meeting other creative people has helped me see this city in a better light.

Even if I don’t always say it, Fort Wayne raised me. My roots are here. And while I may eventually move on to bigger places, this city will always have a piece of my heart.

Thank you, 46806.