#WhyILikeTrenton Photo Contest Winners
Trenton, NJ — Trenton Health Team today congratulates winners of the #WhyILikeTrenton 2020 photo contest, chosen by local community judges from among more than 125 photo submissions on Instagram.
THT ran the photo contest throughout April and May to share pride in our city by highlighting Trenton’s assets and talent. This year’s contest focused on showcasing our community, our courage, and our caring for one another as residents confront the threat of COVID-19.
“This year’s #WhyILikeTrenton contest celebrates Trenton’s resilience and strong sense of community,” said THT Executive Director Gregory Paulson. “The photos this year were incredible, capturing the challenges our community faces, as well as the beauty of Trenton residents and landscapes. We applaud everyone who participated and look forward to a public exhibit of photos later this year.”
Street photographer De’Von Davis (wolfdaviis) won both First Place and Second Place for images capturing everyday moments, including a youngster learning to ride a bike and an NJTransit rider donning a face mask. Third Place and “Most Likes” awards went to billy_mf_brown for photos of a peaceful sunset and glimpse of our city’s vibrant street art scene. (see photos)
Both “Most Likes” and First Place winners received $250 gift cards and identified local nonprofits for a matching donation from THT in their names. This year, THT received a grant from GivingTuesdayNow supporting bigger prizes and expanding plans for a public exhibit later this year.
#WhyILikeTrenton 2020 was inspired by the new “We Are Survivors” mural at Hudson and Clinton by Trenton artist Leon Rainbow (@aerosoleon), who also served as a contest judge. Other judges included Trenton professional basketball player La’Keisha Sutton (@fanfavorite11), designer and lifestyle influencer Sino Lawery (@splash_lifestyle) and 2019 contest winners photographer Habiyb Ali Shu’Aib (@beloved1_ ) and filmmaker Adam Nawrot (@radam_gnawrot).
“All of the photos made me proud to be from Trenton,” said Sutton, who also owns and runs Fan Favorite Club. “It shows hope, togetherness and community. The older generation has to connect with the millennials and the youth. We need each other. We all have individual stories and dreams but collectively we can continue to make our city a better, safer place. ”
THT first launched the #WhyILikeTrenton photo contest in April 2019. That contest attracted more than 50 photographs and concluded with a First Friday exhibit at Base Camp Trenton.
“Trenton Health Team is focused on helping Trenton residents live healthy, happy lives,” Paulson said . “While the city faces challenges, we also see creativity, resilience, caring, family and fun here. THT is proud to be part of this community.”