"Letters From Black America," is a photographic exploration of resilience, hope, and unity within the Black community. In a world where systemic barriers persist and the weight of historical and contemporary struggles are deeply felt, this series shines a light on the enduring spirit of Black people who continue to rise above adversity despite immense challenges.
The project began during a conversation in my living with a young Black boy describing the hardships of his current life. Moved by his experience, I sought to capture his emotions and tell the story of his struggle and impending triumph. With his portrait, “Letters From Black America" was born. As the project progresses, I treat each story as unique and use my camera to explore new perspectives of portraiture, blending styles of documentary and fine art to celebrate each individual's unwavering determination to thrive and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
Seen as a collective, the work delves into the emotional and psychological landscapes of Black people, capturing the complexities and nuances of their experiences in portraiture and letter writing. I collaborate with each participant in both image and text as they articulate their feelings, dreams, and aspirations, and offer a candid glimpse into their inner worlds. The resulting work is a powerful testament of courage, perseverance, and an unyielding belief in the possibility of change.
“Letters From Black America” is a celebration of Black humanity, an invitation to witness the strength and beauty of the Black experience, and a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of art.