BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Celebrating our Photographers
This year we have chosen to celebrate Black History Month in a different way, after all, history is just a moment ago! We are taking a deep dive into the world of photography and showcasing the work of black photographers around the world. Each day we will be sharing the work of talented individuals on our social media platforms, commencing with a larger gallery at the end of the month.
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Who will be featured?
These photographers, and many others, have used their cameras to document the Black experience in all its complexity. From historical events to everyday life, their images offer a powerful and lasting legacy.
As we celebrate Black History Month, let's take a moment to appreciate the work of these talented photographers.
Their images inspire, challenge, and remind us of the importance of recognising the contributions of Black people to our society.
Join us throughout October as we share more information and work from Black photographers. Let's celebrate their creativity, resilience, and the power of their vision.
Determining the first Black photographer is a challenging task due to historical recordkeeping and the evolution of photography. While there is no definitive answer, several individuals have been credited with early achievements in the field.
One notable figure is James Van Der Zee, a Harlem Renaissance photographer known for his portraits of African American high society. While he may not have been the absolute first Black photographer, his work is a significant milestone in the history of Black photography.
The Earliest Published Photographs of Black People
The earliest published photographs of Black people likely date back to the mid-19th century, coinciding with the development of photography itself. As photography technology advanced, it became a powerful tool for documenting and disseminating images.
One of the earliest known published photographs of Black people is believed to be a portrait of a group of enslaved Africans taken in the United States in the 1850s. However, the exact date and location of this photograph remain uncertain.
The early years of photography were marked by a significant lack of representation of Black people. Many photographers focused on documenting landscapes, portraits of white individuals, and other subjects that were considered more socially acceptable. It wasn't until later in the 19th century that Black people began to appear more frequently in published photographs.
The availability of photography played a crucial role in shaping public perceptions of Black people. Early photographs were often used to reinforce stereotypes and perpetuate racist narratives. However, they also served as a means of resistance and empowerment for Black individuals and communities. As photography technology evolved, so too did the representation of Black people in published images. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Black photographers were emerging and using their cameras to challenge stereotypes and tell their own stories.
We are sharing the work of those photographers with you this Black History Month.
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