Overview
In February 1926, Carter G. Woodson launched Negro History Week to encourage the teaching of Black history in communities and public schools. What began as a week-long observance has grown into Black History Month, a nationally recognized celebration of Black achievement and cultural heritage. In honor of the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, this intimate exhibition invites visitors to experience the African American journey through the lens of photography, a medium that captures truth, emotion, and history in a single frame. Featuring four images, each photograph tells a story of identity and beauty, offering a glimpse into moments that define and celebrate African American life.
The works reveal snapshots of existence, bridging generations, from the wisdom and strength of elders to the vibrancy and promise of youth. Among these images is African American photographer Roland L. Freeman, whose work has long honored the depth and dignity of the African American experience. Together, these perspectives spark a dialogue about representation, artistry, and the shared responsibility of telling these stories with care and respect.
Above (left to right): Chester Higgins (American, born 1946), Shugg Lampley at the Garden Gate, negative 1968; printed 2007, platinum print on paper, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Association Purchase, 2007.14; Roland L. Freeman (American, 1936–2023), Getting Acquainted, Sunday Afternoon in Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, Maryland, August 1973, negative 1973; printed 1997, from Portfolio, gelatin silver print on paper, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Gift of Penny Weaver, 2013.12.9
“Taking a photograph is accidental. Making a photograph is intentional … When you look at the image, you have to ask yourself if that image makes you feel sympathetic for that person or that situation. If it does, then I succeeded.”
– Chester Higgins, 2024 Alabama Distinguished Artist Award, Alabama State Council on the Arts
Organizer
Organized by the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Montgomery, Alabama.
Exhibition Sponsors
Annual support for exhibitions is made possible by the following sponsors and grantors:
Lead Sponsors and Grantors: Alabama State Council on the Arts, Art Bridges Foundation, Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC, Mr. and Mrs. Barrie H. Harmon, Ill, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, LLC, Lamar Advertising of Montgomery, Mr. and Mrs. James K. Lowder, Poarch Band of Creek Indians, and Mrs. Helen Till
Sponsors: Mr. Owen Aronov, Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Runkle, Sabel Steel, The S. Adam Schloss Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Weil, III, Laurie J. Weil, D.V.M. and Dr. Tommy Wool, and Ms. Helen Crump Wells
Co-sponsors: Mr. and Mrs. Sam Adams, Alabama Trucking Association, AmeriFirst Bank, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin H. Campbell II, CAPTRUST, Dr. Robert Combs, Crum Family Charitable Foundation, Mrs. Camille Elebash-Hill, Harmon Dennis Bradshaw, Inc., Mrs. Ann Hubbert, Mr. and Mrs. John E. Ives, Mr. and Mrs. L. Daniel Morris, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Mussafer, Dr. Alfred J. Newman, Jr., River Bank & Trust, Russell Construction of Alabama, Inc., Ms. Micki Beth Stiller, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Taylor, and Warren Averett, LLC.
Special thanks to the Alabama State Council on the Arts.
