Asia Howell
Special to In Motion
Let’s just say at the #1960NOW exhibit at Daytona State College is a cultural change that people normally would not see at a state institution.
The #1960NOW showcase in the Southeast Museum of Photography’s upstairs gallery demonstrates powerful visual representations of African-Americans. Creator Sheila Pree Bright explains that she is on a journey to change perceptions and how African Americans are viewed. In light of the many recent racial injustices and incidents of police brutality, this exhibit executes the initial message that such injustices will not go unnoticed.
Photos on display bring to life the hardships African-Americans face on a daily basis. Bright’s work actually challenges viewers to think and question themselves on the deeper meaning of the portraits.
Her images represent the serious racial issues that have been broadcasted through cities such as Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Atlanta and Ferguson, Mo. All of these cities represent modern racial discrimination that had been taking place for a long time. Her photos display unknowns, as well as known names such as Mike Brown and Alexia Christian, both killed by police under suspicious circumstances.
These and other photos show the pain, suffering and struggles people go through just to get their point across — “Black Lives Matter.” But they also show that people of color won’t back down from the issues and want to be heard, no matter the circumstances.
The SMP exhibition is an artistic recommendation for all races to view and to get a different outlook on these issues. But no matter how people perceive the photos, the message speaks for itself.