Writing a new History

multimedia, documentary, photography

In July 2011, 18 youth from Philadelphia, MS traveled on a civil rights pilgrimage organized by Coming To The Table, a program of Eastern Mennonite University. The trip was underwritten by the Kellogg Foundation and Fetzer Institute. The students visited historic locations in Jackson, MS, Memphis, TN and Birmingham, Montgomery and Selma, AL. Together they uncovered stories of trial and triumph, silence and solidarity and began to discuss how the past is relevant to the challenges and opportunities they face today.

This multimedia video served as a conversation starter for the youth as they processed their experience in the months following the pilgrimage. I photographed the images that make up the video and served as the photo editor and writer creating the story arc to help the students build on their initial pilgrimage experience.

Producing/directing the pilgrimage documentary, also titled Writing A New History,  was a wonderful opportunity to work once again with Don Warren Film & Video based in Jackson, MS. Don was my Director of Photography and led a four-man crew. Their regional knowledge coupled with a heart for the subject matter made my job as Producer/Director that much smoother as I interviewed the youth and adults and captured still images.  I edited the documentary back in my D.C. office at which time I pulled in the music of Christopher Williams and Joy Ike and narration by author and educator Paula Young Shelton.  To purchase or review a copy, please contact karen@kegphotography.com.   

In an age of social media and selfies, photographing these youth in the unguarded moments of walking through history was a privilege for me. Additional images are incorporated in the multimedia video above.