Navigating a Historically Exclusionary Field
Entering the realm of photojournalism as a Black woman demands more than technical proficiency. It requires perseverance, acute self-awareness, and the capacity to operate within spaces that have long marginalized individuals who share my identity. From the outset, I recognized that my presence would challenge entrenched stereotypes and confront assumptions regarding who belongs in this profession. Being one of about 50 Black female photojournalists in 1990s newsrooms has not only shaped my approach to storytelling but also instilled a profound sense of responsibility to advance equity and representation in media. Growing up, I never saw a Black female photojournalist. I never saw that representation in the media or in college.
Formative Years: Cultivating a Distinctive Perspective
My upbringing in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, under the care of my paternal grandparents, instilled in me both discipline and an appreciation for creative inquiry. Concurrently, the artistic sensibilities of my maternal family nurtured my early engagement with visual expression. Photography became my conduit for understanding the world, allowing me to document complex social realities with both empathy and precision. Attending the Harrisburg Arts Magnet School and later the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Arts provided an exceptional foundation in technical skill and freedom of expression, yet it was the cultivation of observational acuity and contextual sensitivity that proved most formative. These early experiences instilled a dual focus on aesthetic mastery and ethical responsibility, critical competencies for any journalist.
Confronting Systemic Bias
Advancing professionally revealed the extent to which race and gender shape opportunity. Newsrooms I entered were often homogenous in composition, privileging white, male perspectives. One time, while advocating for visuals as other sections advocated for their stories, a white male editor told me, “I wasn’t acting ladylike” in the meeting. He thought I was too assertive by using my voice. I politely asked him if he was being a “gentleman,” by remarking on gender stereotypes in a professional setting. I frequently encountered skepticism regarding my capabilities, both subtle and overt. One time, while documenting a press conference, a white male videographer jabbed me in the ribs and told me to stop taking photographs because I was bothering him. I told him I had a job to do just as he did, and that a press conference was for the press. This happened in the mid-2000s, not that long ago. Being underestimated became a persistent challenge; however, I resolved to allow my work to speak for itself, and it did. Breaking barriers required not only resilience and the ability to navigate public spaces, but also pursuing assignments that others overlooked.
Establishing Authority Through Ethical Practice
Trust is cultivated through consistent performance, transparent methodology, and profound respect for subjects. It is critically important to connect on a basic human level, which helps build trust. A large part of being an effective storyteller is sometimes putting the cameras and recorders down and just listening. In documenting communities historically marginalized, I have prioritized listening and comprehension over imposition. This approach ensures that narratives are represented with care.
Strategic Principles for Professional Advancement
Sticking with quality work and doing it well matters. Cutting corners might save time, but it harms your reputation by delivering subpar results. It’s also important to manage your time, stay organized, and focus on what matters most, especially when juggling multiple projects. You have to be disciplined enough to get things done without losing your creativity. Learning never stops, either. Technology and media evolve at lightning speed, so you have to stay relevant and have an inquisitive spirit. And having a circle of mentors and colleagues you trust makes a big difference — they offer advice, honest feedback, and the encouragement you need to keep going. I am lucky to have a circle of mentors who have always been there for me, who care about my success, and I pay it forward because we never work alone.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Storytellers
Representation matters. Young Black women and others who don’t always see themselves reflected in their fields need examples of people who have overcome barriers and found their way. Through my teaching, speaking, and mentoring, I try to show what’s possible. That’s why encouraging students to think critically, to ask questions, and to diligently work with honesty, transparency, and integrity. When they do that, they don’t just enter the profession — they help reshape it and make room for diverse voices to be heard.
Storytelling as a Vehicle for Advocacy
Telling stories isn’t just my work — it’s my purpose. Through photography and oral history, I focus on empowering voices that have too often been ignored or overlooked. Being a Black woman shapes how I see the world, experience it, and how I frame the stories I tell. Projects like Delta Jewels and the oral histories of cotton workers demonstrate the power of storytelling. When we document lives that history has pushed aside, we help create a more diverse, more honest picture of who we are, where we’ve been, and what we value.
Sustaining Impact and Influence
Making space in photojournalism hasn’t been a one-time achievement — it’s an ongoing commitment. One that requires dedication, strong ethics, and a willingness to speak up and be heard. It’s not easy. Simply being present in this field challenges assumptions and helps open doors for others. I stand on the shoulders of women who shattered those glass ceilings. For me, success isn’t just about awards or recognition. It’s about preserving stories, helping people be seen and heard, and inspiring the next generation to continue the work. These days, that’s not an easy feat. At its best, photojournalism helps us understand one another, tell the truth, and push society forward.