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How We Show It: Black Elders

admin by admin
February 7, 2023
in Photography News


Explore what it means to portray Black elders—the pillars of their communities—in an accurate and respectful way.

Knowledge, it is believed in many cultures, lies in abundance in the elderly. Their advanced age gives them a wisdom the youth can only hope to achieve one day, after living a full life. The Black community, specifically, places their elders on a pedestal in any way they can:

Black elders love us fiercely in part because they know how hard life has been for their Black loved ones. Capturing the essence of Black elders in photography and in media means doing so with intention when the project calls for it. 

Livense these images via (clockwise from top left) Dragana Gordic, Bricolage, and Darryl Brooks.


Where Were Our Elders During Pivotal Years in History?

The racial and social justice movement of the 1950s and 1960s put feet on the ground and paved the way for living in our modern times. Our grandparents, our older neighbors, our professors, and members of the community were young people then. Their eyes were open and their ears were in tune to the societal change that was occurring around them.

American Civil Rights leader Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. (1929 - 1968) addresses a protest meeting, Atlanta, Georgia, 1957
A rear view of Freedom Rider John Lewis with a bandaged head sitting at a table and having a conversation with fellow Freedom Riders in a safe house in Montgomery, AL during the Freedom Rider crisis in May of 1961
A line of mostly protesters hold signs on the sidewalk on behalf of Willie McGee, a black Mississippi truck driver convicted of rape, as pedestrians walk past them, Los Angeles, California, 1951. Their placards ask President Truman to intervene in the case

License these images via Paul Schutzer/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock, Robert Kelley/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock, Allan Grant/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock, and Paul Schutzer/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock.

My grandparents were young adults in their twenties and became young parents during the days of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Their neighbors and coworkers alongside them served as witnesses to the civil rights movement as it unfolded. Every television news report and newspaper article detailed the daily journey to liberation.

Today, my grandparents are in their eighties. Freedom Riders, those who marched on Washington and fought for equality during those decades, are now in their sunset years. Many have passed on. Their efforts to make the world a better place for their family and friends have been documented on film, in letters, on TV, in movies, in songs, and by mouth.

Clinton High School students, among them JoAnn Allen (later Boyce) (left) and Gail Ann Epps (later Upton) (glasses), talk in the hallway at the recently desegregated Clinton High School, Clinton, Tennessee, early September, 1956
American Civil Rights leader & journalist Daisy Bates (1914 - 1999) (center) stands with four African-American students in front of her home, Little Rock, Arkansas, September 1957
People gathering outside Martin Luther King's trial in Montgomery, Alabama, September 1958
People gathering outside waiting for Martin Luther King to speak, Montgomery, Alabama, September 1958

License these images via Robert W Kelley/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock, Thomas D Mcavoy/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock, Grey Villet/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock, and Grey Villet/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock.


How to Depict Black Elders in Media

In Celebration

Unless a project has to do with a sensitive subject matter, an over-reliance of sullenness is inappropriate. Black elders are celebrated by the family and community who lift them up and should be given the same grace in media. Contentment, happiness, and joy should be extended to older Black subjects, just as they would people of any other racial background.

Loving African American couple in their eighties and seventies, hugging and kissing, Botswana
Active elderly male person sunbathing and relaxing in a private pool during summertime
Relaxed man fishing from river shore

License these images via Lucian Coman, oneinchpunch, and Cavan Images.

With Respect

“Respect your elders” takes on a bigger meaning when depicting the older Black community. In their youths, Black elders were people at the forefront of the civil rights movement. They marched, attended protests, met during meetings, and spoke out against injustices when they were able to. While the theme of a photo or video ultimately determines the mood of the resulting visual, treating your subject with respect and esteem is vital.

February 1, 2012: Oldest employee at Rendezvous in Memphis, Tennessee
Portrait of joyful senior African American lady laughing with head tilted up
Fit senior African American man wearing earphones using smartphone in sunny street smiling

License these images via Randy Harris, Diego Cervo, and Wavebreak Media.

Sensitivity and Being Treated With Care from Others

Sensitivity is one of the most human emotions we can afford each other. Because everyone’s story differs, being cognizant of different sensitivities can make the visual creating process a more enjoyable experience. Older Black people came of age during a time when their lives were less valued than today. They weren’t afforded the space to receive empathy. We need to prioritize this empathy and sensitivity through photography today.

Young boy helping his grandfather to tie his tie
Happy Black Hispanic mother and daughter having tender moment together
A black grandmother and grandson posing together smiling at camera

License these images via Erickson Stock, AlessandroBiascioli, Bricolage.

Remembering and Showcasing the Love in Their Lives  

Honoring an elder’s life is another intentional goal a creative person should seek to accomplish. Black people have always made their lives full of love and fulfillment—and will continue to do so. However, the shortcomings of the world have unfortunately intercepted that, so showcasing love and personal achievement is paramount.

License these images via Diego Cervo, digitalskillet, Charles Rex Arbogast/AP/Shutterstock, Cavan Images, Jim Purdum / Blend, and Cavan Images.

Today’s elders were yesterday’s youth. One day, we’ll be the elders others will learn from. But today, we are the ones who continue to carry on the legacy of those who came before us. Showcasing Black legacies with purpose, through the lens of sensitivity, honor, and respect, should be at the forefront of every project centering this particular group with their particular history. To do so is what they deserve.

License this cover image via Cavan Images.


How We Show It: Black Elders

Explore what it means to portray Black elders—the pillars of their communities—in an accurate and respectful way.



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