Alexander Black was an American author and photographer known for his insightful explorations of American culture and the evolving role of women in society during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His notable work, 'Miss America; Pen and Camera Sketches of the American Girl,' combined photography and prose to portray the lives and aspirations of American girls, reflecting the changing social landscape of the time. Black's keen observations and engaging narrative style captured the essence of American femininity and the cultural shifts occurring in the nation. In addition to his literary contributions, Black was an advocate for amateur photography, as seen in his book 'Photography Indoors and Out: A Book for Amateurs,' which provided practical guidance for budding photographers. His work 'Captain Kodak: A Camera Story' further illustrated his passion for photography, blending storytelling with technical insights. Through these works, Black not only documented the American experience but also influenced the perception of photography as a legitimate art form. His legacy lies in his ability to intertwine visual and literary arts, offering a unique perspective on the American identity during a transformative era.
“Child, child, do you not see? For each of us comes a time when we must be more than what we are.””
“Indeed, the more we find to love, the more we add to the measure of our hearts.””
“In the era of colorblindness, it is no longer socially permissible to use race, explicitly, as a justification for discrimination, exclusion, and social contempt. So we don’t. Rather than rely on race, we use our criminal justice system to label people of color “criminals” and then engage in all the practices we supposedly left behind. Today it is perfectly legal to discriminate against criminals in nearly all the ways that it was once legal to discriminate against African Americans. Once you’re labeled a felon, the old forms of discrimination”