Lehigh University
Art Architecture and Design
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Civil Rights, Olivia

Civil Rights Movement

USA. Alabama. Selma. 1965. Led by Martin Luther King Jr., a group of civil rights demonstrators march from Selma to Montgomery to fight for black sufferage.


I chose this photograph taken by Bruce Davidson in 1965 in Alabama. This photo depicts a group of black men walking with a flag while one has chalk on his face with the words VOTE as he chants something. This was taken during a march from Selma to Montgomery including members of a civil rights group led by Martin Luther King Jr. This demonstration was a fight for black suffrage and resembles the Civil Rights movement. Bruce Davidson captures the raw emotion, intensity, blood, sweat and tears of the men marching for their rights. The power of the emotion is seen through the black and white color. The facial expressions of the marchers are angry, passionate and determined and are visibly seen and felt through this photograph. The up close and personal angle adds power to the marchers and what they resemble. In addition, the one guy in the back holding the flag staring directly at the camera adds a very dramatic element. 

Davidson, Bruce. Retrospective. Magnum Photos Blog, 1965, Alabama, USA. https://pro.magnumphotos.com/C.aspxVP3=CMS3&VF=MAGO31_4&VBID=24PVHKKA2L9HD&IID=2K1HRGPD1IXK&PN=2

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