FotoExpo

Washington DC: City of Interest, City of Change

Welcome to the virtual photographic exhibition, Washington, DC: City of Interest, City of Change. The FotoCraft Camera Club and the EXPOSURE GROUP African American Photographers Association have joined efforts to create a comprehensive program on the photographic history of the District of Columbia and why, from an African-American perspective, photography is important in telling our story. Both organizations are composed of professional photographers as well as hobbyists of varying ages and skill levels.

This exhibition was inspired by the DC Public Library’s Peoples Archives’ acquisition of the Edward Fletcher photographic collection in 2018. An estimated thirty thousand photographic images were received by the Library, from the family of Mr. Fletcher. His images depict the life of African Americans living and working in Washington, DC spanning from the late 1930s to the1980’s. A small sampling of his pictures can be seen in this show.

Washington DC: City of Interest, City of Change, is a photographic compendium curated from past and present club members and compiled into seven exciting virtual galleries and represents the works of over thirty photographers. The goal of the exhibit is to keep our experiences and perspective on history from being lost. These images reflect pride in the community, perseverance, and character.

Take time and visit all of the galleries in the virtual exhibit and mark your calendars to join us for the upcoming Lecture Series as well.

Galleries:

• The Edward Fletcher Photo Collection: Select Images that Reflect Pride in community and Perseverance and Character

• DC Lifestyles: Music, Celebrations, Sports and Festivals

• Voices of the People: Politics, Protest and Religion

• DC: A Place for Everyone People, Street Life and Culture

• A City in Motion: Landscapes and Destinations

• Soul of the City:DC Landmarks Around Us

• Sankofa: Looking Back to Move Forward

This show runs from February 11, 2021, to March 20, 2021.

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Washington DC: City of Interest, City of Change
Sankofa - Looking Back to Move Forward
The “Sankofa” is a metaphorical symbol used by the Akan people of Ghana, generally depicted as a bird with its head turned backward taking an egg from its back. It expresses the importance of reaching back to knowledge gained in the past and bringing it into the present in order to make positive progress. A March on Washington, Riots, National Guard Occupation, Parades, Marching Bands, Beauty and Fashion. All of these themes could be taken from today’s headlines or be the lead story on the Nightly News. However, this gallery will support the fact that history does repeat itself. Four photographers, contemporaries of Edward Fletcher are featured in this gallery. While their subject matter is not new to some of us, the messages are still the same. We have the same protests, marches, parades today as we did over seventy years ago. Take a moment to compare today’s themes, technology, style and technique as you look back in time, with the future in mind. Washington DC: City of Interest, City of Change, is a photographic compendium curated from past and present club members and compiled into seven exciting virtual galleries and represents the works of thirty-three photographers. The goal of the exhibit is to keep our experiences and perspective on history from being lost. Take time and visit all of the galleries in the virtual exhibit and mark your calendars to join us for the upcoming Lecture Series as well. Galleries: • The Edward Fletcher Photo Collection: Select Images that Reflect Pride in community and Perseverance and Character • DC Lifestyles: Music, Celebrations, Sports and Festivals • Voices of the People: Politics, Protest and Religion • DC: A Place for Everyone People, Street Life and Culture • A City in Motion: Landscapes and Destinations • Soul of the City:DC Landmarks Around Us • Sankofa: Looking Back to Move Forward This show runs from February 11, 2021, to March 20, 2021.
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Washington DC: City of Interest, City of Change
A City in Motion: Landscapes and Destinations
For some visitors, the main attractions in Washington, DC exist only within the boundaries of the National Mall. When entering this gallery, you will see the District of Columbia as multifaceted with a unique personality, culture, and ethnicity. In this gallery, eleven photographers take you through six decades of landscapes and destinations authentic to the District. This is their view of A City in Motion: Landscapes and Destinations. Washington DC: City of Interest, City of Change, is a photographic compendium curated from past and present club members and compiled into seven exciting virtual galleries and represents the works of thirty photographers. The goal of the exhibit is to keep our experiences and perspective on history from being lost. Take time and visit all of the galleries in the virtual exhibit and mark your calendars to join us for the upcoming Lecture Series as well. Galleries: • The Edward Fletcher Photo Collection: Select Images that Reflect Pride in community and Perseverance and Character • DC Lifestyles: Music, Celebrations, Sports and Festivals • Voices of the People: Politics, Protest and Religion • DC: A Place for Everyone People, Street Life and Culture • A City in Motion: Landscapes and Destinations • Soul of the City:DC Landmarks Around Us • Sankofa: Looking Back to Move Forward This show runs from February 11, 2021, to March 20, 2021.
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Washington DC: City of Interest, City of Change
Voices of the People: Politics, Protest and Religion
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects our freedom of religion, speech, the press, and peaceful assembly. Washington, DC has become the epicenter for protests, marches, rallies and other forms of expression. The District also represents the seat of federal and local governance and justice. In this gallery, eleven photographers provide a window into major events past and present and the way people express themselves. There are images of Papal visits, Houses of Worship, Black Lives Matter, D.C. Statehood, and memorials dedicated to victims of COVID-19 and AIDS to mention a few. Washington DC: City of Interest, City of Change, is a photographic compendium curated from past and present club members and compiled into seven exciting virtual galleries and represents the works of thirty photographers. The goal of the exhibit is to keep our experiences and perspective on history from being lost. Take time and visit all of the galleries in the virtual exhibit and mark your calendars to join us for the upcoming Lecture Series as well. Galleries: • The Edward Fletcher Photo Collection: Select Images that Reflect Pride in community and Perseverance and Character • DC Lifestyles: Music, Celebrations, Sports and Festivals • Voices of the People: Politics, Protest and Religion • DC: A Place for Everyone People, Street Life and Culture • A City in Motion: Landscapes and Destinations • Soul of the City:DC Landmarks Around Us • Sankofa: Looking Back to Move Forward This show runs from February 11, 2021, to March 20, 2021.
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Washington DC: City of Interest, City of Change
DC Lifestyles: Music, Celebrations, Sports and Festivals
Life in the District of Columbia can be fast paced and intense. Life in the District can also be fun and engaging, you just have to know when and where to find it. From live jazz to drum circles, rowing on the Potomac River to competitive swimming, historical re-enactors to the Space Shuttle, this gallery has something for everyone. In this gallery, fourteen amazing photographers share their perspective on music, celebrations, sports and festivals capturing the essence of life in the District. Washington DC: City of Interest, City of Change, is a photographic compendium curated from past and present club members and compiled into seven exciting virtual galleries and represents the works of thirty photographers. The goal of the exhibit is to keep our experiences and perspective on history from being lost. Take time and visit all of the galleries in the virtual exhibit and mark your calendars to join us for the upcoming Lecture Series as well. Galleries: The Edward Fletcher Photo Collection: Select Images that Reflect Pride in community and Perseverance and Character • DC Lifestyles: Music, Celebrations, Sports and Festivals • Voices of the People: Politics, Protest and Religion • DC: A Place for Everyone People, Street Life and Culture • A City in Motion: Landscapes and Destinations • Soul of the City:DC Landmarks Around Us • Sankofa: Looking Back to Move Forward This show runs from February 11, 2021, to March 20, 2021.
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Washington DC: City of Interest, City of Change
Soul of the City: DC Landmarks Around Us
Divided into quadrants (NE, NW, SE, SW), District of Columbia residents live with local and national history being made every day in this Nation’s Capital. Seventeen photographers in this gallery capture soulful communities that surround the National Mall area. Many of these landmarks are off the beaten path and some are not on a regular tour guide. Each neighborhood is home to historic landmarks honoring small businesses, banks, artists, meeting spots, and restaurants and bars. Some of these include houses of worship and memorials to our local heroes and community activists. Do you remember your favorite places in the District, places that just touched your soul? From Georgetown to Anacostia, Adams Morgan to Deanwood there are places that leave an indelible mark on your soul. In this gallery photographers have captured the very essence of what we love about the District of Columbia. Locations such as the Lincoln Theater, Westbrook’s, Union Market, Chess House, Bohemian Caverns, to mention just a few. Many of these places, while alive in our memories have vanished. This gallery pays homage to the past, present and future of the District of Columbia. Washington DC: City of Interest, City of Change, is a photographic compendium curated from past and present club members and compiled into seven exciting virtual galleries and represents the works of thirty photographers. The goal of the exhibit is to keep our experiences and perspective on history from being lost. Take time and visit all of the galleries in the virtual exhibit and mark your calendars to join us for the upcoming Lecture Series as well. Galleries: • The Edward Fletcher Photo Collection: Select Images that Reflect Pride in community and Perseverance and Character • DC Lifestyles: Music, Celebrations, Sports and Festivals • Voices of the People: Politics, Protest and Religion • DC: A Place for Everyone People, Street Life and Culture • A City in Motion: Landscapes and Destinations • Soul of the City:DC Landmarks Around Us • Sankofa: Looking Back to Move Forward This show runs from February 11, 2021, to March 20, 2021.
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Washington DC: City of Interest, City of Change
DC a Place for Everyone: People, Street Life and Culture
What makes a city great? It’s the people who live there. The people are what makes a city come to life. In this gallery you will be able to imagine the vibrant sights and sounds of street life. Enjoy our rich culture, experience time spent with family and friends. This is what makes the District so unique. Fifteen photographers have captured leisure activities, parades and everything in between. These images confirm that DC is A Place for Everyone. Washington DC: City of Interest, City of Change, is a photographic compendium curated from past and present club members and compiled into seven exciting virtual galleries and represents the works of thirty photographers. The goal of the exhibit is to keep our experiences and perspective on history from being lost. Take time and visit all of the galleries in the virtual exhibit and mark your calendars to join us for the upcoming Lecture Series as well. Galleries: • The Edward Fletcher Photo Collection: Select Images that Reflect Pride in community and Perseverance and Character • DC Lifestyles: Music, Celebrations, Sports and Festivals • Voices of the People: Politics, Protest and Religion • DC: A Place for Everyone People, Street Life and Culture • A City in Motion: Landscapes and Destinations • Soul of the City:DC Landmarks Around Us • Sankofa: Looking Back to Move Forward This show runs from February 11, 2021, to March 20, 2021.
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Washington DC: City of Interest, City of Change
The Edward Fletcher Collection
Edward “Ed” F. Fletcher (1913-1990) was a resident of DC, a father, a husband, government worker, and a professional freelance photographer whose works appeared in periodicals such the Associated Negro Press (Chicago), The Afro-American (Baltimore), The Pittsburgh Courier, The Chicago Defender, and The New York Amsterdam News. Ed was born in Castleton, Rappahannock County, Virginia and later moved to Thoroughfare, Prince William County, VA. In high school he played football and was a janitor. His teachers saw his potential and he earned a scholarship to Howard University, around 1931. He had an accident while doing some janitorial repairs and his foot was caught in a wringer/washing machine. He was hospitalized for months at Freedmen’s Hospital, in Washington, DC He lost his scholarship in his freshman year at Howard but continued as manager of the football team. He worked as a switchboard operator and an elevator operator to pay for his room and board at the University. In 1933, he entered the Federal Government Service. It was during this period Ed became one of the founders of the FotoCraft Club (later renamed FotoCraft Camera Club) in 1937. The Club was an active program at the Anthony Bowen YMCA (also known as the 12th Street “Colored” Y) in NW DC. He also founded the Allied Photographers Association of America in 1946. Fletcher’s daughter, Pat Fletcher, shared a brief story to illustrate her father’s courage, insight, and understanding of documenting history. She said that when he knew of a planned lynching, especially in his younger days, he would drive to it in order to take photographs. His red hair, gray-blue eyes and pale skin were his cover allowing him travel safely. Those photographs went to an office of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Fletcher worked at the Naval Ordnance Laboratory (NOL) from 1953 to 1971, and continued to shoot independent projects throughout the city. At the NOL he was a photographer and later a cinematographer until he retired. He died after a long term illness with AS--ankylosing spondylitis. In 2018, his collection, which was roughly estimated at 30,000 pieces, was donated to the District of Columbia Public Library by his daughter. It consists of thousands of negatives and prints documenting African American life in DC. I believe viewers will be enriched by Edward F. Fletcher’s view of the city in this sampling of his donated collection. Washington DC: City of Interest, City of Change, is a photographic compendium curated from past and present club members and compiled into seven exciting virtual galleries and represents the works of thirty photographers. The goal of the exhibit is to keep our experiences and perspective on history from being lost. Take time and visit all of the galleries in the virtual exhibit and mark your calendars to join us for the upcoming Lecture Series as well. Galleries: • The Edward Fletcher Photo Collection: Select Images that Reflect Pride in community and Perseverance and Character • DC Lifestyles: Music, Celebrations, Sports and Festivals • Voices of the People: Politics, Protest and Religion • DC: A Place for Everyone People, Street Life and Culture • A City in Motion: Landscapes and Destinations • Soul of the City:DC Landmarks Around Us • Sankofa: Looking Back to Move Forward This show runs from February 11, 2021, to March 20, 2021.