Joshua Rashaad McFadden

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Feature Shoot: A Multi-Faceted Portrait of Black American Power and Pride

In a feature article by Miss Rosen on September 7, 2020, for Feature Shoot, my work was highlighted for its multi-faceted portrayal of Black American power and pride. The article explores my journey from being introduced to photography at the age of seven in Rochester to using the medium to evoke visceral, empathetic responses and explore themes of identity, masculinity, father figures, history, and race. Inspired by artists like Roy DeCarava, Carrie Mae Weems, and Lyle Ashton Harris, my series "Evidence" was showcased for its nuanced exploration of Black masculinity, standing independent from images constructed for the white gaze.

The feature also noted my role as an assistant professor of photography at Rochester Institute of Technology and my documentation of the Black Lives Matter protests in Minneapolis, as well as the funerals of George Floyd and Rayshard Brooks. My work aims to bear witness to these pivotal moments, capturing the profound connections and emotions involved. This coverage emphasized the impact of my photographs in sparking discussions and inspiring action, highlighting the role of visual storytelling in advocating for social justice.

Documented through powerful images and personal narratives, the article in Feature Shoot amplifies the significance of my work in contemporary photography. By taking control of narratives historically used to marginalize and exploit, my work presents a profound portrait of Black life in 2020, aiming to inspire change and foster a deeper understanding of the issues faced by Black Americans.