Joshua Rashaad McFadden

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National Geographic's "The Year in Pictures"

In December 2020, I was honored to be featured in National Geographic's special issue, "The Year in Pictures," which highlighted 54 photographs from an unforgettable year. Curated by Susan Goldberg, this issue marked the first time in National Geographic's 133-year history that a single year was retrospectively documented, underscoring the extraordinary nature of 2020. This recognition places my work among that of some of the world’s most gifted photographers, capturing pivotal moments of racial strife, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the global movement for social justice.

My photographs were included in this prestigious collection, emphasizing the powerful impact of visual storytelling during a year marked by significant social and political upheaval. The images in this issue were chosen to reflect the underlying themes of 2020, from the devastating toll of the pandemic to the urgent calls for racial justice sparked by George Floyd's death. My work documenting these historic events highlights the role of photography in shaping public perception and fostering a deeper understanding of these critical issues.

Documented through high-quality prints and widely disseminated by National Geographic, this feature reached a global audience, amplifying the impact of my work. The inclusion of my photographs in such a renowned publication underscores the importance of visual documentation in times of crisis and change. This media attention not only honors my contributions to contemporary photography but also reinforces the significance of capturing and sharing stories that drive social justice and collective memory.