Eugene Richards: The Day I Was Born

A diaristic photographic portrait of the memory-laden Mississippi Delta of Arkansas is Eugene Richards' The Day I Was Born. The old appliance store in Earle, Arkansas, became a portal into the region's volatile history and the lives of those who lived there.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 23 October 2023
Publisher: Many Voices Press

Fifty years ago, New York-based photographer Eugene Richards (born 1944) embarked on a remarkable journey as a VISTA Volunteer and later as a reporter in the heart of the Arkansas Delta. Despite the closure of the newspaper he played a pivotal role in founding, Richards' fascination with the region remained unwavering. In early 2019, he returned to the small town of Earle, Arkansas, a place that holds a deeply personal significance. On a fateful September night in 1970, peaceful protesters were met with a violent attack by a mob of white men and women wielding sticks and firearms. As Richards crossed the dividing lines between the Black and white sides of the town, he stumbled upon an old appliance store. The walls of this dilapidated building were adorned with the iconic faces of Jesus, Malcolm X, H. Rap Brown, Angela Davis, Dr. Martin Luther King, and John Brown—representatives of revolution, reconciliation, change, and empowerment. Over the ensuing months, the old store transformed into a portal for Richards, offering a glimpse into the region's turbulent history and the lives of the people who had called it home.

The Day I Was Born is a captivating visual and textual exploration that intertwines stunning full-bleed images of Earle with deeply personal narratives spoken by the residents themselves. Through their words, Richards paints a vivid portrait of the community, capturing the essence of its struggles, resilience, and unwavering spirit. The film serves as a testament to the power of photography to capture the human experience and shed light on the complexities of history.

Richards' journey to Earle is not just a retrospective of the past but also a reflection on the enduring relevance of the Delta region. The film explores themes of identity, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for social justice, resonating with audiences far beyond the boundaries of Arkansas. It serves as a reminder that the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement and the struggles for equality continue to shape the world we live in today.

In conclusion, The Day I Was Born is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a unique perspective on the Mississippi Delta of Arkansas. Through the eyes of photographer Eugene Richards and the voices of the people who call it home, the film explores the complexities of history, identity, and the human experience. It serves as a reminder of the importance of documenting and preserving the stories of communities that often go unnoticed, and of the power of art to inspire change and promote understanding.

Weight: 1498g
Dimension: 239 x 338 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780991218912