Since its founding in 1964 by Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, The Washington Informer has been at the forefront of documenting the history of Black America for 60 years. For the past six decades, at the heart of the storytelling have been photographers, playing a crucial role in capturing the essence of African American life and culture in the nation’s capital.One such photographer is Roy Lewis, a seasoned photojournalist with a keen eye for capturing moments that tell a story. He has been with The Washington Informer for close to 60 years, documenting significant events and milestones within the Black community. From political rallies to cultural celebrations, Roy has captured it all, with his photographs serving as a visual archive of the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans in D.C.
At The Washington Informer, our focus is not just on big events like the inauguration of a president or mayor, or swearing in of a county executive; nor is it the celebrities and politicians that come to the city.
The photographers at the Washington Informer dedicate much of their time documenting the everyday lives of Black Washingtonians – from community events to local businesses, they capture the essence of Black culture in D.C. with every click of the camera. Their photographs serve as a visual timeline of the struggles and achievements of Black Americans in the city, preserving their stories for future generations to learn from and be inspired by.Photographers like Roy Lewis, Robert Roberts, Ja’Mon Jackson, Anthony Tilghman, Cleveland Nelson and Shedrick Pelt, along with a talented group of sports photographers — Abdullah Konte, Marcus Relacion and Jonae Guest — capture photos that have a raw and authentic quality to them, capturing the emotion and energy of the people and places they photograph.The work of photographers at The Informer is not just about taking pretty pictures; it’s about bearing witness to history and amplifying the voices of those who are often marginalized and overlooked. Through their lens, they are able to capture the truth and complexity of Black life in D.C., challenging stereotypes and providing a platform for authentic storytelling.
The importance of Black photographers at The Washington Informer cannot be overstated. Their images serve as a visual record of the Black experience in America, capturing moments of joy, pain, resilience, and triumph. They document the everyday lives of Black Washingtonians, from the mundane to the extraordinary, creating a rich tapestry of stories that make up the history of Black America.In a time when mainstream media often fails to accurately represent the diversity and complexity of Black life, the work of Black photographers at The Washington Informer is more crucial than ever. They are the storytellers and truth-seekers, using their cameras to shine a light on the experiences and struggles of Black Americans in D.C. and beyond.As the world continues to grapple with issues of race, inequality, and social justice, the work of the photographers at The Washington Informer serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and storytelling. Through their images, they challenge stereotypes, amplify voices, and preserve the history of Black America for generations to come. And in doing so, they continue the legacy of The Washington Informer as a vital source of news and information for the Black community in Washington, D.C. region and beyond.Join us in preserving and celebrating the vibrant history of the African American Community in the nation’s capital by supporting The Washington Informer. Your donation will help us continue our mission of reporting positive news and digitally preserving photos that capture the essence of our rich heritage.
Together, we can ensure that our voices and stories are heard for generations to come.
Source: Washington Informer
