On view August 17-September 30 photographic images capture signs of adversity and endurance, poverty and self-determination. Ficara’s photographic documentary includes African American farmers from Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana and Michigan that chronicle a battle with economics and discrimination.

This exhibit covers the involvement of African Americans in the U.S. Capitol, from enslaved labor during construction to current Congressional representation. Commenting on the significance of the exhibit Margaret Hutto, co-curator remarks, “Land ownership has been a cornerstone for the advancement of the Black Farmer and the Black Family as a whole. It is vital that we as a nation find a way to preserve this heritage for generations to come.” Nona R. Martin, Co-curator for the exhibition states, “Upon seeing John Ficara’s beautiful images of African American farmers, I was convinced that these photographs had to be seen by the American public.”