Through the Lens

Black Stories of the Appalachian South

Discover the hidden histories of Black communities in the Appalachian Mountains through the powerful photography and storytelling of Chris Aluka Berry, author of Affrilachia: Testimonies.

Join award-winning documentary photographer Chris Aluka Berry for a moving visual journey into the lives and legacies of Black families in the southern Appalachian Mountains.

In this unique program, Berry shares work from his book, Affrilachia: Testimonies, which shines a light on a lesser-known but deeply rooted part of American history—the Black experience in Appalachia. Blending documentary photography with poetry and personal stories, Berry reveals a rich cultural tapestry often left out of mainstream narratives.

This event is part of our "Color Our World" Summer Reading series, celebrating the power of art to connect and uplift. Perfect for photography lovers, storytellers, and history enthusiasts alike, this program shows how the camera lens can capture resilience, identity, and beauty in unexpected places.