Gallery offers new view

The UA Center for Community-Based Partnerships and the Black Belt Community Foundation in Selma put the saying "A picture is worth a thousand words" to the test with the 100 Lenses Documentary Project.

The project brough students from the Black Belt region together to create pictures that depict life in the area. The student artwork is currently being displayed at the University of West Alabama's Webb Hall Gallery in Livingston.

"The method is called photo documenting," said Lesa Shaul, director of Black Belt Action, a service-learning interim course at the University. "It combines photos with social awareness."

Graduate student Elliot Knight, who works as art director for The Crimson White's sister publication The Scene, coordinated the project with Whitney Green, the arts coordinator for the Black Belt foundation. The ceremony to open the exhibit was held on Jan. 17 after nine months of work.

"This was our first time doing this," Green said. "It took longer than we hoped, but it was a trial. Hopefully as we progress, the amount of time needed will decrease."

Students in grades seven through 11 in select schools throughout Sumter County were asked to participate in the initiative.

In this region, public schools have a predominately black student population, while the private schools are composed mainly of white students.

"It was great being at the presentation ceremony and seeing students who do not typically interact actually laughing with one another and being teenagers," Shaul said. "They inhabit the same soil and shop at the same stores, but they are set apart socially. This project brought them together."

Christopher Spencer, the UA associate director of community development, said the purpose of 100 Lenses was to give the world a view of the region from eyes of the youth.

"Often time, politicians and other leaders are the main voice of a region," said Spencer, who served as the adviser for the initiative. "They say what is needed and what is wanted, but they are sometimes biased. Children, on the other hand, are not biased. It was a great project."

Knight said the project opened the students' eyes and forced them to think critically about their community.

"We saw students transform through this project," Knight said. "Some students were worried because they didn't think they were good photographers. You do not have to be trained to create meaningful pieces about a place."

Green said there are larger plans for the project, including a book and even a documentary.

Shaul said these additions will create a larger composite picture of life in the Black Belt.

Spencer, who grew up in the Black Belt region, said the project will eventually expand into the other 11 Black Belt communities.

"I am glad to hear about small projects like this in our community," said Kristen McCants, a sophomore from Hayneville, Ala., majoring in political science. "Outreach programs such as this one are necessary to youth. It brings children together and creates awareness. I definitely would have participated."

Spencer said the Community Crossroads Center wants to house the 100 Lenses display. It will leave UWA on March 1 and make a few tour stops before coming to the Capstone.

"I am excited to hear that I will get a chance to see it," McCants said. "Bringing it to UA will give people a chance to catch a glimpse of the Black Belt through its young inhabitants."

Spencer said if students are interested in giving back to the community or interning with the CCBP ,they can visit the Canon House located behind the Four Points Sheraton or call 348-7392.