Photographs taken by artist and activist Donald Black Jr. are currently being shown at Kelvin Smith Library until Nov. 17. The exhibit showcases 20 photos that reflect Black’s experiences with the development of bike culture in Cleveland. This collection focuses on the creative freedom of Black men and boys who ride pedal and dirt bikes. Black captures the riders expressing a beautiful and necessary innocence through activities such as popping wheelies and forming connections through biking. For Black riders, there is a high risk when expressing themselves freely and uninhibited, as they are often perceived as threats, defiant, ruthless, and dangerous. Nevertheless, these riders persist and demonstrate the power of being true to oneself and being free.
Members of the Case Western Reserve University and local communities have the opportunity to engage in a conversation with Black on Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 4 to 5 p.m. at Kelvin Smith Library. RSVP at [email protected], and remember to bring a photo ID for entry into the library.
The Social Justice Institute and Kelvin Smith Library are jointly hosting this exhibit.
