Street Champion, 4th Ward, Houston, Texas Possibly 1986 - 1998

This photograph, "Street Champion, 4th Ward, Houston, Texas" was created by Earlie Hudnall, Jr.. It's a black and white image, a study in light and shadow, but I can feel the warmth of the Texan sun. The clothing hanging on the line in the background seems to act as a filter for the sunlight. Look at the boy on the left, arm raised, ready to throw. The attitude of youthful play belies the poverty visible in the shot. The composition is informal, yet there’s such strength in how Hudnall has captured this moment. I'm drawn to the texture, of the brickwork, the rough wood of the porch, and the contrast against the smooth faces of the children. It reminds me of Dawoud Bey’s street photography; an interest in capturing everyday Black life. I love the conversation happening here, across time, between artists interested in similar subjects, but with their own unique points of view. After all, art is never really finished, it's just passed along.