Alabama: Echoes of the Past

A Visual Journey Through History's Shadow

Jared Ragland's poignant photo series, "What Has Been Will Be Again," isn't just a collection of images; it's a haunting exploration of Alabama's complex and often troubled past. Through his lens, we witness the enduring legacy of racial violence, voter suppression, and the marginalization of communities across the state's 67 counties. His work serves as a stark reminder of how history continues to shape the present.

From the chilling remnants of the 1874 Spring Hill massacre, where a white mob attacked a polling station, to the birthplace of Coretta Scott King, where the newlywed couple was turned away from a whites-only hotel, Ragland's photographs capture a history of injustice.

The Weight of Memory

Ragland's journey takes him along routes etched with the scars of the past: the Trail of Tears, the Old Federal Road, and the path of Hernando de Soto's 1540 expedition. Each photograph is accompanied by meticulously researched captions, adding depth and context to the images. These narratives give voice to the silenced and forgotten, challenging the dominant narratives that often gloss over the darker aspects of American history.

Reflecting on his work, Ragland states: "My home state of Alabama has known a deep and complex history...the national history written on, in, and by the people and landscapes of Alabama reveal problematic patterns at the nexus of larger American identity."

The Power of Place

Sites like Carbon Hill, once nicknamed "The Village of Love and Luck," reveal a stark contrast between aspiration and reality. The town's history is marred by racism and violence, a legacy that continues to resonate today. Similarly, the ruins of the former state capitol building in Tuscaloosa serve as a backdrop for reflecting on the forced removal of Indigenous peoples and the erasure of their stories.

“Particularly at this current moment in American life, the act of remembering is political, and has great power," Ragland emphasizes. His work underscores the urgency of confronting historical amnesia and the need to grapple with the ongoing consequences of injustice.

There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal. - Toni Morrison

Art as Witness

Ragland's work is not simply a documentation of the past; it is a call to action. By confronting the ghosts of history, he challenges us to examine our own complicity in perpetuating systems of oppression. "What Has Been Will Be Again" is a powerful testament to the role of art as witness, and a reminder that the struggle for justice is an ongoing process.

This Art + History project was recognized by Lenscratch for its compelling narrative and powerful imagery. The judges were particularly impressed by Ragland's ability to connect personal experiences with broader historical contexts.