{"id":808,"date":"2024-02-28T13:04:51","date_gmt":"2024-02-28T14:04:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/atomic-hair.net\/?p=808"},"modified":"2024-05-09T15:25:43","modified_gmt":"2024-05-09T15:25:43","slug":"adraint-bereals-lens-captures-the-essence-of-black-college-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/atomic-hair.net\/index.php\/2024\/02\/28\/adraint-bereals-lens-captures-the-essence-of-black-college-life\/","title":{"rendered":"Adraint Bereal\u2019s Lens Captures the Essence of Black College Life"},"content":{"rendered":"

I\u2019m a white, cis-gender woman, far removed from college life, so I recognize the irony of delving into Adraint Bereal\u2019s photographic exploration of the lives of Black college students. But for my role in higher education at the School of Visual Arts, understanding these perspectives is essential. As per the introduction in Adraint Bereal\u2019s book, I\u2019m taking to heart, \u201cIn all thy getting, get understanding\u201d (Proverbs 4:7). The difference between knowledge and wisdom is perspective. Knowledge is being informed; wisdom is understanding what it should mean to you.<\/p>\n

Bereal\u2019s work, encapsulated in\u00a0The Black Yearbook<\/em><\/a>, offers an intimate portrayal of the joys, challenges, and truths encountered by Black students navigating higher education. The book challenges our societal narratives with honesty and depth, and in the process, Adraint Bereal opens our eyes.<\/p>\n

I was fortunate enough to ask Bereal about his educational and creative journey in bringing\u00a0The Black Yearbook<\/em>\u00a0to life; below is our interview. <\/p>\n

(Interview edited for clarity and length).<\/em><\/p>\n

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Left: The Black Yearbook<\/em> cover, Right: headshot of author Adraint Bereal<\/p>\n

Bereal\u2019s profoundly personal project began with his alma mater, the University of Texas. Through a collection of portraits, personal statements, and interviews, he provided a window into the lives of Black students in a predominantly white environment. Inspired by his initial exhibition,\u00a01.7<\/em>, a raw and candid portrait of the experiences of Black men at UT (1.7% of the student population), Bereal expanded his vision. He embarked on a nationwide exploration from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to predominantly white institutions and trade schools.<\/p>\n

What sets Bereal\u2019s approach apart is his commitment to showcasing more than just the trauma often associated with Black narratives. Instead, he amplifies stories of resilience, joy, and triumph amidst adversity, challenging societal perceptions and stereotypes.<\/p>\n

In visiting schools for\u00a0The Black Yearbook<\/em>, what was a pivotal moment or encounter during your travels that deeply resonated with you and shaped your understanding of the complexities within the Black student experience?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

AB:<\/strong> Traveling far west to Alaska to conclude my travels was such a reflective moment. The four to five months of travel were filled with the constant noise of trains, planes, and cars. My best friend accompanied me to Alaska, and it was the most peaceful moment I had experienced. Because The University of Alaska-Juneau is a relatively small campus, I interviewed only two students, which left me with a lot of time to relax\u2014something I hadn\u2019t really been able to do. On our second day in Alaska, my best friend and I hiked to see the Mendenhall Glacier, after which we found ourselves running back to our taxi in a snowstorm. The conversations with the 116 students were kind of like this \u2013 enthralling, and before you know it, you are caught in the middle of a storm trying to seek shelter. Work like this requires courage, and I learned I have no shortage of it while running into a storm head first.<\/p>\n

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