MLK Funeral Procession 9 - 1968

Robert McElroy captured this image of Martin Luther King Jr.’s funeral procession using photography, a medium deeply intertwined with mass media. The inherent qualities of photography are its ability to document and disseminate. Here, it captures a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. The choice of black and white film emphasizes the somber mood and gives it a timeless quality. The photograph's grainy texture and high contrast adds to the image's raw and immediate feel. Photography allows us to disseminate images through mass media, and gives an intimate view of this historical moment. Note the way that the mule-drawn wagon evokes a sense of rural, working-class roots. This was the mode of transport used by poor agricultural workers throughout the South. It’s a stark contrast to the suits worn by many of the marchers. These visual cues prompt reflection on themes of labor, race, and economic disparity within American society. Ultimately, McElroy's photograph underscores how the means of production shapes our understanding of the image.