Ruth Esther, West Oakland, California 1970

"Ruth Esther, West Oakland, California" is a 1970 black and white photograph by Joanne Leonard depicting a young woman dressed in a white wedding gown and veil. The subject stands against a plain wall with a calendar and a television in the background, offering a glimpse into the domestic life of a Black woman in West Oakland. Leonard’s photographic work often focused on the Black community in Oakland, capturing everyday moments and experiences with sensitivity and authenticity. The image invites viewers to consider themes of identity, marriage, and community within the context of Black American culture.