Former addict sings gospel. At a methadone clinic in a Chicago neighborhood former addicts meet twice weekly for group sessions with therapy counselors. This woman offered the gospel song Precious Lord to the assembled. 1972

Ozier Muhammad captured this photograph, "Former addict sings gospel," offering us a direct and intimate portrait of a woman singing at a methadone clinic in Chicago. The image is predominantly composed in grayscale, giving it a timeless quality. The composition centers on the woman's face and upper body, highlighting her emotional expression. Her open mouth, the tears streaming down her face, and the upward tilt of her head convey a sense of raw emotion. The texture of her hair and the fabric of her shirt add depth and tactile interest to the image. Muhammad uses the contrast between light and shadow to sculpt the woman's features, emphasizing the lines of emotion etched on her face. The grainy texture of the photograph lends a sense of immediacy, as if we are witnessing the scene unfold in real time. This use of light and texture evokes a sense of empathy and connection with the subject. The photograph serves as a powerful reminder of the human capacity for resilience and the transformative potential of faith and community, inviting us to contemplate the complexities of addiction, recovery, and the search for meaning.