Untitled 1992

This black and white photograph of three people holding books was made by Thomas Roma, an American photographer. The image evokes questions about the public role of religious faith and the social conditions that shape communities. Roma’s photograph shows an African-American family at what we can assume is a church service. The rows of empty chairs suggest a modest congregation. The father’s suit is perhaps his best attire, emphasizing the importance of religious observance. This image, like much of Roma's work, invites us to consider the church as a cornerstone of social and spiritual life. Understanding this image requires us to consider the historical context of African-American religious life, a subject that historians have explored through archival sources and oral histories. The image may speak to the role of the church in the Civil Rights movement, or in creating a sense of community. The photograph then operates as a cultural artifact.