Untitled (Storefront Churches series) 1958 - 1961

Milton Rogovin made this gelatin silver print, part of his Storefront Churches series, at an unknown date. Here's a preacher standing on a table, captured in a moment of powerful oration. What was it like for Rogovin to be there, to witness and record this scene? There's a whole world contained within this one black and white image, the composition split between the dynamic preacher and the quieter figure of the seated man. It makes me wonder about the stories unfolding just beyond the frame, the wider community that these two men represent. Rogovin dedicated his life to documenting marginalized communities with empathy. I'm thinking about other photographers like Gordon Parks or artists like Jacob Lawrence. These artists all have a profound interest in everyday life, and a deep understanding of how documentary work becomes a form of social commentary. Rogovin's eye captures not just a moment, but also something about the spirit and the struggles of a community.