Usually when we think of campaigns, protests or marches, we think of events that are full of action, of active rebellion or loud protest, usually accompanied with negative feelings of anger, resentment, aggravation and dissatisfaction of fed up people. This was not the case with The Poor People’s Campaign, at least It does not appear as such in the photography of Jill Freedman.

What I found interesting about her photography is that she captures much more positivity in her photos than one would expect. She managed to capture the life of the Resurrection City. Poor People’s Campaign does not appear as a mere movement, but rather a lifestyle in a separate entity. Unlike most of the photographers who took pictures there simply to benefit their careers focusing either on instances of violence or on celebrities who showed up supporting the cause knowing that that would be, Jill Freedman did none of that. She actually stayed there the whole time, quitting her job beforehand. That act alone speaks so much about her devotion to fight poverty. It also provided her with an insider’s view of the campaign and an emotional attachment that is evident in her photography.

The photo that I used for the cover of my post just radiates with positivity, as do the rest of the photos that have captured my attention. The pure hearted joy that these people were willing to express despite their rough circumstances is amazing. Freedman’s photography captures everyone, the children, the teenagers, and the elderly, all of whom participated in this movement giving the movement a sense of wholeness, completion and unity. All of these people manage to make the best of their environment, some even claiming that what they have in Resurrection City is much better than what they have in everyday life living off the streets.

(I was surprised to see stylish glasses on these pictures. Old fashion does come back.)

Jill Freedman’s photography reveals a different side to protest than what I’ve been exposed and accustomed to earlier. It reveals desperate people that do not submit to misery and gloom, retaining their optimism in grim circumstances. It reveals people who were willing to fight for economic equality without using violence. It reveals people with strong spirit who were able to come together and do what they could to fight for the dream of a better life.