“We are excited over sponsoring this artistic and educational event that enriches our lives and strengthens community partnerships,” comments Vivian Presley, Ed.D., college president.

“Once again we are pleased to collaborate with the Delta Blues Museum in a major exhibition; we encourage everyone from our students, faculty and staff, to all area residents to visit and take advantage of this opportunity,” says Presley.

Curated by New York University professor Deborah Willis, photographers across America documented themes from jazz clubs, hair salons and barbershops to church services, family scenes and reading the Sunday newspaper. The exhibit was organized by Leica Gallery, New York.

The 134 photographs offer insight into the lives of Sunday morning worshippers in African-American churches and Saturday night revelers in clubs, pool halls and juke joints.

Ritter says each of the photographer’s perception of the two days are both emotionally engaging and visually challenging: “The collection showcases the unique vision of each of the artists; at the same time each perspective comes together to create a universal representation of community, spirit and pleasure.”

The collective story reflects the social and art historical significance of these days, she says.

Among some of the noted musicians and vocalists featured in photographs are Dinah Washington, James Brown, Wynton Marsalis, Cheryl Lynn, Al Green, Minnie Ripperton and P-Diddy.

International known artists and photographers with works included in the collection are Gordon Parks, Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, David C. Driskell, Charles Stewart, Chester Higgins Jr., Faith Ringgold, Carrie Mae Weems, Roland Freeman and Ellis Marsalis III.

The Delta Blues Museum is partially funded by a grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.