Photo Journal Monday: Everyday: Rita Harper
Images and Text by: Rita Harper
Photo edited by: Maria LeMoine
“I frequently shop at the Walmart in my neighborhood of East Point, GA. I’ve found it to be an interesting location that is the central ground for families, and the everyday person looking to grab essential household items, food, electronics etc. In the parking lot, I crossed paths with this beautiful father and son duo. He was such a proud father, beaming at his son, returning a smile for his, and they appeared to be at peace in this particular moment.” - Rita Harper
“Walking by on a sunny afternoon, I came across a kind gentleman in my neighborhood of Atlanta, GA, who had an extremely warm and inviting presence. We talked for a few, and I went on about my day, provided with positive energy from the loving spirit of a new found neighbor.”
Ritas Harpe'r’s work dives into the strength, beauty, natural grace, and poetic stride of the everyday African American. In a society that is ridden with vainess and celebration of material assets and high ranking social statuses, she makes it her mission to highlight the value and beauty of the transitional period of black life. While navigating the perceived low valleys where we have not obtained the success that America has defined for us, we still have value and purpose simply by existing and my subjects that I cross paths with represent this.
“I was getting off the train at the Garnett Marta train stop, when I was captivated by a beautiful
woman’s confidence as she passed by. She gracefully walked by and through me a warm smile.
I asked if I could take her photograph, she kindly obliged and struck a pose that emulated her
power and knowing beauty.” - Rita Harper
Rita’s highlight and spread the narratives of the people making it through life in America by the cards
they’re dealt with in an unwavering way. I capture black love, triumph, swagger, and entrepreneurship in a way that negates the narrow minded viewpoint of blackness from the outside perspective.
