Description

For photographer Eli Reed, who photographed the Million Man March in 1995, taking to the streets is not just a demonstration. “To speak out and say something” is an engagement with what it means to be a human being. Organized by activist Louis Farrakhan, the Million Man March drew from a well of community-based black activism. One picture from that day shows the swarming crowds on the mall from the perspective of three men, who sit large in the frame, looking out on the momentous scene. “You know, you can do things that are subtle and say something without a lot of jumping up and down. And that was one of those kind of pictures,” says Reed. “It’s a quiet picture, but it says a lot about that day and the extent of different men from different places coming together to say something.”

Get Magnum news and updates directly to your inbox

Stay in touch
Monthly updates on the latest assignments, photographer projects and collaborations with brands.
Know when our quarterly 7-day square print sale is coming.
Learn about online and offline exhibitions, photography fairs, gallery events, plus fine print news and activities, on a monthly basis.
Get fortnightly tips and advice articles, find out about the latest workshops, free online events and on-demand courses.
Be the first to know about recent Magnum Shop drops. From new books and limited editions, to special offers, you can find it all on the weekly Magnum Shop newsletter.
Stay up to date every Thursday with Magnum photographers’ activities, new work, stories published on the Magnum website, and the latest offerings from our shop.