Migrant Journeys Exhibit by Photography Professor Dr. Clark Baker September 17, 2021
Posted by Mia Moody-Ramirez in : Uncategorized , trackback
The Baylor Department of Journalism, Public Relations & New Media is pleased to highlight Dr. Clark Baker’s photography exhibit titled, “Migrant Journeys.”
During the summer of 2019, Baker taught photography to 20 migrants and refugees through Centro Interculturale di Aiuto ed Orientamento (CIAO) in Syracuse, Sicily and plans to continue this work in 2022.
CIAO offers services to help participants adapt and integrate into Italian society.
Gabriel di Silva, Director, CIAO stated that “… using cameras he had acquired and shipped at his own expense, Dr. Baker taught photography to 20 of our participants. His teaching methodology, connection and care for his students empowered them to produce meaningful and expressive work, and for likely the first time in their lives, they were truly the protagonists in their own life story. I had hoped for such an outcome, but wasn’t sure we could get there. Through Dr. Baker’s commitment and vision we did!”
In addition to taking photos, Baker interviewed his subjects.
“During my journey, I have seen many people die, in the desert, in prison and in the ocean… I pray every single day for those people,” one migrant worker said.
Another explained why he believed it was worth it to come to Italy.
“We are still poor but we get by,” he said. “Here we are equal, the color of our skin is not important. It is true that there are lots of people who do not accept us but I think they should reflect on the misconceptions they have about immigrants.”
Another described his difficulties in making it to Italy.
“We left the shore (of Libya) in an inflatable boat with 125 people and within two hours of the journey 23 people fell into the sea. We tried to help them but many drowned. Among those people there was my friend who I travelled part of the journey with,” he said.
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