When is a photo an act of resistance?

Summary

The transcript explores the story of Alex Manly, an African American newspaper editor who resisted white supremacy in late 19th-century Wilmington, North Carolina, through his groundbreaking newspaper The Daily Record. Despite facing violent threats and being forced to flee after a racist mob destroyed his newspaper, Manly and his family continued to assert their dignity and humanity through acts of quiet resistance, such as family portraiture. The narrative highlights how African Americans used photography as a powerful tool to document their lives, achievements, and resilience in the post-Emancipation era, directly challenging racist propaganda and violent oppression. Manly's story represents a profound moment of cultural resistance, demonstrating how marginalized communities can fight back against systemic racism through representation and perseverance.