Lens of History: A Celebration of People, Spaces and Emotions

Part of the 2024 FotoFocus Biennial

Through the lens of Black photographers and photo collections, Lens of History: A Celebration of People, Spaces and Emotion explores the rich tapestry of Black history in Cincinnati. Over 200 historic and contemporary photographs showcase the often overlooked and sometimes unseen contributions and experiences of Black individuals and communities throughout Cincinnati’s history. The exhibition invites a more inclusive understanding of Cincinnati’s past while inspiring essential conversations about its future.

A generous gift from FotoFocus made this exhibition possible.

Lens of History was curated by Toilynn O’Neal Turner of the Robert O’Neal Multicultural Arts Center (ROMAC) with assistant curator Ryan Leary and West End community members, and in partnership with Cincinnati Museum Center.

Lens of History was made possible, in part, by Ohio Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities.