Topic overview
In brief
- Laila AnnMarie Stevens documented her family's move from New York City to North Carolina over five years.
- The project reflects a contemporary trend of reverse migration among Black families seeking better opportunities.
- Stevens hopes her work will inspire curiosity about familial relationships and shared experiences.
Summary
In recent years, Laila AnnMarie Stevens has been documenting her family's move from New York City to North Carolina, a significant event reflecting a contemporary trend among Black families returning to the South. This reverse migration is motivated by a search for better opportunities, affordability, and a different quality of life. Stevens' project highlights the layered history of her family, as her grandfather had previously lived in North Carolina, making the relocation feel both circumstantial and deeply historical. Through her photography, she aims to create a sense of sisterhood and connection among the women in her life, emphasizing the importance of community and shared experiences.
The project spans five years, during which Stevens captured multiple generations of her family, showcasing their journey and the emotional ties that bind them. The portraits serve not only as documentation but also as a means to offer space for the women in her life to be seen with care and attentiveness. Stevens faced challenges in visually bridging the images of her family with those of friends she photographed, striving to extend the same sense of sisterhood to all. One of the most rewarding moments was witnessing her friend, Ibtisam Tasnim Zaman, connect with her grandmother through art, illustrating the blending of chosen family and biological ties.