The Undefeated and Getty Images launch exclusive photo series showcasing black culture

By Mamie L. Wray Last updated Dec 7, 2021

Earlier this year, The Undefeated and Getty Images announced visual collaboration with an emphasis on showcasing the strength, innovation and excellence of black culture titled Black gaze. Topics etched onto storyboard media, developed into creative photos and videos have been edited for a December 6 launch.

The Black gaze The photo series comes to life, focusing on the joy of biking around Detroit, a kickball league in Alabama, and various styles of roller skating on the east and west coasts.

“Cycling, kickball and roller skating are just the start of several topics we have in this captivating photo series,” said Raina kelley, vice president and editor, The Undefeated. “We are also looking for additional topics to complement the overall theme of inclusiveness within Black Gaze.”

The first iteration of the stories was produced by The Undefeated with the Visual Storytelling division of ESPN Creative Studio. They worked with four different photographers to create the portfolio. After each photo shoot, photographers were invited to participate in a question-and-answer session on the project.

Read the excerpts below; full story is available at theundefeated.com.

How did you go about capturing the joy in this mission?

Anthony Geathers (Roller Magic – Waterbury, Connecticut):

“Whenever you mix rollerblading and 1970s-90s R&B, those two things always bring happiness and confidence, because this type of music brings out the love, intimacy and joy in black people to skate with their. Partner (s) and friends Confidence comes from being able to skate like you could walk on water. I grew up seeing black roller skates in my Brooklyn neighborhood and music in my house , so it was I who relived my childhood.

Justin Milhouse (Cycling – Detroit):

“I made sure to connect with the different groups of riders by chatting with the riders and building real relationships which made them feel comfortable in front of the camera. In this way, I was able to capture authentic emotions of joy and happiness through my photography.

Tamika Moore (Legion Field Kickball League – Birmingham, Alabama):

“The jubilant scenes were everywhere, so launching into capturing the joy was as easy as stepping inside the stadium. The stadium is home to the biggest HBCU football classic in the country, and I felt that similar energy and joy on a smaller scale as I walked in to cover the matches the first time around.

Tara Pixley (Roller Skating, Venice Beach – Los Angeles)

“I remember the freedom I felt as a kid when I put on my roller skates and flew through the sidewalks of my neighborhood or the dilapidated floors of rinks in suburban Atlanta. I had also observed the rise of roller dancers on social media during the COVID lockdown, so wanting to both resume skating and photograph this unique form of movement. Blacks and brunettes have always used movement, dance, and creative expression to survive tragedy or rise above the oppressive forces of our daily lives. I wanted to visualize that, showcase the free love vibes of Venice Beach alongside the glow of this community of roller dancers. Just witnessing the freedom and joy this art form brings was so inspiring and exhilarating that the pictures practically caught on themselves.

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