What You Need to Know
• Laila AnnMarie Stevens documented her family’s migration from New York City to North Carolina over five years.
• Stevens views this migration as a reversal of the Great Migration, which saw Black families move north for better opportunities.
• Her photography captures multiple generations of her family, including friends, siblings, and grandparents.
Laila AnnMarie Stevens, a photographer, documented her family’s relocation from New York City to North Carolina over five years, seeking better opportunities and a different quality of life. She perceives this movement as a reversal of the Great Migration, during which many Black families left the South for the North to escape racial injustice. Stevens’ work not only highlights her family’s journey but also showcases the Southern landscape and the interconnectedness of her biological and chosen family, including friends and extended relatives. Through her photography, she aims to reflect the realities of being a Black queer woman and the support systems surrounding those identities.
Why It Matters
This project sheds light on the historical context of migration patterns among Black families in America, particularly the reversal of the Great Migration. It emphasizes the ongoing search for better living conditions and opportunities, which remains relevant today. By documenting her family’s experiences, Stevens contributes to a broader understanding of the complexities of identity, belonging, and the significance of family ties across generations.
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