Taylor Edgerton

"Book Under The Pew" is a photographic thesis that explores the importance of Black land ownership and the resilience of the family matriarch who defended, fought, and protected in her own battle when the men were called to war. She assisted in raising the Whitaker household, too. Through portraiture, landscapes, and stills, this work examines whether the Whitakers' sacrifice to fight for the land was worth it all. They played an integral role in this town as farmers, morticians, cooks, and home builders.

These photographs chosen explore, honor, and portray the people and places that helped us sustain this property—the matriarchy, through the journey of childhood and brotherhood, the Whitaker property itself, and the Southern Baptist church.

Website https://tayloreedgerton.format.com/