Skye McBride, then 3, accidentally shot herself in the head with her father’s revolver—and survived.
Nearly every day, a person is killed or injured in the U.S. because a child has accidentally fired a gun, according to Everytown, a group that advocates for firearm safety.
Children under 6 are among the most likely victims.
After Skye was shot on Valentine’s Day 2024 in Flint, Michigan, reporter Suzy Khimm and photographer Cydni Elledge spent time with her and earned the trust of her and her family, which allowed them to be present at critical moments in her recovery. Over eight months, Elledge documented that recovery, which Skye’s doctors, nurses, and therapists described as “a miracle.” At first, Skye was unable to walk or speak. She faced months of surgeries and medical complications before returning home to play with her cousins. Rather than focus solely on Skye’s struggles, Elledge sought to photograph the immense joy, resilience, and spirit she radiated.
“In situations like this, it’s easy to anticipate documenting primarily sadness, pain, or difficulty,” Elledge said, “However, Skye’s demeanor challenged me to focus on what was truly present: a vibrant, playful toddler who was full of life.”
Artist Bios
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Cydni Elledge
Cydni Elledge is a Detroit-based photographer who centers community, identity, and storytelling in her image-making practice, creating work that amplifies underrepresented voices and narratives.
Organizations
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NBC News
NBC News is watched by more Americans than any other news organization in the world, reaching 137 million viewers monthly across television, streaming and digital. Our reporting is urgent, exclusive, distinct and free — serving a vital role in our democracy. NBCNews.com attracts nearly 90 million unique visitors a month, reaching a broad and diverse audience.
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Photoville
Founded in 2011 in Brooklyn, NY, Photoville was built on the principles of addressing cultural equity and inclusion, which we are always striving for, by ensuring that the artists we exhibit are diverse in gender, class, and race.
In pursuit of its mission, Photoville produces an annual, city-wide open air photography festival in New York City, a wide range of free educational community initiatives, and a nationwide program of public art exhibitions.
By activating public spaces, amplifying visual storytellers, and creating unique and highly innovative exhibition and programming environments, we join the cause of nurturing a new lens of representation.
Through creative partnerships with festivals, city agencies, and other nonprofit organizations, Photoville offers visual storytellers, educators, and students financial support, mentorship, and promotional & production resources, on a range of exhibition opportunities.
For more information about Photoville visit, www.photoville.com
A gunshot—then “a miracle”
Featuring: Cydni Elledge
Curated by: Zara Katz Elise Wrabetz Chelsea Stahl Cydni Elledge
Supported by:
Locations
View Location Details Brooklyn Bridge Park – Emily Warren Roebling Plaza1 Water St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
This location is part of Brooklyn Bridge Park
Explore other locations and exhibitions nearby
Reporting by Suzy Khimm
Read the ‘Under the Gun’ series on nbcnews.com
The views and opinions expressed in this exhibit are those of the exhibition artists and partners and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Photoville or any other participants and partners of the Photoville Festival.
