Nataki Hewling

This project began after I photographed an elder—a distinguished Black gentleman. I remember thinking that it was rare to see a healthy and happy elderly Black man. “Why was that?” I thought. After further exploration, I came to the conclusion that Black males over the age of 80 were like an “endangered species.” If we didn’t protect their lives in their prime from violence, police brutality, incarceration, as well as physical and mental health conditions caused by living stressful unfulfilled lives, then they’d eventually become non-existent.

I decided to go out into the community and look for men over 70 to photograph. To my dismay, I discovered that my assumption had truth to it. Though I did find a few great gentlemen. One shared this quote that drove me to continue the work: “I’m here because I was saved by grace; we don’t deserve any bragging rights.”

This visual story sends the message that our communities need Black male elders to nourish our ecosystems. We need to go the distance to protect their lives.

I’d like to give thanks to all of the men involved in helping me tell this story.

Saved By Grace

Featuring: Nataki Hewling

Curated by: Paul Moakley Victoria Munro

Locations

• #Black History
• #Black Voices
• #Elders
• #New York City
• #New York Stories
• #NYC