Witness to the Journey

Witness to the Journey: Matt Herron and the Deep South, 1965 presents a compelling selection of 28 black-and-white photographs by renowned civil rights photographer Matt Herron. This exhibition documents the historic Selma to Montgomery March, a pivotal moment in American history that directly led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The images are sourced from an exhibit originally curated by Herron, who passed away in 2020, and are now part of the Freedom Center’s collection. The photographs will be accompanied by some of Herron’s personal effects, such as his leather camera bag and hip carrier. The exhibit also includes materials that educate on the immediate impact of the Voting Rights Act and the ongoing fight for voter equity today, featuring oral histories with foot soldiers collected by Foot Soldiers Park and interviews with local activists and changemakers.

By revisiting these images in 2026— during America’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence —the exhibition encourages reflection on how far we’ve come and how far we still must go.

Witness to the Journey is part of the 2026 FotoFocus Biennial: The Long View. Now in its eighth iteration, the Biennial activates over 70 exhibitions at museums, galleries, universities, and public spaces throughout Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, and Northern Kentucky in October 2026.

The 2026 FotoFocus Biennial theme, "The Long View,” considers aspects of time and perspective in photography and film, and how these mediums shape our understanding of the world.

Witness to the Journey: Matt Herron and the Deep South, 1965 will be on view in the Freedom Center's Skirball Gallery from September 4 through November 8, 2026. Support for this 2026 FotoFocus Biennial exhibition was provided by FotoFocus.

Witness to the Journey: Matt Herron and the Deep South,1965

September 4 – November 8, 2026

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