Through Matt Herron’s lens, a struggle for voting rights comes into focus

CINCINNATI – The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is proud to reveal its next special exhibit for fall 2026. Witness to the Journey: Matt Herron and the Deep South, 1965 will occupy the Freedom Center’s Skirball Gallery from September 4 to November 8, 2026.

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 collective effort that led to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 parallels the actions of those who, more than a century earlier, sought freedom for themselves and others through the Underground Railroad,” said Woodrow Keown, Jr., President and Chief Operating Officer of the Freedom Center. “Presenting Matt Herron's photography during America's 250th anniversary invites visitors to reflect on contemporary issues and the ongoing pursuit of freedom, justice and equitable civic participation.”

Herron’s images capture the spirit, struggle, and triumph of the marchers — ordinary citizens, activists and leaders — who walked 54 miles over five days. The photographs reveal the diversity of participants and the emotional highs and lows of the journey.

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.

“Through compelling photography, personal testimonies and opportunities for reflection, this exhibition places visitors alongside those who made extraordinary sacrifices in the fight for voting rights,” said Stephanie Lampkin, PhD, Curator at the Freedom Center. “It challenges us to consider how individual and collective action continue to shape our democracy.”

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.

“We are excited to be part of the 2026 FotoFocus Biennial,” said Shawnee Turner, Vice President of Education & Interpretation. “Herron's photographs capture both the urgency of a pivotal moment in our nation’s history and resonate with us now as voting rights face renewed challenges. Through programming focused on voter education, civics, and community engagement, visitors will make connections to issues shaping our world today.

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.

FotoFocus is a Cincinnati-based nonprofit arts organization that champions photography and lens-based art through exhibitions and public programming. Since 2010, the organization has engaged art and educational institutions throughout the region to support and expand the cultural dialogue around the medium that has come to define our time. With an emphasis on intellectually and academically rigorous programs, the organization provides uniquely enriching access to lens-based art, film, and practices inspired by photography. FotoFocus has collaborated with organizations, curators, academics, and more than 3,500 artists and participants to present over 800 exhibitions and programs.  

Signature FotoFocus programs include the Biennial, which has been held in October since 2012, most recently taking place in 2024 with the theme backstories. Past editions have presented work across the Cincinnati region by historic and contemporary artists, including Berenice Abbott, Eugène Atget, John Edmonds, Roe Ethridge, Rotimi Fani-Kayode, David Hartt, Baseera Khan, Zanele Muholi, Tony Oursler, Barbara Probst, Thomas Ruff, Ming Smith, Ian Strange, Chip Thomas, and Akram Zaatari. Other landmark programs include the Symposium, which has contributed significant dialogue and insight to culturaly relevant topics including the controversial Mapplethorpe exhibition and the Lecture and Visiting Artist Series, which has brought globaly renowned artists such as Matt Black, Sky Hopinka, Zoe Leonard, Wiliam Wegman, and Roger Ross Wiliams to Cincinnati.