Amir Saadiq
It Takes a Nation
It Takes a Nation, is a photographic series that represents Black multigenerational and socioeconomically diverse communities. Birthed out of the Black liberation struggle during the 1930’s in Detroit, Michigan, the Nation of Islam remains one of the last voices of 20th century Black Nationalism. Historically, white hegemony has attempted to eradicate any inclination toward self-determination. Nonetheless Black Exceptionalism flourished in the face of racial epithets and racist policies designed to maintain Black poverty and social and political marginalization. The Nation of Islam acknowledges cross-generational strengths, autonomous Black business, and strong family structures. The Nation of Islam stands at the intersection between the Black community and racism, offering an assessment and critique of racial injustice.
