Hammond native and photographer Courtland Galore unveiled his photo exhibit “No Matter What Kind of Black You Are” at the River Center Branch Library on Friday. 
The exhibit captures the nuances of the Black experience, from the joy and curiosity of Black children to the pride and wisdom of Black elders. Behind each photo is a story, a unique journey that led each person in front of Galore’s camera.
Galore began his photography career through experimentation. As he matured and gravitated toward different mediums, he found himself establishing a professional career with ad campaigns with the likes of Levi’s, Coach and Brahmin under his belt.
“No Matter What Kind of Black You Are” has his same eclectic touch but with a deeper, more personal message.
“I want this exhibit to reiterate that I love Black people, and that Black is gold,” Galore said. “My favorite part of the process was making memories with the people in the photoshoots. A lot of the people in these photos are my closest friends, people that I know personally and spend time with.”
These same friends came out in droves to support Galore, dressed in all black as he requested, speaking fondly of their time with him. The exhibit allowed his subjects to see how eloquently he captured them up close.
Simiya Bush, an LSU art sophomore, is a multi-talented creative who was featured in the exhibit and showcased some of her art at the opening.
“I really enjoyed being part of something so intimate,” Bush said. “The creative scene in Baton Rouge has been very welcoming and is continuing to grow.”
Bush said the inspiration behind her own creative pursuits is her daily life.
“I just take what goes on and incorporate that into my art,” she said. 
The exhibit turnout revealed that a growing community of like-minded creatives have managed to find each other.
As the space filled with people and they took in the scenery, one could feel a sense of community in the atmosphere. To see the Black experience chronicled so intentionally, and how it brought people together, was nothing short of remarkable.
People of all ages and nationalities were able to partake in this opportunity to celebrate Galore and to celebrate Blackness. Through projects like this, joy and passion are showcased the same way that pain and the injustices are.
LSU psychology alumna Uzoamaka Njoku was also featured in the exhibit and wants viewers to see the bigger picture behind Galore’s work.
“The behind-the-scenes aspects are what really stood out to me,” Njoku said. “I hope that the people viewing this exhibit see how much effort went into this and know that we are really young. This is just the beginning.”

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Gallery • 3 Photos

Patrons take in the pieces at the "No Matter What Kind of Black You Are" premiere.