95 Percent: Introducing the Minority to the Majority

This project is an opportunity to fill a void of stories about people of color living Maine. Maine is the whitest state in the nation, according to the 2015 U.S. Census estimates. Ninety-five percent of the population identifies as white. It’s also the oldest state in the nation, and its demographics are changing. This ongoing project is part, documentary, art, and cultural exchange. My goal is to chronicle the lives of at least 95 people of color across the state to help build awareness, empathy, and community, in part by sitting down and having a conversation with each person I photograph. It’s important that I also share the stories in public spaces around Maine — a way to introduce the minority to the majority. I hope it starts some dialogue, but I also hope it encourages everyone to get to know their neighbors.