Julia Cumes on Photography as a Force for Social Change

In this episode, host Rick Koonce interviews award-winning photojournalist Julia Cumes, whose work shines a light on marginalized communities around the world. Born and raised in apartheid-era South Africa, Julia witnessed the power of images to expose truth and inspire change. Her career has been shaped by a commitment to social justice and storytelling through the lens of her camera.

Julia shares how her projects—from documenting Cape Cod's transgender community to capturing the stories of immigrants, women in India's Devadasi system, and Hawaii's cowboys—help challenge stereotypes and humanize those often unseen. Her portraits not only celebrate individuality but also foster empathy and understanding in divided times.

Listeners will gain insight into how photography can serve as both art and activism—connecting people across boundaries and transforming hearts one story at a time.

Key Takeaways:

• How photography can drive social change and human connection
• The importance of visibility for marginalized communities
• Storytelling as a path to understanding and inclusion

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