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Major Richmond, a Laidlaw Scholar at Duke University on Social Justice Photography for a Stronger Seacroft
Research Title:
Social Justice Photography for a Stronger Seacroft
Please briefly outline what your research is about, and its potential real world impact
Nobody likes it when their community is talked down upon.
I participated in the accurately-renamed “Social Justice Photography for a Stronger Seacroft” project at the University of Leeds School of Earth and Environment under the supervision of Dr. Vasiliki Kioupi, Dr. Rosario Michel Villarreal, and Dr. Charlotte Nussey. The University and I partnered with the LS14Trust, a community organization in Seacroft, Leeds, to find participants and give back to the community. The project incorporated literature reviews, presentations, and workshops; most importantly, it involved community empowerment.
Seacroft was to reimagine its own public image through social justice and sustainability photography, bookending the photography period with discussion and information sessions. The pair of workshops consisted of deep ethical discussions, photographic symbolism, community goals, and next steps. After the first workshop, my messages were flooded with beautiful photographs. I received photos of collective activism, scenic landscapes, and human interaction. Memories, emotions, and connection flowed from there.
Before the second research workshop, this is me preparing my materials to present to the volunteers and start discussion
Within Leeds, Seacroft is known to be one of the most disadvantaged suburbs. People describe it as dangerous and poor, with many commenting on the community before the actual space. A Seacroft project participant had heard other Leeds residents frame it as “the projects” or “not somewhere you’d want to stick around.” My research is about flipping the switch on perspective. How does Seacroft want to be seen? My work has the impact to further empower Seacroft and inspire similar communities to make the change they yearn for.
Where did your passion for this research originate? How does your personal story feed into it?
My passion for this research largely stems from wanting to try something new. I had never been to the UK or Europe, I had little experience with photography, I had never heard of Seacroft or Leeds before, and no Duke University scholars were traveling with me. While I looked forward to incorporating my sustainability and public policy knowledge to lead environmental and social justice conversations, much of what I completed required skills I had to build in the moment. Within my last response, my story still holds true. I have a firm belief that nobody should allow their community to be talked down upon. If Seacroft demonstrates the public concern of poor and inaccurate reputation, why can’t it be me to investigate and help where I can?
What is the most memorable moment from your Laidlaw scholarship experience so far?
Meeting fellow Laidlaw Scholars in St. Andrews, Scotland, was a crazy Laidlaw connection experience. I had the opportunity to explore during weekends and break periods during my research summer at the University of Leeds, and I felt lucky to receive an invitation to travel 5 hours north just days after my original flight to the UK. Other scholars from Duke University spent their summer at the University of St. Andrews, and I slept on their couch for the final week of their summer experience. Saturday consisted of swimming off the pier, winning mini golf, eating potato scones and haggis, and dancing to traditional Scottish tunes while chatting with students from the local university. Their tight relationship with the Duke scholars proved the Laidlaw network even stronger than I had imagined. Sunday involved a scenic bus ride to Edinburgh and an adventure through my new favorite city. Peers that I once viewed as classmates were now sightseeing buddies, food critics, and transportation gurus through our experience together. Memorable… how could I forget?
What is the biggest challenge you came across in your research and leadership journeys so far, and what did you learn from it?
As I set the stage for the first of two workshops during my summer research in Leeds, I could sense a slight tension in the volunteer group related to their role in the project. The big “why” questions emerged. Why has the University of Leeds chosen to work with Seacroft? Why is this research important for the local community and the University? Why have similar communities been used for their insight without compensation? What initiated as a surprising questionnaire transformed into a deep dialogue that enhanced the connection between the community, me, and the project. The volunteers seemed more willing to engage with each other and with the project following the conversation.
After the second research workshop, the discussion participants and I gathered for a group photo!
I wish I could replay this conversation in my head, remember every word said and every expression exchanged. It was one of the most intellectually stimulating moments of my life. I left the workshop feeling fulfilled, respected, and very tired, but a good tired. Holding powerful institutions accountable is crucial to productive research. I learned more about previous extractive research relationships and how to build a true bond with the local community. It set the stage for the level of transparency and passion everyone was willing to offer. Trust can be a challenge.
What does it mean for you to be a Laidlaw Scholar?
Especially as a student at the newest university to join the Laidlaw Scholars Network, being a Laidlaw Scholar means being an explorer. Exploring effective community-based research methods to ensure ethical and equitable takeaways are found. Exploring new cultures, landscapes, and people through immersive summer experiences and colloquium sessions. Exploring leadership strategies and a variety of ways to interact with a team. Exploring the role of tradition-setting and bonding for an entirely new program with a fascinating cohort. We are unable to learn without exploration, as taking a confident and projected step into the unknown is the first phase of growth. I look forward to further connecting with bright scholars at the North American Laidlaw Conference and exploring by their side.
Which particular leaders inspire you the most and why?
I look toward leaders who emphasize quality over quantity in their commitment. At Duke University, it’s very easy to encounter an overinvolved student with never enough time for relaxation, exploration, and genuine connection with others. To an extent, you’re taking the time to read about one right now; however, I want to provide a crucial difference between spreading too thin and diving too deep. I urge individuals who can’t commit to a responsibility, who are unreliable in showing up for others, and who lose interest easily to rethink their commitment. What do each of the 6-7 different responsibilities mean to you, and could you provide a more meaningful contribution to the ones you truly care about if you had less fluff? I openly admit my intense and obsessive commitment to making my residence hall community as connected and cool as possible (FEW QUAD!), but it’s a tangible, positive, and fulfilling obligation that I genuinely enjoy carrying out. Simply put, I did not gather this advice myself. I found older individuals at Duke who embodied this true passion and followed in their footsteps. To find success, one must first find their muse.
Briefly describe a scene from the future you are striving to create.
The United States is in an unprecedented state of division, specifically in the political realm. In this current moment, gerrymandering, shutdown, and censorship plague the nation, with each slowly leaning deeper into controversy. This isn’t who we are. I strive to be one of the bridging members of government, emphasizing honest discussion and compromise in every space I enter. The best current policy solutions arise when democrats, republicans, conservatives, liberals, and independents unite to create change TOGETHER, rather than separately. We operate better in a society that favors moderate ideals and understanding. I envision working towards a truly effective nation.
Quick Fire Questions
📺 Currently Binging:
Squid Game: The Challenge Season 2 - my mother is a contestant on the show!
📚 My top book recommendation:
Fear and Trembling by Amélie Nothomb
🎶 My anthem:
My System - C4STL3
🎶 Current Podcast Obsession:
🌈 Something that made me feel joy recently:
Hearing Duke University’s a capella groups perform inside my university dorm!
If you want to learn more about Major's work, explore his research here and follow him on LinkedIn. Major is a Laidlaw Undergraduate Leadership and Research Scholar at Duke University. Become a Laidlaw Scholar to conduct a research project of your choice, develop your leadership skills, and join a global community of changemakers from world-leading universities.
Find out more about the Laidlaw Scholars Undergraduate Leadership and Research Programme.
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