“…people themselves create the world. They make the world what it is. And it is your choice, it is our choice, it’s up to us whether the world is going to be a better place or not.” -Deanna, age 17
In We Are Carver acclaimed photographer Jessica Ingram invites you into George Washington Carver High School in Columbus, Georgia, located just a few miles from Fort Moore, one of the largest military installations in the world. For six years, Ingram explored the Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program there, engaging with the student cadets as they navigated the transition from adolescence to adulthood, all against the backdrop of a changing political landscape. Through vibrant portraits, candid conversations, and classroom ephemera, Ingram captures the hopes and fears of a generation on the cusp of shaping their futures. As the country undergoes a presidential transition, these voices remind us of the power of choice and the collective responsibility we bear in creating a better future. In this pivotal moment in American history, We Are Carver serves as a mirror and a compass, illuminating the resilience and determination of youth in the face of uncertainty, and offering a path forward rooted in acknowledgment, compassion, and justice. -Publisher