I’m a white, cisgender woman, distanced from college life, acknowledging the irony of immersing myself in Adraint Bereal’s photographic exploration of the experiences of Black college students. However, for my role in higher education at the School of Visual Arts, grasping these perspectives holds significant importance. As cited in the introduction of Adraint Bereal’s book, the phrase “In all thy getting, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7) resonates deeply with me. It underscores the distinction between knowledge and wisdom, where knowledge signifies being informed, and wisdom entails comprehending the personal significance.
Bereal’s work, encapsulated in The Black Yearbook, provides an intimate depiction of the joys, struggles, and realities faced by Black students navigating higher education. This book challenges prevailing societal narratives with sincerity and depth, ultimately enlightening us through Adraint Bereal’s lens.
I had the privilege of interviewing Bereal about his educational and creative journey in bringing The Black Yearbook to fruition. Below is an excerpt from our conversation.
(Interview edited for clarity and length).
Left: The Black Yearbook cover, Right: headshot of author Adraint Bereal
Bereal’s deeply personal endeavor commenced at his alma mater, the University of Texas. Through a blend of portraits, personal reflections, and interviews, he offered a glimpse into the lives of Black students in a predominantly white academic setting. Inspired by his initial showcase, 1.7, which candidly portrayed the experiences of Black men at UT (constituting 1.7% of the student body), Bereal expanded his vision. He embarked on a nationwide exploration spanning Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), predominantly white institutions, and trade schools.
What distinguishes Bereal’s approach is his dedication to highlighting more than just the hardships often associated with Black narratives. Instead, he amplifies tales of resilience, happiness, and victory in the face of adversity, challenging societal norms and stereotypes.
During your visits to various educational institutions for The Black Yearbook, can you share a pivotal moment or encounter that profoundly resonated with you, shaping your understanding of the complexities within the Black student experience?
AB: Journeying to Alaska in the far west to conclude my travels was a deeply reflective experience. The four to five months of travel were filled with the incessant clamor of trains, planes, and automobiles. Visiting Alaska with my best friend was remarkably serene. Interviewing only two students at the University of Alaska-Juneau due to its small campus size left me ample time to unwind—a luxury I hadn’t experienced before. On our second day in Alaska, my best friend and I trekked to witness the Mendenhall Glacier, followed by a frantic dash back to our taxi in a snowstorm. The interactions with the 116 students felt akin to this—a captivating whirlwind that unexpectedly envelops you. This work demands courage, and I discovered that I possess an abundance of it while plunging headfirst into a storm.
At the core of The Black Yearbook lies a commitment to candid conversations. Each profile serves as a testament to the uniqueness of Black college experiences. Through captivating photography and compelling narratives, Bereal captures the essence of each interviewee, allowing their voices to resonate.
What struck me most about Bereal’s work was his innovative design approach. Every page of The Black Yearbook exudes vitality and creativity, mirroring the diversity and vibrancy of the Black college journey. It stands as a refreshing departure from the singular portrayal of higher education, offering a multifaceted representation that celebrates the richness of Black culture and identity.
You integrate interviews, photographs, and illustrations to encapsulate the multifaceted narratives of Black students navigating the educational landscape. How did you approach the storytelling process to ensure these narratives were authentically portrayed and celebrated in their entirety, capturing moments of joy and triumph alongside challenges and adversities?
AB: Crafting a project like this demands a high degree of openness, which forms the crux of each exchange. I entered each interaction with minimal expectations, understanding that dialogues could range from mere minutes to several hours. Had I approached this methodically and solely from a quantitative standpoint, I might have missed delving beyond surface-level discussions to unveil a more personal and lived experience. Patience proves to be invaluable.
The Black Yearbook has been hailed as both radical and reverent, providing a platform for Black students to see themselves mirrored while challenging societal biases. How can creative initiatives like yours contribute to discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion within educational environments, and what do you aspire for readers, particularly Black students, to glean from your work?
AB: The Black Yearbook continues the legacy of artists and scholars such as Toni Morrison, Monroe Work, and W.E.B. Dubois. The surge in digital platforms has resulted in a scarcity of physical media preserving Black existence. We must act as the architects of our narrative, and that’s precisely what I’ve accomplished. I’ve crafted a lasting testament of existence to safeguard our stories for future generations. Understanding—that’s the crux of it.
In a society where mainstream narratives frequently overlook or stereotype Black experiences in higher education, The Black Yearbook emerges as a potent corrector. Bereal’s work urges us to reframe our perspectives and embrace the intricacies of Black college life. It stands as a tribute to the resilience, fortitude, and beauty of the Black community, underscoring the significance of amplifying diverse voices in the narrative of higher education.