The Chicago Reporter brought together journalists, advocates, community leaders and supporters on May 14 in Bronzeville for its inaugural Justice Photojournalism Showcase. The evening, hosted at Parkway Social, was dedicated to honoring the power of visual storytelling through community-centered journalism in Chicago.
Hosted by Emmy-nominated Chicago journalist Nate Rodgers, the event highlighted photography’s ability to document justice and history, and inspire action.
“Tonight is not just an event,” Rodgers told attendees during his opening remarks. “Tonight is a celebration of truth, courage, creativity and community.”
The evening’s keynote address was delivered by acclaimed Chicago visual artist, author and photographer Tonika Johnson, whose work explores topics of segregation, identity, race and change in Chicago. Johnson is the creator of the Folded Map Project and recently published book “Don’t Go,” projects that document the city’s legacy of segregation and inequality, as well as the potential to overcome these barriers through human connection.
Honoring Chicago’s leaders from all backgrounds
The showcase honored leaders whose work reflects a commitment to justice, service and community transformation across Chicago, including Pastor Stephen Thurston II, Kendra Spearman, Dr. Derrick Wells, Candace Chambers, Marshall Hatch Jr., Ayesha Jaco, Alex Garcia and Brandon Pope.
Photojournalism awards
The Chicago Reporter exhibited photographs that were submitted to the contest as entries, and presented awards to the winning photojournalists whose work centered social justice and community storytelling across Chicagoland.
Student and emerging professional winner Trinity Colón was recognized for imagery capturing South Chicago through “a lens of beauty, resilience and community strength despite injustice,” according to judges.
In the established professional category, honoree Candace Chambers received recognition for her work documenting the emotional toll of detention and family separation connected to immigration policy and enforcement. Judges described the image as “deeply human,” noting its emotional impact and connection with viewers.
Experienced professional winner Melissa Ann Pinney was honored for her work documenting identity, adolescence and community within Chicago Public Schools. Judges praised the emotional depth and candid portraiture captured in her submission.
The evening concluded with remarks from Dr. Ebony Only, who encouraged attendees to continue supporting independent journalism and community storytelling beyond the event itself.
“The Chicago Reporter has always understood that solutions-focused, community-centered stories reveal what those sitting at the center attempt to hide,” Only said. “When we tell our own stories, communities are honored and people can be moved from awareness to action.”