New Rondo: Photos of the black community of the twin cities is a powerful photographic exploration of Black life in Saint Paul and the surrounding metro area, rooted in community, presence, and place. This collection offers an intimate visual narrative that honors everyday moments while reflecting the cultural depth and resilience of the Rondo neighborhood and its people.
Through a carefully curated series of images, the book captures candid expressions, street scenes, and personal interactions that collectively form a living archive of Black experience. Each photograph is guided by curiosity and connection-an amalgamation of moments that speak to identity, belonging, and the beauty found in the ordinary. Rather than staging or spectacle, the work centers authenticity, allowing the subjects and their environments to speak for themselves.
More than a photo book, New Rondo: Photos of the black community of the twin cities serves as a cultural document and a love letter to a neighborhood that continues to shape and inspire generations. It celebrates visibility, memory, and community while preserving stories that might otherwise go unnoticed. The project stands at the intersection of art, history, and social reflection, inviting readers to engage slowly and thoughtfully with each page.
This project was made possible through the support and collaboration of community leaders and creatives, including Mayor Melvin Carter, Sean Garrison, Kokouka, Kaz Langness, and many others whose contributions helped bring this vision to life.
New Rondo: Photos of the black community of the twin cities is ideal for readers interested in documentary photography, Black history and culture, urban studies, and visual storytelling. It is a meaningful addition to personal libraries, educational spaces, and gallery collections alike.
