Dear Friends,
As March 8th is International Women’s Day, I’d like to give a shout out to Josephine Herrick (1897 – 1972), a professional photographer who combined photography and volunteerism to help the neediest Americans. Inspired by the Red Cross and the USO, she set up a nonprofit during WWII and peace did not end her labor of love. For over 75 years, the organization has cultivated partnerships with military, medical and educational institutions, photographers and camera manufacturers, in a heroic community effort to make social change. In the attached photo from the 1950s, note the pride shown by the Syracuse volunteers (Josephine Herrick stands to our left). In honor of our founder, I am happy to announce the establishment of JOSEPHINE HERRICK DAY on March 30th. Each year, JHP will promote a photography and social justice project selected by people in the field. This year’s judges are Popular Photography and American Photo editor Miriam Leuchter, and photographers Nina Berman and Deborah Willis.