Documentary Photographer | United States | T.Woods Photography LLC

GIRL POWER FREEDOM IN THE RIVER. Each child from this community is responsible for collecting at least 3 large jugs of water from the river multiple times per day. The river isn't near by, traveling back and forth balancing large jugs atop your head, is far beyond a westerns comprehension. On my walk down the river, these brave girls as my guide. We made our way to the natural rocks and wellsprings that provide fresh water for their community.

ALL LINED UP. Over 20 million people are held captive as slaves in the human trafficking industry. A large percentage are young children and youth from tiny village communities. Lacking proper educational, infrastructure development and the means to rise above the social class branded with them from birth, children in particular risk being trafficked. They are preyed upon, vulnerability ascended. Every child from this image and community protrayed such joy and welcomed me as there own. To find out more on ending Human Traffacking visit IJM http://www.ijm.com

ELDER OF THE VILLAGE. Through out African culture, elders are respected and valued. As you age, you become more valuable. Spending time with, "Uncle", as he insisted I call him, allowed me the opportunity to capture the root of his culture. To understand the challenges faced from a post- colonized country, in the midst of the millennial generation and heavy western influences. A man who views importance in perserving his culture, is searching for answers in weaving it all together.

ONE OF MANY. MY HOME. MY FAMILY. MY CULTURE. MY COMMUNITY. Nearly 863 million individuals of the urban population, in the developing world, live in slum communities. The beauty lies in the sweet smiles and kind hearts of children and families admist their community. Who lovingly, with grace welcomed me. While economic disappropration plague individuals globally, resilensce, power and love propel an optimistic view of a brigher tomorrow in face of daily challenges.

MY HOME . MY FAMILY . MY CULTURE . MY COMMUNITY. Rural Southern Nigeria. On a deep walk through the lush tropical habitat, one farmer shares his story. He wakes up before dawn, arrages his tools to clear through the bush and begins his long walk to his land. It's vast and harvest rich. He expresses deep concern for the future generation, current extreme climate change and if his land will be his legacy. To find out more on the agricultural challenges facing Africa visit http://www.worldbank.org/climatechange

IMAGE I. MILLENNIAL GENERATION. A young teenage girl stands in front of her home, with dignity and grace. The Millennial generation of young people in the developing world, view the future with optimism and creativity. When speaking with the younger generation, its extremely clear how different they view the world and a brighter future for their community. I'm encouraged they will be the positive change, a new voice.

IMAGE II. MILLENNIAL GENERATION. OMAME, meaning young girl in her native tribal language. Glaring lies the effect technology and the internet has on the millennial generation throughout the African Contient. The traditional village upbringing has changed drastically post-colonization, access to higher education and advancement in technology. Young African's have found empowerment in this new era. Many challenging the negative narrative depiction of their Continent. A new movement, new narrative, new voices are emerging as young African's share positive perspectives of their home.