Documentary Photographer | United States | T.Woods Photography LLC

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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.

The river, Southern, Nigeria.

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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

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MY HOME . MY FAMILY . MY CULTURE . MY COMMUNITY.

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.

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YOUNG GENERATION & STREET HAWKING

YOUNG GENERATION & STREET HAWKING. The conversation of street hawking throughout the African Continent has increased as poverty prevails. Traditionally hawking was used as a small source of income for households in the developing world. As the unemployment rates continued to rise, many parents and their children began using hawking as a main source of income. In many West African countries hawking is deemed illegal, yet for many it continues to be the only source of income. The young man depicted, explained hawking for him wasn't his family's main source of income, but contributed greatly. It was more of, "something his parents had him do to help out", he explained, and didn't "feel'', forced upon him by anyone. While there is a grave difference between a village hawker and city hawker, the debate over what constitutes child labor and exploitation continues, I continue to be perplexed by both Western definitions and African definitions of "the street hawker."

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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.

ONE OF MANY. MY HOME. MY FAMILY. MY CULTURE. MY COMMUNITY.

ONE OF MANY. MY HOME. MY FAMILY. MY CULTURE. MY COMMUNITY.

OKADA RIDER'S, my guide through the lush farmlands of Edo State, Southern Nigeria. These motor taxis's serve an important and fundemental role in the community. It's not often they get asked to pose for a photo, as soon as my camera was spotted it became clear how much honor they have in what they do.

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

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MAH-MAH MARKET WOMAN. Traditionally women hold economically interregional key positions in trade markets through out Africa. They are and have been leaders in the development of agricultural and selling. As an area dominated by women, MAH-MAH is a term of endearment and respect for an elder woman. Every Market Day many gather to purchase fresh produce from her.

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MARKET DAY. Women sellers line the lot selling fresh produce. While Grocery Store developments in some regions have changed the trade market, traditional markets in village communtiites continue to thrive.

IMAGE I. GENERATION Z. 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. GENERATION Z. OMAME, meaning young girl in her native tribal language. Glaring lies the effect technology and the internet has on generation Z 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.

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