Rooted in Freedom: A Tribute to Sanlé Sory
Photo Credit: Sanlé Sory, Vendeur de Cigarette, Bétter Cité
In the heart of Lansing, Michigan, the youth culture is exploring self-expression —much like the vibrant youth culture captured in Sanlé Sory’s photography. This shoot is a tribute to Sory’s iconic portraits that documented the rise of post-independence Burkina Faso, connecting the bold, raw beauty of today’s Black youth with a deep appreciation of their cultural roots. Every image celebrates the strength, identity, and heritage of Blackness, with models whose presence reflects the timeless spirit that Sory brought to life in the '60s. Just like many Black people today, who are reconnecting with their roots through ancestry DNA tests or learning more about their heritage, this shoot honors that journey. It’s a reminder that we continue to strive for deeper understanding and pride in who we are.
Photo Credit: Sory Sanlé, Autoportrait au Miroir (1966)
Sory’s work, shot with his twin-lens Rolleiflex camera, still shapes how we view youth and identity today—celebrating unapologetically Black individuals embracing their natural beauty. His photos once captured the hope and energy of a nation finding its independence, and now, they’ve become a symbol for exploring Black culture’s evolution. Just as Sory’s portraits showed a new chapter in Burkina Faso, this shoot in Lansing highlights how today’s youth continue to embrace the same defiant self-expression and pride by honing in on their roots and inner talent. The models stand tall, not just as subjects but as icons of freedom, much like the young people Sory photographed in his time.
Photo Credit: Sory Sanlé, Abou Le Boxeur Dafin
This tribute to Sanlé Sory blends the past and the present, mixing the bold, striking style of his portraits with the real experiences of today’s youth. The photos create a conversation between Sory’s work and the culture in Lansing now, celebrating the vibrancy, depth, and resilience of Blackness through the years. It’s a reminder that while youth culture keeps evolving, it’s always grounded in history. The models featured—Natalie Rue, Rashawn Anderson, Adeleye Taiwo Daniel, James Henson, and Alshoun Jones—bring their unique stories, voices, and strength, showing how Blackness continues to shine brightly in all its forms.
Team Credits:
Editor-in-Chief, Stylist, Art Director: Oliver Brown
Photographer: Steven Glynn
Models: Natalie Rue, Rashawn Anderson, Adeleye Taiwo Daniel, James Henson, and Alshoun Jones
Film by: Charles Hawthorne, Regeneration Productions
Hair: Peeches Hurseys