Billy E. Barnes was working in Atlanta as a writer/photographer for McGraw-Hill magazines when, in early 1964, he returned to his home state to join the staff of the North Carolina Fund.For the next five years, he was involved in the production of publications, films, and radio. However, he says his most memorable days were those spent roaming the state with camera in hand.
During the period 1964-1969, he made more than 40,000 black and white photographs that eloquently document an era of social change unequaled in this century.
When the Fund closed its doors as planned, Billy pursued every journalist's dream of doing free lance work. Since then, his photography has appeared in hundreds of publications including TIME, NEWSWEEK, U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT, NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE, USA TODAY WEEKEND, WOMAN'S DAY, WORKING WOMAN, and Delta Airlines' SKY MAGAZINE. His photographs appear in books by more than 70 publishers. A permanent collection of Barnes' 1960s documentary work rests in the photography archives of the U.S. Library of Congress.
Asked about his life-and-work philosophy, Barnes replies: "Few of us are called to do great things. Instead, we're called to do small things with great love."
Click here to e-mail the photographer.
E-mail your comments, questions, or reflections about this exhibit to the North Carolina Fund Exhibits Project.
early days | poverty | programs | protest
home