Making of ’Segregated water fountains, North Carolina’ (by Elliot Erwitt, 1950), 2023

The story behind the photograph…

Captured by Elliott Erwitt in 1950 in North Carolina, USA, this photograph starkly illustrates the pervasive injustice of racial segregation during that era in America. Originally serving as a poignant reminder of the pressing need for societal change, the image now serves as a historical reflection, highlighting the transformation over time. Remarkably, the photograph itself encapsulates the narrative without necessitating additional context. The stark contrast between the visibly opulent 'white' water fountain and the less adorned 'colored' one provides immediate evidence of the controversial inequality prevailing at that time. The expression on the man's face as he gazes almost longingly at the 'white' fountain further emphasizes the disparity. Discrimination in America reached a critical point after the Civil War, with segregation becoming increasingly entrenched. By the time the U.S. entered World War II, Southern society was entirely segregated, extending its reach into various aspects of daily life, including schools, restaurants, hotels, transportation, waiting areas, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, burial grounds, recreational spaces, and places of worship. This photograph serves as a powerful testament to the stark reality of this segregated existence.