Home > Granger Art on Demand > What's New
COTTON PICKERS, 1938. African American cotton pickers boarding a crowded truck
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Granger
COTTON PICKERS, 1938. African American cotton pickers boarding a crowded truck
COTTON PICKERS, 1938.
African American cotton pickers boarding a crowded truck, used for transporting migrant workers to and from the cotton fields, Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Photograph by Russell Lee in October 1938
Granger holds millions of images spanning more than 25,000 years of world history, from before the Stone Age to the dawn of the Space Age
Media ID 13213473
1938 Arkansas Black Cotton Great Depression Harvest Migrant Worker New Deal October Pick Up Truck Picker Poverty Power Line Rural Russell Town Transport Working Class Southeast
EDITORS COMMENTS
This powerful photograph captures a poignant moment in American history. Taken in 1938 by Russell Lee, it depicts African American cotton pickers boarding a crowded truck in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. The image offers a glimpse into the harsh realities faced by migrant workers during the Great Depression. In this snapshot of rural life, we see men and women of the working class crammed onto the back of the pickup truck, their tired faces reflecting both determination and exhaustion. They are dressed in worn-out clothes, evidence of their poverty-stricken circumstances. Behind them stands a power line, symbolizing progress and modernity juxtaposed against their struggle for survival. The photograph serves as a reminder of the economic hardships endured by African Americans during this era. It also highlights how they were often relegated to low-paying agricultural jobs like cotton picking due to racial discrimination prevalent at that time. Lee's composition skillfully captures not only the physical overcrowding but also conveys an emotional weight that lingers long after viewing it. This image is part of Lee's documentation for the Farm Security Administration (FSA), which aimed to raise awareness about rural poverty and advocate for government intervention through programs like the New Deal. As we contemplate this historical photograph today, let us remember those who labored under challenging conditions while striving for better lives amidst adversity.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.