In 1963, iconic photographer Richard Avedon captured a striking portrait of William Casby, a man born in 1857 who had experienced slavery firsthand, holding his infant great-great-granddaughter, Cherri Stamps-McCray.Taken on March 24, 1963, in Algiers, Louisiana, the photograph symbolizes a remarkable span of American history.Casby, who later worked as a longshoreman, lived to the age of 113, passing away in 1970.

Avedon’s photograph, part of his collaboration with writer James Baldwin for the book Nothing Personal (1964), strips away all background to focus intensely on Casby’s presence, emphasizing the depth of his age, the texture of his skin, and the strength of his hands.

Critics and historians, including Roland Barthes, have praised the image for its ability to collapse time and serve as a visual bridge between generations.Taken just months before the historic March on Washington, the photo reminds viewers that the legacy of slavery was still alive and relevant.It combines historical significance with aesthetic precision, showcasing both the hardships of Casby’s life and the enduring continuity of family.