Holding Multiple Truths | Dean Whitbeck | TEDxRVA

Dean Whitbeck is a portrait photographer and educator who has spent the past 20 years capturing intimate stories and truths about the dignity and courage found in marginalized communities. In his talk, Dean shares poignant insights of three communities he has photographed (Holocaust survivors, inner-city youth, and refugees) - a collective body of work that sent him on a personal journey of self-awareness as well as to understand and see the breadth of humanity that binds us rather than the social constructs that separate us. Over the last 15 years, Dean Whitbeck has captured intimate stories about the dignity and courage found in marginalized communities. His recent work includes “The Survivors Project” where he photographed the remaining Holocaust survivors living in Richmond, and “Refugees” – a collaboration with ReEstablish Richmond – that captures the stories of those who have sought sanctuary in Richmond away from their home countries due to war. A San Francisco native, Dean received his graduate degree in Education from St. Mary’s College in California where he spent over 20 years working with inner-city students. He’s worked with schools throughout the country developing curriculum that uses student photography to develop literacy and critical thinking skills. He’s also a recipient of Yale University’s National Fellowship in Urban Education where his published writing and photos focused on the collaborative effect of visual media and storytelling for students in under-resourced communities. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx