Polly Bond entry 2025
Category: Visual Arts / Layout
Walking with Courage
Cover layout for the winter 2024/25 edition of the Delaware Communion Magazine
Goals: The primary goal of the Walking with Courage magazine cover was to visually capture the spirit of resilience, courage, and unity explored in the feature article of the same name, published in the winter edition of the Delaware Communion Magazine. The article highlights an ecumenical civil rights pilgrimage and reflects on the shared journey of faith and justice taken by a diverse group of individuals across historic sites, including the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The cover was designed to complement this narrative, honoring the legacy of the civil rights movement while inspiring contemporary readers to engage in the ongoing pursuit of racial reconciliation and equity. By connecting the visual imagery to the article, the cover aims to evoke emotional engagement, spark meaningful dialogue, and encourage readers to reflect on their own role in advancing justice.
Audience: The cover was designed for a diverse audience, including members of the Episcopal Church in Delaware and the New Castle Presbytery, civil rights advocates, faith-based communities, and individuals interested in racial reconciliation and social justice. The imagery speaks to both those familiar with the history of the Edmund Pettus Bridge and those newly engaging with the story, bridging generations and encouraging participation in dialogue and action.
Summary: The magazine cover image captures a poignant and powerful moment as a group of people walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. At the forefront, a young Black woman stands in sharp focus, her expression a striking combination of determination and courage. Her face tells a story of resilience, echoing the historic weight of those who marched before her. Behind her, another young Black woman, slightly blurred but still distinct, mirrors the same intensity, her presence reinforcing a sense of solidarity and shared purpose.
In the composition, the arm of a white woman and a white man walking alongside them is subtly visible, symbolizing the diversity and unity of those committed to justice. The blurred background reveals the iconic structure of the bridge itself, with the letters “Ed” of “Edmund” visible between the group, grounding the image in the historic significance of the site. The photograph exudes a solemn reverence, courage, and a call to action, making it an ideal cover image that bridges the past with the present struggle for equality.
Metrics: The Walking with Courage cover was highly impactful, resonating with its intended audience and beyond. Distributed as part of a magazine, it reached over 3,500 individuals. Groups have requested the image to use in presentations and discussions about racial justice.
