At the Time of the Louisville Flood

Margaret Bourke-White, artist

1904–1971

At the Time of the Louisville Flood, 1937

Where object was made: United States

Material/technique: gelatin silver print

Dimensions:
Image Dimensions Height/Width (Height x Width): 24.7 x 34.1 cm
Image Dimensions Height/Width (Height x Width): 9 3/4 x 13 7/16 in
Mat Dimensions (Height x Width): 20 x 25 in

Credit line: Museum purchase: Peter T. Bohan Art Acquisition Fund

Accession number: 1985.0120

Not on display

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American Dream

Margaret Bourke-White’s photograph symbolizes the struggles of the Great Depression, as well as the economic disparities between white suburban and black urban families. A line of African American citizens wait their turn for rations at a relief station following the devastating Great Ohio River Flood of 1937, which displaced more than 175,000, primarily black, residents in Louisville, Kentucky. The antithetical proclamation of America having the “World’s Highest Standard of Living” seems to mock those awaiting aid below, delivering a powerful message on racial inequality in America.
—Brad Harris

Brosseau Center for Learning: In Conversation with the 2016 KU Common Book

“America believes itself exceptional, the greatest and noblest nation ever to exist, a lone champion standing between the white city of democracy and the terrorists, despots, barbarians, and other enemies of civilization. One cannot, at once, claim to be superhuman and then plead mortal error.” ("Between the World and Me," p. 8)