Acclaimed photographer and filmmaker Brian Edwards Jr. is returning to his hometown with his latest work.
On Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, Edwards will present On My Way Home, a one-day solo photography exhibition at the historic Colbert-Rosenwald School Museum, 231 South Colbert St. The exhibit is free and open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is sponsored by the Colbert Rosenwald Corporation.
Edwards, who is based in Houston and raised in Dayton, is known for exploring themes of identity, heritage and belonging. His latest series focuses on Black cowboy culture and Western traditions, highlighting everyday individuals who embody the spirit of the region.
“This work is a tribute to the place and the people that made me who I am,” Edwards said.
On My Way Home offers a rare look at a lifestyle often underrepresented in mainstream media. From portraits of local cowboys to scenes from rodeos and ranch life, Edwards’ photographs reflect both personal memory and community legacy.
Though his work has appeared in national publications and exhibitions, Edwards remains closely tied to the Dayton community, which helped shape his creative path. The homecoming exhibit serves as both a showcase of his artistry and a celebration of Dayton’s cultural richness and cowboy heritage.
Community members are invited to attend, meet the artist, and take part in a day of reflection and pride. Denim and boots are welcome; cowboy spirit encouraged.
Hummm, so they are specifically honoring only themselves. No White people allowed, no Mexicans, no Irish, no nobody else. Hum, I wonder if other peoples should do the same? No, I think it’s better to not.
I understand the reason for this kind of response, but it doesn’t seem fair here. Art that explores heritage is by its nature exclusive, and we do see art that honors Mexican culture, Irish culture, American Southern culture, and exclusive communities.
There may need to be a space for an intellectual argument about the benefits and drawbacks of embracing diversity to the exclusion of safe spaces for those who were once the oppressing majority, but it’s unreasonable to apply that argument to personal artistic expression. This artist isn’t honoring a culture to shame or oppress or exclude others.
In fact, if *you* were to create true art that turned the camera back on beloved spaces and faces of your specific upbringing, even if that included only people of your background, it could be a celebrated thing of beauty itself. I even encourage you to do that: instead of letting this artist’s inspiration make you angry or frustrated, think of what defines your own upbringing and the richness of what you consider your culture. Let that inspire you to photography or writing or painting or song or sculpture, and create something that is an extension of your own heart and soul instead of reaching out to crush others’.
Comments that have lack of intelligence should be vetted.
I pretty long word salad there LCF. I toke his/her point differently. We have a Cowboys Hall of Fame. It doesn’t specify color, religion, or nationality as a requirement. It pertains to greatness. We have our history which also includes all, and there again not just for one specific group of people. Perhaps you should look a little/lot deeper for the real point, and learn to respect both views. Isn’t that what makes this the good ole USA.
There is also a Cowboys of Color Hall of Fame. Words can be twisted and ommitted . Hmmm, where does the term Cowboy(s) come from? Not Dallas!! Good ole will lie about history. Respect and honor the correct history! The history what the Blacks had to endure and for so long; it amazes me. A good black history class would help some understand what took place in history. Stop making excuses for lack of knowledge.
Any race is welcome! Just because it’s about the black cowboy doesn’t mean it’s not open to all people. If you want to think in a box that’s fine Mr. Martin but every culture has its story to tell and my son has his! Stop in you may be surprised to learn something you don’t know. You are very welcome.
If it was a white man and about white cowboy history, what would you then say???
Nobody would say anything if it was a White showcase. If it was about Native Americans, no one would say anything then either. Or Latin, or Asian or _______, you fill in the blank. Yet since it’s about Black history now it’s an issue for some people. It’s only an issue when someone makes it an issue! He’s Black. He’s talking about a portion of Black history. So what.
I’m White and not offended. Do what you do Mr. Edwards.