In Dallas, the effort to honor those who served in the military continues past Memorial Day, particularly for underappreciated veterans of color whose stories often remain untold.
These veterans face unique challenges, amplified by systemic racism, mental health issues, homophobia, and sexism, which often go unrecognized.
The exhibition, “Honor Endures,” aims to bring these stories to light, showcasing the experiences of local veterans of color.
It will premiere on June 5 at The Cliff Gallery at Dallas College Mountain View Campus with an opening reception at 6 p.m., where attendees can engage with this important project.
Four photography students from Dallas College—Keith Vinson, NiEtta Reynolds, Tarik Warren, and Alex Leffall—have dedicated their work to capturing the harrowing and inspiring narratives of these veterans, transforming their insights into a powerful tapestry displayed through stunning portraits, candid interviews, and thoughtful environmental photography.
The students expressed their motivation for this project, rooted in the mentorship of their professor, Jesse Hornbuckle, who encouraged collaboration among them.
Keith Vinson shared how they sought out various ideas before connecting with Valerie Ballard and Operation Tiny Homes, leading them to this impactful initiative.
He noted that while veterans are often celebrated for their service, there’s a lack of recognition for the hardships they face and the varying platforms and experiences based on race.
Alex Leffall reflected on the personal connection he felt toward the project, having experienced homelessness in his family, which deepened his commitment to shedding light on these important stories.
He emphasized the value of using their skills to illuminate the struggles veterans of color confront, aiming to inspire others to speak out about their own experiences.
NiEtta Reynolds, too, found purpose in the project—motivated by a desire to advocate for mental health awareness within the military community, she sought to help tell these veterans’ stories of resilience.
Tarik Warren added another layer of connection, as he relates to the experiences his daughter faces in the Navy, discussing the pervasive issues of racism that remain present in the military today.
Throughout the discussion, the students highlighted how their education at Dallas College and the supportive community have shaped their approach to storytelling.
With aspirations of future projects, they acknowledged the depth of the stories they capture and the importance of bringing those narratives to a broader audience.
Moving on to share impactful anecdotes, the students recounted poignant stories from the veterans they interviewed.
Tarik mentioned a story of a veteran recounting his defiance against Jim Crow laws as a youth, illustrating the harsh realities of racism during that era.
Alex narrated Art’s story about a soldier named Podge, who tragically resorted to violence out of desperation when denied permission to attend his grandmother’s funeral.
Keith shared the complex dynamic of trust that can exist between soldiers from opposing racial backgrounds, emphasizing the necessity of teamwork in the military despite personal prejudices.
NiEtta spoke movingly about her focus on women veterans and the harsh realities they face, particularly surrounding issues of sexual violence.
She noted how important it was to portray these women not as victims but as survivors, focusing on their strength and resilience instead.
In conclusion, Keith expressed his hope that attendees of the exhibition would gain a better understanding of the experiences of veterans of color, recognizing their pride and dedication despite the challenges they face within America.
The students echoed the sentiment that more stories like those of these veterans need to be brought to the forefront, ensuring that their voices are heard and their experiences acknowledged.
Dallas Weekly extends its gratitude to the students at Dallas College: Keith Vinson, NiEtta Reynolds, Tarik Warren, and Alex Leffall for sharing their insights ahead of the exhibition, and for their commitment to bringing these inspiring narratives to light.
image source from：https://dallasweekly.com/2025/06/beyond-the-uniform-dallas-students-amplify-voices-of-black-veterans/
