W.D Floyd, Ph.D., is an Educator, artist, and scholar who utilizes an interdisciplinary approach to create and explore developmental experiences that promote the self-actualization of Black youth and communities. Born, raised, and currently residing in Chicago, his scholarship engages with photography and found images to document and archive Black existence in developmental and geographic specific spaces. W.D is inspired and intrigued by beliefs and practices that emerge from communities shared lived experiences and understanding. 

 

First person documentation, Photovoice and Photo Elicitation are methodologies employed by W.D to not only document the nuance and mundaneness of everyday life on Chicago’s west and south sides, but to further analyze the material and immaterial implication of urban development throughout the Black diaspora. His background and expertise in Human Development and Psychology grants W.D an unique insight into exploring how individuals and communities make sense of their lived experience. 

 

With over 15 years experience as an educator, human development practitioner and community organizer. W.D’s photography is rooted in work that strives to shift narratives while empowering individuals and communities through critical inquiry, relationship building and creative and technical skill development. 

 

W.D’s commitment to the invaluable but labor intensive practice of relationship building warrants a level and commitment to stewardship that extends to the conscientious and painstaking process of developing his own black-and-white negatives and the production of silver gelatin prints.

 

W.D has participated in solo as well as group exhibitions, freelance journalism work, and has composed photo essays for local and national outlets.