Photojournalism nominee

In the 1960s, the thriving neighborhood of Pleasant Hill was split in two by the construction of I-75. Over 100 homes were demolished in its construction, with 20-foot walls erected on each side of the historic black neighborhood. 60 years later, on the east side of the highway, with so many homes abandoned, time destroys what the city has not. Residents today feel their pleas for city interference are drowned out by the passing cars. This is life beyond the wall.

Elijah Pritchett picked up the camera for the first time in January of 2024 as a part of an intro to photojournalism course he was taking at Mercer University. Immediately, he was hooked. The camera as a medium for societal change. It spoke to him like nothing else had.