About this project

Jennifer's Family

Louisa Marie Summer’s photographs in this book share her experience with Jennifer, a young second-generation Puerto Rican woman, whom one day Louisa approached in South Providence, Rhode Island. Jennifer lives with her Native American partner and their four children at or near the lower end of the socio-economic ladder. South Providence is an urban neighborhood with a large African-American and Hispanic population, high unemployment and crime rates; many families live well below the poverty line. Over time Louisa and the family developed a close relationship based on mutual understanding, respect, and trust.

Accordingly, Louisa’s photographs provide an intimate view into the daily life of Jennifer’s family. They illustrate how a 26 year old mother, in spite of difficult living conditions, poverty, and illness, manages to maintain optimistic while thoroughly caring for her children. Louisa’s photographs show a quality of great empathy, but by no means does she expose weakness or defect; she allows each of her subjects dignity and personal impact.