Maria Varela moved to Alabama in 1963 to work for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).


Part of her job was to develop voter registration materials for black Southerners.

"Something of Our Own" was one of the first SNCC publications that used Varela's photography.


It showcased the work of a successful okra co-operative in Mississippi, to inspire other black farmers throughout the region.

Visit PBS Black Culture Connection to read more stories about civil rights photographers and the images that changed the world.

Words and photographs by Maria Varela
Produced by Mirissa Neff

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