Cities of Prayer

My name is Imani Jean-Gilles, I'm an aspiring visual journalist.I combine my experiences and thoughts to portray the way I see the world.

Prayer, no matter what form or fashion, is used to manifest or to give thanks. To some, it gives power to push through hardships. Throughout the world millions of people continue to pray to manifest balance, peace, and tranquility. We pray at churches, synagogues, mosques and expect to be safe in these places of worship.

However, it seems that the worst atrocities are committed in these sacred spaces. It is increasingly happening in our present day. Nevertheless, we are resilient by nature and continue to pray and to have faith and that change will come. This project explores different sacred places around the world and how people worship.

In the United States, Birmingham, AL, has been the forefront of the civil rights movement in the United States. In 1963 the 16th St. Baptist Church, was bombed, killing 4 young girls. Today it stands as a reminder of the challenges that the U.S. faced during the Jim Crow Era. Shortly after the bombing the community rebuilt the still the church and over 50 years later there are still patrons that attend the church.

Across the globe in the Holy Land, Jerusalem, the city of three faiths, where religion and culture are intertwined in everyday life. The ancient city’s history is told through its food, architecture, and its people. Jerusalem has become the gateway to God for three major religions.

Hebron or Al Khalil, a city both guided and divided by belief, is still processing in from the high tensions. The Cave of the Patriarchs, according to Abrahamic religions is the final resting place of Abraham. The structure has been transformed into a mosque and a synagogue. Tensions rose in 1994, when praying Muslims were shot during worship. Since then the division in Hebron has intensified, nonetheless, the Cave of Patriarchs is still used daily. Though the conflict within the Holy Land has created a great divide, faith has prevailed shown that harmony is possible.

These cities across the world share a common trait; faith serves as the backbone of their communities. Even though they go through countless trials and tribulations, people still believe and still have hope that change will come.

(This story has not been published)