The Land of Milk and Honey is an audit of the American Dream, in the form of a series of photo essays and interviews with immigrant families of color.

The United States of America is famously known as a ‘land of immigrants.’ This idea is often used to signal some kind of shared allegiance or ideology between immigrants. In response, this project interrogates and celebrates the ways in which these groups are different. The way their experiences vary, intersect, and deviate, all within the spectrum of the American experience.

These families are shot in their homes and communities, by photographers of the same descent, and dressed in clothes designed by members of those same immigrant groups. We believe that it is imperative to find ways to really see one another, to look deeply and embrace the kaleidoscopic experience of what it means to be ‘American.’

The interviews capture the family's thoughts, fears, dreams, motivations, and observations. Not only is it important to see each other, it is important to listen to one another, to hear about the vast spectrum of experiences that are contained within the American identity.

To go further, the very notion of a singular ‘American Dream’ raises more questions than answers in 2021. What does it mean to seek manifest destiny on unceded land? Who has access to it? Under what circumstances? What is patriotism? What is freedom? These are just a few of the open-ended questions that this project seeks to address and answer through text and image.

It is also important to note who is not reflected in this project. Two groups in particular, the American descendants of slaves and indigenous peoples, are incredibly important groups when considering the American Dream, and the nuance contained within both of their experiences would constitute their own projects entirely.

We wanted to specifically look to those individuals of color that actively chose to come to the United States of America from elsewhere, seeking a better life for themselves and their families in the recent past.

Whether you believe that the United States of America is, was, or ever will be, The Land of Milk and Honey is entirely up to you. However, we hope that this project encourages critical thinking, openness, and curiosity amongst all Americans around this idea.

Contact

For any inquiries related to the project, please reach out to us at info@thelandofmilkandhoney.us

Credits

Creative Direction
Alexander-Julian

Brand, Editorial Direction
Shakeil Greeley

Photography
Alexander Saladrigas
Ada Navarro
Dennis Tejero
RIOT MUSE
Travis Matthews

Styling
Alexander-Julian

Videography
Adrian Samano
Carolina Caruso
Patrick Aguilar
Smith Durogene

Production
Alexander-Julian
Erika Norrell
Karina Colón

On-Set Support
Ana Reyna Castillo
Berenice Bijou
Carolina Caruso
Chelsea Lee
Emmanuel Alia of Prauper Studios
Isi Rose
Iyanna Pierre-Louis
Karina Colón
Luchi Amara
Michelle Olomojobi
Orly Anan
Selina Villarreal

Design
Social Graphic Design: Teddy Tron
Motion Graphics: Jorge Olivares

Survey Design
Shakeil Greeley
Isaac Silber

Translation and Transcription
America Perez Guillen
Natachi

Manifesto by Shakeil Greeley

In Partnership with Instagram

w/ Additional Support
Greater Miami Conventions & Visitor’s Bureau
Visit California
Visit Houston
Visit Laredo

Special Thanks
Ope Amosu of Chop N’ Blok
Sarissa Thrower
The Imaginary School

Press

i-D: Photos of immigrant communities that capture the real American Dream

Condé Nast Traveler: A New Portrait Series Celebrates Immigrant Communities Throughout the U.S.

Atmos: Who Thrives and Who Dies in America?

Vogue: In a New Photo Series, Stylist Alexander-Julian Gibbson Takes Ordinary Families to Extraordinary Places

Interview: The Land of Milk and Honey Challenges the Idea of the American Dream

Essence: The Land Of Milk And Honey: How Alexander-Julian Gibbson’s Collaboration With Instagram Is Inspiring Through Fashion