Elder Grace: The Nobility of Aging
by Chester Higgins, Jr.

Elder Grace puts a positive, life affirming focus on the oft-thought-about-but-rarely-discussed subject of aging. Through the lens of his camera, Chester Higgins, Jr., takes a look at seventy seasoned men and women who found beauty within themselves — even while living in a society that often makes them invisible.

The process of aging for some elder people can translate into a mysterious reservoir of wisdom and it is these kind of wise people who are included in Elder Grace. The seventy photographs of African American men and women reveal their external beauty that reflects their inner grace. The portraits allow us to visualize ourselves at an elder age and ponder how we often begin to look anew and experience life differently — in mind, body, and spirit — as the years go by. The text for each portrait will include the subject’s name and identifying details including year of birth and, most importantly, the pearls of wisdom from each subject about their experience of aging.

As our population ages and begins to sift through and reflect upon life experiences, the real-life inspiring models of elderhood in Elder Grace are sure to bring comfort and inspiration to many.