Historic Sugar Beet Harvest Photos Revived in Exhibit

Friday, October 6, 2023

Northland Community and Technical College is showcasing a 1937 agricultural journey with the University of Minnesota Crookston, featuring a visual narrative of the sugar beet harvest, captured by renowned photographer Russell Lee, as part of the Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations on October 9.

Kirsten Michalke, Northland's Dean of Workforce Development, highlighted the connection viewers can form with art, highlighting the exhibition "Roots of the Red River Valley" which honors the contributions of migrant workers to the region's beet harvest.

The exhibition features over 80 images by Lee, known for his association with the Farm Security Administration, presenting diverse perspectives from the migrant worker, farmer, and factory.

Michalke praised Lee's photography skills, particularly his use of flash for indoor shots, which symbolize the agricultural heritage of individuals with farming backgrounds, highlighting the unity between land, people, and equipment.

These black and white images originate from the Library of Congress collection, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives of early 20th Century ag workers in Polk County. They emphasize the significance of sugar processing in the Red River Valley.

Michalke highlighted the impact of art on bridging gaps and bringing diverse communities closer, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in community colleges, where the exhibit serves as a medium for bonding and collective experiences.

The gallery will be inaugurated at 2:30 p.m. with a follow-up program at 3:00 p.m. featuring notable speakers from both UMC and Northland, including Chancellor Mary Holz-Clause and President Sandra Kiddoo.

A unique element in this exhibit is the involvement of Kenneth Mendez from UMC. Some photographs depict his family, who were central in bringing Russell Lee's exhibit to UMC.

At the event, Mendez plans to share oral histories from his father, providing insights into the Chicanx community's rich history in the region. Mendez expressed gratitude for Russell Lee's poignant images, comparing them to the labor intensity of the 1930s sugar beet harvest.