Pogus Caesar, a photographer born in St Kitts and raised in Birmingham, documented the Handsworth riots in 1985 with the intent to preserve the event's history rather than for artistic purposes.

The Handsworth riots, which occurred on September 9, 1985, resulted in two deaths and numerous injuries, stemming from rising tensions between the West Midlands Police and local Black and Asian communities.

The violence erupted after the arrest of a man near the Acapulco Cafe, leading to widespread unrest as locals attacked police and property, prompting the deployment of over 1,500 police officers.

Caesar's powerful images of the riots, which he withheld for 20 years, have become iconic and resonate deeply with the public's understanding of this traumatic event.

He describes his experience during the riots as a mix of fear, anger, and a search for truth, highlighting the emotional weight of capturing such historical moments.

Caesar's experiences while traveling have broadened his understanding of cultural representation and the importance of acknowledging personal biases in photography.

He believes in a collaborative approach to photography, where the stories of subjects are told with respect and dignity, emphasizing the photographer's role in learning and accurate representation.

Throughout his career, Caesar has focused on documenting Black British history, capturing both significant figures and street-level observations through film.

His series 'US of A' critiques the U.S. war on drugs and its impact on Black communities, demonstrating his commitment to addressing broader social issues.

Caesar's work emphasizes the importance of memory in photography, as the photographer's perspective significantly influences the narrative and representation of subjects.