James “dirtykics” Dickerson is a street photographer focusing on central city Black Americans living in Toledo, Ohio. Inspired by encounters with racism, prejudice, and police brutality, his concern for the well-being of people who look like him is paramount to all, as he aims to connect lives through visual representation. Beginning around 2016, his encounters on Toledo streets are spontaneous and approached with a listen first, photograph second mentality. He hopes that this collection of photographs encourages privileged eyes to check their biases about the BIPOC communities that surround them.
He is a recipient of the Ohio Individual Artistic Excellence award in 2025. His work has been published in Harper’s Bazaar, New York Times, and numerous indie zines, Columbia University, and Ohio State University. He’s also a member of Diversify Photo’s Upnext and a founding member of the Toledo Black Artist Coalition. His most recent exhibition, a self-titled show of work over the years, was preceded by a work contribution to Alluvium- a collaboration between local poet Ryan Bunch and photographer Natalie Trinelli. He’s shown work at The Toledo School of Art, Communica, Gathered Glassblowing, and beyond. As a self-taught photographer, he’s learned that once you see life through a lens, it changes everything you understand about yourself and others.
