CLINTON TOWNSHIP, NJ—In a world of overconsumption and indulgence in manufactured social media pictorials, photojournalism reminds us of the power of images that force us to wrestle with our shared human story that often suffers distraction by the filtered selfie. Why is photojournalism so powerful? A large part of the answer may rest in research by neuroscientists that one-quarter of our brain is visual perception. This is how photojournalists have the power to deconstruct barriers of entry that may exist in the written narrative—they can capture moments that affirm our shared humanity.

Brian Branch-Price is that photojournalist: his more extensive work on "The Black Cowboy" is both provocative and sublime. Over the past five years, Price has been following Black Cowboys across the country. In this photo essay, Price spends a weekend with the Crazy Faith Riders of N.J., a horseback riding club, on this year's Round Valley Trail Ride.

Price uses the black and white format for his art form, inspired by Roy DeCarava and Moneta Sleet, Jr. What defines his photography? Simple and pointed, "Photography is freedom, pioneering, exploration, and creativity for me,” Price said.

On Aug. 19-21, the Crazy Faith Riders held their annual trail ride in Clinton Township. Over 300 people, including pre-teens, participated in the ride and festivities. The riding club was established over 16 years ago, and many of the riders, rather cowboys, have been riding together for over 20 years. "We have riding events across the state throughout the year, and it is always jaw-dropping for young kids to see Black men and women on horsebacks,” said Wayne Johnson, president of Crazy Faith Riders.