There has been an increase in the number of black lung disease victims since 2000. Many coal miners with the disease have applied for federal disability benefits, but too many applications have been denied. This injustice is due to several factors including the actions of a corrupt Johns Hopkins physician and an unethical law firm. These images are the first few of a project that is on-going. The men are miners who have been denied federal benefits, and the women are widows of miners who died before their application process ended. I will add new images and notes as the project progresses. I was inspired to do this project by the Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, Chris Hamby. Google him to read his reports.
