hmmm, there's so much that I could think of, but there's one that really stands out that I wish everyone had to encounter.
American Pictures by Jacob Holdt
it's a photo and essay book of a Danish traveler as he went through the slums and shanty towns of the US in the 70's and early 80's, quite similar to Jacob Riis's photos of New York's slums in the late 19th century. Really powerful pictures and even more powerful stories, I'm afraid to think that much of his work has been held back by different groups of individuals for various reasons. Shows the true face of extreme racism and segregation... I think a lot of what he did helped to pave the way for forward-thinking legislation here in the U.S.
There hasn't been a printing of the book since 85 or 86, which is a real shame. Everyone who sees my copy flips through the whole thing and comes out with a different attitude about racism and poverty on the other end, oftentimes asking how they can get a copy themselves. Really powerful stuff.
here's the website version, which isn't as good for lack of context with many photos, but it's how I first discovered his work. I suggest some of you take a look at it.
Racism shock therapy in diversity education: American Pictures!