Editors Only Story
the WE project
Summary
The WE project is a multimedia documentary project that seeks to foster radical change in the visual narratives that have historically defined marginalized communities, in Missouri and beyond. Portraits, visual documenting, and collaborative storytelling aim to paint a healing picture of the vast tapestry of our humanity.
The WE project is on Osage, Omaha, Kaw, Missouria, Otoe and Ioway lands and recognizes its debt to these Indigenous peoples.
The WE project is on Osage, Omaha, Kaw, Missouria, Otoe and Ioway lands and recognizes its debt to these Indigenous peoples.
The WE project is a series of portraits and visual reportages that shines a restorative light onto people who occupy marginalized identities. The project's goal, in addition to celebrating and showcasing, is to bring change to the broad-strokes narratives found in mainstream media around people from marginalized communities. Systemic discrimination based on racism, homophobia, xenophobia, bigotry, ableism and social injustice are as embedded in our media discourses as they are in our history and society. They are also at the root of photojournalism: the industry was founded, has been and continues to be shaped and dominated by Western, white and overwhelmingly male voices and offers a narrow gaze.
The WE project, by showcasing diverse narratives, aims to bring about change in the visual storytelling industry and to foster intersectional dialogue and social justice. I founded the project in 2017 and it has grown vastly since. The number of people portrayed keeps growing; I have added reportages, both written and visual, to the portraits and stories by participants; I have built and maintain a social media presence to engage other industry actors and foster dialogue; and I host monthly panels through a partnership with The Bridge, an organization of the University of Missouri College of Education dedicated to addressing "critical societal needs through opportunities for learning, training, and service-related endeavors of diversity, inclusion, and equity."
The Alexia Professional grant will allow me to devote more time to deepen all aspects of the WE project.
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