Recap: March 25th TBP ENCOUNTER Photo Walk Workshop

Finding Magic in the Mundane & Documenting Black Spaces with Youth

This past weekend, we launched our first ENCOUNTER the Arts Program workshop!

Students were taken on a journey through Durham’s historic West End where they were challenged to document the spaces through the lens of intentionality, and tell the stories of this beautiful, Black neighborhood. Using the inspiring works of Black women photographers such as Carrie Mae Weems and Durham’s own Kennedi Carter, these young artists were taught the inherent value of storytelling as a means of reinforcing one’s understanding of creative self-expression, identity, community building, connection, healing and narrative freedom as aspiring cultural activists!

Students were given examples of how photography both preserves the past and helps shape the future, especially in a world where the erasure of Black stories is often the norm. Together we engaged in conversations around image making and its impact on representational justice, political & cultural change, and the preservation of Black identity. Here are some reflections shared by participants:

“One thing I learned (mostly about myself) is that I enjoy photography and now see it as fun!”

“I learned how to add dimension to my photos.”

“I learned to pay attention to my surroundings, because I missed so many things. I really liked taking pictures of the flowers.”

Much gratitude to the staff of Community Family Life & Recreation Center at Lyon Park for gracing us the space to lead our workshop.

Our next ENCOUNTER the Arts workshop is Saturday, April 29th. Save the date & check our website for more updates.