Stories In My Backyard
The Voices of Black Womxn and Girls
Founded by Kyra Williams, SIMBY is a Philadelphia based art, education and social change nonprofit that provides online and in-person learning to Black womxn and girls through arts workshops and clubs, community events, and creative content. We are a Black womxn led initiative that believes in the power of Black storytelling, amplifying Black femxle voices and tapping into our imagination for liberation. Our goal is to create social awareness and action through art, discussions, and environments that tackle social justice issues impacting our livelihood. We’re molding creative social change agents of the future and uplifting the change makers of today. We've officially partnered with the Philadelphia School District's TV Station (PSTV) to host virtual workshops for Black womxn and girls ages 13-24.
November 2020
SIMBY Essentials: iPhone Photography
This is our first virtual workshop and it's targeted towards high school Black girls in Philly who are looking to share the world through their eyes using the camera in their pockets; their iPhones. This is a space created for Black girls by Black womxn photographers, Kyra Williams and Ruby Johnston. For six weeks, we're amplifying the #BlackGirlMagic that's right here in our backyard and beyond, while speaking up about social issues that are important to us.
KYRA
WILLIAMS
Multimedia Content Creator
Workshop Co-Instructor
Founder & President of SIMBY
RUBY
JOHNSTON
Photographer & Videographer
Workshop Co-Instructor
Advocate for Arts Education
Are you a Black girl in a Philadelphia middle school looking to connect with others your age who have a mutual interest in photography? If so, then this virtual photo club is for you! In our four weeks together on Zoom, we will discuss images, photographers, and social issues related to Black life. Our goal is to build community through conversation and help young Black girls initiate the development of an intentional mindset surrounding photography. Upon request, we will also share information and resources to help advance your ability to both interpret and create visual art. Curated by Black womxn photographers Ruby Johnston and Kyra Williams, this is a safe space to ask questions and explore the realities of modern Blackness with a focus on Black girlhood, storytelling, and a love for photography.
