Stories In My Backyard
The Voices of Black Womxn and Girls
Founded by Kyra Williams on July 27, 2020, Stories In My Backyard (SIMBY) is a Philadelphia based arts education and social change nonprofit that provides online and in-person learning to Black womxn and girls through arts workshops, 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 also to create social awareness and action through art, discussions, and environments that tackle social justice issues impacting our livelihood. Through representation and access to information, we’re developing the creatives of tomorrow while uplifting the artists of today. To extend our reach, we've partnered with the Philadelphia School District's TV Station (PSTV) to host workshops for middle and high school students.
We use the “x” to represent the intersectionality of what it means to be a “woman” or “women," denouncing patriarchy and whiteness while extending beyond heterosexuality and cisgender identities to include the LGBTQIA+ community.
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Exhibit
SIMBY Presents: The Voices of Sisterly Affection
A nonprofit fundraiser and photo exhibit by Kyra Williams honoring Philly's Black music herstory from Billie Holiday to Tierra Whack. This exhibit is funded in part by the Black Music City grant sponsored by REC Philly, WXPN-FM, and WRTI-FM for Black Music Month. All proceeds from donations and prints will benefit the creative development of Black womxn and girls.
