OUR WORK
SIMBY's mission to provide culturally relevant media arts education to Black youth began with an in-person photography workshop and is now fulfilled with exhibits, online modules, and in-class instruction for photography learners. Our programs with students are conducted in partnership with the Philadelphia School District's TV Station (PSTV).
01
Philly Factor Photo Workshop
This one-day photo workshop held at PSTV with ten Black girls from the Philly Factor Track Club birthed SIMBY.
02
The Voices of Sisterly Affection
This is a fundraiser and photo exhibit by Kyra Williams (held in person and available in VR), honoring Philly's Black music herstory from Billie Holiday to Tierra Whack. This exhibit was funded in part by the Black Music City grant sponsored by REC Philly, WXPN-FM, and WRTI-FM for Black Music Month.
03
Exposure
This blended learning program was designed to provide Black youth in Philadelphia middle and high schools access to culturally relevant photography education led by Black photographers. We've previously tested this design after-school with four 7th grade girls at Hill Freedman World Academy. Now, we aim to implement this design in arts, media, and digital literacy classes at predominantly Black middle and high schools in Philadelphia and beyond.
04
The Black Girl Photo Club
This virtual photo club held over Zoom was created as a safe space for community building through conversation and a resource to help Black girls in middle school initiate the development of an intentional mindset surrounding photography. We discussed images, photographers, and social issues related to Black life while sharing tips for students to better interpret and create visual art.
Black Girl, Middle School
"I think this will really help me to take better flicks."
Exposure: Hill Freedman World Academy (2023)
Black Girl, High School
"I enjoyed the club. I love the fact that you guys encouraged us to turn on our cameras. You made the program have purpose while also educating us with art and history. It was very inspirational and it definitely motivated me."
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SIMBY Essentials: iPhone Photography (2020)
Black Girl, Middle School
“She was Black like me, so it was educational and fun.”
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The Philly Factor Photo Workshop (2019)