Black Photographers Union

We stand on the brink of losing a vital pillar of support for LA's Black storytellers. The Black Image Center, a dedicated 501c3 organization, has been tirelessly uplifting our community through educational programs, and job opportunities, and preserving our rich Black history.

Now, we're facing the heart-wrenching possibility of closing our doors due to financial constraints.

The world has moved away from the urgent wave of support for the Black community that we saw in 2020, but we have not stopped doing the work that our community needs - empowering Black artists.

We raised the majority of our funding during the racial uprisings of 2020 and as we suspected the eyes on the Black community shifted off of us.

We continue to do the work we set out to do.

Join us in this journey, igniting creativity, celebrating history, and championing change. Together, we forge pathways, fuel progress, and create a vibrant future.

Our Mission: Reclaiming stories, forging creative pathways, and preserving our enduring legacies—this is what the Black Image Center is all about. Our mission is to ensure that the powerful narratives of Black individuals are not lost to time. We're here to empower, inspire, and create a lasting impact.

Events & Programming

The Black Family Archive

The Black Family Archive stands as a sanctuary for Black individuals to explore their familial visual languages. This essential initiative bridges the gap between our ancestors and the present, preserving their stories and experiences. By safeguarding these precious visual legacies, we empower participants to become stewards of their own history.

Camera Clinics

Kenny's Camera Clinics provide crucial support for low-income photographers, offering affordable maintenance for their cameras. With expert care and assessments, these clinics remove financial barriers and ensure artists can focus on their craft.

Film Fridge

Inspired by community fridges, our Free Film Fridge nourishes Black creativity. It fosters a space where extra rolls of film are shared, enabling aspiring storytellers to capture their moments. By making film resources accessible, we celebrate and amplify Black voices in the art of photography.

Residency Program

Getty X Carrie Mae Weems + Dawoud Bey

Among a pool of 60 talented applicants, we carefully handpicked 12 exceptional residents. Guided by the expertise of our teaching artist, Nesanet Teshager Abegaze, these residents embarked on a thought-provoking curriculum. The journey revolved around a fundamental question: How do we honor our past and shape our future through visual storytelling? During the residency, our participants explored powerful ways to engage in an ongoing dialogue with history and upcoming generations. They skillfully harnessed the art of image creation, a means to pay homage to our ancestral lineage while nurturing boundless opportunities for the generations yet to come.

IN MOTION, a collaborative educational residency by Black Image Center and 10kProjects, empowered residents in a transformative journey:

Mastered Lighting with Lance Williams

Captured Skateboarding Brilliance with Atiba Jefferson and Dashawn Jordan

Culminated in an awe-inspiring Art Show

Join us in celebrating the fusion of creativity, mentorship, and community in IN MOTION.

Portfolio: Presenting: Framing Your Story - Mastering Self-Presentation

Black Image Center proudly hosted a groundbreaking event in collaboration with Conscious Minds Studios, an immersive experience aimed at refining self-presentation skills for impactful projects. This unique event featured lunch, networking, and invaluable portfolio reviews led by industry experts.

The Workshop: Led by LA-based Cinematographer Sade Ndya, participants gained insights into crafting narratives that resonate.

Portfolio Reviews: Seasoned professionals offered invaluable feedback on participants' portfolios, enhancing their creative approach.

Community Engagement Internship + Mentorship

Internship Experience: Our Internship Program serves as a launching pad for young talents eager to immerse themselves in the realm of visual arts and storytelling. Interns not only gain hands-on experience but also contribute to our vibrant community. From assisting in workshops to participating in events, our interns play an integral role in our mission.

Mentorship Beyond Measure: Our Mentorship Program is a beacon of guidance, pairing aspiring artists with seasoned professionals. This one-on-one journey allows for personalized guidance, skill development, and invaluable insights. By bridging the gap between experience and aspiration, our mentors empower mentees to navigate the industry with confidence.

Black Co-Working

Pilot Co-Working Days, held in August on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. These flexible hours were carefully chosen to cater to our community's needs, expanding beyond regular appointments to offer a nurturing space for Black creativity. Our doors opened wide during these days, inviting everyone to explore our facilities, including the Book Nook and Free Film Fridge. The Free Film Fridge's call for spare film rolls united our community in a shared spirit of creativity and support.

With your help in raising community funds, we aspire to sustain this vital non-competitive co-working space. Your support strengthens our commitment to empowering Black individuals through inclusive resources.

Your unwavering backing propels Black Image Center as a hub of creativity, education, and empowerment. Join us in shaping this important endeavor.

Why Your Support Matters

The Black Image Center is more than a place—it's a movement. With your contribution, you become a part of preserving Black stories, fostering creativity, and challenging barriers. Every dollar fuels our mission to empower the next generation of Black storytellers.

Join Us: Let's ensure the Black Image Center remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come. Together, we can continue to amplify Black voices, celebrate our heritage, and create a world where diverse narratives thrive.

https://www.instagram.com/blackimagecenter/

https://blackimagecenter.org/

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