Representation. Storytelling. Media Arts Education.
OUR VISION
Generations of Black storytellers who:
-
See themselves represented in the media they consume as learners, the artists who teach them, and the creative community they belong to
-
Benefit from dynamic arts programming, both in and out of school that prepares them to thrive as creators and critical consumers of media in the digital age
-
Have equal access to media arts education through on-demand digital content
-
Document and preserve Black history and culture, shaping the narratives of our present and future
KEY DATA
Black youth lack representation in schools and despite regularly engaging with media on their digital devices, they don’t have equal access to learn about the media arts.
-
79% of public school teachers across the United States in the 2017-2018 school year were white and “in schools where the majority of students were not white, the majority of teachers tended to be white” (National Center for Education Statistics).
-
90% of the 220 Philadelphia School District schools had full-time art or music education and some had none according to a 2017 study (The Philadelphia Inquirer).
-
14% of these schools had unequal access to the media arts.
-
-
81-91% of Black teens in the U.S. ages 13-17 have or have access to smartphones, desktop or laptop computers, and gaming consoles (Pew Research Center, 2022)
-
“Up to 95% of youth ages 13–17 report using a social media platform, with more than a third saying they use social media ‘almost constantly.’” (The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory, 2023)
-
“Over 90% of teens report using their phones to pass the time, connect with others (84%), and learn new things (83%).” (JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting, 2022)
PHILADELPHIA AND BEYOND
Our Work
Through our workshops and immersive exhibit, we've served over 100 Philly students, supported their development of media literacy skills, provided intergenerational access to virtual reality (VR), and created a needed sense of belonging for the Black community.
01
Photography Workshops
“She was Black like me, so it was educational and fun.”
- The Philly Factor Photo Workshop Participant (2019)
"I think this [module] will really help me to take better flicks."
- Exposure: Hill Freedman World Academy (2023)
"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."
- SIMBY Essentials: iPhone Photography (2020)
02
Virtual Reality Workshops
"I learned a new way to communicate who I am with others."
- The Academy at Penn High School Participant (2025)
"I learned that I'm more creative than I thought."
- The Academy at Penn High School Participant (2025)
03
Immersive Exhibit
"Thank you for sharing info right under my nose, but never knew."
- The Voices of Sisterly Affection Patron (2025)
"Thank you for this very necessary exhibit. Philadelphia is indeed the City of Sisterly Affection. I feel seen."
- The Voices of Sisterly Affection Patron (2025)
"Never used VR before this exhibit! Amazing historical & relevant work!"
- The Voices of Sisterly Affection Patron (2025)
OUR EXHIBIT IS OUT NOW!
On display at Free Library of Philadelphia for a limited time.
1
Black Music City Grant
As an inaugural recipient in 2021, our founder Kyra Williams has once again been selected as a Black Music City grantee by REC Philly, WXPN, WRTI, and the William Penn Foundation! These funds will support the 2024 iteration of our traveling photo exhibit, SIMBY Presents: The Voices of Sisterly Affection, which honors Philly's Black music herstory from Billie Holiday to Tierra Whack.
2
Black Music City
Pop-Ups
To celebrate the 2024 Black Music City grantees and their projects honoring Philly's Black music history, there was a showcase at World Cafe Live on Juneteenth: June 19, 2024. We were also able to share our work at the African American Museum in Philadelphia during Black Music Month and at REC Philly during Homecoming .
3
Free Library of Philadelphia
In partnership with The Philadelphia School District’s TV Station (PSTV) and The Free Library of Philadelphia, SIMBY Presents: The Voices of Sisterly Affection is on display in front of the Library's Field Teen Center, and we are providing culturally relevant photo programming led by Black photographers for the next generation of Black storytellers.
