Story
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
My name is Sumaya Ali and I am a solicitor based in the Midlands. I am passionate about photography and portrait photography has always had a special place in my heart. I am especially conscious of the importance of having images in the public space that represent people who look like me. I recognise that there are few senior roles or otherwise filled by people of colour in many industries and I can see how a lack of representation in society can impact the career choices that black youth choose to pursue.
Exhibition
With the resurgence of the civil rights movement on a worldwide scale, I pondered how I could add to the dialogue within my capacity as a photographer. Recognising the power of photographs and the importance of taking the reins on your narrative in society, I have created an exhibition called 'On Their Shoulders'. I have photographed successful individuals in their respective fields and the photographs are accompanied by a personal narrative that sheds light on who they are, what they do and who they believe in black history has influenced their trajectory.
The objective of the exhibition is to:
- Showcase successful people of colour doing incredible things.
- Demonstrate that despite obstacles, the world is our oyster.
- Demonstrate a pattern of success. The narrative illustrates that success has been achieved in the past, is being achieved in our lifetime by the participants and therefore can be achieved by anyone.
- Recognise and pay reverence to those that have paved the way for us.
- Recognise that we have a responsibility to inspire and uplift those who will come after us.
Launch
The exhibition will be launched virtually on 7 October 2020 at 7pm. Please see details below to join the launch:
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6063997252693557772
I will be sharing a link to the virtual reality gallery at the launch.
Fundraising
In addition to commemorating Black History Month, this exhibition seeks to raise funds to support Black Cultural Archives. I strongly believe in its ethos of celebrating black history, inspiring and educating.
Please see a link to my work below so you can have an idea of what I do. www.sumayaaliphotography.com
Thank you for your support!