“There’s power in allowing yourself to be known and heard, in owning your unique story, in using your authentic voice.”
This is a moment in time when the Black community must tell our stories.
These are stories that reach beyond trauma and criminality—the narratives too often defaulted to in media portrayals of Black life. It’s time to amplify our triumphs and struggles, offering a fuller portrait of who we are. As the nation confronts the lingering impacts of white supremacy that have vilified and criminalized Black identities, “Black America Is…” will work to illuminate a richer tapestry of how life in America has shaped our values, beliefs, and collective resilience.
Through a dynamic engagement and impact campaign—spanning an ongoing film and photography series, virtual conversations, in-person events, and published content—we aim to create a space where topics like race, colorism, mental health, emotional wellness, physical fitness, and community politics are explored from Black perspectives. This interactive campaign will spark fresh and nuanced discussions, challenging the contrast between societal representation and self-defined identity and continually evolving what it means to be Black in America.
CaShawn Thompson
As a dynamic documentary, the camera captures the essence of Black Americans across the United States, unveiling the intricate dimensions and unique facets of their lives. Each story adds depth, illustrating just how nuanced the formation of Black identity truly is. How do Black identities evolve and differ in places like the Ozarks, the Appalachian Mountains, or New York City?
Growing up in underserved neighborhoods of Norwalk, CT, Erik Clemmons shares his journey from feeling out of place to confidently claiming his space in corporate boardrooms. Reflecting on navigating environments historically closed to him, Erik speaks to the power of redefining belonging as a Black professional. His story asks: How do we engage with spaces not built for us, and what does it mean to truly feel at home in success?
Danielle Freeman-Jefferson, a proud North Carolina A&T graduate who grew up in Boston and Richmond, VA, is a landscape architect and community advocate whose activism blooms through plants and community. She teaches young people about climate resilience and the power of growing their own food, fostering connection, environmental awareness, and inspiring positive change.
At 98 years old, Hossick Jefferson sits on his front porch in the South, reflecting on the life he built through sheer hard work and determination. Identifying as Colored rather than Black, Hossick shares his unique perspective on segregation. His story reveals a complex relationship with identity and history, shaped by resilience and a deep connection to his roots.