By: Mariah Warner (’20), Staff Writer
The Celebration of Blackness Photo Campaign, an event put together by Destiny Talley (‘18) and Mariah Warner (‘20), was created to showcase the celebration of black culture on UNC campus. Every Friday of Black History Month (BHM) they held events that centered around different aspects of Black culture. On the last day of BHM, Talley and Warner publicized their creations, which can all be found here. This event included performances by HMX and EROT, and speeches made by Track Coach Nicole Hudson and Business School Professor Deborah Stroman that added to this celebrative space.
- What encouraged you to start a campaign for Black UNC?
Destiny Talley: It started with the release of 13th and my reading the New Jim Crow. There was a part when they were talking about the definition of blackness and how, in the Jim Crow Era, blackness was defined as being a second class citizen and that now it is defined as being a criminal. That got me to thinking about how the true, multifaceted definition of blackness can be seen in a more positive light. Then, after Donald Trump won the election, I saw how so many people (especially people of color) were distraught. The idea to start a campaign to celebrate blackness tackled these two issues in my opinion. It showcased our joy, and how it can exist, but more importantly, PERSIST. It also showed that our joy is integral to us as a people outside of the negative connotations that society places on us when we use “Blackness” as an intersection of our identities. Besides, what better time to do this than OUR month.
- Why did you chose photography for this campaign and how did it work out in your efforts to celebrate blackness?
Destiny Talley: I knew photography would work because of the dynamics of our campus. People love taking pictures here. That’s just fact. But, even moreso, I thought it was important to capture these moments: to have a visual representation of those who celebrate blackness so others can know that they are not alone and that they have a right to be happy. It is different to hear or read about solidarity than when you can see it with your own eyes. And it worked! Mariah, being the best Co-Director ever, was able to capture some of the most beautiful moments and all the support and love that we received from those on our campus was more than we could have imagined.
- How do you think ‘The Celebration of Blackness Photo Campaign’ affected our Black students?
Destiny Talley: I think it gave people a platform to express their blackness in different ways while also bonding with people who they didn’t know personally, but knew that they would share in the celebration. The last Friday was the best example of this. So many people came together to sing “Lift Every Voice” and then it turned into a true celebration with the electric slide and food. People were hugging, talking, eating and just being happy. Hopefully, the fact that they had a space to just exist and have fun made their Friday’s a little more enjoyable.
- What changes do you want to see in the future for Black UNC? Will this campaign continue to contribute to that and if so, how?
Destiny Talley: I want to see more events where people come and know it will be a good, stress-free time. But also, we need to SUPPORT the efforts to unite Black UNC. If there is an event that you can come to, then why not. I would love for there to be even more people to participate in our Black History Month presentation next time. In regards to contributions, there are things in the works. The Celebration of Blackness Photo Campaign is putting together ideas and creating more of the spaces I mentioned. Stress-free, drama-free, and enjoyable events that people can come to and bask in their blackness with a smile on their face. So be on the lookout!
This campaign was intentional. Showing Black people in this light disrupts the continual trend of devaluing Black bodies in our society. This campaign sent a message: We are multifaceted, resilient, successful, and joyful people. No longer will others stereotype OUR Blackness. We will unify and never stop celebrating the depths of Blackness together at this historically white institution.
