Photovoice

Summer 2020

During the summer of 2020, our Teen Media partcipants had the opportunity to learn about Photovoice. Led by with Cecley Hill and Allentza Michel, Photovoice is a powerful research tool that combines photography with community engagement. Over the course of six weeks, teens developed personal narrative projects related to how COVID-19 and the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement impacted their community.

Teens celebrated their community knowledge by taking images of their neighborhoods around Cambridge, conducted interviews with community stakeholders, developed their identity as artists, and presented their work publicly. The intent of each Photovoice series is to create dialogue around current issues that Cambridge youth are shedding light on.

Photovoice Audio

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Big or Small Hear My Voice

"This image was taken in Davis Sq. This photo resonates with me because they all show that voices have power especially BLACK voices. A little girl protesting suggests that anyone’s opinion can have a large impact even when they themselves may seem small. " -Gaelle Pierre

May His Soul Rest in Peace

"Michael Brown was never mentioned until George Floyds death may he rest in peace too. I picked this poster because it’s the first poster I’ve seen around Cambridge and you could see how Cambridge supports us colored people and makes a lot of people comfortable." -- Yafet Alemtsehay

BLM Caged In

"As I was taking this photo in Inman Sq. I noticed it was the only sign on that street. In this predominantly white neighborhood seeing that some individuals took the liberty to stand with Black people showed progress. Black people have been silenced when it comes to the unfair judicial system. The continuous oppression that we have endured hasn’t gone unnoticed but it must change." -Gaelle Pierre

Our Ancestors Watch Over Us

"Our voices have power especially black voices, and deserve attention as well as justice for the inhumane acts of these police officers. Racial profiling is typical within the Cambridge area and that needs to change. African-Americans want to feel seen and heard and Cambridge as a whole needs to do better in showing their diverse citizens that they stand with them. I want this series to communicate that Cambridge is trying but needs to try harder." -Gaelle Pierre