HERE I AM — shanistorey

the inspiration behind 'here i am' comes from my experience of being a black woman born, raised and residing in portland. to those on the outside, those who have not been exposed to the black community in portland, the community does not exist. so much so, upon meeting me, the question is begged from many outsiders; “there are black people in portland?” this notion is confirmed when black outsiders move to the city and express disappointment in the difficulty to find and connect with the black community.

this project is a tribute to our community.

this project is the proof that the black community not only exists in portland, but is bound together by the strongest of ties.

this project is our way of saying, here i am.

photoGRAPHER + ART DIRECTOR: shani storey

VIDEOGRAPHER: JASMINE JACKSON