#BlackIsBeautifulDFW
On June 4th, 2020, Photographer Yesi Fortuna opened the doors of Fort Lion Studio to Dallas’s Black community for free portraits. Serving as a celebration of Black resilience, participants had the option to take part in the most recent wave of the “Black Is Beautiful” campaign and have their images displayed publicly.
The Purpose
History hasn’t been kind, but by reflecting to the community an image of joy and solidarity, Black fortitude is being reinforced as it can never be taken away.
The History
The Black Is Beautiful movement began in the 1960s by Kwame Brathwaite. The phrase was used to promote natural black beauty in Harlem, NY. It was an act of defiance and self acceptance.
The Push
I observed the public reaction within the black community and felt inclined to nurture the souls of the people experiencing this pain. I felt it was is a part of my duty as an ally.
Public Kiosks were placed around Dallas with a grant from the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture.
The Galleria Mall hosted an installation of the portraits from the movement.
News Outlets
Opportunities for interviews and promotion to view the installation in person helped to spread the word and share black joy.
CBS, WFAA, FOX4, NBC 5, Culture Map, Patron Mag
