America is one of the world’s leading superpowers and has the influence to create positive change or corrupt on a mass scale.
Be The Change: Photo
About.
"Be the Change" is a powerful photojournalism series aimed at inspiring positive behavioral change worldwide. By highlighting the incredible work of individuals and organizations committed to creating a better future through advocacy and action, this series seeks to motivate viewers to take action themselves. Notably, it focuses on conflicts within multicultural societies, where systemic trauma and its effects continue to be felt. By shining a light on these issues and the inspiring efforts to address them, "Be the Change" encourages us all to play a part in building a more just and equitable world.
Background.
For the last three years, I have been creating “Be the Change.” It is comprised of stories and photos from actively volunteering in danger zones and conflict areas, creating environmental and historical landmark preservation programs, and advocating for marginalized communities. This Exhibition was shown at the North Carolina Museum of Art in February 2023. Some images from this exhibition have won multiple recognitions from the International Photography Awards. This active art is meant to inspire the education system, arts programs, and cultural influencers to normalize advocacy and philanthropy.
Call to Action.
Our earth’s environment is polluted, corrupted, and grief-stricken from loss. While there is still an abundance of love, we need hope and innovation to heal and change for the better. This doesn’t come from promises or speeches. We progress through reflection and action; we must all ask ourselves how did our world get here? By taking a global reflection on the trials and tribulations from the first world to the third world, we can begin to affect change and embrace what connects us rather than what divides us. I ask we all take time to reflect, and then act for the greater good—moving forward in unity for a sustainable earth for all.
Be The Change: Actions and Reactions 2023
Creator of Be The Change: Photo, Imani C. McCray
Bio: Born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1992 as a black child, the probability of me being dead or a negative statistic was inherited from birth. While I experienced much trauma and pain growing up as a child of poverty, divorce, abuse, and adoption, I recognize that there is much love and hope in the world. Therefore, I want to heal and make a better world for all through my artwork and photojournalism. With the help of those who have come into my life, I have triumphed over many negative odds and wish to help others overcome their adversity. As individuals, it’s not our fault that we have inherited a broken world--a world where a single breath can sometimes feel like it is too much to go on. Our once-flourishing flora browns and withers, our clean water becomes sewage, our air turns to carbon, viruses flourish, and peace turns to war and violence. Nevertheless, if we are conscious enough to recognize these and so many more global issues, we are then bestowed with a new responsibility to act. Through the challenge of healing my community and the broader world, I found the power and my passion for photojournalism. We cannot hide from the truth, instead, we must expose the truth and find ways to encourage love and hope and defeat violence and hatred.