I AM NOT MY TRAUMA®
Racism is a deeply entrenched issue in today’s society, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and causing profound trauma for Black individuals. Addressing this requires a fresh perspective that challenges long-standing societal narratives.
With "I Am Not My Trauma," we sought to change the narrative on racism toward Black people, by shining a lens on the lived experiences of individuals in both the USA and UK, we aimed to foster greater awareness of the trauma caused by racism. We tapped into their most vulnerable moments—the hours of contemplation, the fear, joy, and struggle that come with being Black in a world not designed with them in mind.
This factual docuseries provides a shared understanding of how racism works, encourages new norms that dismantle stereotypes and negative differences, and offers actionable solutions to create lasting change
Through a diverse set of unique, yet parallel stories, "I Am Not My Trauma" offers actionable solutions, showing that every race has a role to play in the fight for racial equity—a small victory in the larger battle against racism.
ONE VOICE TOLD THROUGH MANY STORIES
Docuseries
CLIENT: Self-Initiated
ROLE: Creator | Director | Creative Director
Campaign Type: Social-First
Medium/Format: Video, Social Media, Website
Industry/Focus: Nonprofit
Campaign Elements: Social Media | Docuseries | Website
(Overerview) We executed a social campaign leveraging platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Our task was to reshape perceptions by highlighting the lived experiences of Black individuals and challenging damaging narratives around racism. This project was a collaborative effort that spanned continents, bringing together talent from London, Greece, and multiple cities across the USA. This global approach added depth and diversity to the storytelling, allowing us to create a more inclusive narrative that resonated on an international scale. Our creative approach was a harmonious blend of videography and photography, designed to capture the essence of each contributor’s personal story with authenticity and emotional depth.
REDEFINING RACISM: A Global Social Campaign:
STORIES OF RESILIENCE: Mini-Documentaries That Break Barriers
(Documentaries) We produced a series of eight micro mini-documentaries, each telling a unique and powerful story. Through raw and intimate video production, we captured vulnerable moments that highlighted the fear, joy, and resilience of Black individuals living in a world not designed with them in mind.
IANMT EP. 1: AISHA GORDON-HILES.
Episode 1 explores the meaning of Black Trauma. The ramifications and effects it can have on the mental and physical health if not acknowledged by oneself. The lack of acknowledgment within the World community and the physical and mental signs of Black Trauma. We will uncover steps that can be utilized to heal and facilitate the change for the better.
IANMT EP. 2: PASTOR BEN ANDOH.
London-based, Pastor Ben Andoh (@mrbenandoh) shares his powerful story of overcoming racial abuse with us. He explains how he decided to react at that moment changed the course of his life and the profound impact it had on him. | With vulnerability comes strength and courage.
IANMT EP. 3: NOSH IS.
Discrimination based on hair texture is a form of social injustice found worldwide. Atlanta-based, Nosh is (@nosh.is) shares her story of overcoming the stigma, microaggression, and politics of wearing her natural hair as a black woman in the workplace. In July 2019, California passed the Crown Act to prohibit discrimination against workers and students based on their natural hair. Afro-textured hair has frequently been seen as being unprofessional, unattractive, and unclean.
IANMT EP. 4: KING PR1NCESS.
"Two sides of the same coin" There are different ways of experiencing and dealing with racism. London-based, King Pr1ncess (@kingpr1ncess) shares her honest and real-life stories with us; she explains what life was like for her raised in the U.S. as a black female versus her life experiences now living in the U.K.
IANMT EP. 5: TEE SANDERS.
Racism is a common experience for black women in the maternal health system. Black women are four times more likely to die in childbirth. Atlanta-based, Tee Sanders (@teeanderscomedy) shares her devastating story with us in the hopes of bringing awareness and comfort.
IANMT EP. 6: SINÉAD GRANT.
Racism is ingrained within institutions and systems and has therefore affected social work ideology and practice for generations. Social work as a profession aims to address the impact of social problems on the lives of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. London-based, Sinéad Grant (@iamsineadgrant) shares her story of what happens when structural racism gets in the way of intended processes and interventions that are meant to help end up causing harm. To create positive change knowledge is needed to understand relevant social issues.
IANMT EP. 7: ERINN KNIGHT
“Death by a thousand cuts” While blatant forms of racism and discrimination have largely been “condemned” in our society, systematic oppression and racism can be manifested in less obvious forms. Microaggressions are everyday slights and indignities black people encounter all the time. Atlanta-based, Erinn Knight (@theerinnaffect) shares her story of being subjected to racial microaggression and expresses how such forms can cause lasting pain
IANMT EP. 8: VICTORIA O. OSHODIN
“The Rose That Grew from Concrete” In this episode finale Atlanta-based, Victoria O. Oshodin (@victoria_oshodin) shares her story of how systematic racism, institutional racism, microaggression, and physical racial abuse can affect, foster, and immobilize oneself. We uncover what lead to the creation of IANMT and how progress & retrenchment can promote racial equality
VISUALIZING TRAUMA: The Photography That Speaks Volumes
(Photoshoot) Running alongside the documentaries, our photoshoot created visually compelling narratives that added depth to the campaign. Initially intended for various media, including an art gallery exhibit, these striking images have become iconic representations of our commitment to authentic storytelling.
