Photography provided by Chris Braggs
#BlackFolksinMasks
A campaign spearheaded by the Joliet-based organization United in Excellence (UIE)—with active chapters across the country including in Baltimore, Maryland—#BlackFolksinMasks is composed of a series of compelling photographs using the hashtags #BlackFolksInMasks, #BlackMenInMasks, #BlackWomenInMasks, and #AlliesInMasks.
UIE hopes this campaign will reduce stigma, criminalization, and adultification of Black Americans wearing face coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery. The campaign promotes a "safe and healthy community" for everyone.
UIE Co-Founder, Erick Dorris
THE NEED
New state guidelines require that people wear a face covering in public spaces to fight the coronavirus outbreak. For Black Americans, wearing a face covering can be complicated—if not dangerous. Black Americans are already victims of racial profiling, criminalization, and adultification.
THE RESPONSE
United in Excellence (UIE) will act against these biases by posting compelling images of Black men, women, and children wearing masks and face coverings. New photos will be revealed each week starting Monday, June 22 and using the hashtags #BlackFolksInMasks, #BlackMenInMasks, and #BlackWomenInMasks.
UIE is grateful to work with photographer Chris Braggs (“Signature Chris Photography”) to host a professional, free photoshoot in Joliet. UIE is also partnering with The Art Movement INC to produce photos of local artists and allies wearing masks using the hashtag #AlliesInMasks, which will also be posted each week of the campaign.
HOW IT HELPS
Online donations will support UIE’s scholarship program currently offered through the JTHS Foundation and local artists in Joliet through The Art Movement.
More on United in Excellence
United In Excellence (UIE) is a community organization in Joliet, IL. We advocate for students and student programs at Joliet Township High Schools, District #204. An initiative of the JTHS Foundation, UIE is a growing national network of over 50 JTHS alumni, community members, and stakeholders. United In Excellence is committed to ensuring that Joliet's youth have access to after-school and postsecondary opportunities. Programming includes an annual small-grants and scholarship program, a spring fundraiser, and our annual gala on Veteran's Day weekend.
UIE is named after an after-school, greek-style step team that was created by students and ran at JTHS between 1996-2006. For more information, please follow us on Facebook.
United In Excellence was founded by JTHS alumni Cristi Washington-Gaither (Baltimore, MD) and Erick Deshaun Dorris (Joliet, IL) in November 2016.