Weaving Stories: Reclaiming the Black Narrative Through the Lens

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Nairobi launch of Weaving Stories—a groundbreaking photobook by Picha Stock. A celebration of visual artistry, this launch marked a profound moment in the ongoing journey to reclaim, redefine, and represent Black identities in media.

Launched earlier in the year in Seattle, Washington, with exhibitions at Taswira Gallery and SZ Gallery—Weaving Stories has become a global conversation starter. The vibrant Nairobi gathering I witnessed served as a reminder that Black stories, when told authentically and boldly, can resonate across borders and generations.

This picha book is quite a cutsey, bold, glossy page-to-page visuals of stories representing real people engulfed in a hardcover with that common theme of a warm, cinematic orange that evokes heavy emotions. I mean, have you seen the beautiful contrast of orange on black skin? This book draws you in instantly.

'As Within, So Without'

In an age where images speak louder than words and shape how we perceive cultures, people, and histories, Weaving Stories arrives as both a remedy and a revolution. Curated by Picha Stock—a platform passionately dedicated to authentic African and diasporic representation—the book features the work of 10 Black photographers from around the world, stretching from Nigeria to Brazil and across African and Afro-communities globally. These artists were selected as grantees of Picha’s visual storytelling grant 2024 and charged with one mission: to tell the stories that matter. This must be the exact memo Josianne Faubert, owner of Picha, had in mind with the grant. 

The Table of Contents, image by Glo Mwivanda

What emerged is a rich weave of narratives. From the tender and bold series “Mothers of Colour: A Generation of influential Women”, (Barbra Guya) which celebrates the strength and diversity of motherhood, to a glorious ode to black girl magic (my interpretation)  to “Navigating the Plains: Reflections of STEM Enthuasiast” and ‘As Within, So Without: A Conceptual Self-Potrait’ (Gloria Mwivanda) an introspective work of self-portraiture,  each story in Weaving Stories is a testament to lived experience, resilience, and creative excellence. The weavers brought their best foot forward, honouring not only their subjects but also their own identities as visual storytellers.

“All stories are important and needed. We all have the power to direct or redirect our narratives”

~Glo Mwivanda

As a digital strategist and writer, my work demands a constant search for visuals that align with the narratives I craft. Yet, time and again, I’m met with a sobering reality: the stock image world remains overwhelmingly whitewashed. Generic, stereotypical, or altogether absent—Black representation in visual media is still fighting for equitable ground. Weaving Stories boldly steps into this void, offering not only a library of striking images but a necessary shift in visual culture.

'As Within, So Without'

The Nairobi event itself was a vibrant confluence of art, conversation, and community. Selected photographs from the book were on display, each one a powerful lens into stories often left untold. There were moments of stillness and moments of movement; portraits that pulled you in and landscapes that told their own tales. The atmosphere was reverent yet alive with purpose. It was impossible not to feel the gravity of what this book represents: visibility, dignity, and ownership and blackness.

'As Within, So Without'

Central to the celebration were the grantees—the photographers whose work breathes life into Weaving Stories. Their talents are undeniable, but what moved me most was their intentionality. Each frame they captured is layered with meaning: a mother’s hug or kiss to their child, self-portraits with nature where the photographer is the muse, a portrait of black girl magic, bustling peak hours of the city at golden hour. These are lived experiences documented with care and clarity. Their images tell stories too often left out of the mainstream—and they do so without compromise.

A quote shared by Avery Barnes of Taswira Gallery in Seattle resonated deeply:

“The stories we tell do tell. And what we believe about ourselves determines who we become in this world.”

In amplifying these voices, Weaving Stories offers more than representation—it offers visibility. It challenges those of us who work in digital communication to reconsider our choices. It reminds us that the images we publish, repost, and promote shape perceptions far beyond our immediate audiences. And that with every Black image we choose that is nuanced, dignified, and authentic, we counter centuries of misrepresentation.

'As Within, So Without'

More than a photobook, Weaving Stories is a visual manifesto. It is a call to action for creatives, marketers, journalists, and everyday users of media to be intentional—to prioritise stories that reflect the full breadth of Black life, and to support platforms like Picha Stock that are doing this work with integrity.

Leaving the Nairobi launch, I felt not only inspired but charged. In a world that still struggles to see us clearly, Weaving Stories dares to hold up a mirror and say: this is who we are—multifaceted, beautiful, powerful. And we deserve to be seen.

Get the book here.

Glossary

Picha- Swahili word for a photo or image.