Mission

Our Mission

The Black Light Project believes that the sharing of narratives is activism. It is in our stories that we gain a deeper understanding of the human condition and begin to analyze, question, and shift our perspectives on our fellow man and their life experience. Specifically, The Black Light Project uses the arts of video and photography to document and focus on those narratives of the oppressed and disenfranchised; those who are systematically deprived of proper representation and whose lives are often depicted in negative stereotypes and in stories told by others.

Our Project challenges the images we see in the media, recognizing the harm that hundreds of years of negative framing has done to the private and public image of Black people and to the psyche of Black people as a collective and individuals. We are proud to highlight the truth and beauty of these Black people; as they represent joy, peace, strength, kindness, resilience, ingenuity, and commitment to legacy.

Our Goals

Utilize the art of film, photography, and other forms of artistic expression to highlight social issues.

Create a platform for discussion of current issues regarding media matters.
Acknowledge the positive influence of traditionally underserved populations in their communities via our media platform.
Increase the individual (or subject’s) view of the importance of daily accountability and contributions to community.
Engage community, local government, business and educational institutions in the conversation about the role of positive media images of underserved communities in improving relations between these communities and entities.
Create community, business, and educational partnerships to support the work of The Black Light Project.

Meet Our Board

Tonya J. Lynch

Founder & Executive Director
Tonya founded The Black Light Project in 2016 in response to the onslaught on negative attention drawn to Black lives.
“I don't believe it is enough to change the paradigm in my own world. My belief system dictates that I reach the world in every interaction, one person at a time. I am fortunate that through The Black Light Project I get to touch many lives at once and allow them to see that they are a light everywhere that they go.”

Reggie Barrett

Secretary
An activist, educator, and scholar, Reggie Barrett provides oversight for all committee actives of the Black Light Project. He is a joyous educator who carefully shapes the academic futures of his students.

Kimberly Harper

Co-Chair
Kim’s career has spanned 2 decades as a labor and delivery nurse and most recently as a national advocate for Maternal Health. Through her work she has helped mothers across the nation discuss their maternal health futures. An avid biker and nature lover, Kim brings insight, curiosity and solution-building to communities we serve.

Danielle Koonce

Researcher
Danielle is a PhD candidate of the University of Maryland. Her work and research in social justice crosses the fields of racism, environmental justice and gender equality. Danielle joins our team as a communications expert with decades of experience in teaching, editing, and writing.

Ashleigh Hill-Taylor

Co-Chair
Ashleigh is a PhD candidate of East Carolina University with a research concentration in Rhetoric. Ashleigh joins our team as a public administration specialist.