Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

My name is Sumaya Ali and I am a solicitor based in the Midlands. I am passionate about photography and portrait photography has always had a special place in my heart. I am especially conscious of the importance of having images in the public space that represent people who look like me. I recognise that there are few senior roles or otherwise filled by people of colour in many industries and I can see how a lack of representation in society can impact the career choices that black youth choose to pursue. 

Exhibition

With the resurgence of the civil rights movement on a worldwide scale, I pondered how I could add to the dialogue within my capacity as a photographer. Recognising the power of photographs and the importance of taking the reins on your narrative in society, I have created an exhibition called 'On Their Shoulders'. I have photographed successful individuals in their respective fields and the photographs are accompanied by a personal narrative that sheds light on who they are, what they do and who they believe in black history has influenced their trajectory. 

The objective of the exhibition is to:

1. Showcase successful people of colour doing incredible things.
2. Demonstrate that despite obstacles, the world is our oyster.
3. Demonstrate a pattern of success. The narrative illustrates that success has been achieved in the past, is being achieved in our lifetime by the participants and therefore can be achieved by anyone.
4. Recognise and pay reverence to those that have paved the way for us.
5. Recognise that we have a responsibility to inspire and uplift those who will come after us.

Launch

The exhibition will be launched virtually on 7 October 2020 at 7pm. Please see details below to join the launch:

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6063997252693557772

I will be sharing a link to the virtual reality gallery at the launch.

Fundraising

In addition to commemorating Black History Month, this exhibition seeks to raise funds to support Black Cultural Archives. I strongly believe in its ethos of celebrating black history, inspiring and educating.

Please see a link to my work below so you can have an idea of what I do. www.sumayaaliphotography.com

Thank you for your support!