SEO London Outreach and Communications
SEO London The Ubuntu Exhibition
Fundraising for SEO London
Story
Please ensure you 'opt-in' to share your email address as those who contribute £100 or more will receive an exclusive SEO London presents the Ubuntu exhibition anthology, featuring the complete collection of photographs, as a token of our appreciation for their impactful contributions.
Ubuntu means "I am, because you are". The word ubuntu is just part of the Zulu phrase "Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu" meaning that a person is a person through other people. Ubuntu has its roots in humanist African philosophy, where the idea of community is one of the building blocks of society. Ubuntu is that nebulous concept of common humanity, oneness: humanity, you and me both.
The Ubuntu exhibition aims to raise funds for the future Black Heritage Leadership Summit and our SEO Empower Schools programme. The collection of photographs came from SEO London’s first Black Heritage Leadership summit hosted the Lloyd’s HQ in London. The Black Heritage Leadership summit was formulated to inspire those who are from Black Heritage backgrounds and encourage them that their aspirations and goals are achievable. We highlighted some key figures across different industries who have been successful in their journey to become leaders. The purpose of the event was to build bridges between leaders from the older generation and the younger generation with hopes that this will motivate them to never limit themselves and to remind them that ‘I am because we are’.
The powerful impact of the day was showcased through the photography captured by Tom Selmon. SEO London’s Outreach Team and Tom brainstormed ideas and the idea of “building bridges” was born. By building bridges, we wanted to reinforce the strength that can come from our current leaders and those aspiring to be future leaders joining forces. Ummi and Tom toyed with some suggestions of how this can be captured, and this is where a connecting object of the ribbon was introduced.
Each portrait is photographed on a blue Colorama paper backdrop to compliment everyone's skin tones and add some warmth to the images. Every person was asked to pose with a strong or minimal expression. This is so that the ribbon would be the center of attention and allow for each person in front of the camera to paint a story. Tom shot some of the pictures in black and white to showcase "power" and contrast the coloured photos that signify alliance and bring life everyone's character.
To find out more please visit: https://www.seo-london.org/the-ubuntu-exhibition