Local nonprofit provides photos of diverse kids to teachers for free
BIRMINGHAM – Birmingham kids of various races and genders assembled Nov. 14 and 15 with PicDiversity and David Bley Storytellers to create photos teachers need for instruction. The first day focused on creating images for science class and classroom behaviors. The second day featured children playing together to show camaraderie, general principles like “practice makes perfect,” and action shots to illustrate verbs such as running and jumping. Once the photos are created, they are provided to teachers, for free.
The subject matter of this photo shoot came from PicDiversity’s network of teachers and is one of many steps the nonprofit is taking to meet teachers’ needs for diverse photos to use in the classroom. Teachers use images to illustrate classroom behaviors and subject objectives. While there are many photos available to teachers, these images often come at a cost and are homogenous. This barrier is especially felt by teachers in urban areas or with diverse classrooms.
“As a society, I believe that many of us are fed up with racism and divisions drawn by prejudice,” says Founder, Rachel Hanley. “We are desperate for ways to do something about it. For photographers, teachers and families, PicDiversity is exactly that—a tangible solution to send messages of inclusion and hope rather than division and despair to our children.”
In our classrooms, 66 percent of children are visual learners and 80-90 percent of the information taken in comes visually. The photos that surround kids send powerful messages. When a child sees him or herself in an photo they know they have a place in the classroom. When they see an image of a peer from another demographic, it tells them the classroom is for them too. That is something our children need to hear more of.
Currently, PicDiversity is working to raise funding to launch a website designed to efficiently crowdsource the photo needs of teachers.
About David Bley Storytellers
Based in Birmingham, David Bley Storytellers focuses on creating images to celebrate the triumphs and dedication of couples, artists and nonprofits. For more information, please visit www.davidbley.com.
