Keeping our stories in our own hands: Photography workshop helps Black youth express themselves

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For Alvero Wiggins, his lifelong passion for photography began in Grade 4, when his teacher handed him his first camera.

That creative spark continued when, as a young man he took part in a photography workshop through LOVE Nova Scotia, a Halifax youth-based organization. Today, Wiggins is a freelance photographer and never forgot how those early experiences shaped him.

He always thought about how to create that opportunity for someone else, and this past year Wiggins partnered with CBC to offer a free photography workshop in Halifax for Black youth.

Participants ranging in ages from 13 to 21 gathered at the Delmore Buddy Daye Learning Institute over two days, where they learned how to use photography as a creative tool to explore their lives, experiences and communities through guided discussions, hands-on practice, and peer support.

Wiggins’ career path has been rooted in youth programming and facilitation, particularly in his home community of Uniacke Square in Halifax. This workshop he calls “Photo Voice” allowed him to bring two parts of his life together.

Wiggins explains it’s essential that Black youth have opportunities to explore art and express themselves in ways that are meaningful to them.

“This project keeps our stories in our own hands. It places these young people’s images and narratives into public spaces, where they can challenge how others see us while reinforcing how we see ourselves.”

Wiggins observed each participant was focused, respectful of the process, and intentional in their work. Some concentrated on fine details, while others stepped back to understand the broader context of a scene.

“Some were comfortable working independently and figuring things out on their own, while others needed support with camera settings,” said Wiggins.

“Each young person brought their own experiences and vision to the project, but they all shared one thing in common: a desire to tell stories through photographs.”

We checked in with participants of the workshop to hear about their experience and to share some of the photos they took.

Kail Dutt

For Kail Dutt, a 13-year-old from Sydney, N.S, taking part in the photography workshop with Wiggins helped him to find the beauty in the ordinary.

“I have just entered into the wonderful world of photography. While I attended the CBC workshop I learned a lot about different styles of photos and how to take them. I learned about aperture shadow speed, how to use light to affect your photo, and how to find beauty in the little things you see every day.”

photo of a light shining through a lampshade — ‘This is one of the first photos that I took with a real camera that I was proud of. I enjoy how the light glows into the shape of the wood.’ (Kail Dutt)

Two people waving large flags — ‘This photo is from a rally I attended in Sydney to support Palestine. I wanted to take a photo and display that even in small places, there is power to the people.’ (Kail Dutt)

A woman sits on a rock on a beach looking at the ocean. — ‘In this photo me and my mom went to Polar Bear Beach in South Bar, Cape Breton, to see the sunset and I took this photo while my mom sat on a rock. This photo is very nice because the shadows from the rocks and the shadow that comes off my mom’s body is the opposite from the glint and light bouncing off the water.’ (Kail Dutt)

up close photo of rocks on a beach at dusk with the sun going down in the distance — ‘In this photo, it shows half of the frame as beach and rocks and the other half as a shiny ocean. I very much enjoy this photo just because of the difference I was able to capture between land and sea.’ (Kail Dutt)

Leaisha Clayton

Leaisha Clayton is 19 years old, from Preston, N.S.

“From the photo voice project I gained so much valuable knowledge and experience surrounding cameras, as well as the privilege to meet like-minded and creative individuals. Some of my photos that I chose were taken during the weekend of the project, so I think that in a sense reflects my experience in the project.”

tan colored letters outlined in black on a mailbox with white peeling paint say Apt 3 North End Gem — North End Gem: ‘Taken in the north end in Halifax, this photo could represent the way people living in the north end see their community, being a gem in the city. I also loved the lighting in this photo and the angle.’ (Leaisha Clayton)

up close image of a carved sculpture with faces joined in a circle — Unity: ‘This photo is of African sculptures and together. I think this represents Black People living in harmony and unity together. I also loved the perspective aspect of this photo.’ (Leaisha Clayton)

words on a metal fence say those wonder years — Those Wonder Years: ‘This picture gives a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past, given the words written on the fence. The smiley face and sad face shows the duality of nostalgia, going back to a happy place but feeling a sense of sadness having left that behind.’ (Leaisha Clayton)

shadowed person walking down rainy sidewalk inside a bus terminal — Bay Blues: ‘Taken on a rainy night in a bus terminal, this photo represents the daily life of people passing by every day, going about their lives. The lone figure along with the rain and darkness against the fluorescent lights gives a visual sense of isolation and tiredness after a day’s work.’ (Leaisha Clayton)

colorful houses in a row seen from a bus window — ‘This picture was taken from the inside of a bus, out of the window. From this perspective, it almost looks like the houses are sitting on the ledge on the window, and I thought it was a good way to capture these houses since I pass them all the time.’ (Leaisha Clayton)

Mikea Brooks

Mikea Brooks is 17 years old and enjoys swimming and baking.

“This program taught me how to handle a camera and to appreciate the beauty around me, which I believe is reflected in my pictures.”

one single yellow flower growing among all purple flowers — Outsiders: ‘This image, in my opinion, perfectly captures the experience of Black and African Nova Scotian youngsters growing up in largely white neighbourhoods, where they may feel as though they don’t belong.’ (Mikea Brooks)

Black and white striped vase on a wooden shelf — Vase: ‘I chose this image because I admire how the vase fills the shelf and takes up room, and it’s critical that we young people figure out how to make our presence known.’ (Mikea Brooks)

close up of tree roots growing among the grass — Roots: ‘This picture truly resonated with me because I believe it’s important for us to connect with our heritage and value our origins and identity.’ (Mikea Brooks)

a greying plant in a concrete planter by a road — Life: ‘I chose this image because, in my opinion, it showcases how life can proceed in the most quiet ways even in the most hectic situations.’ (Mikea Brooks)

red, green, black and yellow metal bike rack — Colours: ‘I felt it would be important to represent those who are Black or of African origin, given this photo voice program was intended for us.’ (Mikea Brooks)

El Bennett

El Bennet is an 18-year-old Black trans man who recently moved to Halifax’s north end from Ontario.

“In this project I learned a lot about how to use a camera to capture the world around me and how to adjust the settings to focus on different parts of the scenery in a way that tells different stories. My photos showed my neighbourhood and everything I take photos of are things that I see and connect with.”

a brick in shadow with a ray of light across it. Words SHAW LTD are inscribed on it — Title: L E Shaw LTD 1972. Caption: The brick. (El Bennett)

tree branches against a blue cloudy sky — Title: Clouds of ramus. Caption: The view. (El Bennett)

Tree with green needles against a red apartment building with balconies — Title: Branches. Caption: The other view. (El Bennett)

looking up through tree branches — Title: Branches. Caption: The other view. (El Bennett)

white man in grey sweatshirt with hood up stands against red brick wall and looks directly at camera — Title: Man. Caption: The strip. (El Bennett)

Black trees and branches against a dark blue sky — Title: Blue. Caption: The night. (El Bennett)

torn poser with words "punk country" on pole with lots of rusted staples — Title: Punk Country. Caption: The poster. (El Bennett)

Kali Williams

Kail Williams is a 21-year-old African Nova Scotian woman from Upper Hammonds Plains currently living in Dartmouth. She is the 2025 valedictorian of NSCC Akerley Campus and is graduating with a diploma in early childhood education. She is continuing her studies at Mount Saint Vincent University in the fall.

“All my life I have had a passion for education, not only for learning but sharing knowledge with others as well. I have a deep love and appreciation for history, I’ve spent countless hours on my family tree. I am a spoken word artist and this workshop serves as my photography debut.”