What began as a photography master’s thesis at the University of Illinois evolved into an art exhibition documenting the historical and contemporary local community. The Black Gaze: Portraits of Community Through an African American Lens is a dedicated series of portraits honoring the people and contributions of Black Champaign-Urbana. By centering intentional visual storytelling, these photographs capture multilayered realities—weaving together identity, history, unyielding beauty, and shared struggle. The collection features intimate portraits and interviews with some community voices, including Urbana’s first Black mayor, DeShawn Williams, Neil St. Blues owner Gayle Starks, civil rights activist Dr. Rev. Evelyn Burnett Underwood JD, PhD, City of Champaign Community Relations Manager Tracy Parson, etc.

Widely celebrated by the community, the exhibit has been featured across local and regional media outlets, including WCIA, WICS, FOX Illinois, The Daily Illini, Illinois Public Media Newsroom, the University of Illinois College of Media, Smile Politely, The News-Gazette, Yahoo, and AOL. The exhibition will remain on display at the University YMCA through August 9th, 2026.