The Melanin Eclipse
The concept of this editorial shoot zooms in on the intelligent and complex demographic taking back the empowerment they have been denied.
Who you may ask?
THE MELANATED WOMEN
On social media, the word ‘melanated’ is used with pride. Young Cis and trans black girls and women have empowered themselves by taking pride in their complexion and heritage while also fighting western standards, racism and colourism.
Through this celebration on the platform, the continuation of the fight for equality has been brought to the mainstream media. I wanted to capture the energy, determination and resilience of both Cis and trans black activists who’re taking part in this fight for justice and equality around the world.
I believe that it was important for me to highlight the ways in which black Cis and trans women are one of the most disrespected people within our society. Official figures show that 331 trans and gender diverse people were killed in 2019. Brazil totally 130 deaths, Mexico totally 63 deaths, US totally 30 deaths and Europe totally 9 deaths. The Trans Murder Monitoring report has been released every year since 2009. Since the project began 11 years ago, they have recorded 3314 deaths.
Society dehumanises them into women of steel with no soul. We need to protect, support and look out for black Cis and trans women. They are not for commercial consumption or any type of consumption.
They are not a trend!
They are continuously sexualised on social media and in public, like they are just here for the human gaze. THEY ARE HUMANS! They are even told from an early age, you dress too grown, don’t dance like that, cover up. HOW ABOUT THIS - stop sexualising black cis and trans girls and women!
You only have to look around to see how much society and the black community has failed black Cis and trans women. I feel like feminism mainly serves the white women and it isn’t fair or right, it needs to serve every women from every walk of life.
And its not enough for you to read this and acknowledge what I’m saying, go and reflect, go and call it out when you see, ask Cis and trans black women how they are and stop putting more stuff on to them.
My work has taken inspiration from the fashion and beauty scene of the early 1950’s - particularly the fashion embodied by the likes of Rosa Parks and other important historical figures of her time. Suits, blazers, knitted wear and natural hair are amongst the many examples of attire worn back in the 1950-60’s.
I decided to scout relatable locations that people use on a daily basis from parks, corner shops and market places because I wanted to present the idea that the Cis and trans melanated women can be more empowered anywhere.
I also ensured to look for models who I believe would bring the concept to life - I worked with Liz because shes a visual and auditory artist who also has a strong interest in politics and black feminist activism. I had actually interviewed her prior to the shoot, to accommodate and strengthen the concept of the shoot.
ECLIPSE [noun]: An obscuring of light from one celestial body by the passage of another between it and the observer or between it and it’s source of illumination.
THE MELANATED WOMEN: A resilient and empowered victress breaking societal boundaries and shattering limitations set in place in an attempt to stop her reaching her full potential.
THE MELANIN ECLIPSE: It is a movement of melanated women believing in the power and influence their voice, intelligence, skills, talent and capability holds. Using this to break boundaries, dismantle stereotypes, prejudice and oppression.
CREDITS:
Creative director + stylist: Tyrone Parson - @identityarchive
Photographer: David JJ Lionel - @lensoflionel
Model: liz - @ roleriz
CLOTHES:
Glossy black jacket - AOC | Absence of colourNeon green frame glasses - UO | Urban Outfitters Purple veil - Fabric storyGrey blazer - M&S | Marks and SpencerPink and black blazer - Thrifted 1979 T-shirt - Thrifted ¾ Jeans - UniqloBlack trousers