Yuniya R Khan MPA

The Emerge Project (TEP) is a digital storytelling project that shines a spotlight on Black leaders who are making a difference in communities in South Africa and Brazil. Through short biographical films, photography, blogs, podcasts, and journalistic articles, we aim to paint a more nuanced and realistic picture of how "ordinary" Black people are creating solutions and generating change in their communities, with or without outside intervention. We present these stories not only as a source of inspiration and encouragement for our viewers, but also as an opportunity for them to collaborate, support, or invest. Through this project we aim to facilitate connections and collaboration with other leaders and allies in the country and around the world; expand the social capital of Black leaders at the grassroots level; and increase their relevance as co-creators and drivers of social progress.

I created and launched this project in collaboration with colleagues in Brazil and with financial support through a crowdfunding campaign. The purpose is to share the stories of Afro-Brazilian entrepreneurs in Salvador, Brazil through short films and written narratives, highlighting these entrepreneurs as role models, leaders and initiators of change. • Over a four-month period, I filmed, edited and produced four mini-documentaries featuring four creative, resilient, and visionary Afro-Brazilian entrepreneurs, and authored two related articles. These are all posted on our bilingual website, www.emergesalvador.com. The success of this project was due in large part to my relationship with the NGO, Instituto Mídia Étnica, and the collaborators who worked with me on the project, all of whom were paid for their services with the funds raised from our crowdfunding campaign.