Meet Imani McCray

We were lucky to catch up with Imani McCray recently and have shared our conversation below.

Imani, thank you so much for making time for us today. We’re excited to discuss a handful of topics with you, but perhaps the most important one is around decision making. The ability to make decisions is a key requirement for anyone who wants to make a difference and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your decision-making skills.
My decision-making skills have been honed through experience and observation, especially by closely watching the adults in my life and witnessing the consequences of their actions. However, the most significant influence on my decision-making skills was my 12th-grade gym teacher. I vividly recall our conversation on the way to gym class when he emphasized the importance of making thoughtful decisions to pave the way for future success. His words left a lasting impact on me, as he warned that one day, I would wake up at 30 and feel as though life had slipped away. He stressed the value of patience and self-investment, concepts that had never crossed my 17-year-old mind until that moment.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
For the past three years, I have been working on a project called “Be the Change.” This project comprises stories and photos captured during active volunteering in dangerous and conflict-ridden areas, establishing programs for environmental and historical landmark preservation, and advocating for marginalized communities. The Exhibition showcasing this work was held at the North Carolina Museum of Art in February 2023, and some images from the exhibition have earned multiple recognitions from the International Photography Awards. The primary aim of this active art is to inspire the education system, arts programs, and cultural influencers to embrace and normalize advocacy and philanthropy.

In the coming years, I plan to continue exhibiting and developing this series. My future showings are scheduled for London at Boomer Gallery, Minnesota at the American Swedish Institute, and various other art institutions and universities worldwide. I am prepared to face new challenges as they arise, welcoming opportunities to immerse myself in different cultures and share these enriching experiences. Through my work, I seek to promote the positive aspects of nationalism and challenge it to foster collaboration on an international scale.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I believe that the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have had the greatest impact on my journey are: taking the hard road to achieve my goals, never taking things personally, and maintaining patience during the darkest times. Each of our journeys is characterized by unique trials and tribulations, spanning a vast and diverse range. However, amidst this diversity, we also share universal truths, such as our presence in this particular time in history, our shared existence on this single planet we inhabit, and the inheritance of consequences from decisions made long before our time.

In the recklessness of youth, we tend to internalize the hard lessons life thrusts upon us, often taking them personally. We may find ourselves discouraged and seek validation from others, assuming the role of victims within our intertwined realities. Sadly, for many individuals, this becomes the end of their journey. They may be halted by assimilation into a program that discourages breaking the mold, or they may be overwhelmed by depression, convinced that overcoming the challenges of time and obstacles is impossible.

Nevertheless, for those who can discover inner peace amidst the darkest moments, a glimmer of hope emerges. With time, this light shines brightly, illuminating the path forward and guiding them through their struggles.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
As an international award-winning photographer, I have been fortunate enough to travel the world, capturing the beauty and diversity of various cultures and communities. Through my lens, I have personally witnessed the profound impact photography can have in bringing people together, raising awareness about crucial social issues, and inspiring action.

In pursuit of a positive and inclusive future for all, I am reaching out to organizations and individuals worldwide who share the same vision. I strongly believe that by documenting the powerful efforts undertaken by others, we can collectively showcase the potential for change and make a meaningful difference.

If you are interested in exploring the possibility of partnering with my “Be the Change: influencing power” project, please feel free to reach out to me through my website bethechangephoto.com. I firmly believe that each of us bears a responsibility to serve our communities and contribute to philanthropic endeavors.

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