Africa Knows – citizen photojournalism at its best

I’ve just stumbled across (via White African) a fantastic photo site, Africa Knows, which publishes photos portraying “the challenges, triumphs, dreams and nightmares of being an African” in the 21st century.  (Ref: Africa Knows)

Africa Knows is run by Sheila Ochugboju and Joshua Wanyama and their aim with the site is to “tell a different story about Africa” through the lens of Africans – different to the story portrayed by international media.  (Ref: Africa Knows).

Currently most photos on Africa Knows are from Kenya, but according to the site owners the site will grow to include photos from all the diverse countries in Africa.

The photos are divided into 8 categories:

• Sacred Stories
• Stories about Us
• Stories of our Challenges
• Stories of our Dreams
• Stories of our Land
• Stories of our Laughter
• Stories of our Nightmares
• Stories of our Triumphs.

Some of the photos are indeed accompanied by stories, poems or facts, but the photos are of such an excellent quality that they tell the stories on their own.

It was a real treat to browse the photos, and the project is a brilliant demonstration of the power of citizen photojournalism. See for yourself at AfricaKnows.com.

TAGS: Africa, photos

4 Responses to “Africa Knows – citizen photojournalism at its best”

1. Joshua Wanyama says:

   11 February, 2010 at 10:59

   Thanks for the write up. We are glad that you enjoyed the site. Any comments on how we can improve it will be greatly appreciated.

   Reply
   • Anni Poulsen says:

     12 February, 2010 at 13:28

     The pleasure was mine, I really enjoyed browsing your photos and will continue to follow your site.

     Reply
2. Sheila Ochugboju says:

   11 February, 2010 at 11:05

   Hey thanks so much for your comment. I really love to know we are making a connection. This website was born out of our passion for this beautiful continent and our need to showcase universal messages. We all laugh, we all cry and as “global Citizens” Joshua and I are exploring the freedom to celebrate our journeys across Africa and the rest of the world. I hope that soon, other photographers will join in, so that on a day like today, South African writers, photographers and social commentators could make contributions about the 20th anniversary of Mandela’s release.
   It will happen one day soon. Watch this space.

   Reply
   • Anni Poulsen says:

     12 February, 2010 at 13:25

     I’m sure other photographers will join you soon. I’ll be following your journey.

     Reply