Living in Spokane, we often talk about the importance of community and respect. That respect should extend to how we use images to portray people, especially when it comes to Black individuals. Images can tell powerful stories, but taking a picture of someone without their consent and using it to fit a narrative can cause harm, whether intended or unintended.
As a leader in the community, it’s important to be present and engage with people at events, but when our pictures are taken and used, our permission should be mandatory. Recently, I was out on a bike ride and decided to stop by an event because I saw some familiar faces. To my surprise, I later found my picture on the front page of a newspaper. I had no idea my photo was being taken, let alone that it would be used publicly.
Spokane has always been a place where we strive to ensure everyone feels safe and has the space to be themselves. That sense of safety includes being able to enjoy events without worrying about our image being used without consent. A picture of me dancing, socializing or just enjoying my time with the community shouldn’t be featured without my approval, and certainly not as a way to fit someone else’s story or agenda.
When images of Black individuals are used in the media, they can often perpetuate harmful stereotypes or narratives. It’s crucial that we don’t reinforce negative imagery or misuse someone’s likeness for a headline. Getting approval on use and context is important and gives a sense of dignity to the subject of the photograph.
Respecting someone’s image is an extension of respecting their space, their identity, and their right to feel safe in the community.