Published On: 22 October 2024Tags:
Mu’minah Iqbal, Research Assistant 

In celebration of Black History Month, five remarkable young women who have been part of  the Racism and Trauma co-production group recently took part in an inspiring social media campaign with M.A.C Cosmetics. The campaign, which has been shared on MAC’s social media platforms, explores what it means to be a Black British young woman and looks at themes of identity, culture, and heritage, while highlighting the vital work the young women have been doing with the Foundation.

Between April and August 2023, the co-production group was formed and has since played a key role in shaping the project’s direction. Through conversations and workshops with the group, we determined:

  • the themes of the research papers
  • key stakeholders 
  • what good support and interventions look like 

We did this through centering their lived experiences of racism and trauma in the project outputs. This focus is crucial given the lack of understanding about how racism, trauma, intergenerational trauma and racism as trauma affects minoritised ethnic communities and  can contribute to inequalities in areas like health and education. 

Collaborating with M.A.C Cosmetics for Black History Month provided another platform to amplify these themes. The campaign celebrated individuality and expression, reflecting the project’s aim to explore the diverse and varying impacts of racism and trauma. Working with M.A.C was an opportunity to expand the conversation around racism, identity, and resilience and reach a wider audience. 

A day with M.A.C Cosmetics

As the young women prepared for the photoshoot, the young women were able to get their makeup and hair styled by professional make-up artists, and were able to choose their own look, reflecting their individuality. 

The one day shoot included solo and group photos, a first for the young women in a professional setting. The photography team guided them, encouraging experimentation with their poses to boost their confidence. 

By the end, the young women were even directing the photographers, which was a joy to see. In the afternoon, the young women filmed short videos that offered a platform to share their personal stories and the importance of their roles within the co-production group. They spoke openly about their work addressing racism and intergenerational trauma, its impact on mental health, and their passion for contributing to meaningful change. 

“Working with MAC is something I have never imagined doing, it was an amazing experience with the loveliest team to work with. My highlight of the day was working with everyone from the Cohort and the MAC team, and the opportunity has boosted my confidence and made me feel heard.” (Reem, 16)

Beyond the photos and videos, another enriching aspect of the day was the opportunity for the young women to engage with a variety of professionals on set. From photographers to creative directors, the young women were able to have conversations with those behind the scenes, gaining insights into the creative industries and the important roles Black women play within them.

“Working with M.A.C was an unforgettable experience. The professionalism , positivity and knowledge that I received from the people in the room was highly valued. I’m so grateful for my experience and hope to one day work with them again.” (Edrisa, 20)

As a proud M.A.C VIVA Glam charity partner, we are grateful to the team at M.A.C Cosmetics for creating such a welcoming and inclusive space. The campaign is a celebration not just of Black History Month, but of the ongoing work being done at the Foundation to address racial inequalities and improve outcomes for Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic individuals and communities in Britain. 

As someone who has worked with Angela, Lma, Deborah, Edrisa and Reem for over a year, it has been a pleasure working with them and seeing their confidence grow as well as observing their commitment to raising awareness of racial inequalities.

Watch the campaign here