Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Berta.
Hi Valerie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The WE project journey started with me asking: What more can I do? What do I know how to do best?
From there, it has been a personal and now public journey of growing, learning, and unlearning, and of gratitude in the joy of being able to take concrete steps in the fight for justice. The WE project, for me, is actualizing a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, we are getting closer to this elusive “perfect union” that the land commonly known as the United States set out to be. The WE project is my answer to the reality that we need to embrace, amplify and celebrate the diverse voices that represent this nation but have been systemically marginalized if we can ever realize the promise of America.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Time is always a challenge as this is 100% volunteer work, and I am a single Mom with a day job and activism duties I take very seriously.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a documentary photographer or visual storyteller. I am a Mizzou J-School alumnus carrying on the tradition of photojournalism at its best: photojournalism that informs, highlights, and celebrates the diversity of our gazes, cultures, and families, chosen or not, and that works ethically, authentically, and collaboratively to portray and advance humanity.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Only that it highlighted existing inequities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theweprojectmo.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theweprojectmo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theWEprojectMO/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/theWEprojectMO
Image Credits
Valerie Berta/the WE project MO
