2nd Annual Visibly Invisible: Honoring Our Unsung Sheroes

In honor of Women’s History Month, I was invited to the 2nd Annual Visibly Invisible: Unsung SHEros Award Ceremony that was held at the Old Church Concert Hall. Founded by Shalonda Menefee of SISTAS, LLC, the ceremony honored 12 Black Women within the Portland community. During the ceremony, I had captured photos that encompassed what the night was truly about. And as you will see, I like to take photos in wide shots.

Visibly Invisible producer, Shalonda Menefee’s mission is “Creating an Atmosphere of Healing and Empowerment.” As the founder of SISTAS, LLC, she has a deep passion for helping others live up to their full potential by inspiring women and youth in her community for over 15 years. As a result, she has developed programs, curriculums, workshops, services, and products that promote self-care, spiritual healing and empowerment. 

Visibly Invisible means to be visible and useful when needed to get things done, however, also being unheard, unvalidated, undervalued when chosen to speak up for what is right, when it is necessary about the inequities, disparities, and isms.

The ceremony explored the complex roles Black Women play as positive role models and inspirations in their own community and the world at large. The ceremony honored these unsung SHEros who, through their resilience, perseverance, and commitment to speaking truth to power, are all empowering warriors fighting for justice and equality for our society and families.

It featured a creative cultural expression of African Dance, an Honoring of Ancestors through a libation ceremony, and an African inspired print fashion show.


That night was a cultural vehicle to galvanize, mobilize and empower Black/African Descent women of Oregon. It was an amazing experience of movement to inspire, encourage and celebrate woman who have done work silently despite the challenges they may face.

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