INTERVIEW
March 23, 2025
EVERYDAY BLACKNESS
A Celebration of Strength, Legacy, and Unity
Photography by Parvathi Kumar
Interview by Karen Ghostlaw Pomarico
Parvathi Kumar is a visual storyteller whose work spans the genres of art, documentary and advocacy. Her book ‘Everyday Blackness’ uses portraiture to amplify the underrepresented voices of Black women and celebrate their contributions that enrich the human experience. Born and raised in eastern Canada, Parvathi developed an early love for photography under the guidance of her mother, mastering film techniques before transitioning into digital storytelling. Her artistic journey spans over three decades, blending her technical expertise from a career in IT with an innate passion for visual narratives.
Now based in Bridgewater, New Jersey, Parvathi has established herself as a professional photographer with an impressive exhibition history across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Her work has garnered awards and recognition, not only for its aesthetic depth but for its commitment to fostering cultural awareness and social connection.
‘Everyday Blackness’ captures the dignity, strength, and complexity of everyday individuals, offering viewers a window into lives and experiences beyond their own. Parvathi’s book is a profound tribute to the resilience, and contributions of exceptional Black women from all walks of life, making it a vital addition to the conversation around International Women’s Month (IWM). Her authentic portraiture, along with the personal narratives of her subjects, tells a powerful story that highlights the lives of 25 remarkable Black women from New Jersey and New York. These women who, despite systemic barriers, have forged paths as leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, veterans, and advocates.
This work is more than a photography book; it is a historical and cultural document that addresses and hopes to counter erasure and misrepresentation. Black women have long been the backbone of their families, communities, and movements for justice, yet their stories are often overlooked. By centering them in her project, Parvathi not only acknowledges their individual journeys but also emphasizes their collective impact on society.
The book’s warm, monochromatic portraits and thoughtful interviews create an intimate space where these women’s voices can be heard and celebrated. Their stories reflect perseverance in the face of adversity, offering hope and inspiration to future generations. For IWM, this book serves as a powerful reminder that the fight for gender equality must also address racial justice. It urges us to see the interconnectedness of women’s struggles and triumphs, reinforcing the IWM message that progress for one woman is progress for all.
Parvathi Kumar’s work is an opportunity to step outside our usual circles, listen deeply, and recognize the value in diverse experiences. As the world celebrates women’s achievements in IWM, this book stands as a testament to the power of photography in honoring those who have long been at the forefront of change, yet too often remain unseen.
“I didn’t want to include celebrities or public figures; though of course impressive, they already have a spotlight. I wanted to feature women who are more relatable, approachable, and who deserve the attention for simply being who they are – hardworking women of color who quietly serve, dutifully taking care of the community in their own ways and resolving serious matters that we often don’t think about. The stereotypes of being uneducated, unaware, weak, aggressive, lacking, or unmannered simply do not hold up. I was able to meet them in their homes, work environments, and other settings reflecting who they are and what they do. It was the simple act of having a conversation and interaction – something sorely lacking in our society today between people who are ‘different’ – that quickly revealed how authentic and relatable they are. In their default mode of modesty and service, many of them were surprised and skeptical as to why I selected them, and I had to remind them that they were more than what they know, exactly the subjects I was looking for - ordinary yet extraordinary. Later when seeing themselves in the book and on elegant gallery walls, they were overwhelmed and delighted.”
IN CONVERSATION WITH PAVARTHI KUMAR
THE PICTORIAL LIST: What initially inspired you to create this book, and how did your personal background shape your approach to documenting the lives of Black women?
PARVATHI: The horrific and unforgettable loss of Mr. George Floyd’s life in May 2020 was the inspiration and catalyst. At the time, I was taking an online class through ICP on Visual Storytelling, so the seed for my project and initial photos began there. The idea was to create an antidote to the pain and suffering we were collectively feeling from the tragic event. By celebrating Black culture and specifically everyday Black women with joy and pride, we could learn to banish fear and misconceptions.
The work carried on well after the course ended, culminating in a self-published photo book. I began in June 2020, and my goal to release the book in time for February 2021 – Black History Month – was accomplished! The book is now in circulation at two NJ public libraries, is part of an independent Black-female-owned bookstore in Bayonne, NJ, had its inaugural full-scale exhibition in February 2022 at the Visual Arts Center of NJ (I wanted nothing less for the women featured and am grateful to curator Mary Birmingham who invited me to exhibit and shared my vision), and is now in the hands of many readers around the world. I am humbled and honored that this work is touching many hearts and minds.
I have always felt injustice and inequality deeply, perhaps because I am a Libra (the symbol for balance, harmony, equality) or someone who is a “visible minority”. After what happened to George Floyd, and knowing that art peacefully protests and raises awareness, there was an urge in me to create. With many years of photography and photo book design experience, I had the skills, resources, and tools to make it happen. When the idea for the book sparked, I ran with it.
TPL: What was the most surprising or moving story you encountered while working on this book, and how did it impact you personally?
PARVATHI: In terms of surprising stories – and in a good way – two of the senior women told me that growing up they never really experienced racism or discrimination, that their childhoods were generally happy, with good education, and the neighborhoods where they grew up were nurturing and warm. They only encountered racial issues later on in life in their work when trying to help those less fortunate.
I was moved by Simone Gordon’s story, a young single mom to an autistic son who was giving back to many other women in need through a direct giving program she founded. Though Crystal Ramsey was diagnosed with HIV in 1991, lost her young son to HIV, and later lost her vision because of HIV medication, she overcame, pursued an education, and now helps others dealing with the illness and other trauma. Not only were the women’s stories eye-opening, but the additional related research and reading I did on Black history while forming the book were also astonishing. I highly recommend reading 'The 1619 Project' (link at the end of interview).
TPL: For International Women’s Month, your book serves as a powerful reminder of Black women’s contributions. How do you see it fitting into the larger conversation about intersectional feminism?
PARVATHI: Their contributions should definitely be included in wider discourse. Women face multiple barriers all the time. Based on the women in the book, to be someone “of color” and HIV positive, physically disabled, previously incarcerated, or other identity factors is to have to battle through additional barriers often needlessly. So, discussing these topics would create awareness on multiple levels, educate about different forms of discrimination to improve acceptance, and make visible the great contributions of diverse members of society.
If I ever extend the series, I hope to include women who are also in the LGBTQ+ community, biracial/multi-racial, on the autism spectrum, and having other identity facets, all to further promote intersectional feminism, and to avoid potentially harmful misunderstandings. At the time of this published interview (March 2025), we are dealing with a US President who seeks to make diversity a “bad word”, thus making it even harder for women of color to rise up, which is all the more reason to push back and promote these women.
TPL: How did you go about selecting the 25 women featured in your book, and what qualities drew you to their stories?
PARVATHI: Of the 25 women featured, I included only one woman who I knew personally prior to starting. I wanted to allow myself new connections, to prove that these gems of Black women existed and were just a matter of finding. Some of them I had read about or heard speaking at events, and I approached them myself, requesting their participation. The majority were by networking through friends and contacts, and who in turn referred me to other women. If I had had the budget and the time, I would have flown to various corners of the USA (if not other countries) to include women from other geographic locations and areas of work. But as we know, 2020 was the lockdown. Though I was limited to travel mainly within drivable distances, I saw this as the silver lining, the blessing: I knew that in my own backyard were countless Black women just waiting to be discovered, and though 25 is barely scratching the surface, they represent many others just like them.
I deliberately chose women of all ages and career paths, of different life journeys and experiences. I was drawn to how each woman was quietly going about their work, contributing in massive ways to the betterment of communities, and I knew that each has a remarkable life story just waiting to be heard. When interviewing I mainly had two questions: 1) What is your life story that brought you to where you are today? and 2) In the context of the Black struggle in the US, what would you like to share with the world?
TPL: Each portrait is presented in a warm monochromatic tone. What was your artistic and emotional intent behind this choice, and how does it reflect the essence of these women?
PARVATHI: I chose the warm sepia style for several reasons. Firstly, it is aesthetically pleasing, reflecting the warmth of the beautiful souls of these women. Secondly, when viewing monochromatic imagery, the viewer’s experience becomes interpretive, with focus on form, composition, and content – in this case the person. Viewers can read about each woman, and without the distraction of color can reflect and connect with each woman’s story and message. The various “shades of gray” allude to the many layers, nuances, and facets of one’s life.
Another important reason is historical: the sepia tone pays homage to and honors the countless inspiring Black women who’ve come before us spanning 400 years on North American land, from the generations of slaves to the Civil Rights activists to today’s elder contemporaries on whose shoulders we stand, whose sacrifices and toil have brought us to where we are now. In turn, these 25 women are continuing the work, leaving a sound legacy and example for future generations to rely on.
Finally, a strong reason for the monochromatic tone is as a subtle reminder that we are essentially the same, that within this shell of a human body with diversity of eye color, height, nose shape, tone of voice, and skin color, we have the same beating hearts and blood types coursing through our veins. We are more alike than not. And, if we truly know our history, understand evolution and the roots of homo sapiens, we are all African.
I wanted each woman to be my collaborator, to give their input on how they wanted to best be portrayed in the context of their story.
TPL: You conducted personal interviews to accompany each portrait. How did those conversations shape the way you photographed each woman?
PARVATHI: Historically, Black women had never had a say in matters, their rights coming last if at all. For this project, while I had photographic control and could direct positioning and lighting, I wanted each woman to be my collaborator, to give their input on how they wanted to best be portrayed in the context of their story. Hence, the photos are generally environmental portraits, highlighting their professions, contributions, talents, and skills. The conversations built an important bridge between us, one of trust and understanding, so the women felt comfortable being photographed. They knew that through this project and its exposure, they were being respected, listened to and heard, something that is a constant struggle for Black women far and wide, especially in the most difficult times as a nation.
TPL: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while creating this project, whether artistically, logistically, or emotionally?
This was a labor of love from start to finish, from photographing, writing, researching, designing, and self-publishing. While I had previously studied book design and had done my own personal book projects and writings, I was fortunate to have editors help me with reviewing text, photos, and layout. Still, it was an arduous process of finding the best sequence and flow of images, arranging and rearranging mock-ups of pages until it all felt right. Artistically, creating portraiture using the medium of photography is unique and challenging in that from one single vantage point at a time, in a fraction of a second, one must convey the essence of who someone is, reflect their stories, and render them so that viewers may connect with them on a meaningful level. I hope I have done that!
Psychologically and emotionally, it was difficult to hear the women’s thoughts on George Floyd and about the Black experience in general. It is hard to reconcile, given all that has happened before and after Mr. Floyd’s death. We have such a long way to go – that’s the burden.
TPL: How has your multicultural upbringing and diverse experiences shaped your views on allyship, identity, and the importance of standing in solidarity with marginalized communities?
TPL: How do you think projects like yours can contribute to broader discussions about race, gender, and equality in today’s world?
PARVATHI: There’s no going back in terms of social integration and equality, despite efforts by the current US administration and other foreign governments to do so. It’s simply unconscionable in today’s world. The hope is that viewers and readers would probe into their own history, rationally reflect on any lingering biases or prejudices, examine their surrounding communities’ attitudes and behaviors, and take steps to rectify, repair, and improve; be curious rather than judgmental, open-minded rather than closed, or at least tolerant if not completely accepting – live and let live. Clearly, action is still needed worldwide to let diversity safely thrive. Thankfully progress has been made and there is room for further advancement. Perhaps through this project, others will be inspired to create similar endeavors so we can further be enlightened.
TPL: If you could continue this project in a different way or expand upon it, what would the next step look like? Would you consider featuring more women or exploring similar themes in another format?
PARVATHI: As mentioned in an earlier question regarding intersectional feminism, I would widen the mix of Black women featured by including those who are LGBTQ+, multi-racial, of other countries settled here, and other layers of identity to get that variety of perspectives. It would also be nice to venture further than NJ, to meet and promote the outstanding women beyond my vicinity. I would add more digital content, with a dedicated website that includes audio and/or video of interviews with the women, behind-the-scenes moments, and other resources. A physical, tactile book is always special, and perhaps another volume would be in order. Or I can revisit these 25 women in the coming years and produce a “Where Are They Now?” special edition! I would love to do a similar series promoting Latina women, Native American women, autistic women, and other minority groups who are overlooked, underrepresented or unfairly represented.
TPL: Who, and what inspires your visual storytelling? What do you hope you inspire in others? What do you want other people's takeaway to be? What is your personal takeaway?
PARVATHI: There’s something about photography as the medium for visual storytelling and portraiture that is captivating. Photos transcend what is shown. The photographer can portray someone’s likeness yet leave much to be discovered, interpreted, and experienced by the viewer. Portraiture and documentary photography are genres I’m drawn to, for the artful and lasting impressions they leave.
The work of many documentary photographers and photojournalists past and present have inspired and influenced me: Elliott Erwitt, Gordon Parks, Dawoud Bey, Raghubir Singh, Raghu Rai, Nikos Economopoulos, Lynsey Addario, Maggie Steber, Graciela Magnoni, and many, many others. In the process of doing this project, I learned more about Black women photo artists who I’d be remiss to not mention! Latoya Ruby Frazier, Carrie Mae Weems, Deborah Willis, Cherris May, Polly Irungu, and the Black Women Photographers collective!
I hope people are inspired to achieve, to pursue their goals despite outside obstacles, and to be open to ask for support from those who’ve already overcome similar challenges. In turn, I hope those who’ve found success may pay it forward and help those trying to find their way. Others may feel inclined to join causes for justice, or for building and maintaining peace. Perhaps just learning to quiet the mind and maintain one’s own peace is enough. Inner peace leads to outer peace. The way in is the way out.
I hope readers come away feeling less fearful of the ‘other’, to ignore the negative voice in the head that knows nothing, remembering that mutual respect, and simple conversations can offer insight and create fruitful and meaningful bonds of friendship and trust. In my many travels over the years (India, Japan, Nepal, Turkey, Mexico, Morocco, across Europe, and more) and having lived in Denmark for a year in my 20s, staying and meeting with locals in foreign lands is an immediate and delightful way to rewire the brain, step out of the usual comfort zones, and become more creative and accepting of new ideas. No matter how many books one reads on a subject, talking to an individual can often be just as, if not more worthwhile. During the release of my project in 2021, I also learned of the ‘Human Library Project’, which is exactly what we need – a way to remove judgement of others through safe discourse. I’ve also been involved with ‘Servas International’ for over 25 years, a nonprofit member organization that builds peace and cross-cultural understanding through day visits or overnight home stays. I’ve stayed with locals in various countries and have hosted many travelers from abroad, each time delightful in exchanging views, experiences, and learning about our shared humanity.
I also hope, with respect to art itself, that people see that one needs no permission to take up space, to create and self-publish a book (or any artwork or project), and share it with the world. It is a matter of taking that first step for an idea that you know is aligned with your Truth, of persevering and finishing, and trusting that good will come of it. I never expected to have the reach that this book had, the beautiful inaugural exhibition and subsequent exhibits, the immense warm response and support. If you follow through with an idea born from the heart, the Universe will step in and lend a hand. I am ever grateful to have been privy to that.
We have more in common than not, we are all connected at a deeper level – a fact forgotten and overlooked due to man-made/mind-made madness, causing needless suffering and tragedy. May we learn to see and feel the same Presence within each other. Ultimately there is no separation. In making this project, I came upon beautiful related quotes by Black women writers and poets, and the ones that touched me are:
“We are each other’s harvest; we are each other’s business; we are each other’s magnitude and bond.” – Gwendolyn Brooks (1917-2000)
“We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.”
– June Jordan (1936-2002)
We’re in this together. If we listen to that unwavering small true voice, we all have deep within, it will lead and guide us to good, for the benefit of all. At the end of the day, we are only here for each other. We are One.
As we celebrate International Women’s Month, Parvathi Kumar’s work stands as a powerful tribute to the resilience, brilliance, and unwavering spirit of all Black women. The narrative and dialogue she creates with her subjects gives these remarkable women the recognition they deserve — not as distant figures, but as relatable, inspiring individuals who shape their communities and redefine what leadership looks like.
Her book is more than a collection of portraits; it is a movement toward visibility, empowerment, and understanding. It reminds us that history is not only written in textbooks but in the lives of women who rise above adversity, uplift others, and create lasting change. In honoring these women, Parvathi invites us to expand our own perspectives, challenge assumptions, while recognizing the interconnectedness of our struggles and triumphs.
This International Women’s Month, let us draw inspiration from these stories. Let us uplift the voices of women who have been historically overlooked, acknowledge their invaluable contributions, and commit to fostering a world where equality, respect, and representation are not aspirations, but realities. Through art, activism, and storytelling, we can continue to illuminate the path forward — one that is inclusive, just, and truly celebrates the power of women.
