Nonprofit
Stories In My Backyard
A Philadelphia media arts group that teaches photography, film and virtual reality to Black youth, with Black instructors. It also stages public photo exhibits about Philadelphia's Black music history.
- Kids OK
- Online OK
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What they do
Students in the Exposure photography program, which is open to students at predominantly Black middle and high schools, learn photography in a blended format. The group also welcomes teaching artists, subject matter experts and other volunteers through its Take Action page, and visitors can see its outdoor and pop-up exhibits.
Who it is for
- Who can join
- Open to anyone
- Community
- Black community
- Who is there
- Teens, Kids
When and where
Youth programs run through partner schools and libraries, and exhibits and fundraisers pop up through the year. Dates are posted on Instagram, Linktree and Eventbrite.
Philadelphia, programs at partner schools, libraries and pop-up exhibits
We do not have a meeting place for this group yet.
You can join online.
Your first visit
Feeling unsure the first time is normal. Most groups are glad when someone new walks in.
First step: Follow the group on Instagram or open its Linktree to find the next exhibit or workshop and RSVP. To volunteer or offer a skill, send an inquiry through the Contact Us form on the Take Action page..
You can just show up.
What to expect
A first visit is usually a public photo exhibit, which may be outdoors, at a pop-up, or online. Some pieces use virtual reality headsets that you can only try in person. Some events are free and others ask for a small donation, and some have required an RSVP.
Tips for your first visit
- Check the group's Linktree for RSVPs before you go, since some events have required one.
- Outdoor events go ahead rain or shine, so dress for the weather.
- Plan to visit the exhibit itself if you want to try the virtual reality headsets.
Newcomer welcome
Fine for newcomers, but you may need to speak up (3 out of 5). Why we say this: Public exhibits and events are posted openly, and the Take Action page lists volunteer roles with a contact form. Youth program seats are for students at partner schools, and the site does not describe a newcomer program..
Cost and commitment
- Cost
- Cost not known yet. Donations are welcome. Event prices vary: one outdoor event was free, and another suggested a $5 donation for ages 12 and up. Check each listing.
- How often
- One time event
Access and languages
- Wheelchair access
- We do not know yet. Ask the group before you go.
- Languages spoken
- We do not know yet which languages are spoken.
- Access notes
- The virtual reality parts of the exhibit need in-person headsets, and the online exhibit is best viewed on a computer.
Requirements
- Children can take part with a parent.
How to reach them
We copy contact details as the group or a public source published them. Each one shows where it came from.
- Website: storiesinmybackyard.org Source: nccsdata.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com, seen October 4, 2026 ; Source: storiesinmybackyard.org, seen October 8, 2026
- Contact: Kyra Williams Source: nccsdata.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com, seen October 4, 2026 ; Source: storiesinmybackyard.org, seen October 8, 2026
- Social media: Instagram, Facebook Source: storiesinmybackyard.org
Sources and last check
Checked by our research team on October 8, 2026. This was a closer look, including what a first visit is like.
- Last seen active
- April 2026 (See the evidence)
- Last checked by our team
- October 8, 2026
- Status
- Active
- Our confidence in this listing
- Medium
- IRS Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Pennsylvania extract, seen October 4, 2026. Supports: Name, Location, Ein
- nccsdata.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com, seen October 4, 2026. Supports: Name, Location, Website, Contact name, Ein
- storiesinmybackyard.org, seen October 8, 2026. Supports: Summary, What they do, Schedule, Status, First step, Contacts, Audience, Requirements, Last sign of life, Sign of life url
- storiesinmybackyard.org, seen October 8, 2026. Supports: What they do, First step
- storiesinmybackyard.org, seen October 8, 2026. Supports: Audience, Crowd, Cost, Access
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