About us

Learn more about what we do and who we are

Background

Zainab Funnah organized the Black is Beautiful Photoshoot to encourage and uplift black beauty for young women in the summer of 2020. 

After receiving the Inspire Founders Award and a $500 donation from HUDL to continue her project she decided to start a non-profit organization to continue her vision and give back to the community. 

The organization was established in early 2021 and obtained 501(c)(3) approval in early 2022.

As of 2023,
10 scholarships have been awarded (senior photo scholarships or monetary). The overall value for all scholarships awarded has reached over $7,000 as of the end of 2023.  

Goals

~Educate and increase awareness of Black beauty and culture through community projects

~Give back to Nebraska high school seniors via annual scholarship and senior photo session 

~Assist undergraduate students via an annual scholarship opportunity

~Celebrate and promote community involvement and connection

~ Bring more exposure to our local Black community members, arts, and culture to elevate representation for our youth on opportunities available in NE for Black community members.

Partners

Our continued gratitude to our local business sponsors and sponsors in kind: 

Partners -
RG Professional Realty Grp
Malone Community Center

Sponsors
Lincoln Art Council
Lincoln Arts Grant Program
Antione Exteriors
Bol Visuals
Shannon Formal Wear
DJ Kef
Noreland Pure
Longwells
Cholivia's Kitchen
Cigar Lounge
The Post
Turbine Flats
Target
Art of Love Cakes
Lila Mai's
Ashley Shai
Corn Coast Cuts
JSM Loving my Skin
Stur 22/Deeply Root'd
Mfinanga Photography + Motion


Media Coverage

2020 Black is Beautiful

Lincoln Journal Star Article

2020 Founders Award

Inspire Award 

Who are we

Have interest in supporting or getting involved in the organization? Contact us via our contact us page.

Zainab Funnah

Founder

Jamil Funnah

Board Member

Mismiki
Montgomery

Board Member

Manny 
Abdelkarim

Board Member 

OPEN

Board Member

OPEN

Board Member