Sheilby Macena

Sheilby Macena is a Haitian-American photographer, born in Florida and currently residing in Oakland, California. Her interest in photography, particularly portraiture, was sparked by her own family albums and the contrast between her family's life in Haiti and her own in the United States. Her background and personal experiences have played a significant role in shaping her artistic vision and approach to storytelling through photography.

Sheilby's photographic work celebrates the human experience by capturing candid moments that communicate the stories, histories, and emotions of her subjects. Her focus on intimacy and authenticity allows her to not only document the present, but also honor the past. Her unique style of storytelling seamlessly blends ethereal delicacy and sharp angularity, encapsulating the complexity and multiplicity inherent in the black experience. Sheilby's photographs serve not only as a reflection of her subjects, but also as a reflection of herself and her own experiences, making her work deeply personal and sincere. Through her photographs, she invites the viewer to connect with the stories and emotions of her subjects, and to consider their own experiences and histories.

In addition to her personal photographical work, Sheilby runs NARRATVES which serves a unique role as a community-focused organization dedicated to giving back to local Oakland community. The aim is to preserving the authenticity Indigenous voices, centering descendants of Africa and Turtle Island in the San Francisco Bay Area through documentary-style projects.

With her co-lead, Jzov Najea, they have aimed to document the lives and projects of Black and Indigenous folks through visual and written storytelling to provide opportunities for increased awareness and resource acquisition from the larger community to support our interviewees. They also support documenting and preserving the sacred and rich biographies of people who have considered Occupied Chochenyo Ohlone land, also known as Oakland, home for generations.

NARRATVES team is working hard to apply for 501(c)3 status for the 2025 year.