Cute Overload: Kids Embody Famous Black Figures in ‘Because of Them’ Campaign

"Because of Them" Ad Campaign by Eunique Jones - George Washington Carver

Because of Them Ad Campaign by Eunique Jones – George Washington Carver

As Black History Month comes to a close, we’ve seen many creative projects in honor of the historic month, but none as adorable as this campaign by photographer Eunique Jones titled, “ Because of them, we can… “

Inspired by her own two children, 4-year-old Chase , and 7-month-old Amari , Eunique wanted to tribute a few African-American individuals who have paved the way for her kids’ future.

"Because of Them" Ad Campaign by Eunique Jones - Kerry Washington

Because of Them Ad Campaign by Eunique Jones – Kerry Washington

Consisting of 28 posters (for each day in February), she enlisted 40 boys and girls to take on the likeness of influential black figures — past and the present.

Angela Davis, Frederick Douglass, The Williams’ Sisters, Josephine Baker , and Kerry Washington are among those chosen to be re-envisioned through the children who will someday take their place.

Little Chase, who I’ve watched grow up through photographs by Eunique and her husband since he was a baby, is also apart of the series portraying Muhammad Ali .

"Because of Them" Ad Campaign by Eunique Jones - Muhammad Ali

Because of Them Ad Campaign by Eunique Jones – Muhammad Ali

“My lens is like my microphone, it gives me the opportunity to send a message through a picture,” she recently told theGrio . “[This project is] something that the kids needed to see. The message has legs.”

The campaign’s popularity has caused people to ask Eunique to keep the project going, even after Black History Month is over.

“People don’t want the pictures to stop! Black history is so much more than Black History Month. It can’t be covered in 28 days,” she says. “People want me to continue the series for the whole year. They don’t know what to do on March 1st [when it ends].”

"Because of Them" Ad Campaign by Eunique Jones - Venus and Serena Williams

Because of Them Ad Campaign by Eunique Jones – Venus and Serena Williams

The 11″ x 17″ posters, which also feature inspirational quotes, are available for sale individually for $20.00 each, or as a full set for $280.00 at becauseofthemwecan.com .

Enjoy a few more from the series below and keep up with Eunique’s photography on Facebook .

About the author  ⁄ theComplex

Editor-in-Chief at Sinuous Magazine, designer, and founder of NYC-based boutique design firm theComplex Media & Design. I've been designing for 13 years, writing on the internet for about the same, and I appear on radio and podcasts under the name "Lanae Mc'Levans." Photographer and overall geek who is passionate about art, music, politics, technology, fashion, and women's issues. A serial day-dreamer. Foul-mouthed. Opinionated.