This deeply personal and powerful project brought to life a vision shared between Leanne Pero, founder of Black Women Rising and talented photographer Noam Friedman. What began as a personal photo shoot after Leanne’s double mastectomy grew into a movement—culminating in the world’s first all-Black cancer portrait exhibition and now, this book.

We were commissioned to design a coffee table publication that gave space for these women’s voices – uncut and unapologetic. Featuring striking black and white analogue photography by Noam Friedman, the portraits are emotionally rich and deliberately raw. Each image is paired with the subject’s own words, allowing their stories to be told with honesty and on their terms.

Our design approach was minimal and intentional. We let the photographs speak. The layout is led by the powerful imagery, unfiltered and drawn directly from contact sheets, to retain the texture and imperfection of film. It was essential that the design didn’t sanitise or polish what made the work powerful. Instead, we highlighted its raw vulnerability. The absence of colour strips away distraction, leaving space for connection, reflection and truth.

This book stands as a tribute to over 100 women, whose bravery and openness help challenge silence around cancer in the Black community.

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