Chicago Reader Features Alum Yvonne Welbon’s Storytelling Journey

Alum Yvonne Welbon (MFA 1994), featured in the Chicago Reader, is an acclaimed filmmaker known for documenting Black lesbian history. Welbon’s work has screened at PBS, the Berlin Film Festival, BET, Bravo, and Sundance. She’s directed nine films and produced 15, including the award-winning documentary Living With Pride: Ruth C. Ellis @ 100, which highlights the life of the oldest known out lesbian activist.  Recognizing the gap in Black lesbian history, she opened the Sisters in Cinema Media Arts Center in South Shore. This nonprofit celebrates and supports Black girls, women, and gender-nonconforming filmmakers, continuing her mission to elevate underrepresented voices in film.