About Cream City Lens

Cream City Lens is a Milwaukee-based nonprofit storytelling collective dedicated to centering youth, families, and communities that are too often overlooked or misrepresented.

We believe representation is power—and that when people see themselves clearly, confidently, and truthfully, it shapes how they show up in the world.

Founded by creative director, photographer, and educator Terrance Sims, Cream City Lens was created to use photography, film, and media as tools for affirmation, access, and legacy-building. Our work sits at the intersection of art, education, and community development.

What We Do

Through photo and video storytelling, creative workshops, and youth-centered programming, Cream City Lens:

  • Amplifies youth voice and leadership

  • Documents community history and lived experience

  • Creates affirming visual narratives for Black and Brown communities

  • Builds confidence, skills, and creative pathways for young people

  • Preserves stories that deserve to be seen, heard, and remembered

Our projects range from youth leadership initiatives and mentorship storytelling to cultural celebrations, school partnerships, and intergenerational documentation.

Why It Matters

Too often, communities are only seen through moments of crisis. We exist to show the full picture—joy, brilliance, growth, resilience, and everyday excellence.

We don’t just capture images.
We build trust, create safe spaces, and collaborate with participants so their stories are told with care, dignity, and intention.

Our Approach

Cream City Lens is rooted in:

  • Youth-centered storytelling

  • Community collaboration

  • Cultural pride

  • Long-term impact, not one-off moments

We meet people where they are and create alongside them—not for them.

Looking Ahead

As a fully recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Cream City Lens is actively developing and expanding programs, pursuing grant funding, and partnering with schools, organizations, and community leaders to scale this work across Milwaukee and beyond.

This is legacy work.
This is community work.
This is storytelling with purpose.