How this husband and wife’s photography book shatters beauty standards for Black children

By Brittany Berkowitz

Kahran and Regis Bethencourt are more than just photographers.

The husband-and-wife team are visual storytellers.

“It’s really more than just the photos,” explained Kahran Bethencourt. “We call it a movement.”

Kahran and Regis Bethencourt via St. Martin's Press

Kaylee Hope is an honor roll student from Chicago's South Side. She hopes to one day become a professional singer and songwriter.

The Atlanta couple’s latest photography book, "GLORY," aims to shatter the standards of beauty for Black children.

“It was really a chance for us to redefine the narrative, retell our own stories,” Bethencourt told "Good Morning America." “For so long, there's been these negative stereotypes of Black kids in the media and it was our opportunity to really just showcase Black excellence.”

Kahran and Regis Bethencourt via St. Martin's Press

At the age of 2, Nevaeh Camara escaped genocide from Northern Sudan. Her family came to America as a refugees.

With hundreds of photos of Black children and a collection of powerful essays about them, "GLORY" goes beyond the traditional coffee table book.

“We touch on so many different topics. From domestic violence to issues of kids not being accepted because of their skin tone,” said Bethencourt. “I really wanted kids to be able to look into this book and to be able to see themselves reflected no matter who they are."

Kahran and Regis Bethencourt via St. Martin's Press

Kybren Kabir Niane loves getting dressed up and singing in the choir at Calvary Revival Church in Virginia.

From a toddler who learned how to read at the age of 1 to an 8-year-old neuroscientist, the Bethencourts traveled all over the world to bring these stories to life.

Kahran and Regis Bethencourt via St. Martin's Press

Nailah Stallworth was just a little over a year old when she started reading.

“A lot of people think when they come to our page, they think that all the kids are child models,” said Bethencourt. “ I have to tell them that no, these are just regular, everyday kids.”

Kahran and Regis Bethencourt via St. Martin's Press

Kahran Bethencourt on set for 'GLORY: Magical Visions of Black Beauty.'

"GLORY" isn’t just for children.

The Bethencourts hope their work sparks conversations within Black families.

Kahran and Regis Bethencourt via St. Martin's Press

Logan and Ava Fullington are sisters from South Carolina.

“I wanted parents to be able to read these stories to their child, and hopefully it opens up those conversations and gives them an outlet to be able to start the conversations because, honestly, it's conversations that Black families are having around the world,” said Bethencourt.

Kahran and Regis Bethencourt via St. Martin's Press

'GLORY' highlights Black children who are redefining beauty standards and ideals.

She went on, “[The] No. 1 thing that we hear from adults ... [is] that I wish I had this kind of representation growing up. We didn't have anything close to that. So I'm happy to be able to do it for the next generation.”