Compositions of Black Joy: A Visual Chronicle of the Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival (2015-2022) is the companion book to the 2023 photography exhibit entitled Documenting the Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival in Germantown: A Visual Chronicle of Community, Resilience and Freedom that was on view at the Germantown Historical Society through the end of February 2025. Co-organized by the Johnson House Historic Site and Historic Germantown, the exhibit featured nearly 80 color photographs by Tieshka Smith and ephemera from the Johnson House that chronicled the growth and evolution of the Festival from 2015 to 2022.
Compositions of Black Joy is a celebration of Black families, culture, commerce and history. It captures the ways in which the Festival amplifies the voices and efforts of everyday people, activists and politicians working on behalf of Black lives. The book reflects the joy, resilience, historical significance, pride and the enduring vitality of Germantown, a northwest Philadelphia community and its connection to a powerful legacy of freedom, liberation and self-sufficiency that reaches back to the signing of the 1688 Germantown Quaker Petition Against Slavery, 177 years before 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.
The book features photographs from the exhibit along with archival photos of early- to mid-20th century Juneteenth, Emancipation and Freedom Day celebrations in Texas, Virginia and Philadelphia. Photos and maps of Germantown along with photos of the Johnson House Historic Site are also featured to underscore the historical significance and importance of both to the ongoing quest for Black liberation.
Currently, Compositions of Black Joy is available for purchase as a limited-edition hardcover.
The paperback edition will be released in June, 2025 and is available for pre-order.
As a limited-edition release, this beautifully bound hardcover is not just a book but a work of art. It’s designed for those who appreciate the finer things—whether to display in their home or gift to others who do the same.
Whether you're looking for a personal keepsake or the perfect gift, this book will leave a lasting impression on anyone who values Black culture, history, and photographic art. Order your copy of Compositions of Black Joy today!
Companies committed to diversity and inclusion are invited to consider bulk purchases of the book for employees, clients, or community initiatives. Together, we can spread the message of joy, resilience, and cultural pride.
Congregations that are interested in exploring the spiritual dimensions of community gatherings, resilience, and the enduring power of traditions and norms of Black culture will want to have this book.
Let's collaborate to bring Compositions of Black Joy to your community of faith. We are ready to help you put together the right community event, discussion, or educational series that explores spiritual dimensions of heritage and shared traditions like Juneteenth.
Book bloggers, podcasters, and social media influencers interested in discussing or promoting Compositions of Black Joy are encouraged to reach out. We welcome opportunities for interviews, reviews, and collaborations that amplify the voices and stories within our pages.
Teachers and professors, especially those in African American studies, history, sociology, or visual arts, should purchase this book as a resource for their courses or personal libraries.
Educators and institutions interested in integrating our book into their curriculum or events can reach out. We would love to explore opportunities for workshops, lectures, and discussions that connect students with the cultural themes represented in the book.
Since Compositions of Black Joy chronicles the Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival in the historic northwest Philadelphia neighborhood of Germantown, organizers of cultural events or festivals might find it useful for their resource libraries.
If your organization is dedicated to uplifting Black voices and fostering community connections, we would love to collaborate on events, outreach initiatives, and projects that align with our mission.
This book is a tribute to the vibrancy, traditions, and stories of the Black community in Philadelphia. It reflects the joy, connection, and heritage of the Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival in Germantown, resonating deeply with those of us who cherish and actively invest in Black culture and history.
If you have a passion for historical events and cultural movements, Compositions of Black Joy offers a unique lens into the evolution of Juneteenth celebrations and the role they play in commemorating freedom and resilience. Readers will be drawn to understanding cultural milestones and legacies that shaped our society for the better.
Compositions of Black Joy isn't just a book; it’s a vehicle through which the community can celebrate the richness of Black culture and the significance of the Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival in Germantown. We believe that collaboration enhances our collective storytelling and allows us to reach a broader audience.
Let's work together to showcase Compositions of Black Joy in your store! We are open to hosting book signings, readings, and events that can engage our shared community.
Organizations committed to curating works that reflect cultural diversity, community heritage and historical significance will appreciate Compositions of Black Joy.
Are you looking to enhance your collection with a resource that encourages meaningful dialogue around Black heritage, resilience, and community?
We are eager to partner with museums and cultural centers that focus on African American history and culture. Together, we can create programming and exhibits that celebrate the importance of Juneteenth and the stories captured in our photography.
Reach out to us!
Do you appreciate the art and craft of visual storytelling? This book appeals to lovers of photography who appreciate the craft of capturing meaningful moments. The rich colors and emotions captured in each image invite readers to experience the artistry behind every shot.
People who visit Philadelphia and want to take home a piece of the city's living history will see this book as an excellent memento or gift that highlights the Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival and the historic neighborhood of Germantown.
Discover what early reviews are saying about Compositions of Black Joy, a stunning visual and cultural chronicle of seven years of the Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival in Germantown. From heartfelt praise to thoughtful reflections, their insights highlight the book’s artistic excellence, historical significance, and deep emotional resonance. Compositions of Black Joy is celebrated as:
Explore how Compositions of Black Joy is already making an impact, setting the stage for future conversations about Black joy, resilience, and legacy.
With its rich documentation of the past and present, Compositions of Black Joy sets the stage for future historians to build upon. Perfect for history buffs, this book bridges generations by capturing the evolution of Juneteenth celebrations and their profound cultural significance in Germantown and beyond.
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