COMPOSITIONS OF BLACK JOY: VISION & IMPACT
Our Philosophy
Compositions of Black Joy isn’t just a book—it’s a testament, a declaration, a celebration. It’s about community, legacy, and the stories that make us who we are.
A visual chronicle of seven years of the Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival in Germantown, this book captures the moments, honors the people, and embodies the spirit of Black joy in action.
However, Compositions of Black Joy is more than something to flip through and admire. It calls on people to step up—support Black-led cultural initiatives, show up for community-driven storytelling, and amplify the voices that have been doing the work. Juneteenth isn’t just a holiday or a day off, it represents a powerful legacy.
This book makes sure that legacy doesn’t just survive but thrives.
Why This Matters
For Black folks, this book reflects our power, our pride, and our ability to carve out joy in a world that often tries to deny it.
For those outside the Black community, it’s an invitation. A challenge to see beyond the headlines, beyond the struggle, and witness the fullness of who we are and how we can contribute more to a thriving society/culture.
Juneteenth isn’t just a holiday. It’s a movement, a reminder that Black freedom is an ongoing pursuit/mission, and Black joy is a victory we claim every day.
Catalyzing Change
Through its creation and circulation, Compositions of Black Joy helps to shift how Black joy is seen, shared, and sustained in our communities.
Moreover, the book is a call to build a lasting legacy. Not just on Juneteenth, but every day. One rooted in joy, shaped by history, and powered by the people committed to carrying it forward.
A Call to Action
Compositions of Black Joy isn’t just something to flip through and admire. It’s a prompt. A challenge. A call to show up—for Black-led cultural initiatives, for community-driven storytelling, for the voices that have long done the work but too often go unheard.
This book reminds us that Juneteenth isn’t just a moment—it’s a legacy. And that legacy demands participation. Whether you're teaching, organizing, archiving, or simply making space for joy in your community, Compositions of Black Joy offers a starting point—and a reason to keep going.
A Legacy That Grows
The Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival in Germantown is a vibrant demonstration that we’re still here—still honoring, still evolving. By capturing its growth over the years, Compositions of Black Joy shines a light on the people who’ve made it what it is: organizers, activists, entrepreneurs, families, and storytellers who are passionate about keeping our history alive and thriving.
But this isn’t just a Germantown story. It’s about the bigger picture—the fact that Black joy is woven into the very fabric of this country. The images and stories in this book remind us that our narratives aren’t just meaningful—they’re essential to realizing the aspirations we hold for the future of our nation.
Join The Movement
Compositions of Black Joy isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about now. It’s about ensuring the next generation sees themselves in these pages and knows they’re part of something bigger and more enduring.
Whether through education, cultural preservation, or simply making space for Black joy to flourish, this book is a catalyst. It sparks conversation, deepens connection, and keeps momentum alive.
Black joy isn’t just something to witness—it’s something to live, to share, to protect. Let’s make sure it echoes through generations to come.
Ways You Can Support
Buy the book
Choose the version that fits your journey—direct from the author, Amazon, or bulk via IngramSpark.
Stock it in your institution
Place it in libraries, classrooms, or bookstores where Black stories deserve to be seen.
Spread the word
Tell a friend, tag us, or bring it to your next community gathering.
Partner with us
Collaborate on events, panels, book talks, or custom programming.