Photojournal Series: Black Present within South Philadelphia
When I say introspection, I mean it in the sense of observation of one’s own disposition as a black person in a space; where one is and where one came from historically (henceforth, I can only speak for myself).
The term ‘Black present’ alludes to the idea of introspection. More precisely, creative introspection with notes of history. When I say introspection, I mean it in the sense of observation of one’s own disposition as a black person in a space; where one is and where one came from historically (henceforth, I can only speak for myself).
More than ever before now, black folks have access to places and spaces where historically we may not have, OR maybe we thought we’d never been before due to historical erasure. This is where Black present comes into play. To me, Black present is also a disposition; A foot down by creative introspection in those places and spaces— saying “NO, I BELONG HERE, AND I AM HERE TO STAY AND SHOW MY SUBJECTIVE VALUE AND EXPERIENCE.”
In my street work and documentation of the Italian market— you will at times see images with no Black folk. Most of the workers in that market are Hispanic, Black, and White in that order; yet we still refer to this as the ‘Italian Market’ with its historicity…
This is where ‘Black present’ introspection comes in— to look at places and spaces with a closer lens and creative eye; while also familiarizing yourself with its history and situating one’s self within the newer history being made. I have been documenting the Italian Market for almost 2 years trying to show this term through photography.
Introspection. History. Identity.
My subjects in this realm often do change with the year (children, men, women, moments of affection, groceries, lighting, etc.) — showing my initial definition of black present. I don’t think 50 years ago as a Black man I would be as comfortable as I am shooting in the spaces and places I am now. But through avenues of community, commitment, friendship, and lines of just putting yourself out there / a sort of uncomfortability— I have realized I belong there just as much as anyone else belongs there.
