By Rev. Gregory S. Smith

In the summer of 2022 after hearing a riveting Joint Effort lecture led by Jennifer Garcon, Princeton University’s Librarian for Modern and Contemporary Special Collections on photography and legacy, Rev. Gregory Smith contacted his “brother friends” Lance Liverman and Charles Phox to discuss the idea of creating a photography camp in honor of Romus Broadway. The committee grew to include Iona Harding, Jennifer Garcon and Shirley Satterfield. Together, they forged a proposal to create a camp that would teach the fundamentals of photography combined with the history of the Witherspoon-Jackson community.

The camp was later endorsed and supported by the Witherspoon-Jackson Historical and Cultural Society, whose mission is to research, preserve, understand, appreciate and celebrate the rich and proud history of African Americans in Princeton New Jersey.

Asha Weal and Ryshawn Cooper, both of whom are direct descendants of the community, joined with the committee to build an impressive photography curriculum aimed at students between the ages of 12 and 15 with an interest in photography and an appreciation for the Witherspoon-Jackson community. Our planning committee and staff grew to include Brittany Waller, an educator who assisted in the initial marketing phase and Moriah Akrong, who served as the Camp Program Coordinator.

The camp officially kicked off on June 20, 2023 and, over the course of the nine days, the students learned photographic techniques and took pictures of our rich and diverse community. The students learned about the history of Princeton and the Witherspoon-Jackson community led by the effervescent Shirley Satterfield. They also completed their own family trees and learned so much about themselves and each other in the process.

Jennifer Garcon led the students into the photography archives at Firestone Library where the students were able to view some of the oldest photographs in the United States. They learned about early photographic techniques and the unique history of African American photography. We also had guest presentations led by community artists Rhinold Ponder and Aaron Fisher who shared their own life experiences with art and how their work reflects the things that are important to social justice and change. The students bonded and built lasting relations. Our program culminated with a pizza reception where the kids shared their work with their parents, staff, and donors and discussed the many lessons learned through their experiences.

The camp is grateful to the Witherspoon-Jackson Historical and Cultural Society, Princeton University and the many generous donors who have donated their time and resources to make this camp an incredible reality.

Following the success of our inaugural camp, we are now preparing for the 2024 Summer session and would greatly appreciate your support in helping us reach as many young members of our community as possible. Please make any checks out to The Witherspoon-Jackson Historical and Cultural Society, in care of “The Romus Broadway Photography Camp.” Donations made through this website should include a note saying “The Romus Broadway Photography Camp.”