By Rev. Gregory S. Smith

Co-founder, Romus Broadway Photography Camp

The Romus Broadway photography camp successfully completed its second summer camp season and has proven that it can instill inspiration into the lives of young aspiring photographers. This yearly initiative, sponsored by the Witherspoon-Jackson Historical and Cultural Society and inspired by the memory of Romus Broadway (a community icon who photographed and chronicled the lives of the residents of the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood for over 50 years), serves to assist students in learning the power of self-expression and the value of capturing history through a camera lens.

This year, the two-week camp hosted six young men ranging in age between 14 and 18. It was coincidental that the participants were all male, but, according to program director Asha Weal, the gender makeup created a unique level of personality and energy during the camp.

This year the camp also welcomed Mr. Davon Rodgers, a social and emotional learning specialist who also happens to be a professional photographer, to join Mrs. Weal’s staff. The staff fed off each other’s energy and produced a wonderful formula for the six young men to connect and thrive!

Asha Weal, Program Director, RBPC

Davon Rodgers, Staff Photographer, RBPC

All photos courtesy RBPC

This year, the students had the pleasure of studying with Alan Chimacoff, retired Princton university professor of architecture, who spent several days highlighting the art of photographing buildings. Adam Welch, Executive Director of the Arts Council of Princeton and WJHCS Trustee, also stopped by the camp to spend time with the students.

They also spent an incredible day with Ricky Shoebio, a Creative Director, Photographer, and Founder of Know Your Dope LLC. Shoebio is a collaborative genius who has completed work for brands such as Footlocker, Nike, Jordan Brand, and Puma; he has also worked with influential individuals such as Bisa Butler, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and R&B artist Ciara. Shoebio highlighted the role digital photography has on society and how he maintains his influential social media presence.

Guest instructor Ricky Shoebio works with the students.

In addition to this year’s guest instructors, students were once again inspired by our community historian Shirley Satterfield, who provided a comprehensive history of Princeton and the Witherspoon-Jackson Community.

WJHCS Trustees Shirley A. Satterfield and Leighton Newlin with RBPC Program Director Asha Weal

WJHCS board members Ashley Hightower and Leighton Newlin, Councilmember, also spent time supporting and inspiring the students. Through the generosity of donors, students were provided an opportunity to visit the historical archives at Princeton University under the leadership of university librarian Jennifer Garcon and her incredible staff. There, they viewed some of the earliest examples of photography known to man. They toured and took pictures of the Witherspoon-Jackson community, visiting the Witherspoon Presbyterian Church, First Baptist Church and several other known historical sites. The camp concluded with a celebratory graduation luncheon where the staff, family, donors and community representatives gathered to see the displayed individual work and the students’ cooperative Romus Broadway-inspired collage.

Students visit the historical archives at Princeton University under the leadership of university librarian Jennifer Garcon and her incredible staff.

Ms. Weal reported that she has continued communicating with the students who are sharing new photographic works, thanks to the cameras that they were able to keep following their participation.

The camp remains extremely grateful to the generosity of its donors: Princeton University, for the donation of space at the Carl A. Fields Center; the Witherspoon-Jackson Historical and Cultural Society, for financial support and the time of its Trustees; and Studio Hillier for their continuous contributions to making the camp successful. Many thanks to Lance Liverman, Iona Harding and Charles Phox, who volunteer tirelessly to ensure the camp remains active and vibrant for years to come!

Students finishing their day with ice cream