Black Lives Always Mattered!
Hidden African American Philadelphia in the 20th Century
The Black Lives Always Mattered project is a seminal graphic novel funded by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage that presents the history and impact of fourteen Black Philadelphians. The graphic novel will be written by Eisner Award winning author, Dr. Sheena C. Howard, and features artwork from some of the comic book industry’s finest talents: Akinseye Brown, Dylan B. Caleho, Jamar Nicholas, Micheline Hess, Nile Livingston, Eric Battle, Mike Leeke, Christine Kerrick, Nancy Devard, Jamar Nicholas, Dwayne Turner, Will Rosado, and Damali Beatty. Originally on display in Charles Library, this exhibit is a preview of their striking illustrations. Also displayed are selected graphic novels, comic books, cartoons and graphic memoirs created by African Americans, from the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection.
Curator and Art Director
Julius Harmon
Graphic Designer
Charles L. Blockson Collection
Dr. Diane Turner
Project Director | Curator of the Blockson Collection
Associate Director | Librarian at the Blockson Collection
Public Programs Organizer | Archivist at the Blockson Collection
360° Exhibit Creator | Digital Archives Specialist at the Blockson Collection
Charles Library
Assistant Director of Outreach and Communications
Artists/ Illustrators
Collaborative Partners
Lead Writer
Consultant
Evaluator
Curriculum Specialist
Partner