• HOME
  • ABOUT US
  • REVOLUTIONARY WRITERS
  • UNDERGROUND RAILROAD
  • MAPPING SLAVERY NEWARK
  • VIRTUAL EXHIBITION
  • STAY THE BALLANTINE HOUSE
  • CONNECT WITH US
  • RESOURCES
  • INSTAGRAM
  • DONATE
  • EVENT REGISTRATION

Let's stay connected! Click here to share your email.

  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
  • REVOLUTIONARY WRITERS
  • UNDERGROUND RAILROAD
  • MAPPING SLAVERY NEWARK
  • VIRTUAL EXHIBITION
  • STAY THE BALLANTINE HOUSE
  • CONNECT WITH US
  • RESOURCES
  • INSTAGRAM
  • DONATE
  • EVENT REGISTRATION

Welcome

In the exhibition Inspire! Newark's Underground Railroad the exhibition concludes with some of Newark photographers who have documented culture and activism in the city over the past 50 years.

Thank you to John Matturi, Jillian M. Rock, Stafford Woods, Cesar Melgar and Tanisha Best for sharing their work.

Return to Mapping Slavery Newark

Photo Gallery

  

Photographer: John Matturri, Location: Newark Broad Street. Circa 1972 


What inspires you to document the land and the people of Newark? 

Throughout my career I have always primarily been a photographer of cities and was privileged to begin this work by wandering the streets of my hometown with a camera, observing and interacting with it and its people. 

Instagram: @johnmatturri 

  

Photographer: Jillian M. Rock, Location: Broad Street Newark, 2020 


What inspires you to document the land and the people of Newark?

My work is inspired by how Black people show up for one another through peaceful protests, love, and community building. I use documentations of their everyday life stories to juxtapose the stereotypes often placed on us.  

Instagram: @jillianmrock  

  

Photographer: Stafford Woods, 

“Photo of Jerry Gant” Location:  744 Broad Street (2004/2005)


What inspires you to document the land and the people of Newark? 

Newark artists have (a) gift for resiliency. Website: www.artistsnewark.com 

  

Photographer: Tanisha Best, Location: West Side Park/Baseball Field. Between South 13th and South 17th streets, 2022

 

What inspires you to document the land and the people of Newark? 

Newark is filled with the histories of resilient people whose beauty and the culture inspires and leaves me with a deeper appreciation for the city I call home. Instagram: @DearNewark 

  

Photographer: Cesar Melgar, Location: Wilson Avenue (Freight Train Pass), 2022 


What inspires you to document the land and the people of Newark? 

“It just came natural to me – to be surrounded by diverse culture, the pride and strength of our people, beautiful architecture, the texture of the city itself. These are delicious ingredients for a visual artist to cook with.” Website: www.cesarmelgarphotography.com 

Show More
  • HOME
  • REVOLUTIONARY WRITERS
  • REVOLUTIONARY NEWARK READ
  • MAPPING SLAVERY NEWARK
  • VIDEOS
  • STAY THE BALLANTINE HOUSE
  • CONNECT WITH US
  • INSTAGRAM
  • DONATE
  • Gallery
  • EVENT REGISTRATION

Black Power! 19th Century

Copyright © 2025 Black Power! 19th Century - All Rights Reserved.

Exhibition Newark Museum of Art Ballantine House Reopens!

Welcome! Stay! The Black Women of Nineteenth Century Newark is currently open. Also, check out online exhibitions - including www.mappingslaverynewark.com!

Learn more