John W. Mosley Captures Black Philadelphia

“John W. Mosley (1907-1969), a self-taught Philadelphia photojournalist, was known to photograph up to four events, every day, often working seven days a week. His work was published in numerous African-American newspapers including the Philadelphia Tribune; he captured the daily activities of Philadelphia’s black community.” “These intimate scenes of African-American culture and life, captured by the prolific photographer John W. Mosley, are now on exhibit at the Philadelphia International Airport.”

"Children in Front of the Pearl Theater" from John W. Mosley Photo Collection - Temple University

Temple University News

By Eryn Jelesiewicz

Published: Jun 13, 2012

“The 55 photos on view vetted from the more than 300,000 images that comprise Mosley’s life’s work, bring one of the most treasured assets of the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection at Temple University Libraries to the millions of travelers who pass through the airport.”

"Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. attends rally at Girard College" from John W. Mosley Photo Collection - Temple University

“At the opening reception for the exhibit, Diane Turner, curator of the Blockson Collection, called both Mosley and Blockson cultural warriors. ‘John W. Mosley was documenting the African-American community during a period from the 1930s through the 1960s when there were many stereotypical images of African Americans,’ said Turner. ‘Mr. Blockson understood the importance of preserving the Mosley photographs and making them accessible because they represented an accurate record of Black Philadelphia.’”

"Mother and daughter smile for the camera on Chicken Bone Beach" from John W. Mosley Photo Collection - Temple University

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