Let’s come together and figure out what’s going on
Join us for a 90-minute session, June 19, 2026 11am EDT | 1600 BST | 1700 CEST
We love to celebrate a history of our African Diaspora in the United States of America. Emancipated. Free. Enterprising. Self-determined. Sovereign. Dignified. Joyous Celebratory. Community-focused. Laughing. Dancing. Singing. These words are our rightful roots of every day existence. We will center them as we come together to commemorate Juneteenth this year.
Join Ian Watts and Dr. Jude Smith Rachele as they explore the images Ian has taken across the decades, the years gone by, of some of the most prominent and influential people in African-American history. The people Ian has photographed span writers, musicians, spiritual leaders and politicians. This message contains hints of who these characters are. Can you decipher it and identify our key assets?
We have curated his collection, and hand-picked four key subjects that we will honor with you. They are household names who carry a tremendous legacy, and who have transformed pain and suffering into art, beauty and unity.
About Ian
The photography of Ian Watts refuses to be bound by borders and national identities. His novel transnational photography showcases extraordinary access to many well-known international figures, celebrities, and artists, with his work featured in Africa magazine, the Times, Newsweek, West Africa magazine, and Motown Records, amongst many others.
He has a multi-decade career featuring the critical voices, complex politics, social changes and independence movements in the USA, the UK, Africa and Caribbean. Each photograph illuminates the political, social, and cultural aspects of the time, traversing across oceans and often controversial perspectives and personalities. Serving as a visual testament to Black communities’ shared resilience and triumphs against systemic oppression and injustice on a global scale.
The rich tapestry of Black culture through Ian Watts’ photographs includes influential diasporic artists, writers, and community organizers. His work explores the theme of cultural vibrancy and artistic expression.
Other themes in his work highlight community resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity. This concept features in his photographs of grassroots organizations, community leaders, and everyday people coming together to support each other and build a better future. Ian’s photography captures scenes from multifarious events, as well as moments of everyday life within the Black community.
Ian Watts’ lens captures the essence of ordinary moments, inviting reflection on the shared experiences that define us as a global diaspora. Through his lens, we witness the universal longing to find a place to call ‘home’ and the enduring spirit of community that transcends borders.
Here we step in to a world where cultural identity intertwines with the essence of belonging. Through captivating imagery, we delve into community life at the heart of African-American culture.
Pull up a Seat at the Table
We believe many of you are, as we are, people united to save humanity. We believe the more we gather together to celebrate our history, find common grounds upon which we all stand together, the better we will all be.
It is time for us to pull up a few seats at our ancestors’ table. Come and discover who the others guests are. This is not just an event for African-Americans. It is for us all, even if you’re coming from another country.
