In an effort to redefine and enrich the preservation of Black photographic heritage, an groundbreaking symposium recently took place in Accra, Ghana. This gathering convened a diverse group of creators, custodians of history, collectors, and academics to delve into the complexities of safeguarding Black photographic narratives and to explore the true essence of archival care. Initially conceived with the title, 'To Collect & Collate: The Unsung Keepers of Black Photography,' the organizers, Laylah Amatullah Barrayn and Dr. Emilie Boone of NYU, deliberately removed 'unsung.' This crucial modification underscored their conviction that these custodians have always been recognized and celebrated within their own communities, challenging the traditional view of archives as exclusive formal institutions and highlighting their dynamic presence across all facets of life.
Hosted at NYU Accra, the three-day event fostered a vibrant exchange among participants, including academic scholars, art historians, community archivists, and family members dedicated to memory work. The symposium sought to honor the archival institution while critically examining its underlying assumptions, ethical considerations, historical trajectory, and future potential, especially within an African, decolonial framework. Barrayn, a distinguished documentary photographer and professor at Rutgers University, articulated that for people of African descent, 'memory work' is not merely a professional pursuit but a fundamental aspect of their survival, underscoring the profound significance of this endeavor. She views photographic history and its archives as inherently both liberating and potentially oppressive, serving as a mirror reflecting societal concerns, challenges, aspirations, and values of any given era. The symposium’s program, which included presentations by leading cultural figures, artists, and scholars, alongside visits to local archives and research centers, was meticulously curated to explore this expansive understanding of the photographic archive, facilitating vital conversations among esteemed thought leaders deeply rooted in their communities.
Key discussions during the symposium addressed a broad spectrum of topics, from the ethical considerations of compensating archivists to the rigorous standards required for faithful archival preservation. The central theme emerging from these conversations was the critical interplay of accessibility and ethics. Dr. Kenneth Montague, a collector based in Toronto, exemplified a collector's model prioritizing artists' interests over market pressures, emphasizing stewardship and care rather than mere ownership. Paul Ninson, founder of the Dikan Centre, highlighted his institution-building approach focused on cultivating a new generation of archival practitioners. C. Rose Smith, Assistant Curator of Photography at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, described the symposium itself as an 'act of care,' forging connections between the histories of African and Black American photographers and their unwavering commitment to respectfully representing their communities. This emphasis on 'dignity and pride' diverges from the more clinical approach often found in traditional Western archival practices, which have historically focused on scientific categorization or dominant cultural ideals. The symposium stressed that archives are not solely the domain of formal institutions but reside within homes and communities, encouraging a more accessible and inclusive understanding of preservation.
The choice to hold this significant event in Accra added layers of profound meaning, particularly for Ghanaian artist and cultural historian Rita Mawuena Benissan, who noted the burgeoning interest among young archivists in engaging with their family and national histories. The symposium fostered a dynamic 'call and response' environment, where speakers and participants seamlessly transitioned between roles as authoritative voices and inquisitive respondents, promoting a communal and deeply connected exchange of ideas. This collaborative spirit, mirroring the dialogical nature of memory work within communities, is set to continue with a planned second iteration in Accra in 2028, aiming for a Pan-African scope encompassing Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. This initiative embodies a forward-looking commitment to inclusivity and the celebration of diverse cultural legacies. The ongoing efforts to preserve and reinterpret these vital histories contribute significantly to a more just and comprehensive global understanding of the past and inspire a proactive approach to shaping future narratives with integrity and respect.