Odunde Festival has been a highlight of Philly summers for the past 50 years. That means that multiple generations have come to witness the power, the joy, and the sense of pride that comes with being a part of such a rich tapestry of culture and connection. For decades, this festival has been a wellspring of love for the Black diaspora, marked at the start of every ceremony by a collective offering to Oshun.

This year, in celebration of this half-century milestone, we were moved to make our own humble offering - free street portraits to 50 people. Thanks to the generosity of the community, we were able to exceed that goal and create nearly 60 portraits in a 2-hr window. In the sea of beauty, swag, wisdom, and character that is Odunde, every person who offered their time was a star.

Downloadable Gallery