Black block party
Event coverage for the 2 little hours I was there.
-Joy Maynard
23/08/2025
I came into this event with all of my emotions and vulnerabilities on the table. To be very clear I wasn’t paid to photograph this, I went of my own free will because I knew the type of shots I could get (and because I didn’t sign up)
First of all let me say thank you to Koki for allowing me to photograph this event. I was excited for the BBP for monthsss even though I knew it wasn’t very likely I could attend. THE Black Block Party of the year by the Vancouver Art Gallery in downtown.
I had 1 job. Photograph black food, black entertainment, black fashion, black joy, black energy. Sounds like a lot more than 1 job but you get my point. I had a mere 2 hours to capture the shots I needed, make sure they represented me and the event well and make sure I would not have wasted my time and money going down there. Babysitters cost money. So I did my absolute best to emerge myself so I could shoot from my heart, not check shots off a checklist. Since I wasn’t asked to cover the event, I didn’t have to shoot with any anxieties or expectations and I could look for the shots that are not required by the other photographers. So I kinda… shot the other photographers too?
Let’s talk black fashion.
One of the reasons I was excited for this day was to see the fits. It’s just something about the way they do it. I love the “I never would’ve thought to put those things together but you make it look so good” effect I get from seeing them. No matter if they’re Caribbean, African American, African, Afro-latios, it really doesn’t matter, it’s in them not on them.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about my wardrobe and how I could dress more “me”. You know, there’s this whole deep spiritual, philosophical journey one has to go through before they find out who “me” is first before it translates into their art and dress and literally everything around them. That’s where I’m at. Also, being a little island girl in a city where I hardly even see another black person on a daily basis, it kinda makes me feel like a highlighter amongst black sharpies. I want to experiment freely with my wardrobe but as that calls for a budget, time, trial and error and some bravery, some days I don’t have all of those things at once so it feels so much harder than necessary. But coming to an event full of like-minded people would spark my creative mind, I just knew it. So here’s my highlight of most of the gorgeous fits I came across for short bit of time I was there. (I’m so sorry I missed the girl I first saw at the gate, her whole ambiance was amazing!)
All in all, heat included, this was one of the best events I’ve attended for the year. Food good, vibes immaculate, fits fitting, everyone welcoming and loving. Performances by Terrance R and Feven Kidane & Quintet, many talented DJs, Citto’s lemonade spotted in everyone’s hands, surrounded by amazing artwork and vendors that just made everything feel alive. Feel free to view the full album below. See you guys again!
Please note, the photos are free for all personal use. If you wish to alter them for your own personal use, you may do so. However, photos for commercial use require permission and a licensing fee. By downloading these photos you are accepting the terms of use and are subjected to penalties if used without permission.
Thank you, and enjoy!