We’re honored to be partnering with NYPL Picture Collection for Black History Month, facilitating weekly curations from black archivists revolving around themes that rein true in communities across the diaspora.
Selections / Words by Shay Waugh (@shayofthearts) , a Jamaican – American photographer & lab-technician for photodom.NYC.
“Resilience”
Resilience is the foundation of Jamaican life.
The ability to face struggles with strength, faith, and a likkle bit of style. It’s the spirit of the popular motto “wi likkle but wi tallawah”—knowing that no matter how small we are, we can overcome anything.
It’s seen in the way Jamaicans turn hardships into opportunities, laughter into healing, and setbacks into comebacks. A legacy passed down through sun-drenched days and starlit nights; from the sizzling spices of jerk to the pulse of reggae + dancehall, letting the warmth of community echo from the hills to the beaches.
Resilience is the fire that keeps Jamaicans moving forward.
Selections / Words by Shay Waugh.
Works provided by the New York Public Library Picture Collection.
