Hallelujah Hats

From the early time of slavery to today, the African American community has embraced the church as a symbol and site for inspiration, guidance and hope. The celebration of adorning oneself has deep roots dating back to the first African slaves in America.

Hallelujah Hats is a celebration of the churches of Washington Park, the once thriving segregated African American community in Mesa, Arizona, through the jewelry, hats, and fashion worn by female churchgoers. The exhibition focuses around five churches: North Center Street Baptist, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal, Voice of Pentecost, Holy Temple Church of Christ, and Mt. Baptist Calvary Church.

The book includes photos of vintage hats, purses, gloves, costume jewelry shoes, dresses, and fur-lined, collared wool coats typically worn by the church members. It also includes historic photographs of ceremonial baptisms in the local canal.