

The Pioneer's Manuscript
The Pioneer's Manuscript strives to strengthen U.S.-Japan relations by highlighting historical and contemporary partnerships between African American and Japanese communities. The project also seeks to cultivate the next generation of global leaders through New Adventures, an international-local hybrid mentorship program.
Pillars of Action
Historical Sites
A visual archive documenting the journeys of pioneering figures such as Josephine Baker and Langston Hughes across Japan from the 1800s through the 1990s.
Contemporary Pioneers
Contemporary pioneers forging cross-cultural partnerships across the arts, business, and civic life between Black American and Japanese communities.


Japanese Partners
Japanese leaders, artists, educators, and professionals who have fostered lasting grassroots partnerships with African American communities.


This project is supported by the United States-Japan Foundation through the National Association for Black Engagement With Asia.
Camera equipment for the project was provided by Midwest Photo.




