How to have a Perfect Philly Day, according to The Colored Girls Museum founder Vashti DuBois

Taking its name from James Brown’s iconic 1968 protest song, “Say it Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud,” the Colored Girls Museum’s 10th year anniversary show’s message is clear.

“Black people have done so many amazing things under extraordinary circumstances,” said Vashti DuBois, the Germantown museum’s executive director, on a recent Wednesday afternoon.

DuBois sat among classic books by Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, and Maya Angelou and new authors like Philly’s own Tre Johnson, author of Black Genius, in the museum’s dining room that doubles as its library. Eight small cardboard portraits of Black women by Angela Davis Johnson are arranged like a hopscotch board on the room’s lemon yellow walls.

DuBois named each room in “Say It Loud” after a popular Black colloquialism. Basically, if you know, you know.

The library is called “Keep My Name Out Yo Mouth,” a nod to Black writers — especially the late Philadelphia mystery writer Barbara Neely — determined to tell authentic Black stories in authentic Black voices.

“I wanted to assemble a group of artists whose work lead with the everydayness of who we are as Black people,” DuBois said of the eight-room show featuring pieces from more than 25 artists.

“When ‘Say it Loud’ came out, it was our national anthem because it captured who Black people were in our neighborhoods, in our homes, in our churches, celebrating our style.”

Brown’s powerful lyrics of yesteryear are as bold as the contemporary paintings of neon dancing figures by Philadelphia artist Susan Ragland welcoming visitors to the first floor living room. DuBois calls this space “Who All Gonna Be There?”

The other rooms have names like “Me, Myself, Personally” and “This, That, and The Third.” “Me, Myself, Personally” — curated by Dubois’ longtime friend and founder of the Detroit’s Irwin House Museum, Misha McGlown — marks the first time TCGM brought in a curator from outside Philadelphia.

“Quiet As It’s Kept” is a healing space co-curated by Philadelphia ceramicist Margery Cedano and Drexel professor and social justice advocate Ashley B. Gripper. Cedano’s vessels sit on the room’s ebony kitchenette counters next to Grippers’ medicinal herbs, sages, oils, tinctures.

Framed photographs stylized by Philadelphia artist Ayanna B. Jackson resemble 19th century paintings, are on the walls. One of them, Lucy, is Jackson’s interpretation of what the oldest of the three Black women surgeon J. Marion Sims performed gynecological experiments on, without pain relief medications, may have looked like.

“The kitchen is the sight of healing work,” DuBois said. “A lot of women cry in this room. We recognize the story of Lucy is triggering, so we can’t talk about her without giving an antidote for the pain.”

Acclaimed Asheville-based sculptor, performance artist, and community activist vanessa german will collaborate with DuBois this spring to build a site-specific installation. It will open in late June in time for the Summer Solstice.

Here is DuBois’ idea of a perfect Philly day.

I’m a 5 a.m. girl. When I get up, I head to my study. I sit in my rocking chair with a cup of black coffee and chat with the ancestors, listening to music. Sometimes I listen to Aretha Franklin, Minnie Ripperton, Dinah Washington, Nina Simone. Sometimes I listen to Public Enemy — hip-hop before it changed. I play what I think I might need for the day.

After listening to music, writing, and meditating, I’d make my way to Ubuntu Fine Art where I hang out with [owner] Steve [C.W. Taylor]. Sometimes he’s exhibiting fabulous photography. Other times he has guest artists. You never know who is going to show up there.

I’d go down to Harriett’s Bookshop and see Jeannine A. Cook. I’m so glad she put a coffee shop in that space, where I drink more coffee. I love seeing Jeannine’s selection of new books and vintage finds. It’s so relaxing. I can really get lost in the shelves.

I’m a consignment shop, thrifty girl. After going to Harriett’s I’d walk over to Jinxed in Fishtown. Everything they have is so eclectic. They may place a 60s mod lamp next to a 50s Formica table that will get me to thinking about staging the museum.

Next, I’ll go see my girl Dorothea [Gamble] at Trunc. If you don’t know about Trunc, then you’re sleeping. Whenever I’m looking for a unique gift, I go there. It’s so thoughtfully curated. Fun fact: I purchased one of Margery [Cedano]’s vessels there before I ever knew who she was.

After that, I’m going to see Kenya [Abdul-Hadi] at Modern Republic. They have incredible art. I’m always thinking of the museum as theater and they are a source of inspiration because their aesthetic is informed by our culture.

Even if I don’t need to buy clothing, I’m going over to Joan Shepp. I have things that I bought from her a decade ago. I’m not trendy, I’m classic. I like interesting pieces that are well-made and feel like they are made for me. It’s always a treat when [store manager] Tuesday [Gordon] is there.

On my way home, I stop at Honeysuckle for dinner. They do a four-course meal that is just amazing. They layer the flavors so that each of the dishes complement each other creating a party in my mouth. By the time I get to dessert, I was levitating.

The Colored Girls Museum is located at 4613 Newhall Street. “Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud” will be on view through early 2027. The museum is open on Saturdays; Tickets must be purchased in advance online. Group tours can be scheduled during the week by appointment only.