Positively Paterson: A Visual Storytelling Project Capturing the Spirit and Richness of Life in Our City
April 25, 2025
Capturing the beauty, resilience, and everyday magic of Paterson, New Jersey, Positively Paterson is a year-long visual storytelling collaborative project by New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC) and acclaimed photojournalist Thomas E. Franklin.
Discover the Heart of Paterson — One Frame at a Time
Positively Paterson is a bold, year-long photojournalism initiative by NJCDC in collaboration with award-winning photographer and filmmaker Tom Franklin. This visual storytelling project is dedicated to capturing the beauty, strength, and humanity of Paterson, New Jersey — a city too often defined by its struggles rather than its spirit.
Through Tom’s lens, Positively Paterson will showcase the everyday lives of residents and uncover the hidden gems that give the city its heartbeat — from large cultural gatherings to moments of quiet joy. These are the stories that rarely make headlines but deeply define the character of the city.
This is about delivering a more complete picture of a complicated city — one that honors Paterson’s complexities without ignoring its potential. It’s a visual reminder that hope and hardship can coexist, that beauty lives alongside adversity, and that our communities are so much more than the headlines would have you believe.
The initiative is especially focused on shining a light on underserved and underreported stories — voices and experiences that are too often marginalized or misunderstood. Whether it's an uncharted arts program shaping the next generation or a local elder keeping cultural traditions alive — this project aims to bring those stories forward with care and dignity.
Positively Paterson is not just a celebration — it’s a reset. A shift in the way we talk about and see Paterson. A call to look closer, listen harder, and believe more deeply in the goodness still happening all around us.
Got a Story Worth Telling?
We’re looking for moments that matter — hidden gems, neighborhood events, people making a quiet impact. If you have a story, place, or topic you think deserves a spotlight, we want to hear from you. To submit an event or story idea, email us or send us a message on Instagram or Facebook.
Positively Paterson in Action
Paterson is more than headlines — it’s people, stories, and pride. Here's a look at the powerful moments that bring our community together.
December
A Tribute in Color to Paterson’s Greats
Paterson unveiled a new series of murals by Art Commissioner Christopher Fabor Muhammad honoring the city’s historic leaders and athletic icons, celebrating the rich cultural diversity of the community.
A Simple Act of Giving in the Heart of Paterson
A group of student volunteers came together on Friday to make and distribute sandwiches to those in need outside Eva’s Village in Paterson, taking part in one of NJCDC’s annual post-Thanksgiving traditions.
November
Keeping the Beat of a Paterson Tradition
The JFK High School marching band carried on one of Paterson’s oldest Thanksgiving traditions, marching from Kennedy to Hinchliffe Stadium before performing at halftime of the annual rivalry game with Eastside.
Crosstown Clash Ends in Eastside Triumph
Eastside High School defeated Kennedy in a lopsided 52–0 Thanksgiving Day matchup, marking the 101st meeting between the crosstown rivals and Eastside’s seventh straight win.
Faith and Tradition Fill Market Street
Paterson’s Peruvian community brought the historic Señor de los Milagros procession to life, with hundreds lining Market Street as “cargadores” in purple robes carried the sacred Christ image through the neighborhood.
Holiday Warmth at City Hall
Roughly 3,000 residents lined up around City Hall as Mayor Andre Sayegh, City Council members, and volunteers handed out turkeys and chickens ahead of Thanksgiving.
Autumn at the Great Falls
The Paterson Great Falls glowed in peak autumn color as the city marked the 14th anniversary of its National Historical Park designation and welcomed the return of the restored pedestrian bridge soon to be named for the late Rep. Bill Pascrell.
Emergency Food Distribution Amid SNAP Halt
As the federal shutdown stalled SNAP benefits nationwide — affecting tens of thousands of Paterson residents, many with children — CUMAC staff and volunteers worked tirelessly through two weeks of cold, steady rain to package and distribute emergency food boxes.
October
NJCDC Annual Neighborhood Block Party
The New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC) hosted its annual block party at the Community Charter School of Paterson, offering a free day of food, music, fun, and community engagement.
Cosmos Fan Fest at Hinchliffe
The New York Cosmos held a Fan Fest at Hinchliffe Stadium, inviting fans to meet the team, participate in kids’ clinics and pick their seats for the season. Hundreds attended the family-friendly event, which also featured pickup games, food tables and Cosmos trophies on display at the Charles J. Muth Museum.
September
SOLID Skateboarding Block Party and Opening
SOLID, the skateboarding foundation in Paterson, celebrated the opening of its new facility on Governor St. with a Saturday open house and block party, with skateboarding demos, free lessons, food, music, and a ribbon-cutting led by Mayor André Sayegh.
Soccer Stars of Tomorrow Take the Field
MLS GO teamed up with the City of Paterson for a youth clinic at Pennington Park, giving hundreds of children the chance to train, scrimmage, and build excitement for the city’s new recreational soccer league.
Dominican MEGA Gala Shines in Paterson
Nearly 800 guests gathered at The Venetian for the 36th Annual Dominican MEGA Gala, a dazzling celebration of culture, music, and heritage capped off with a live performance by merengue legend Fernando Villalona.
August
Paterson Opens 10th Inclusive Playground
Children of all abilities now have a new place to play at Columbia Park, where city leaders and former Giants Super Bowl champions joined together to celebrate Paterson’s 10th inclusive playground.
City Lights Up for National Night Out
From block parties to bounce houses, Paterson’s six wards came alive with music, food, and family fun during National Night Out, an annual tradition strengthening bonds between neighbors, police, and community partners.
Paterson Honors Hinchliffe’s Legacy
Hinchliffe Stadium became the second site in New Jersey to receive a Black Heritage Trail marker, celebrating the contributions of African Americans in sports and beyond.
July
Peruvian Culture Takes Center Stage in Paterson Parade & Festival
In Peru's unofficial U.S. capital city, thousands lined the streets for a vibrant celebration of Peruvian Independence, complete with folkloric dancers, live music, and community pride.
Peruvian Parade Gala at The Legacy Castle
Over 800 guests celebrated the 39th Annual Peruvian Parade Gala, an evening of cultural pride and live music, where Grammy winners Tony and Mimy Succar performed — and where kings and queens were crowned.
One Square Mile Summer Bridge Program at Montclair State
Paterson teens spent an immersive week based at Montclair State University, exploring media and communications careers as well as NYC landmarks and local heritage.
June
Prototype 237 Weekly Open Community Jam
At a recent Monday evening open jam at Prototype 237 — a DIY community arts & performance venue perched above the Passaic River — local musicians and community members gathered for a genre-blurring night of live improvised music and creative exchange.
Eastside Park Juneteenth Community Flag Raising
Paterson’s second annual Juneteenth Community Flag Raising brought together residents, spiritual leaders, and elected officials for a powerful ceremony of remembrance, unity, and ancestral tribute.
City Hall Juneteenth Flag Raising
Local leaders and residents gathered in front of City Hall to mark Juneteenth with a heartfelt ceremony celebrating Black pride, history, and resilience -- including speeches by Mayor Andre Sayegh and Councilwoman Ruby Cotton.
May
"Blessing the Bikers" at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Hundreds of motorcyclists filled downtown Paterson for the 55th Annual Motorcycle Mass and Blessing, a beloved tradition founded by the late “motorcycle priest” Monsignor Mark Giordani.
Larry Doby Field Reopening
The City of Paterson celebrated the grand reopening of Larry Doby Field, honoring the Eastside High alum and baseball legend with a $2.8 million renovation. The upgraded field now proudly bears his name and number, preserving his legacy for generations to come.
MSU Theater and Dance at the Muth Museum
Montclair State University students brought Paterson’s history to life through a dynamic, bilingual performance at the Charles J. Muth Museum Of Hinchliffe Stadium. Blending drama, dance, and spoken word, the piece explores the city’s impact on industry, sports, and civil rights in an immersive, site-specific production.
April
Jersey Shore Wave Home Opener at Hinchliffe Stadium
Rain couldn’t stop the excitement as the Jersey Shore Wave played their first official home game in Paterson. Fans braved the cold to cheer on this groundbreaking women’s team, showcasing grit, heart, and a love for the game in a stadium steeped in sports history. 📍 Hinchliffe Stadium
Good Friday Passion Play
Thousands gathered for Paterson’s annual Way of the Cross, a moving reenactment of Jesus Christ’s final hours performed in the streets and inside the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. This powerful tradition brought faith and community together in preparation for Easter. 📍 Downtown Paterson
Afro-Peruvian Dance with Socabón Peru
Free weekly dance sessions by Socabón Peru filled the gym at Community Charter School with drum beats, cultural pride, and joyful movement. The group is dedicated to preserving Afro-Peruvian traditions and welcomes dancers of all backgrounds to celebrate this vibrant heritage. 📍 Community Charter School of Paterson
March
Habitat for Humanity Home Dedication
Eight Paterson families received the keys to their new homes during a heartfelt Habitat for Humanity dedication ceremony. With blessings, speeches, and promises of pothole repairs, the event marked a new chapter for residents and a neighborhood once dotted with vacant lots. 📍 Fourth Ward
Jersey Shore Wave: Women’s Football Comes to Paterson
History was made at Hinchliffe Stadium as the Jersey Shore Wave — New Jersey’s newest professional women’s tackle football team — took the field. With empowering speeches, hype videos, and local stars like Paterson’s Monae Clancy, the event showed the city’s commitment to equity in sports. 📍 Hinchliffe Stadium
Paterson’s Interfaith Ramadan Iftar
City Hall opened its doors to more than 300 guests for the 6th annual Iftar, bringing together people of all faiths to break fast during Ramadan. The event featured traditional food from local restaurants, warm speeches, and a true sense of togetherness in one of New Jersey’s most diverse cities. 📍 Paterson City Hall
February
Ramadan Hilal Lighting Ceremony
In Paterson’s Sixth Ward, residents gathered for the annual Hilal Lighting Ceremony to mark the beginning of Ramadan. Community leaders lit a traditional Fanoos lantern, symbolizing unity, reflection, and the spiritual journey of the holy month. This event continues to bring together New Jersey’s largest Muslim population in celebration and solidarity. 📍 Palestine Way
International Mother Language Day
The Bangladeshi community gathered for a night of remembrance and celebration, starting with traditional folk performances at the Great Falls Youth Center and ending with a midnight procession to the Shohid Minar monument.📍 Westside Park
January
Friendly Match at Hinchliffe Stadium
Paterson’s Hinchliffe Stadium came alive with energy as Barcelona Sporting Club from Ecuador faced off against Osner’s FC in a thrilling international “friendly.” Despite cold temps and delays, 3,500 fans filled the stands, enjoying live performances by Ecuadorian artists including Rico Suave himself, Gerardo Mejía. 📍 Hinchliffe Stadium
Dr. Martin Luther King Youth Recognition Awards
Hosted by the Paterson Youth Council, this inspiring event honored local students, educators, and organizations making a difference in their communities. The Brownstone banquet room filled with applause as young leaders and mentors were celebrated for embodying Dr. King’s legacy. 📍 The Brownstone
Point-in-Time Count: Homelessness Survey & Resource Day
AmeriCorps members and volunteers conducted the annual Point-in-Time Count, engaging unhoused individuals at warming centers, soup kitchens, and public spaces throughout Paterson. it was a moment of outreach, reflection, and resilience in the face of a growing housing crisis. 📍 Citywide
The Story Continues
Check back soon for new Paterson stories and get in touch to submit an event or story idea. Email us or get connected:
Tom Franklin
NJCDC