Welcome to Newark, New Jersey. A city where the sound of Black music is woven into the streets, where every beat tells a story, and every note carries the weight of a people’s joy and resilience. Newark is more than brick and mortar—it’s a wellspring of history, a heartbeat of Black artistry.
This city raised legends. From the sweet soul of Sarah Vaughan to the powerful prose of Amiri Baraka, Newark has always been a sanctuary for Black expression. It’s a place where jazz, blues, gospel, and soul were nurtured—melodies born from struggle, forged in resilience, and carried with pride.
But Newark didn’t stop there. It evolved. When the disco lights dimmed and the world sought new rhythms, house music emerged—a genre that embraced us, uplifted us, and reminded us of the power in community. This music was freedom. It was love. It was Black joy.
And Newark became one of its homes. The voices of this community—DJs, dancers, and dreamers—echo through the clubs, the parks, the basements. Every mix, every step, every chant tells the story of a people who know how to turn survival into celebration.
Newark is not just a backdrop. It’s a foundation. A sacred ground where Black history and music history converge. This film, Black House Black Joy, is a love letter to this city and to the people who continue to keep the beat alive.
So come with us. Feel the rhythm. Step into the story. And remember—this isn’t just about music. It’s about us. Black Arts. Black People. This is the HOUSE that New Jersey built, born right here and continues right now.
Welcome to the great city of Newark.

Produced by In the Wake Tv, www.inthewake.tv

Written by:
Jamara Wakefield

Narrated by:
Antoinette Montague

Footage Credits:
Joseph Eulo
https://www.pexels.com/video/protesters-marching-at-mayor-kenneth-allen-gibson-building-5286937/
https://www.pexels.com/video/people-rallying-in-front-of-newark-city-hall-5287068/

Dan Shiver The SOULFUL HOUSE NATION SHOW - YouTube
Cano El Nene
Newark Arts Newark Arts - Powering the Arts to Transform Lives

Gratitude:
The Great City of Newark
The Creative Catalyst Fund
The Newark Public Library
Newark Arts

Music provided by:

Blaq Butta (Soft Spread Mix) Rasmir Mantree Rasmir Mantree - The Package on Traxsource
“This is Serious…” Ramona "Momo TV" HenryMomotv Henry | Facebook⁠

Creative Commons Attribution:

Mayor Gibson and Amiri Baraka: Newark Publicity Office (Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming: Internet Archive, The Newark Public Library)

Sarah Vaughan in Concert: Symphony Hall (Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming: Internet Archive, The Newark Public Library)