John W. Mosley (May 19, 1907 – October 1, 1969) was a self-taught photojournalist who extensively documented the everyday activities of the African-American community in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,[2] for more than 30 years, a period including both World War II and the civil rights movement.

[6] Proud of his heritage, Mosley chose to portray the black community positively at family, social, and cultural events that were part of daily life.

[2] He photographed individuals and families at weddings, picnics, churches, segregated beaches, sporting events, concerts, galas, and civil rights protests.

[3] During a time of racism and segregation, he emphasized the achievements of black celebrities, athletes, and political leaders.

[2][3] Among those he photographed were bandleader Duke Ellington, trumpeter Cootie Williams, basketball player Wilt Chamberlain, tennis player Ora Washington,[10] Paul Leroy Robeson, Billy Eckstine, Billie Holiday,[7] Martin Luther King Jr., Cecil B. Moore,[5] Marian Anderson, Eleanor Roosevelt,[11] and President Richard Nixon,[1] to name only a few.

Locations he captured included Nixon's Grand Theatre at Broad Street and Montgomery Avenue; the Earle Theatre at 1049 Market Street; Chicken Bone Beach in Atlantic City, Glamour Row, and Club Harlem.

[7][8] Blockson's private collection of materials relating to the history and culture of those of African descent was one of the largest in the United States.