Instagram story viewer> @dagtowngem> Posts

Rasheed Z. Ajamu

@dagtowngem

24

posts

2.5K

followers

2488

following

Mainly a living record of Black lives in Germantown. A smaller look into a larger collection. Every story = a gem. 💎 Beating the “hidden” allegations.

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Download All

Celebrated 30 years around the sun on June 25. I have so many things to say. About joy and laughter. On pain and grief. Around folks and things I’ll never indulge again. Surrounding my hopes for the future.

But I’ve just been thinking about how precious time is. I think about how much time I’ve spent being taught to doubt myself and how much time I let that demon take over my head.

But, at 30, I’ve already done so much. In the last ten years alone:

Graduated three times (Dr. Wendy Osefo teas; no scam set). Bought a house. Built a career and legacy. Organized and led marches. Raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Black Philadelphians and taught/uplifted the masses during the panny. Curated shows and exhibitions. Named one of the most influential in the city. Made 40 under 40. Started an archive. Helped build curriculums and frameworks. Been a fellow countless times. And SO much more.

Every younger age of me would be proud of me. And I hold that close cuz nobody can fulfill you but YOU. I’ve become my very own Black American Dream.

Looked GOOD doing all of it, btw. Fat, skinny, brown, or beige.

At 30, I’m still learning, but accepting, I’m a BAD BITCH AND THAT NIGGA. Non-binary cuz I’m a sexy bitch, but the money (and aggression) REAL manly. 🤏🏽

Also learning the sun don’t make room for stars. Everything meant for me, I’ve claimed. Go get yours, hater!

And I ain’t even peaked yet. Be afraid! Be VERY afraid. The girls ain’t seeing me in this life — or the next!

Here’s to glowing up and being YOURSELF! 🙏🏽 I got so much more life to live and so much more love to give.

Cheers to being young, hot, and Black. 🥂 by @dagtowngem

175

53

8 days ago

Tell me about that other neighborhood’s business improvement district one more time and I’m gonna scream. STG. And how do y’all be claiming Awbury and then act like everything beside it isn’t Germantown? BE FR! I’m tired of the blissful ignorance! No more erasure!!!! by @dagtowngem

272

42

18 days ago

The Juneteenth holiday may be over, but Black History is a Forget Me Not in Germantown. 🙏🏽 Our gem of a neighborhood has been and continues to be shaped by rich Black culture and the people who omit it.

What’s your favorite Black history fact about G-Town? 👀 taken in Germantown by @dagtowngem

606

13

a month ago

Life lately has been working (24/7), raising two kids, archiving and journalisming, curating, breakfast/lunch dates with friends, giving + receiving flowers, dates with my baby daddy, getting my crib worked on, grieving, laughing at everything (as always), rapping “Doin’ What I Want” on Sundays (IYKYK), and still looking good while doing it.

30 years around the sun next month. Baby really not a baby no more — and hasn’t been in a long time, it seems. 🥹

So much more life to live. So much more of me to give. ❤️ by @dagtowngem

195

33

2 months ago

“There’s nothing to do in Germantown.” WHO SAID THAT? 👀 Just say you’re not outside!

And if you think this list is full, there’s ALWAYS more to come — especially this spring & summer. Engagement season is heating up and we’re officially defrosted.

Don’t be a fool. Germantown’s waitin’ for you. Us too. ❤️ Check out our website for upcoming events (link in bio).

🎥: Rasheed Z. Ajamu (@dagtowngem), engagement reporter

#germantowninfohub #germantowngems #localnews #gtown #philly taken in Germantown by @dagtowngem

3

51

3 months ago

“Always inside,” according to y’all, and still ahead. Choir directors don’t need preaching to. 💡 In 2026, stop asking me about my future when 1) you can’t do shit for it 2) you're not in it. Already living it, thangya! by @dagtowngem

84

2

7 months ago

Oct. 15, 2025 — Grieving this ancestor today.

School shopping. Spend your first check teas. Seeing folks line up for blocks to meet the OMG Girlz or Bow Wow.

I could go on. Missing you, Big Villa. 👟❤️ Your niece across the street ain’t got the same flavor!

Which Germantown ancestor are you grieving today? Ancestor meaning person, place, thing, and whatever matters to you. taken in Germantown and Chelten Ave by @dagtowngem

84

7

9 months ago

They were SISTERS… paternally! Different mamas and different upbringings no shade! 💅🏽 by @dagtowngem

786

71

a year ago

Maplewood Mall | July 19, 2025
—
Some snippets of Black people loving on Black bizness in Germantown at the Night Market thrown by @387grooming, @waytogrownurseryschool, and @maplewoodcollective.

The food was good, the music was great, and the vibes? Immaculate.

See someone ya know? Tag’em.

I heard the next one in November. Who going?

Head over to read more coverage at www.germantowninfohub.org tomorrow. 🙏🏽

Maybe I’ll put out some photos after that?

Want me at your event and to add your Black experience to a growing Germantown archive? Invite me! 🤏🏽 taken in Maplewood Mall by @dagtowngem

129

17

a year ago

“🇵🇸,” said Germantown. taken in Germantown by @dagtowngem

44

0

a year ago

Being 30 when I can only remember us this way is so so so crazy. I’m just glad people can finally tell us a part.

Hope your next 30 are better than the first.

No matter the miles and periods of silence, it’ll always be us against the world, champ. ❤️

Happy birthday, Rashaan! #TheBoys #BerylsBoys

(Ion know your handle because you change it every five days, but hope you see this.) by @dagtowngem

96

3

a year ago

I’m looking to starting interviewing and capturing Black Germantowners and their experiences in, around, and about the neighborhood.

I’m interested in almost everything, including:
- What brought you here (were you a part of the COVID-19 migration)?
- What have been your fondest memories? What are you worst?
- What are some things/experiences hidden about the neighborhood you’d like to surface?
- How is your identity dis/connected to the neighborhood?
- And much much much more.

When I say, “Black,” I mean BLACK, friends. I appreciate your lineage, but it ain’t enough. BLACK experiences only. You may recommend another Black person, too.

No questions on this rule, as I won’t entertain discussion. (Stay mad 💋)

Send inquiries to my DM or my email at rasheed@phreedomjawn.com. Looking forward to connecting with s(kin)folk. 🫶🏽

—

📍: Chew Ave, between Chelten and Johnson taken in Germantown by @dagtowngem

54

15

a year ago