In the heart of Times Square, Trading Pages hosted VOL.003, an event that transformed the Times Square EDITION into a vibrant tribute to print media, culture, and the iconic Black women who have graced magazine covers. Held in honor of Women’s History Month and in partnership with Team Epiphany, LOBOS, and Complex, the event offered a nostalgic journey through decades of print history.
A Celebration of Print Media and Black Icons
Attendees experienced an interactive gallery featuring vintage magazine covers and rare issues dating back to 1979. The exhibition included visual tributes to influential figures such as Nina Simone, Janet Jackson, Diana Ross, Michelle Obama, and Beyoncé, allowing guests to not only see but also feel the legacy these women represent. The event reinforced Trading Pages’ mission to celebrate the impact of print media on identity, storytelling, and community.
Guests mingled, flipped through pages, traded prized finds, and collected collectible issues from legacy publications like Ebony, Essence, and Vibe Magazine. The night underscored the enduring power of print media, emphasizing that “some stories just hit different on paper.”
The Mission of Trading Pages
Founded in 2025 by Reggie Singletary and Kamari Spence, Trading Pages is more than just a brand; it’s a movement dedicated to preserving the tactile magic of magazines in an increasingly digital world. As a physical alternative to digital archives, the company centers Black storytelling and offers immersive, gallery-style experiences that reconnect people with the pages that have shaped culture.
Spence explained the importance of print media in 2026, noting its ability to preserve stories physically in a fast-paced digital age. Singletary added that print is “timeless” and wanted to bring that enduring quality to the people. Their passion for preserving these cultural artifacts is evident, with plans for future events, including a Juneteenth celebration, continuing their mission of blending culture, history, and community.
- Trading Pages hosted VOL.003 in Times Square to celebrate Women’s History Month and the legacy of Black women in print media.
- The event featured an interactive gallery with vintage magazine covers and rare issues.
- Icons like Nina Simone, Janet Jackson, Diana Ross, Michelle Obama, and Beyoncé were honored.
- Founded by Reggie Singletary and Kamari Spence, Trading Pages aims to preserve the magic of print media.
- The company emphasizes the importance of tactile experiences and Black storytelling in a digital world.
What are your favorite magazine covers or print media moments that have shaped culture? Share your memories in the comments below!