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Afro American Collection

"Capturing the Vibrant Spirit: Afro-American Culture Through Time" Step into a journey through time and witness the rich tapestry of Afro-American culture

Background imageAfro American Collection: Uniform cap worn by Pullman Porter Philip Henry Logan, 1966. Creator: Unknown

Uniform cap worn by Pullman Porter Philip Henry Logan, 1966. Creator: Unknown
A black cap with metallic braid trim and a label reading PULLMAN PORTER in black. Being a Pullman porter was one of the jobs that helped build the black middle class in America

Background imageAfro American Collection: B. B. King, Mstricht Jazz Festival, the Netherlands, 1991. Creator: Brian Foskett

B. B. King, Mstricht Jazz Festival, the Netherlands, 1991. Creator: Brian Foskett
B.B.King, Mstricht Jazz Festival, the Netherlands, 1991

Background imageAfro American Collection: McCoy Tyner performing at the Newport Jazz Festival, Ayresome Park, Middlesbrough, July 1978

McCoy Tyner performing at the Newport Jazz Festival, Ayresome Park, Middlesbrough, July 1978

Background imageAfro American Collection: Gregory Porter, Love Supreme Jazz Festival, Glynde, East Sussex, 2013

Gregory Porter, Love Supreme Jazz Festival, Glynde, East Sussex, 2013

Background imageAfro American Collection: The Battle Between Cribb and Molineaux, September 28, 1811, October 3, 1811

The Battle Between Cribb and Molineaux, September 28, 1811, October 3, 1811. Cribbs second was John Gully and his bottle-holder Joe Ward

Background imageAfro American Collection: Humphrey Lyttelton and Sidney Bechet at Colston Hall, Bristol, 1956

Humphrey Lyttelton and Sidney Bechet at Colston Hall, Bristol, 1956

Background imageAfro American Collection: Portrait of Billie Holiday and Mister, Downbeat, New York, N.Y. ca. Feb. 1947

Portrait of Billie Holiday and Mister, Downbeat, New York, N.Y. ca. Feb. 1947. Creator: William Paul Gottlieb
Portrait of Billie Holiday and Mister, Downbeat, New York, N.Y. ca. Feb. 1947

Background imageAfro American Collection: Bootsy Collins style star-shaped mirrored lens sunglasses, 1993-2013. Creator: elope, inc

Bootsy Collins style star-shaped mirrored lens sunglasses, 1993-2013. Creator: elope, inc
A pair of sunglasses with five-pointed star-shaped mirrored lenses lisensed by Bootsy Collins. The bridge is made of a gold colored metal and has two (2) clear rubber nosepads attached to it

Background imageAfro American Collection: Drum major baton, early 20th century. Creator: Unknown

Drum major baton, early 20th century. Creator: Unknown
Drum major baton with a wooden body and a white metal tip and bulb. The wooden body is stained a dark brown and has two holes

Background imageAfro American Collection: American singer Sarah Vaughan at the Capital Radio Jazz Festival, Knebworth, Hertfordshire, 1981

American singer Sarah Vaughan at the Capital Radio Jazz Festival, Knebworth, Hertfordshire, 1981

Background imageAfro American Collection: Skinning the Lamb, c1910

Skinning the Lamb, c1910. An American cartoon depicting three African American men playing cards. Two of the men are skinning or fleecing the third. The barman looks on with a knowing smile

Background imageAfro American Collection: Washington DC, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Washington DC, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
2030-306306-01

Background imageAfro American Collection: The Dancing Lesson, 1878. Creator: Thomas Eakins

The Dancing Lesson, 1878. Creator: Thomas Eakins
The Dancing Lesson, 1878

Background imageAfro American Collection: The Count Basie Orchestra in concert, c1950s. Artist: Denis Williams

The Count Basie Orchestra in concert, c1950s. Artist: Denis Williams
The Count Basie Orchestra in concert. Sonny Payne on the drums

Background imageAfro American Collection: Bethune-Cookman College, Daytona Beach, Florida, 1943. Creator: Gordon Parks

Bethune-Cookman College, Daytona Beach, Florida, 1943. Creator: Gordon Parks
Daytona Beach, Florida. Bethune-Cookman College. Girl welder in the NYA (National Youth Administration) school

Background imageAfro American Collection: Dressing for the Carnival, 1877. Creator: Winslow Homer

Dressing for the Carnival, 1877. Creator: Winslow Homer
Dressing for the Carnival, 1877

Background imageAfro American Collection: Count Basie on stage, Chatham, Kent, 1967. Creator: Brian Foskett

Count Basie on stage, Chatham, Kent, 1967. Creator: Brian Foskett
Count Basie on stage, Chatham, Kent, 1967

Background imageAfro American Collection: Opening of an exhibition of photographs by Denis Williams, Forum Theatre, Hatfield, Herts, 1978

Opening of an exhibition of photographs by Denis Williams, Forum Theatre, Hatfield, Herts, 1978
Official opening of an exhibition of photographs by Denis Williams at the Forum Theatre, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, April 1978

Background imageAfro American Collection: A mother getting the children ready for a neighborhood birthday party, Washington, D. C. 1942

A mother getting the children ready for a neighborhood birthday party, Washington, D. C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. A mother getting the children ready for a neighborhood birthday party

Background imageAfro American Collection: Mother and her daughter, Frederick Douglass housing project, Anacostia, D. C. 1942

Mother and her daughter, Frederick Douglass housing project, Anacostia, D. C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Anacostia, D.C. Frederick Douglass housing project. Mother and her daughter

Background imageAfro American Collection: African-American Marines, Battle of Peleliu, 15th September 1944 (b / w photo)

African-American Marines, Battle of Peleliu, 15th September 1944 (b / w photo)
1720216 African-American Marines, Battle of Peleliu, 15th September 1944 (b/w photo) by American Photographer, (20th century); (add.info.: Peleliu battle, september 15)

Background imageAfro American Collection: Ticket to a boxing match between Floyd Patterson and Ingemar Johansson, June 25, 1959

Ticket to a boxing match between Floyd Patterson and Ingemar Johansson, June 25, 1959
The World Heavyweight Championship boxing match between African-American Floyd Patterson (1935-2006) and Swede Ingemar Johansson (1932-2009) was held at the Yankee Stadium in New York City

Background imageAfro American Collection: George Scott Winslow, 1866. Creator: Edmonia Lewis

George Scott Winslow, 1866. Creator: Edmonia Lewis
Edmonia Lewis is one of the most important American sculptors of the 19th century. The free-born child of an African American man and a Chippewa woman, Lewis was also known by her tribal name

Background imageAfro American Collection: Radical Members of the South Carolina Legislature, 1868. Creator: Unknown

Radical Members of the South Carolina Legislature, 1868. Creator: Unknown
A carte-de-visite of sixty-four (64) so-called " Radical" members of the reconstructed South Carolina legislature after the Civil War

Background imageAfro American Collection: Carte-de-visite of Lt. Governor Oscar J. Dunn, 1868-1871. Creator: Unknown

Carte-de-visite of Lt. Governor Oscar J. Dunn, 1868-1871. Creator: Unknown
An albumen print carte-de-visite portrait of African-American politician, musician and businessman Oscar J. Dunn. He is photographed standing with his right foot slightly forward than his left

Background imageAfro American Collection: Ira Aldridge as Othello, c. 1830. Creator: Henry Perronet Briggs

Ira Aldridge as Othello, c. 1830. Creator: Henry Perronet Briggs
Ira Aldridge as Othello, c. 1830

Background imageAfro American Collection: Miles Davis, Royal Festival Hall, London, 1989. Artist: Brian O Connor

Miles Davis, Royal Festival Hall, London, 1989. Artist: Brian O Connor
Miles Davis, Royal Festival Hall, London, 1989. American jazz musician, trumpeter, bandleader, and composer. He was at the forefront of several major developments in jazz music, including bebop

Background imageAfro American Collection: Idris Muhammad, Ronnie Scotts, London, 1998. Artist: Brian O Connor

Idris Muhammad, Ronnie Scotts, London, 1998. Artist: Brian O Connor
Idris Muhammad, Ronnie Scott s, London, 1998

Background imageAfro American Collection: Ronnie Boykins playing at the Newport Jazz Festival, Ayresome Park, Middlesbrough, July 1978

Ronnie Boykins playing at the Newport Jazz Festival, Ayresome Park, Middlesbrough, July 1978

Background imageAfro American Collection: Big Chief Russell Moore, Arvell Shaw and Barrett Deems performing, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, 1984

Big Chief Russell Moore, Arvell Shaw and Barrett Deems performing, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, 1984
Big Chief Russell Moore (trombone), Arvell Shaw (double bass) and Barrett Deems (drums) performing, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, 1984. All three musicians worked with Louis Armstrong during their careers

Background imageAfro American Collection: Jesse Owens at the start of the 200 metres at the Berlin Olympic Games, 1936

Jesse Owens at the start of the 200 metres at the Berlin Olympic Games, 1936. Owens setting off on the way to one of his four gold medals at the 1936 games

Background imageAfro American Collection: Bobby Hutcherson playing the vibraphone at the Bracknell Jazz Festival, Berkshire, 1983

Bobby Hutcherson playing the vibraphone at the Bracknell Jazz Festival, Berkshire, 1983

Background imageAfro American Collection: Tom Kennedy and Joe Jeanette, between c1910 and c1915. Creator: Bain News Service

Tom Kennedy and Joe Jeanette, between c1910 and c1915. Creator: Bain News Service
Tom Kennedy and Joe Jeanette, between c1910 and c1915.

Background imageAfro American Collection: 1st Depositor, Postal Bank, N.Y., between c1910 and c1915. Creator: Bain News Service

1st Depositor, Postal Bank, N.Y., between c1910 and c1915. Creator: Bain News Service
1st Depositor, Postal Bank, N.Y., between c1910 and c1915.

Background imageAfro American Collection: Bob Armstrong, Eddie McGoorty, Ed McMahon, 1912. Creator: Bain News Service

Bob Armstrong, Eddie McGoorty, Ed McMahon, 1912. Creator: Bain News Service
Bob Armstrong, Eddie McGoorty, Ed McMahon, 1912. Shows boxers Bob Armstrong (alias Bob Johnson) (1873-1933), Edwin Van Dusart (alias Eddie McGoorty) (1889-1929), and Ed McMahon.

Background imageAfro American Collection: Johnson - Flynn contest, July 4 1912. Creator: Bain News Service

Johnson - Flynn contest, July 4 1912. Creator: Bain News Service
Johnson - Flynn contest, July 4 1912. Shows boxers Jack Johnson (1878-1946) and Jim Flynn (1879-1935) (born Andrew Chiariglione) in the ring at Las Vegas, New Mexico, July 4, 1912.

Background imageAfro American Collection: Boxer George Robinson, between c1910 and c1915. Creator: Bain News Service

Boxer George Robinson, between c1910 and c1915. Creator: Bain News Service
Boxer George Robinson, between c1910 and c1915.

Background imageAfro American Collection: Gen. Powell Clayton, 1912. Creator: Bain News Service

Gen. Powell Clayton, 1912. Creator: Bain News Service
Gen. Powell Clayton, 1912. 1912 Republican National Convention held at the Chicago Coliseum, Chicago, Illinois, June 18-22.

Background imageAfro American Collection: Jack Johnson, between c1910 and c1915. Creator: Bain News Service

Jack Johnson, between c1910 and c1915. Creator: Bain News Service
Jack Johnson, between c1910 and c1915.

Background imageAfro American Collection: Jack Johnson, between c1910 and c1915. Creator: Bain News Service

Jack Johnson, between c1910 and c1915. Creator: Bain News Service
Jack Johnson, between c1910 and c1915.

Background imageAfro American Collection: Porto [Puerto] Rico -- Raising tobacco under Cheese Cloth, between c1915 and c1920

Porto [Puerto] Rico -- Raising tobacco under Cheese Cloth, between c1915 and c1920. Creator: Bain News Service
Porto [Puerto] Rico -- Raising tobacco under Cheese Cloth, between c1915 and c1920.

Background imageAfro American Collection: Studying botany, Tuskegee, between c1910 and c1915. Creator: Bain News Service

Studying botany, Tuskegee, between c1910 and c1915. Creator: Bain News Service
Studying botany, Tuskegee, between c1910 and c1915. Shows students at the Tuskegee Institute, Tuskegee, Alabama.

Background imageAfro American Collection: Faction of supporters of Joseph Brooks (1821-1877) leaving the State House of Little Rock

Faction of supporters of Joseph Brooks (1821-1877) leaving the State House of Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1874
NWI4959452 Faction of supporters of Joseph Brooks (1821-1877) leaving the State House of Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1874. Episode of the War Brooks Baxter (Elisha Baxter, 1827-1899)

Background imageAfro American Collection: Learning forms and volumes in a school open to the teaching of African American children

Learning forms and volumes in a school open to the teaching of African American children, New York City (USA), 1870
NWI4961088 Learning forms and volumes in a school open to the teaching of African American children, New York City (USA), 1870

Background imageAfro American Collection: Howard University in Washington DC, circa 1880. Founded in 1867

Howard University in Washington DC, circa 1880. Founded in 1867, nicknamed the Black Harvard because it is a campus
NWI4961082 Howard University in Washington DC, circa 1880. Founded in 1867, nicknamed the Black Harvard because it is a campus open to the education of Afro-Americans

Background imageAfro American Collection: USA, Two Siamese sisters (?) reading a newspaper pose in studio, 1860

USA, Two Siamese sisters (?) reading a newspaper pose in studio, 1860
LUX4732604 USA, Two Siamese sisters (?) reading a newspaper pose in studio, 1860; (add.info.: USA, Two Siamese sisters (?) reading a newspaper pose in studio, 1860); Photo © Lux-in-Fine

Background imageAfro American Collection: Cotton field, c.1920-30 (print)

Cotton field, c.1920-30 (print)
7293240 Cotton field, c.1920-30 (print); (add.info.: Agriculture. Cotton harvest in the south of the USA. Postcard, USA, ca 1920-30.); Photo: © Archives Charmet




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"Capturing the Vibrant Spirit: Afro-American Culture Through Time" Step into a journey through time and witness the rich tapestry of Afro-American culture. From captivating performances to historic moments, these hints offer glimpses into the diverse and influential contributions of the community. In July 1978, McCoy Tyner took center stage at the Newport Jazz Festival, his fingers dancing across piano keys with unmatched brilliance. The crowd was mesmerized by his soulful melodies that echoed the resilience and creativity of generations past. B. B. King's presence at the Maastricht Jazz Festival in 1991 electrified audiences as he effortlessly weaved heartfelt blues notes together. His guitar became an extension of his very being, telling stories of struggle and triumph that resonated deeply with all who listened. Travel back even further to September 1811 when Cribb and Molineaux engaged in a legendary battle. This monumental event showcased not only their physical prowess but also highlighted their determination to overcome societal barriers placed upon them. The year was 1956 when Humphrey Lyttelton joined forces with Sidney Bechet at Colston Hall in Bristol. Their harmonious collaboration transcended boundaries, uniting people through music regardless of race or background. Art has always been a powerful medium for expression, as seen in "Sister Act, " a vibrant acrylic on canvas masterpiece from 2002. It celebrates sisterhood within Afro-American communities while embracing individuality and strength. Fashion also plays its part in cultural representation; Bootsy Collins' star-shaped mirrored lens sunglasses epitomize style from 1993-2013. These iconic shades reflect confidence and innovation—a true reflection of Afro-American fashion influence throughout history. Count Basie graced Chatham, Kent's stage in 1967, leading his orchestra with unparalleled charisma. His music brought joy to countless hearts while showcasing African American excellence within jazz traditions.