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Explore stories in Northwest history through highlights from MOHAI’s collections. Search by keyword below or browse the entire online collection by entering the asterisk symbol (*). Filter your search by type of materials.

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85 results for: Black/African American

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Image of Black cap or beret worn by Reverend Dr. Samuel B. McKinney, ca. 1960-1990s

Black cap or beret worn by Reverend Dr. Samuel B. McKinney, ca. 1960-1990s

This hat belonged to Rev. Dr. Samuel B. McKinney (1926-2018), author and leading civil rights advocate in Seattle, Washington. He served as pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church, one of the largest and oldest Black churches in the Pacific Northwest, from 1958 to 1998 and again from 2005 to 2008. McKinney wore this hat while "quitting" people after service (shaking…
ID Number:2018.10.6
Date:Circa 1960-1990
Image of Sir Mix-A-Lot Iron Man hardhat, ca. 1988

Sir Mix-A-Lot Iron Man hardhat, ca. 1988

Sir Mix-A-Lot is the stage name for Anthony Ray, a popular rapper, hip hop performer, and recording producer born in Seattle and a graduate of Roosevelt High School in 1981. Sir Mix-A-Lot's first hit single was "Posse on Broadway" released in 1987 and refers to the Capital Hill neighborhood street in Seattle. This hardhat is a promotional item for his…
ID Number:2018.16.2
Date:Circa 1988
Image of Fedora,

Fedora, "Peace hat," made by Sonia Wooten-Gill, 2017

Sonia Wooten-Gill is a local milliner and fashion designer whose line is called FayeWoo’s Signature Collection. She formed felt into this fedora shape by hand, using a hat block. Wooten-Gill enjoys designing, collaborating with other milliners, and increasing visibility for African Americans in the industry. She made the "Peace Hat Fedora" in 2017 because she felt "the times warranted a…
ID Number:2018.75.1
Date:2017
Image of Seattle Times and American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home of the Month Award presented to Benjamin F. McAdoo, Jr., 1957

Seattle Times and American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home of the Month Award presented to Benjamin F. McAdoo, Jr., 1957

From the 1950s-1970s, Benjamin McAdoo (1920-1981) was the first Black person to own an architecture firm in Seattle and was the first Black man to practice architecture in Washington State. Born in Pasadena, California, he earned a BA at the University of Washington in 1946. He was President of the Seattle Chapter of the NAACP from 1964-1968 during which he…
ID Number:2018.85.1
Date:1957
Image of Certificate of Life Membership plaque presented to Benjamin F. McAdoo, Jr. from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1971

Certificate of Life Membership plaque presented to Benjamin F. McAdoo, Jr. from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1971

Benjamin McAdoo (1920-1981) was the first Black person to own an architecture firm in Seattle and was the first Black man to practice architecture in Washington State. Born in Pasadena, California, he earned a BA at the University of Washington in 1946. He was President of the Seattle Chapter of the NAACP from 1964-1968 during which he broadcast a weekly…
ID Number:2018.85.2
Date:1971
Image of Architectural business sign for

Architectural business sign for "Benjamin F. McAdoo & Company," ca. 1970s

From the 1950s-1970s, Benjamin McAdoo (1920-1981) was the first Black person to own an architecture firm in Seattle and was the first Black man to practice architecture in Washington State. Born in Pasadena, California, he earned a BA at the University of Washington in 1946. He was President of the Seattle Chapter of the NAACP from 1964-1968 during which he…
ID Number:2018.85.3
Date:Circa 1970
Image of Toolbox owned by Benjamin F. McAdoo, Jr., ca. 1940

Toolbox owned by Benjamin F. McAdoo, Jr., ca. 1940

From the 1950s-1970s, Benjamin McAdoo (1920-1981) was the first Black person to own an architecture firm in Seattle and was the first Black man to practice architecture in Washington State. Born in Pasadena, California, he earned a BA at the University of Washington in 1946. He was President of the Seattle Chapter of the NAACP from 1964-1968 during which he…
ID Number:2018.85.4
Date:Circa 1940
Image of Coronation gown for Jasmine Goodwin, Miss Seafair 2014

Coronation gown for Jasmine Goodwin, Miss Seafair 2014

This red dress was the coronation gown worn by Jasmine Goodwin, Miss Seafair 2014. Goodwin was the 65th Miss Seafair and the second Black woman to secure the title. Her win came exactly 40 years after Galen Motin’s win in 1974, the first Black Miss Seafair. The program director for the Miss Seafair organization selected dresses for each participant for…
ID Number:2019.5.1
Date:2014
Image of Brown high heel shoes, worn by Miss Seafair 2014

Brown high heel shoes, worn by Miss Seafair 2014

These brown high heel shoes were worn by Jasmine Goodwin, Miss Seafair 2014. Goodwin was the 65th Miss Seafair and the second Black woman to secure the title. Her win came exactly 40 years after Galen Motin’s win in 1974, the first Black Miss Seafair. The Miss Seafair organization selected dresses for each participant for the coronation night, but contestants…
ID Number:2019.5.2
Date:2014
Image of Nuciano

Nuciano "Aurene" handbag in orange, 2019

Nuciano is a contemporary Seattle-based luxury handbag company, founded by creative director Joy Egbejimba. Nuciano’s signature design element is a cowrie shell—incorporated here as the clasp. Egbejimba was born in Nigeria, where the cowrie has a powerful history as an item of adornment and currency.
ID Number:2019.71.1
Date:2019
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MOHAI stands on the historic and contemporary lands and shores of the Duwamish, Suquamish, Muckleshoot, and other Coast Salish Nations. We acknowledge the forced displacement of Native Communities from this land while honoring the endurance of the Duwamish people who still live here.
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