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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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1183 results for: Black/African American

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Audio recording

Oral history interview with Vivian Laye, September 13, 2005

Interview with Vivian Laye, a Boeing employee during World War II, conducted by Anita Warmflash in Seattle for the Speaking of Seattle: African American Rosies Oral History Project in September 2005. Topics discussed include: moving to Seattle, her Boeing-subsidized education and work-life balance, the union, and other employment.
ID Number:2019.35.9.2.2
Date:2005
Audio recording

Oral history interview with Katherine D. Thompkins, September 1, 2005

Interview with Katherine D. Thompkins, a Boeing employee during World War II, conducted by Anita Warmflash in Seattle for the Speaking of Seattle: African American Rosies Oral History Project. Topics discussed include: moving to Seattle, difficulties with welding, working at the Boeing Little Red Barn, and the union. Please note that second part of interview is missing.
ID Number:2019.35.9.2.3
Date:2005
Videorecording

Oral history interview with Rev. Samuel Berry McKinney, April 21, 2010

Interview with Rev. Samuel Berry McKinney conducted by Marsha King at KCTS Studios in Seattle for the Experienced Leaders Oral History Project in April 2010. Rev. McKinney was a Baptist minister, author, and civil rights advocate. He served as the pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church, one of the largest and oldest Black churches in the Pacific Northwest from 1958…
ID Number:2019.35.16.11
Date:2010
Image of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity Halloween party flier, 1988
Photograph

Phi Beta Sigma fraternity Halloween party flier, 1988

Phi Beta Sigma is a historically Black fraternity founded in 1914 at Howard University. It rapidly expanded across the United States and beyond, with the University of Washington Kappa Lambda chapter opening in 1978. As of 2023, Phi Beta Sigma has more than 700 chapters and 200,000 members. This flier advertises a Halloween party hosted by the Kappa Lambda chapter…
ID Number:2019.96.1.21.7
Date:1988
Image of Postcard to Seattle Brewing & Malting Company, September 1905
Postcard

Postcard to Seattle Brewing & Malting Company, September 1905

In 1893, three Seattle breweries – Claussen-Sweeney, Bay View, and Albert Braun – merged to form the Seattle Brewing and Malting Company. The company launched a new brand, Rainier Beer, and by the end of 1893 was brewing one million gallons per year. In 1905, the company required 25 horse teams to deliver the daily demand for Rainier in Seattle…
ID Number:2020.15.3
Date:1905
Image of Charlie James in front of Colman School building, Seattle, December  5, 1985
Photograph

Charlie James in front of Colman School building, Seattle, December 5, 1985

In 1985, a group of Black activists led by Charlie James, Earl Debnam, Omari Tahir-Garrett, and Michael Greenwood began occupying the abandoned Colman School in the Central Area in order to pressure the city to renovate it into a museum of African-American history. Despite the building's lack of heat and running water, the occupiers stayed for eight years, making this…
ID Number:2020.42.1.16.01.30
Date:1985
Image of
Photograph

"African American Museum" sign on door of Colman School, Seattle, November 25, 1985

In 1985, a group of Black activists led by Charlie James, Earl Debnam, Omari Tahir-Garrett, and Michael Greenwood began occupying the abandoned Colman School in the Central Area in order to pressure the city to renovate it into a museum of African-American history. Despite the building's lack of heat and running water, the occupiers stayed for eight years, making this…
ID Number:2020.42.1.16.02.44
Date:1985
Image of Total Experience Choir performing at Mount Zion Baptist Church, Seattle, February 22, 1987
Photograph

Total Experience Choir performing at Mount Zion Baptist Church, Seattle, February 22, 1987

The Total Experiece Gosel Choir was founded in 1973 and led by Pastor Patrinell Wright. Though based in Seattle, the choir toured extensively and performed around the world. Wright formed a choir at Franklin High School as an alternative activity for African-American students in 1970, but when a school-funding levy failed in 1973, her position was cut and she began…
ID Number:2020.42.2.04.01.08
Date:1987
Image of Michael Dixon with students at Franklin High School, Seattle, March 6, 1992
Photograph

Michael Dixon with students at Franklin High School, Seattle, March 6, 1992

Michael Dixon, younger brother of Aaron and Elmer Dixon, was born in Illinois and grew up in Seattle's Central District. His father worked at Boeing, and both parents taught the Dixon brothers the importance of fighting for social justice. Michael Dixon was a sophomore at Garfield High School when the Seattle chapter of the Black Panther Party was formed by…
ID Number:2020.42.3.20.02.03
Date:1992
Image of Michael Dixon at Garfield High School, March 6, 1992
Photograph

Michael Dixon at Garfield High School, March 6, 1992

Michael Dixon, younger brother of Aaron and Elmer Dixon, was born in Illinois and grew up in Seattle's Central District. His father worked at Boeing, and both parents taught the Dixon brothers the importance of fighting for social justice. Michael Dixon was a sophomore at Garfield High School when the Seattle chapter of the Black Panther Party was formed by…
ID Number:2020.42.3.20.02.43
Date:1992
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