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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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Image of Sam Smith campaigning at Pike Place Market, September 6, 1973
Photograph

Sam Smith campaigning at Pike Place Market, September 6, 1973

Sam Smith was the first African-American person to be elected to the Seattle City Council in 1968 and was on the Council until 1991, chairing many committees and serving as Council President from 1974-1979 and 1986-1989. Smith also served in the Washington State Legislature for five terms, beginning with his election from the 37th district in 1958. He was born…
ID Number:2000.107.200.11.03
Date:1973
Image of Sam Smith listening to demonstrators, June 20, 1983
Photograph

Sam Smith listening to demonstrators, June 20, 1983

Sam Smith was the first African-American person to be elected to the Seattle City Council in 1968 and was on the Council until 1991, chairing many committees and serving as Council President from 1974-1979 and 1986-1989. Smith also served in the Washington State Legislature for five terms, beginning with his election from the 37th district in 1958. He was born…
ID Number:2000.107.200.12.01
Date:1983
Image of Sam Smith with protesting City Light employees in council chambers, April 11, 1974
Photograph

Sam Smith with protesting City Light employees in council chambers, April 11, 1974

Sam Smith was the first African-American person to be elected to the Seattle City Council in 1968 and was on the Council until 1991, chairing many committees and serving as Council President from 1974-1979 and 1986-1989. Smith also served in the Washington State Legislature for five terms, beginning with his election from the 37th district in 1958. He was born…
ID Number:2000.107.200.12.02
Date:1974
Image of Charles Royer and Sam Smith at mayoral debate, September 27, 1981
Photograph

Charles Royer and Sam Smith at mayoral debate, September 27, 1981

Sam Smith was the first African-American person to be elected to the Seattle City Council in 1968 and was on the Council until 1991, chairing many committees and serving as Council President from 1974-1979 and 1986-1989. Smith also served in the Washington State Legislature for five terms, beginning with his election from the 37th district in 1958. He was born…
ID Number:2000.107.200.12.03
Date:1981
Image of Sam Smith in his office, October 13, 1981
Photograph

Sam Smith in his office, October 13, 1981

Sam Smith was the first African-American person to be elected to the Seattle City Council in 1968 and was on the Council until 1991, chairing many committees and serving as Council President from 1974-1979 and 1986-1989. Smith also served in the Washington State Legislature for five terms, beginning with his election from the 37th district in 1958. He was born…
ID Number:2000.107.200.12.04
Date:1981
Image of Sam Smith during his mayoral campaign,  November 1980
Photograph

Sam Smith during his mayoral campaign, November 1980

Sam Smith was the first African-American person to be elected to the Seattle City Council in 1968 and was on the Council until 1991, chairing many committees and serving as Council President from 1974-1979 and 1986-1989. Smith also served in the Washington State Legislature for five terms, beginning with his election from the 37th district in 1958. He was born…
ID Number:2000.107.200.12.05
Date:1980
Image of Sam Smith handing woman flier on school levy, April 4, 1977
Photograph

Sam Smith handing woman flier on school levy, April 4, 1977

Sam Smith was the first African-American person to be elected to the Seattle City Council in 1968 and was on the Council until 1991, chairing many committees and serving as Council President from 1974-1979 and 1986-1989. Smith also served in the Washington State Legislature for five terms, beginning with his election from the 37th district in 1958. He was born…
ID Number:2000.107.200.12.06
Date:1977
Image of Helen Beck Stafford, June 30, 1987
Photograph

Helen Beck Stafford, June 30, 1987

Helen Beck Stafford (1899-2002) was a community and civil rights activist in Tacoma. Stafford attended Kansas State University, where she was not allowed live in the dorms, swim in the campus pool, or use other facilities required by her course work because she was Black. Despite a college experience rife with discrimination and racial insults, she excelled and graduated in…
ID Number:2000.107.204.01.01
Date:1987
Image of Total Experience Gospel Choir members singing, Seattle, June 22, 1980
Photograph

Total Experience Gospel Choir members singing, Seattle, June 22, 1980

The Total Experience Gospel Choir (1973-2018) was founded and led by Pastor Patrinell Wright and, though based in Seattle, the choir performed and toured extensively 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:2000.107.213.12.01
Date:1980
Image of UCWA members marching down Madison St., Seattle, July 7, 1972
Photograph

UCWA members marching down Madison St., Seattle, July 7, 1972

The United Construction Workers Association (UCWA) was founded in 1970 by Tyree Scott (1940-2003), an electrician who had become a Seattle civil rights activist. The UCWA began with the goal of uniting minority construction workers to promote their employment in the construction industry and prevent discrimination. Because of union control over the local labor market, it was almost impossible for Black workers…
ID Number:2000.107.216.06.01
Date:1972
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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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Phone: 206 324 1126
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