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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 Jitterbug dancers at Cab Calloway performance, Seattle,  circa 1947
Photograph

Jitterbug dancers at Cab Calloway performance, Seattle, circa 1947

Cab Calloway's jazz band played Seattle's Civic Audtorium in the 1940s. Here, a couple dances the jitterbug at one of Calloway's performances. Handwritten on negative sleeve: Jitterbugs at Cab Dance
ID Number:2014.49.002.019.0062
Date:Circa 1947
Image of Katherine Dunham in her dressing room, Seattle, February 1, 1948
Photograph

Katherine Dunham in her dressing room, Seattle, February 1, 1948

Katherine Dunham was the first successful leader of an African American dance troupe. She was also a published author at the age of 12 and earned a PhD in anthropology.Here, Ms. Dunham stands at the door of her dressing room wearing a velvet and lace costume and an elaborate headress. The group performed Seattle's Civic Auditorium on February 1, 1948.…
ID Number:2014.49.002.020.0064
Date:1948
Image of Katherine Dunham sitting in dressing room, Seattle, February 1, 1948
Photograph

Katherine Dunham sitting in dressing room, Seattle, February 1, 1948

Katherine Dunham was the first successful leader of an African American dance troupe. She was also a published author at the age of 12 and earned a PhD in anthropology.Here, Ms. Dunham is sitting at her dressing table putting on an earring, in full costume. Her group performed Seattle's Civic Auditorium on February 1, 1948. Handwritten on negative sleeve: Kat.…
ID Number:2014.49.002.020.0065
Date:1948
Image of Elks Club bartender, Seattle, circa 1947
Photograph

Elks Club bartender, Seattle, circa 1947

The bartender smiles from behind the bar at the Elks Club at 662 Jackson St.
ID Number:2014.49.002.023.0072
Date:Circa 1947
Image of Dancer at Black & Tan club, Seattle, circa 1947
Photograph

Dancer at Black & Tan club, Seattle, circa 1947

A woman, possibly Princess Zenobia, dances in costume at the after hours bottle club at the Black & Tan at 404 12th Avenue S. The costume consists of bikini top, loincloth-like bottom, and shackles and chains on her wrists.
ID Number:2014.49.002.023.0073
Date:Circa 1947
Image of Ernestine Anderson singing at the Black and Tan, Seattle, circa 1947
Photograph

Ernestine Anderson singing at the Black and Tan, Seattle, circa 1947

Seattle's Jackson Street jazz clubs flourished in the first half of the twentieth century, with their popularity peaking in the late 1930s through early 1950s. Seattle-born photographer Al Smith was a familiar figure in the clubs, often taking pictures of musicians and patrons, then returning the following week to sell prints.Singer Ernestine Anderson may still have been a high school…
ID Number:2014.49.002.023.0074
Date:Circa 1947
Image of Costumed women dancing, June 22, 1944
Photograph

Costumed women dancing, June 22, 1944

Three unidentified women in costume dance at a dance hall while a man looks on. Handwriting on the negative sleeve identifies this as "Bea Shaggs and Co. at South Seas 6-22-44."
ID Number:2014.49.002.024.0075
Date:1944
Image of Dancing women in grass skirt costumes, Seattle, June 22, 1944
Photograph

Dancing women in grass skirt costumes, Seattle, June 22, 1944

This photo shows two unidentified women in mock-grass skirts dancing at a dance hall in 1944. Written on negative sleeve: Bea Shaggs and Co. at South Seas 6-22-44
ID Number:2014.49.002.024.0076
Date:Circa 1947
Image of Costumed dancing woman, June 22, 1944
Photograph

Costumed dancing woman, June 22, 1944

A woman in costume dances in a hall or club. Handwriting on the negative sleeve identifies this as "Bea Shaggs and Co. at South Seas 6-22-44."
ID Number:2014.49.002.024.0077
Date:1944
Image of Singer Russell Jones with Al Pierre's band, circa 1947
Photograph

Singer Russell Jones with Al Pierre's band, circa 1947

Pianist Al Pierre's jazz band played Seattle's Union Club at 103 Cherry Street. Here, singer Russell Jones joins the band for a number. Written on negative sleeve: Bea Shaggs and Co. at South Seas 6-22-44
ID Number:2014.49.002.024.0080
Date:Circa 1947
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