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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 Howard Allen sitting in backyard, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Howard Allen sitting in backyard, Seattle, circa 1953

Seattle photographer Al Smith took many photos of his family and friends in their everyday lives. Here, he captures Howard Allen relaxing at an outdoor social gathering.
ID Number:2014.49.006.025.0070
Date:Circa 1960
Image of Girl posing in First Communion dress, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Girl posing in First Communion dress, Seattle, circa 1953

Jason Gayle's niece is dressed for her First Communion in a white ruffled dress and a long white veil. She stands in front of a sofa and holds a rosary and a missal.
ID Number:2014.49.006.026.0071
Date:Circa 1960
Image of Exterior of Yarbrough family home, Kirkland, circa 1955
Photograph

Exterior of Yarbrough family home, Kirkland, circa 1955

Letcher and Arlene Yarorough lived in Kirkland, on Lake Washington. Letcher Yarbrough was president of the Seattle branch of the NAACP in the mid-1940s and later state president. With others, he helped pass the Washington State Fair Employment Practices Act of 1949. This photo shows a view of the Yarbrough's home among tall conifers across Lake Washington.
ID Number:2014.49.006.026.0108
Date:Circa 1955
Image of Three people posing at the Black Elk's Club, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Three people posing at the Black Elk's Club, Seattle, circa 1953

The Elks fraternal order was racially segregated until the late 20th century and the local Black chapter in Seattle was a popular nightclub with a racially mixed, but mostly Black, clientele. Here, two unidentified women are standing on either side of a man in uniform at the Black Elk's Club, 600 Jackson Street. The woman on left is wearing a…
ID Number:2014.49.006.027.0077
Date:Circa 1945
Image of Couple dancing in front of  band at Savoy Ballroom, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Couple dancing in front of band at Savoy Ballroom, Seattle, circa 1953

Here, a couple dances in front of Al Pierre's band at the Savoy Ballroom. The man is in uniform, and the woman is in a sweater and a mid-length skirt. Al Pierre is on the piano, and trumpeter Leon Vaughn is second from the left.
ID Number:2014.49.006.027.0078
Date:Circa 1945
Image of Woman attending a dance, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Woman attending a dance, Seattle, circa 1953

The Elks fraternal order was racially segregated until the late 20th century and the local Black chapter in Seattle was a popular nightclub with a racially mixed, but mostly Black, clientele. Here, a woman in a mid-length printed dress leans against a half-wall at a dance at the Black Elk's Club, 600 Jackson Street. She has a flower in her…
ID Number:2014.49.006.027.0080
Date:Circa 1945
Image of A couple standing near bandstand , Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

A couple standing near bandstand , Seattle, circa 1953

An unidentified couple is standing together in front of a bandstand, probably at the Savoy at 22nd Avenue and E Madison. The man is in military uniform and the woman in a full-length dress, and the couple are smiling at each other. Decorations around the stage suggest that this is a special occasion.
ID Number:2014.49.006.027.0082
Date:Circa 1945
Image of Dick Turpin posing with a friend, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Dick Turpin posing with a friend, Seattle, circa 1953

In this image taken in a living room, Dick Turpin, left, poses in a Navy uniform with an unidentified man. Dick Turpin had been on the infamous battleship Maine in 1898. He was also World War I veteran, the US Navy's first Black chief petty officer, and a master rigger at the Bremerton shipyard, where Al Smith also worked. Dick…
ID Number:2014.49.006.028.0083
Date:Circa 1945
Image of Dick Turpin and his wife sitting with a dog, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Dick Turpin and his wife sitting with a dog, Seattle, circa 1953

Here, Mr. and Mrs. Dick Turpin are seated on a couch with a dog at their feet. Mr. Turpin wears a Navy uniform and Mrs. Turpin wears a dark, short sleeved dress.Dick Turpin had been on the infamous battleship Maine in 1898. He was also World War I veteran, the US Navy's first Black chief petty officer, and a master…
ID Number:2014.49.006.028.0084
Date:Circa 1945
Image of Portrait of the Stoval family, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Portrait of the Stoval family, Seattle, circa 1953

Mr. and Mrs. Stoval are seated with their infant daughter on Mrs. Stoval's lap and their young daughter standing in front.
ID Number:2014.49.006.028.0085
Date:Circa 1945
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Land Acknowledgement

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.
Address: 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle WA, 98109
Phone: 206 324 1126
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