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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 Dizzy Gillespie playing trumpet backstage, Seattle, August 9, 1991
Photograph

Dizzy Gillespie playing trumpet backstage, Seattle, August 9, 1991

Seattle's jazz scene flourished in the first half of the twentieth century, peaking in the late 1930s through early 1950s. Seattle-born photographer Al Smith took thousands of photos in the popular Jackson street jazz clubs, and at larger venues hosting concerts. Among the many jazz musicians Smith photographed were a number of internationally renowned artists who came to play in…
ID Number:2014.49.06.036.15
Date:1991
Image of Model at “La Clique Club” fashion show, Seattle, circa 1960
Photograph

Model at “La Clique Club” fashion show, Seattle, circa 1960

A postal carrier during the week, Seattle photographer Al Smith (1916-2008) spent weekends taking pictures for his photography business "On The Spot." His photographs tell the stories of everyday people who shaped the dynamic character of Seattle, offering rare views into the city’s Black community, the Central Area neighborhood, and the local jazz scene. Here, Smith photographs a model at…
ID Number:2014.49.07.047.07
Date:Circa 1960
Image of Double exposure of First Communion at Immaculate Conception church, Seattle, circa 1960
Photograph

Double exposure of First Communion at Immaculate Conception church, Seattle, circa 1960

In addition to his images of the local jazz scene, Seattle photographer Al Smith took many photos of family, friends, and other local people in their everyday lives. Here, Smith photographs a First Communion ceremony at Immaculate Conception Church on 18th Avenue. The double-exposed film superimposes an image of a line of girls walking into the church with an image…
ID Number:2014.49.07.080.01
Date:Circa 1960
Image of Two people dancing at house party, Seattle, circa 1972
Photograph

Two people dancing at house party, Seattle, circa 1972

Seattle photographer Al Smith began taking photographs as a hobby as a teenager and continued documenting his experiences, both abroad and at home, throughout his life. Best known for his photos of Seattle's Jackson Street area jazz clubs and musicians, Smith also photographed family, friends, and local people in their everyday lives. Here, Smith photographs two people dancing at a…
ID Number:2014.49.008.012.0109
Date:Circa 1972
Image of Freddie Brown wearing his Golden Gloves championship robe, Seattle, February 24, 1949
Photograph

Freddie Brown wearing his Golden Gloves championship robe, Seattle, February 24, 1949

Seattle boxer Freddie Brown (1931-1961) won the middleweight championship title at the 14th annual Golden Gloves Tournament in February 1949. The final bouts, held on February 22, drew what was reported to be the largest Golden Gloves crowd in Civic Auditorium history. Freddie Brown fought twice that night, winning the semi-final against Ivan Johnson before prevailing in the final, defeating…
ID Number:2014.49.009.017.0066
Date:1949
Image of Freddie Brown with Bill Ross and unidentified woman, Seattle,  February 24, 1949
Photograph

Freddie Brown with Bill Ross and unidentified woman, Seattle, February 24, 1949

Seattle boxer Freddie Brown (1931-1961) won the middleweight championship title at the 14th annual Golden Gloves Tournament in February 1949. The final bouts, held on February 22, drew what was reported to be the largest Golden Gloves crowd in Civic Auditorium history. Freddie Brown fought twice that night, winning the semi-final against Ivan Johnson before prevailing in the final, defeating…
ID Number:2014.49.009.017.0068
Date:1949
Image of Freddie Brown and Bill Ross, Seattle, February 24, 1949
Photograph

Freddie Brown and Bill Ross, Seattle, February 24, 1949

Seattle boxer Freddie Brown (1931-1961) won the middleweight championship title at the 14th annual Golden Gloves Tournament in February 1949. The final bouts, held on February 22, drew what was reported to be the largest Golden Gloves crowd in Civic Auditorium history. Freddie Brown fought twice that night, winning the semi-final against Ivan Johnson before prevailing in the final, defeating…
ID Number:2014.49.009.018.0070
Date:1949
Image of Freddie Brown in his Golden Gloves Championship robe, Seattle, February 24, 1949
Photograph

Freddie Brown in his Golden Gloves Championship robe, Seattle, February 24, 1949

Seattle boxer Freddie Brown (1931-1961) won the middleweight championship title at the 14th annual Golden Gloves Tournament in February 1949. The final bouts, held on February 22, drew what was reported to be the largest Golden Gloves crowd in Civic Auditorium history. Freddie Brown fought twice that night, winning the semi-final against Ivan Johnson before prevailing in the final, defeating…
ID Number:2014.49.009.018.0071
Date:1949
Image of Joe Louis with two young boxers backstage at an exhibition match, Seattle, circa 1950
Photograph

Joe Louis with two young boxers backstage at an exhibition match, Seattle, circa 1950

Joe Louis (1914-1981) was heavyweight champion of the world from 1937 to 1949, setting a new world record, and earning Louis a reputation as an American hero. In 1942, Louis joined the Army, and during his service he donated generously from his boxing winnings to Army and Navy relief societies, was part of over 96 boxing exhibitions, and performed for…
ID Number:2014.49.009.019.0075
Date:Circa 1950
Image of Three photographers with cameras outdoors, circa 1950
Photograph

Three photographers with cameras outdoors, circa 1950

Seattle photographer Al Smith began taking photographs as a hobby as a teenager and continued documenting his experiences, both abroad and at home, throughout his life. Best known for his photos of Seattle's Jackson Street area jazz clubs and musicians, Smith also photographed family, friends, and local people in their everyday livesThis image shows three photographers set up to take…
ID Number:2014.49.009.038.0149
Date:Circa 1950
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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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