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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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1189 results for: Black/African American

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Image of Community leaders posing together, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Community leaders posing together, Seattle, circa 1953

Sixteen men and one woman pose formally near windows. The individuals in the back row are identified from left as George Taylor, Kenneth Stovall, Bruce Rowells, and five unidentified others. The individuals seated in the front row are identified from left as Elihue E. Spearman, Mr. Ward, Dr. Felix Cooper, Christine Meade, Ernest White, two unidentified others, and Powell Barnett.…
ID Number:2014.49.006.028.0090
Date:Circa 1945
Image of Portrait of Cheryl Inez Smith, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Portrait of Cheryl Inez Smith, Seattle, circa 1953

Cheryl Inez Smith, wearing a white headband, smiles in the sunshine.
ID Number:2014.49.006.029.0091
Date:Circa 1965
Image of Mildred Mar carrying child at beach, Des Moines, circa 1960
Photograph

Mildred Mar carrying child at beach, Des Moines, circa 1960

Mildred Mar was a lifelong family friends of the photographer Al Smith's family. Here, she carries a child, probably her son Kaylon, out of the water during a Sunday outing at Saltwater State Park on Puget Sound near Des Moines. Cheryl Inez Smith, the photographer's daughter, plays in the surf on the left side of the frame.
ID Number:2014.49.006.029.0093
Date:Circa 1960
Image of Woman modeling a hairstyle, circa 1960
Photograph

Woman modeling a hairstyle, 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, particularly in the city's Black community. Smith often photographed fashion shows, hairstyle models, and people fashionably dressed for a night out. Here, Smith photographs a woman modeling a tightly curled hairstyle, possibly…
ID Number:2014.49.006.029.0327
Date:Circa 1960
Image of Lionel Hampton posing with two band members, Seattle, August 9, 1991
Photograph

Lionel Hampton posing with two band members, 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:2014.49.06.036.06
Date:1991
Image of Dizzy Gillespie rehearshing with band backstage, Seattle, August 9, 1991
Photograph

Dizzy Gillespie rehearshing with band 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:2014.49.06.036.11
Date:1991
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
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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.
Address: 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle WA, 98109
Phone: 206 324 1126
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