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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 Frisco McGale, Buford Ransom, and Eddie Cotton, Seattle, circa 1947
Photograph

Frisco McGale, Buford Ransom, and Eddie Cotton, Seattle, circa 1947

Dornatt J. “Frisco” McGale (d. 1958), was a professional fighter, and a boxing trainer and manager. Born in Jamaica, McGale lived in Seattle since the 1920s and fought professionally during the 1920s and 1930s. After he retired from boxing, he devoted his time to training young boxers. He managed professional light-heavyweight Eddie Cotton for many years. During WWII, McGale was…
ID Number:2014.49.009.073.0292
Date:Circa 1947
Image of Dr. Ralph Bunche, Seattle, July 8, 1949
Photograph

Dr. Ralph Bunche, Seattle, July 8, 1949

Dr. Ralph Bunche was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work as a United Nations mediator in Palestine during the 1948 conflict between Arabs and Jews. He was the first African American to receive the prize. Dr. Bunche (1904-1971) said mediators "should be biased against suspicion, intolerance, hate, religious and racial bigotry."Dr. Bunche came to Seattle in July 1949…
ID Number:2014.49.009.092.0365
Date:1949
Image of Izzy Smith at a picnic, 1959
Photograph

Izzy Smith at a picnic, 1959

In addition to his jazz club images, Seattle-born photographer Al Smith took many photos of family, friends and other local people in their everyday lives. Here, he photographs his wife Izzy enjoying a cold drink at a picnic. Isabelle “Izzy” Donaldson (1916-2008) was born to a family of Black coal miners in Roslyn, Washington. She met photographer Al Smith in…
ID Number:2014.49.09.04.09
Date:1959
Image of Stokely Carmichael speaking at Garfield High School, Seattle, April 19, 1967
Photograph

Stokely Carmichael speaking at Garfield High School, Seattle, April 19, 1967

In a speech to an overflow crowd at Garfield High School, Black Power leader Stokely Carmichael proclaimed "it's a new day" for African Americans, who should assert themselves and no longer be ashamed of their color. About 20% of the listeners were white and many joined in cheering the speaker as he jabbed at white America.Controversy preceded the event with…
ID Number:2014.49.09.17.01
Date:1967
Image of Bob Frasier and John Davis posing at gym, Seattle, October 16, 1949
Photograph

Bob Frasier and John Davis posing at gym, Seattle, October 16, 1949

Bob Frasier, manager, assists John Davis, fighter and longshoreman, in the ring at a gymnasium located around 1st & Cherry. Bob is wearing a long sleeved shirt and pants with suspenders, and John is in a striped shirt and shorts, wearing protective gear and gloves.
ID Number:2014.49.010.001.0002
Date:1949
Image of
Photograph

"Old Timers" club members posing together, Seattle, circa 1949

Eighteen "Seattle Old Timers" women pose for photo in costume, on the lawn of the "Tennis Club" at 23rd & E. Olive. In the back row, the identified women are Cora Spencer (2nd from left, Roberta Spencer's mother), and Edith Ruth Brown (5th from left). Seated in front are Mrs. Cecile McIver (2nd from left), Florence Artis (3rd from left),…
ID Number:2014.49.010.001.0003
Date:Circa 1949
Image of Members of the Royal Esquire Club on steps of Collins Field House, Seattle, September 11, 1949
Photograph

Members of the Royal Esquire Club on steps of Collins Field House, Seattle, September 11, 1949

The Royal Esquire Club is a private African American men's club in Seattle, founded in 1947 by five young Black men, as there was no welcoming venue in the city where they could socialize. Still active as of 2025 and now located in the Columbia City neighborhood, the club provides a space for social interaction, education, and entertainment for its…
ID Number:2014.49.010.003.0005
Date:1949
Image of Jessie Grimes with two members of the Royal Esquire Club, Seattle, September 11, 1949
Photograph

Jessie Grimes with two members of the Royal Esquire Club, Seattle, September 11, 1949

The Royal Esquire Club is a private African American men's club in Seattle, founded in 1947 by five young Black men since there was no other welcoming venue in the city where they could socialize. Still active as of 2025 and now located in the Columbia City neighborhood, the club provides a space for social interaction, education, and entertainment for…
ID Number:2014.49.010.003.0173
Date:1949
Image of Phil Burton and Walter White talking with Bill Ross, Seattle, November 20, 1949
Photograph

Phil Burton and Walter White talking with Bill Ross, Seattle, November 20, 1949

This photo shows three gentleman, possibly in a church building. From left to right are attorney Phil Burton, Walter White, and boxer and fight trainer Bill Ross. Walter Francis White (1893-1955), Executive Secretary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) from 1931-1955, visited Seattle on November 20, 1949.
ID Number:2014.49.010.004.0007
Date:1949
Image of Walter White posing with two others, Seattle, November 20, 1949
Photograph

Walter White posing with two others, Seattle, November 20, 1949

Walter Francis White (1893-1955), Executive Secretary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) from 1931-1955, visited Seattle on November 20, 1949. White worked with President Harry Truman to desegregate the armed forces. Here, he stands with two unidentified people at an unidentified location.
ID Number:2014.49.010.004.0196
Date:1949
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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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