This panel discussion, moderated by Elvis Mitchell, interviewer for The Black List Project, continues the exhibition’s consideration of how race, history, and each individual’s striving shape and enrich their stories of success. The discussion, held at the Brooklyn Museum on January 31, centered on the future for black women now that First Lady Obama and her daughters have moved into the White House.

rosewithoutathorn84 says:

These children were probably dressed up nicely like this to create a heart-tugging image for northerners, thereby helping the abolitionist cause. Like a picture of a baby harp seal being used to represent all marine life, this is most likely a positive-propaganda image meant to arouse sympathy for those in slavery.

In 1861, the Government officially recognized and empowered the United States Sanitary Commission, a civilian organization, to conduct inquiries regarding the sanitary condition of the volunteer troops, and to advise on the means to promote their health, comfort and efficiency. — New York Public Library

LMangue says:

This Barke’s gelatin silver print cabinet card was taken, or at least processed, in Council Bluffs and Missouri Valley, Iowa around 1890, well after Lincoln’s proclamation had been signed (1863) and had taken effect (1865).Before, during and after slaves were freed it was not that uncommon to see household servants treating white children as if they were their very own. Black servants did in fact raise several generations of white children. Children came to regard their caretakers kindly (in many cases) and might even regard their caretakers with the same affection held for their very own parents.

From the George Grantham Bain Collection of the Library of Congress, taken between 1910 and 1915, is this magnificent portrait of the great Texas boxer Jack Johnson, who became the first heavyweight champion of black boxing. Jim Jeffries, the reigning champ, refused to fight him at the time because of his skin color. Johnson finally fought and beat Jeffries in Las Vegas, NV, in 1910.

Also from the LOC’s Bain Collection, this is a strong portrait of Canadian boxing legend Sam Langford, the “Greatest Fighter Nobody Knows,” whose boxing career spanned 1903 until 1926. This image was taken from a glass negative.

From the Smithsonian Institution:

Creator/Photographer: Unidentified photographer
Medium: Gelatin silver print
Date: 1946
Collection: Lee Harris Papers
Repository: Anacostia Community Museum
Gift line: Gift of Mr. Lee Harris
Accession number: PH 2003.7078.053

Cashaw says:

Yes, blacks went to the battle field to help fight racism. What is truly interesting is it was these very same people who helped to start the Civil Rights movement. My grandfather told some very interesting stories about WWII, and coming home.

Photographed in 1989 by Harold Do and residing at the Smithsonian, this photograph celebrates the week long holiday of Kwanzaa, honoring African heritage. Ron Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966 as the first specifically African American holiday. Karenga said his goal was to:

… give Blacks an alternative to the existing holiday and give Blacks an opportunity to celebrate themselves and history, rather than simply imitate the practice of the dominant society.