Januário Garcia Jr (1943-2021)

Januário Garcia Jr. hailed from Minas Gerais, a Brazilian state renowned for its significant population of Afrodescendentes, or Black Brazilians. Born on November 16, 1943, into a modest family residing on the outskirts of Belo Horizonte, the state capital, Garcia embarked on a journey to … Read MoreJanuário Garcia Jr (1943-2021)

John Johnson (1879-1953) and Earl McWiliams (?-?)

John Johnson, who is described as Lincoln, Nebraska’s long-forgotten photographer, was well known for his photography of the African American Community of his time. Johnson was born in Lincoln in 1879, the son of enslaved people. Johnson’s father was a Civil War veteran and his … Read MoreJohn Johnson (1879-1953) and Earl McWiliams (?-?)

Reverend Henry Clay Anderson (1911-1998)

Reverend Henry Clay Anderson was a pastor, teacher, veteran, and photographer, best known for capturing the lives of the black middle class of Greenville, Mississippi from 1948 to 1986. He was born in Nitta Yuma, Mississippi, in 1911 and spent his childhood in Hollandale outside … Read MoreReverend Henry Clay Anderson (1911-1998)

Prentice Herman Polk (1898-1985)

“Image Ownership: Public Domain” Prentice Herman Polk, acclaimed photographer, was born November 25, 1898 in Bessemer, Alabama, to Jacob Prentice Polk, a miner, and Christine Romelia Ward, a seamstress.   Mr. Polk was a portraitist who was especially adept with the effects of light and dark.  … Read MorePrentice Herman Polk (1898-1985)

King Daniel Ganaway (1882- 1944)

King Daniel Ganaway, a 39-year-old butler on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois rose to fame in 1921 by winning the first place prize in national photographic contest sponsored by Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Department Store Owner John Wanamaker. Titled “The Spirit of Transportation,” the photograph was … Read MoreKing Daniel Ganaway (1882- 1944)

Emmanuel Francis Joseph (1900–1979)

“Image Ownership: Oakland Public Library & African American Museum” Emmanuel Francis (E.F.) Joseph was the first professional African American photographer in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. Born on November 8, 1900 on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, Joseph would later move to … Read MoreEmmanuel Francis Joseph (1900–1979)