On the Shoulders of Greatness
Black Photographers Collective a non-for-profit (501) (c)(3) stands on the shoulders of many outstanding Black photographers who have paved the way for our participation in this challenging field of photography. Many may not know about the many wonderful achievements of these Black photographers, male and female whose work has graced museum and gallery walls, newspapers, magazines and institutions thus, influencing subsequent generations of photographers towards capturing visual esthetic of beauty, pride and dignity of Black life.
Gordon Parks (1912-2006) photographer for Life Magazine is well known, along with his iconic photographs of Malcolm X and directing of music videos including the classic box office blockbuster film, “Shaft.” However, for several years, before Gordon ever picked up a camera, portrait photographer, Florestine Perrault Collins (1895-1988) was posing people with extreme reverence at her studio in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The prolific work of Prentice H. Polk (1898-1984) of Tuskegee University in Alabama comes to mind whereby, no matter their station of life, George Washington Carver, field hands toiling the soil, elders or working women, his work preserved the dignity on their faces and pride in their postures. Mr. Polk’s influence on Tuskegee student, Chester Higgins led to his outstanding photojournalism career with The New York Times.
Welcoming the Harlem Renaissance with master studio photographer, James Van Der Zee (1886-1983) and his iconic images of Harlemites inclusive of renowned artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat to the educator, entrepreneur and activist, the Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey and various personal portraits, dazzling the mind and creating expressive double exposures of loved ones dear to his ‘sitter’s’ hearts.
New York City photographer, Kwame Brathwaite (1938-2023) recently made his angelic transition, bestowing upon us several decades of memorable images, accompanied by iconic images of Bob Marley, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Nelson Mandela and pioneering photographs of Harlem’s Black lifestyles. His contribution, along with his late brother, Pan African activist and journalist, Elombe Brath helped launch the international 1960s “Black is Beautiful” movement featuring the lovely Grandassa Models which centered on rich and natural Black beauty.
The world has been blessed with the glorious talents of these outstanding photographers: portrait, jazz, street, author and educator, Roy DeCarava (1919-2009), Pulitzer Prize (Ebony Magazine) winning photographer, Monetta Sleet Jr. (1926-1996), Harlem Documentary photographers, twins Morgan (1910-1993) and Marvin Smith (1910-2003) along with Muhammad Ali’s personal photographer, Howard Bingham (1939-2016). Photography mentor, educator and original member of the Kamoinge (Swahili, meaning a group of people who are working together) Workshop was Louis Draper (1935-2002). Also acknowledging Pittsburg Courrier’s photojournalist, Tennie Harris (1908-1998) and trailblazing Civil Rights photographer, Elaine Tomlin (1928-1995) plus a host of extremely fine image-makers whose relevant works and illustrious careers have captured powerful moments of excellence on the essence of Black lives.
Many of them, without mentors, had to guide their way towards maintaining quality results. They have blessed us with their visions, tenacity, dedication, contributions and creativity. We salute the presence of their achievements in our daily lives.
Under the Fair Use Act of 1976 all images in this article are utilized for educational and scholarship purposes only. All copyrights belong to the artists.
This article was written and © by Howard T. Cash- May 10, 2023
