Rare and very interesting photos
- Thread starter Alumni
- Start date
Jack like " this cac " .....On December 26th in the year 1908 Jack Johnson became the first African American World Heavyweight Boxing Champion by knocking out Tommy Burns. For years America would not show this image of a black man knocking out a white man.
Bass Reeves, the real Lone Ranger. Bass Reeves was the first African American commissioned to serve as a deputy marshal west of the Mississippi River. He brought to justice over 3,000 criminals and killed fourteen outlaws during his years as a marshal.
Everyone has heard of Black Wall Street.Meet the founder, O.W. Gurley.
In 1905 Gurley and his wife sold their property in Noble County and moved 80 miles to the oil boom town of Tulsa.Gurley purchased 40 acres of land in North Tulsa and established his first business,a rooming house on a dusty road that would become Greenwood Avenue.He subdivided his plot into residential and commercial lots and eventually opened a grocery store.
As the community grew around him, Gurley prospered.Between 1910 and 1920,the Black population in the area he had purchased grew from 2,000 to nearly 9,000 in a city with a total population of 72,000.The Black community had a large working-class population as well as doctors, lawyers,and other professionals who provided services to them.Soon the Greenwood section was dubbed “Negro Wall Street” by Tuskegee educator Booker T.Washington.
Greenwood, now called Black Wall Street, was nearly self-sufficient with Black-0wned businesses, many initially financed by Gurley,ranging from brickyards and theaters to a chartered airplane company.Gurley built the Gurley Hotel at 112 N. Greenwood and rented out spaces to smaller businesses.His other properties included a two-story building at 119 N.Greenwood,which housed the Masonic Lodge and a Black employment agency. He was also one of the founders of Vernon AME Church.
In 1905 Gurley and his wife sold their property in Noble County and moved 80 miles to the oil boom town of Tulsa.Gurley purchased 40 acres of land in North Tulsa and established his first business,a rooming house on a dusty road that would become Greenwood Avenue.He subdivided his plot into residential and commercial lots and eventually opened a grocery store.
As the community grew around him, Gurley prospered.Between 1910 and 1920,the Black population in the area he had purchased grew from 2,000 to nearly 9,000 in a city with a total population of 72,000.The Black community had a large working-class population as well as doctors, lawyers,and other professionals who provided services to them.Soon the Greenwood section was dubbed “Negro Wall Street” by Tuskegee educator Booker T.Washington.
Greenwood, now called Black Wall Street, was nearly self-sufficient with Black-0wned businesses, many initially financed by Gurley,ranging from brickyards and theaters to a chartered airplane company.Gurley built the Gurley Hotel at 112 N. Greenwood and rented out spaces to smaller businesses.His other properties included a two-story building at 119 N.Greenwood,which housed the Masonic Lodge and a Black employment agency. He was also one of the founders of Vernon AME Church.
The first recorded mention of all-Black hockey teams appears in 1895. Games between Black club teams were arranged by formal invitation. Following the matches, the host teams often entertained the visiting squad with an after game dinner. By 1900, The Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes had been created, headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia. ... The league would exist until the mid-1920s.Historically speaking, The Colored Hockey League was like not other hockey or sports league before or since. Primarily located in a province, reputed to be the birthplace of Canadian hockey, the league would be in time produce a quality of player and athlete that would rival the best of White Canada. Such was the skill of the teams that they would be seen by as worthy candidates for local representation in the annual quest for Canadian hockey''s ultimate prize--the Stanley Cup.
1934 Kansas City Monarchs
The Monarchs were established in 1920 by J.L. Wilkinson, making them one of the founding teams of the Negro National League. They won the first Negro League World Series in 1924 and repeated in 1942. The Monarchs were pioneers in night baseball, using portable lighting systems to play games under the lights as early as 1930. 13 players who played for the Monarchs are in the Hall of Fame including Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, Ernie Banks and Cool Papa Bell.
The Monarchs were established in 1920 by J.L. Wilkinson, making them one of the founding teams of the Negro National League. They won the first Negro League World Series in 1924 and repeated in 1942. The Monarchs were pioneers in night baseball, using portable lighting systems to play games under the lights as early as 1930. 13 players who played for the Monarchs are in the Hall of Fame including Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, Ernie Banks and Cool Papa Bell.
Did you know?
In 1941, Satchel Paige, one of baseball’s most legendary figures, was a major draw wherever he went, and this moment captured in Harlem epitomizes his immense popularity, especially among young African American fans. Paige, who played for the Negro Leagues and was known for his remarkable pitching talent, was already considered one of the greatest pitchers of all time by 1941. His fastball and dazzling performances on the mound were a spectacle that transcended racial barriers in the segregated United States. Harlem, as a cultural hub for African Americans, was filled with admiration for Paige, who had earned a place in the hearts of countless fans.
During this period, the segregation of baseball meant that African American players, including Paige, were excluded from Major League Baseball. Despite this, the Negro Leagues thrived and became a beacon of hope and pride for the African American community. Paige's presence in Harlem was symbolic of both the struggles and the joy of black America during the 1930s and 1940s. This moment, with young fans following him down the street, showcases how deeply ingrained baseball was in the cultural fabric of Harlem and how figures like Paige became icons, representing not only athletic excellence but also racial pride and perseverance.
By 1941, Satchel Paige was nearing the height of his career, and his achievements on the field were beginning to gain national attention. Though he would not join Major League Baseball until 1948, when he became part of the Cleveland Indians, Paige’s influence and status had already made him a legend. This photograph from Harlem captures the reverence and excitement he inspired in young fans, highlighting the important role African American players.
In 1941, Satchel Paige, one of baseball’s most legendary figures, was a major draw wherever he went, and this moment captured in Harlem epitomizes his immense popularity, especially among young African American fans. Paige, who played for the Negro Leagues and was known for his remarkable pitching talent, was already considered one of the greatest pitchers of all time by 1941. His fastball and dazzling performances on the mound were a spectacle that transcended racial barriers in the segregated United States. Harlem, as a cultural hub for African Americans, was filled with admiration for Paige, who had earned a place in the hearts of countless fans.
During this period, the segregation of baseball meant that African American players, including Paige, were excluded from Major League Baseball. Despite this, the Negro Leagues thrived and became a beacon of hope and pride for the African American community. Paige's presence in Harlem was symbolic of both the struggles and the joy of black America during the 1930s and 1940s. This moment, with young fans following him down the street, showcases how deeply ingrained baseball was in the cultural fabric of Harlem and how figures like Paige became icons, representing not only athletic excellence but also racial pride and perseverance.
By 1941, Satchel Paige was nearing the height of his career, and his achievements on the field were beginning to gain national attention. Though he would not join Major League Baseball until 1948, when he became part of the Cleveland Indians, Paige’s influence and status had already made him a legend. This photograph from Harlem captures the reverence and excitement he inspired in young fans, highlighting the important role African American players.
He probably just got finished touching up them pink toes behind him.Marvin Gaye looking fly getting ready for a show in Belgium in 1981
Benjamin F. Hardy was an African-American custom motorcycle builder who made the Captain America and Billy choppers for the 1969 Peter Fonda road movie Easy Rider.
The Captain America bike, made from a then 20-year-old, heavily customized Harley-Davidson panhead is considered one of the most iconic motorcycles ever built.
Working with another Black motorcycle builder, coordinator Cliff Vaughs, Hardy built two ''Billy'' bikes and three ''Captain Americas'', one of which was destroyed in the making of the movie, the rest of which were stolen. Each bike had a backup to make sure that shooting could continue in case one of the old machines failed or got wrecked accidentally. The ''Billy'' bike was typical of the custom motorcycles Black bikers were riding at the time.
Hardy and Vaughs remained largely unknown and uncredited for 25 years as they were not accepted due to being African-Americans, and were not welcomed into the mainstream motorcycle world in the USA.
Known locally as "Benny" and "King of Bikes" Ben Hardy''s Motorcycle Service was located at 1168 E. Florence in Los Angeles. He was a mentor to many of the local motorcyclists in South Central, Los Angeles.
His work was featured in the “Black Chrome” exhibition at the California African American Museum.
The Captain America bike, made from a then 20-year-old, heavily customized Harley-Davidson panhead is considered one of the most iconic motorcycles ever built.
Working with another Black motorcycle builder, coordinator Cliff Vaughs, Hardy built two ''Billy'' bikes and three ''Captain Americas'', one of which was destroyed in the making of the movie, the rest of which were stolen. Each bike had a backup to make sure that shooting could continue in case one of the old machines failed or got wrecked accidentally. The ''Billy'' bike was typical of the custom motorcycles Black bikers were riding at the time.
Hardy and Vaughs remained largely unknown and uncredited for 25 years as they were not accepted due to being African-Americans, and were not welcomed into the mainstream motorcycle world in the USA.
Known locally as "Benny" and "King of Bikes" Ben Hardy''s Motorcycle Service was located at 1168 E. Florence in Los Angeles. He was a mentor to many of the local motorcyclists in South Central, Los Angeles.
His work was featured in the “Black Chrome” exhibition at the California African American Museum.
Leroy Hutson was that dude for me
American musicians Fred Cash, Leroy Hutson and Sam Gooden (1934 - 2022), of the American music group The Impressions, pose for a portrait in London, England, September 17, 1971.
Hubert F. Julian, often called "The Black Eagle," was a trailblazer in aviation history. Born in Trinidad in 1897, Julian became one of the earliest Black aviators and made significant contributions to the world of aviation.
Aviation Pioneer:
In 1913, a tragic incident involving aircraft designer Frank Boland, who died after crashing a tail-less biplane, inspired Julian to develop a safety device for aircraft. His invention was a combination of a parachute and propeller, aimed at saving lives in emergencies.
Inventor & Innovator:
His safety device led to a patent in 1921, showcasing Julian’s forward-thinking and inventive mind. Though his name is often overshadowed in mainstream history, his impact on aviation safety cannot be understated.
Legacy of Courage & Innovation:
Julian made history not only with his aviation skills but also for his relentless efforts to break racial barriers. His career symbolized both innovation and resilience. The image of the "Black Eagle" in the sky became a symbol of freedom, courage, and the fight for equality.
Aviation Pioneer:
In 1913, a tragic incident involving aircraft designer Frank Boland, who died after crashing a tail-less biplane, inspired Julian to develop a safety device for aircraft. His invention was a combination of a parachute and propeller, aimed at saving lives in emergencies.
Inventor & Innovator:
His safety device led to a patent in 1921, showcasing Julian’s forward-thinking and inventive mind. Though his name is often overshadowed in mainstream history, his impact on aviation safety cannot be understated.
Legacy of Courage & Innovation:
Julian made history not only with his aviation skills but also for his relentless efforts to break racial barriers. His career symbolized both innovation and resilience. The image of the "Black Eagle" in the sky became a symbol of freedom, courage, and the fight for equality.
The first Top Gun competition was held in 1949.
The caucasian pilots competed with the latest state of art aircraft, while the African-American pilots were forced to compete with the much older, obsolete planes.
After 3 days of competition, The Tuskegee Airmen team of : Captain Alva Temple, 1st Lieutenant Harry Stewart, 1st Lieutenant James Harvey, and 1st Lieutenant Halbert Alexander (alternate) were announced the winners.
There was dead silence in the room.
Not one of their (hypocrite) colleagues applauded this accomplishment.
The victory was swept under the rug and the trophy was not seen by the public for 55 years.
The caucasian pilots competed with the latest state of art aircraft, while the African-American pilots were forced to compete with the much older, obsolete planes.
After 3 days of competition, The Tuskegee Airmen team of : Captain Alva Temple, 1st Lieutenant Harry Stewart, 1st Lieutenant James Harvey, and 1st Lieutenant Halbert Alexander (alternate) were announced the winners.
There was dead silence in the room.
Not one of their (hypocrite) colleagues applauded this accomplishment.
The victory was swept under the rug and the trophy was not seen by the public for 55 years.
The original “Me no black”A Dominican man gets furious when a United States soldier tells him to pick up some garbage, replying "I am not your negro." - United States invasion of the Dominican Republic, April 28, 1965.
The vintage photograph from 1937, taken in Gee's Bend, Alabama, captures two African American individuals in a moment of everyday life. This powerful image offers a glimpse into the lives of people living in a rural community in the South during the early 20th century. The simplicity of the scene, framed by the stark beauty of the landscape, speaks to the resilience and strength of the people of Gee's Bend, a place known for its deep ties to African American history and culture. The photograph conveys a quiet yet profound story of dignity, survival, and community in the face of adversity.
Gee's Bend, located in the heart of Alabama, is home to a rich history of African American culture, particularly known for its legacy of quilting. The 1937 photo, though not centered on this tradition, still captures the essence of the area, showcasing individuals whose lives were shaped by both hardship and a deep sense of community. The photograph, an old vintage print, reflects the economic and social conditions of the time while honoring the people who lived through them, adding depth to our understanding of African American history.
As a vintage print, this 1937 photograph remains an important piece of history, preserving a moment in time that otherwise might have been forgotten. It serves as a reminder of the lives of those in rural African American communities during the Great Depression, offering a window into their resilience and strength. The image holds not only historical significance but also cultural importance, representing a time and place that played a key role in shaping the African American experience in the South
Gee's Bend, located in the heart of Alabama, is home to a rich history of African American culture, particularly known for its legacy of quilting. The 1937 photo, though not centered on this tradition, still captures the essence of the area, showcasing individuals whose lives were shaped by both hardship and a deep sense of community. The photograph, an old vintage print, reflects the economic and social conditions of the time while honoring the people who lived through them, adding depth to our understanding of African American history.
As a vintage print, this 1937 photograph remains an important piece of history, preserving a moment in time that otherwise might have been forgotten. It serves as a reminder of the lives of those in rural African American communities during the Great Depression, offering a window into their resilience and strength. The image holds not only historical significance but also cultural importance, representing a time and place that played a key role in shaping the African American experience in the South