Pennsylvania Photo Archive of African American Women, 1950s-90s

African American Women, Photo Archive

Photo Archive

[African American] Archive of 63 vernacular photos of African American women c. 1950s-90s. Images are in color and black and white with measurements ranging from 5" x 7" to 2" x 2" in. One color photo shows 4 generations of Black women posed on stairs outside a large concrete building with sign behind them reading, "Philadelphia Civic Cent[er]...Temple University Commencement Thursday May 27 1030." Two older women in suits pose with a little girl in pale blue bellbottoms and matching top, ankles crossed casually as she leans against one of the older woman who stands straight, a handbag over one arm. Two images included show the same woman, one a closeup of her face behind tinted seventies glasses, gazing downward with fingers just visible pressed against her chest. In the second photo she stands, one hand grasping a bag over her shoulder, gazing into the camera with the same expression of calm strength. The archive shows African American women across generations and decades, well dressed in church pews, around banquet tables, at home in grandmotherly housedresses, posing alone or in groups raising glasses together in celebration. One image shows a woman sitting on a riding mower, sunglasses and hat on, smiling broadly with one hand raised. Throughout American history black women have fought for freedom and justice not only for themselves but for society at large. Positioned at the intersection of racism and sexism, Black women have been largely underrepresented, overworked and discredited for their social contributions. To show them represented in their joy, not just their struggle, is integral work in reclaiming their rightful historic role. Black joy is a phrase used by historians to highlight the positive aspects of Black history separate from its suffering. Representations of African Americans living lives at once ordinary and inspired, both deeply personal and universal, is an integral piece of any American history archive. "Expressions and acts of black joy are often encouraged as a way for Black people to fully be themselves and form a sense of community as a response to systems that devalue them and stifle their self-expression. In this way, engaging in and sharing experiences of Black joy are seen not as ways of ignoring oppression but as acts of resistance against it." (dictionary) An important archive for developing a more complete history.

Item #18070

Price: $385.00