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The Scurlocks and Black Washington
For over 80 years, the Scurlock photography studio catalogued the lives of the black middle class of Washington, D.C. (05:27)
Images courtesy of: Scurlock Studio Records, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Audio clips courtesy of Smithsonian Folkways: http://folkways.si.edu
Produced by: Lucinda Moore and Brian Wolly
Related:
The Scurlock Studio: Picture of Prosperity
For more than half a century the Scurlock Studio chronicled the rise of Washington's black middle class
February 2010 |
By David Zax
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Comments (12)
I look forward to reading the captions to these wonderful, historical photos. Thanks so much for providing the historical photographs. -- Loving the black and white tones as well! Virginia Monday, September 10, 2012
Posted by Virginia Banks Martin on September 10,2012 | 07:34 PM
From one whose captivated by black history, these photographs are the best.
Posted by James O.Mayberry on May 26,2012 | 01:45 PM
Really enjoyed video Father's since of family Must get back to DC to see exhibit
Posted by David p Scurlock jr on May 23,2012 | 03:02 PM
These are stories our children should see. We focus to much on negative things about the race at others delight. I am very happy to see that such information exists. Thank You for sharing!
Posted by Bessie L. Sanders-Gordon on May 21,2012 | 02:12 PM
Truly, an historical reflection of vital contribution to African American History.
Posted by Legrande Baldwin on May 7,2012 | 10:32 PM
I have a picture of me and my brother taken by the Scurlocks in the 1940's
Posted by Everett Greene on May 1,2012 | 09:56 AM
This link was forwarded to me by a friend and was excited to see photos of the diverse culture of African Americans that was/is in Washington DC.
Posted by Cheryl Posey on February 1,2012 | 12:16 PM
We at Social Sightings totally understand what the Scurlocks were doing and have picked up the banner to showcase African Americans the way they really are!
Posted by Social Sightings-The CoLumn&MagaZine on February 1,2012 | 08:24 AM
I just happened upon this video while researching the 'Black History' of DC. These pictures and narratives shouldn't be relegated to museums, they need to be part of the education of all children growing up in DC...if not, the world. When I look at the state of my neighborhood (Anacostia) it isn't hard to understand why our children can't fathom the achievements and drive of the DC residents you describe in this video. The state of our 'Hoods' are so far removed from the pride and persistence of those who've come before us. But I'm hoping that this reminder (because I am definitely sharing this on facebook..lol) will start changing CAN'T/WON'T/AIN'T GONNA into CAN/WILL/GOTTA GET IT DONE!
Thank you for sharing!!!
Posted by Karen Booker on April 18,2011 | 04:12 PM
I was in Washington,DC on 4/18/09 for my nephew's wedding that afternoon. I arose early to spend the morning going to Museums, starting with The Smithsonian. At the Smithsonian I picked up a brochure about the Scurlock exhibit at the National Museum of American History. I was so excited and elated.
I hurried over to the Scurlock exhbit ,I watched the video & viewed the photographs and cameras. I was so delighted & felt like I was just meant to there At that moment, It felt like one of my most precious memories. I hurried & bought the book. Ran back to the hotel & to my amazement, the whole wedding party is dressed & in the lobby. Thank goodness I dressed fast & made it to the wedding on time. It was worth it.
So today, I started reading The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks. I wanted to do some online research & reading before I started. I read the article about Lack's author, in Smithsonian & wanted to read more. Alas, full circle & more research led me to the Scurlock video.
Thank you for this beautiful gem of a video that expresses so clearly what I felt on viewing this exhibit.
Posted by Esther E. Jones on January 28,2011 | 08:30 PM
These are the kind of stories that help enrich my life...Thankful for the documentation of our culture...
Posted by Phyllis Swan-Rankin on March 17,2010 | 05:07 PM
These photographs are amazing and I'm honored to have learned this bit of "Black History".
Posted by ANGELA DENNIS on March 7,2010 | 09:28 AM