I chanced upon Kicha’s Black History website while researching an African American architect who lived during the late 1800s into early 1900s. I was finding lots of words providing context about the African American experience during this period but very few images until I came across her galleries.
Her unique collection is a moving reminder of the power of images to document the stories of people and places that might otherwise be forgotten.
I highly recommend taking time to peruse the site and view the wide range of photos and their accompanying text. You can scroll through individual photos or browse different albums.
The photos were taken by different photographers. They capture a beauty and dignity as well as diversity not always depicted in today’s historical narratives about the African American experience or in most popular media recreations of the time period.
While I don’t know the website creator’s story, I say bravo to what she has pulled together. I think the site does something important by presenting pictures of an American experience that many may not know but may be important to rediscover and celebrate as we continue to define who we are in this melting pot of a nation.
View Kicha’s Black History galleries: http://www.ipernity.com/home/285591
Words + Images 