THROWBACK THURSDAY
Legendary photographer Al Smith and the Black Media Matters studios.
Have you ever wondered about the iconic interview wall in our #BlackMediaMatters Studios? Well, Stephanie Johnson-Tolliver from the Black Heritage Society of Washington State tells the story of legendary Seattle photographer Al Smith whose photos make up much of the wall. Stephanie takes from Al Smith's early interest in photography to him becoming one of the most important documentarians of Black life and culture in Seattle of his era.
A brief history of beer parlors and beer brewers in the Central District of Seattle.
BEER! From beer parlors of the 1940s like The Watering Hole and Honeysuckle Pool Room to breweries of today like Métier Brewing Company and 23rd Ave Brewery, we take you through a short history of beer in the #CentralDistrict thanks to the Black Heritage Society of Washington State.
Seattle's Black Social Clubs.
Today we take a look back at the history of social clubs in the Black community of Seattle from the Royal Esquires to the Les Dames Bridge Club which has been meeting for 75 years. This trip down memory lane is courtesy of Stephanie Johnson-Toliver and The Black Heritage Society of Washington State.
Seattle's Black Army Social Clubs during WWII.
During WWII US Army bases in Seattle like Camp Jordan (current day SODO) and Fort Lawton (Discovery Park) were segregated. We take a look back at how two sisters (Marjorie Polk Sotero and Kathryn Polk Lazard) operated Army Service Clubs providing comfort, care, and dignity for Black soldiers. #TBT is a partnership between Converge Media and The Black Heritage Society of Washington State #BlackMediaMatters
The Ubangi Blackhawks.
We take a look at high profile businessman Russell "Noodles" Smith, who invested in real estate, became a nightclub owner, and sponsored the semi-pro football Community League. These champions went nearly undefeated largely because of the players athleticism.
National Association of Colored Womens Clubs (NACWC).
We present the national and local history of NACWC and the 24th Biennial Convention in Seattle in 1948. The state women's club movement began as early as 1908 in Tacoma, WA and continues today.
The ROOTS Family Picnic: Seattle's Annual Homecoming for Black Families.
Have you heard of the ROOTS Family Picnic? Now in its 50th year, the picnic is an annual homecoming for Seattle's Black families that have migrated away from the Emerald City over the years. Stephanie Johnson-Toliver from The Black Heritage Society of Washington State tells us all about it.
Boy Scout Troop #14.
James Washington, Jr. is not known best as a community scoutmaster but rather as a renowned sculpture and artist who made Seattle Central District his home. Washington was a passionate and active civil rights and social justice advocate.
Central District Mardi Gras -Seafair History.
Central District community parades and festivals began with what came to be known as Mardi Gras. The week-long cultural celebration was initiated and sponsored by CD Black business men and women.
Barbeque Joints.
The story begins with the legendary Hill's Brothers BBQ. The historic Central District was home to a number of barbeque joints over the years and now the businesses expand outside the area to include mobile vendors that barbeque ribs on the go.
Birthday Party Joy.
Party photos are a must and children's birthday parties show up frequently among the thousands of images in the Al Smith Collection. Celebrating birthdays....cake, presents, hats, horns, and joy.
