In that spirit, this article – using images from the David V. Tinder Collection of Michigan Photography at the William L. Clements Library at the University of Michigan – examines different ways Black Americans from the 19th century used photography as a tool for self-empowerment and social change.
Black studio portraits Cabinet card portraits of African Americans from the David V. Tinder Collection of Michigan Photography. Left: Man with Pipe, circa 1887. Right: Woman in Silk Dress, circa 1888. William L. Clements Library
Speaking about how accessible photography had become during his time, Douglass once stated: “What was once the special and exclusive luxury of the rich and great is now the privilege of all. The humblest servant girl may now possess a picture of herself such as the wealth of kings could not purchase fifty years ago.”
February 11, 2021
Arabella Chapman, pictured above, was a Black music teacher from New York. Images from her family photo albums appear in Framing Identity. // Photograph courtesy of Arabella Chapman carte-de-visite albums (1878-[1890s]), William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan (Finding Aid).With its latest virtual exhibit, the University of Michigan is exploring how 19th century Black Americans used the power of photography to express their identity and grow their communities.
Now available for view online,
Framing Identity: Representations of Empowerment and Resilience in the Black Experience is inspired by Frederick Douglass’ view on picture-making. Often considered the most photographed American of the 19th century, the abolitionist once said that picture-making is the secret to poets, performers, and prophets’ success.
U-M Clements Library in Ann Arbor accepting fellowship applications
Applications due by March 1
Meredith Bruckner, Community News Producer, All About Ann Arbor
Published:
Tags: The Death of General Wolfe, over 240 years old and 8.5 feet in width, has been installed with new custom lighting on the oak-paneled walls of the Avenir Foundation Room at the University of Michigan William L. Clements Library. (Photo: Austin Thomason | Michigan Photography)
ANN ARBOR – The William L. Clements Library at the University of Michigan is now accepting applications for its fellowships through March 1.
The library offers fellowships each year to help scholars access its world-renowned American history collections. Its storied and picturesque reading room is closed to the public. Prior to the pandemic, public tours of the building designed by architect Albert Kahn were given only on select Fridays.