The African American Museum Dallas is showcasing some of the most influential Black figures of the 20th century through a new exhibition featuring photographs from Sepia Magazine.
The exhibit includes 80 images selected from the museum’s collection of 40,000 digital photographs.
“One of my favorite prints is the one of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe,” museum President and CEO Lisa Ross said.
Sepia Magazine began in Fort Worth in the 1940s and became known for highlighting Black culture and achievement in ways many mainstream publications did not at the time.
The publication featured stories and images tied to sports, music, fashion and politics.
“When I found out that this magnificent work started in Fort Worth? I was astounded,” Smith said.
Museum leaders said the collection offers visitors a look into decades of Black history and culture through photography.
“The African American Museum is the custodian of millions and millions of stories,” Ross said. “This is what this is.”
One featured photograph shows Louis Armstrong performing at Fair Park in Dallas.
“To see Louis Armstrong performing right here at Fair Park was mind-blowing,” Associate Curator Lakeem Wilson said. “This collection really took me back in time. It just reminded me how rich our culture is and how many stories and layers that we have.”
Museum leaders said many of the topics documented in Sepia Magazine remain relevant today.
“It’s not important, it’s essential,” Ross said. “It’s also essential for children and youth to see what they can become. Come to this museum to see what’s possible.”