The exhibition, a deeply immersive experience, features the work of nearly 60 Black photographers, many of whom chronicled pivotal moments in the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. From the burgeoning Black press of the mid-20th century to the rise of national Black leaders, these images offer a unique and often overlooked perspective on American history. But beyond the headline-making events, Black Photojournalism also celebrates the everyday beauty of Black family life and community – scenes that resonate with a familiar intimacy.

The exhibition draws significant inspiration from the work of Charles “Teenie” Harris, a Pittsburgh native and prolific photographer for the Pittsburgh Courier, a leading Black newspaper. Harris’s photographs, like his 1953 image of the Kennywood pool – a space that once enforced segregation – serve as powerful visual evidence of a changing America. “Visual history provided evidence that was not readily or easily manipulated in the era of Harris and his contemporaries,” explains Charlene Foggie-Barnett, Charles “Teenie” Harris Archive Community Archivist and co-organizer of Black Photojournalism. “They served as evidence of the actual living conditions for Black people at that time. Not the misnomers, nor the stereotypes. Real day-to-day Black life in America.”

The collection extends far beyond Harris’s work, showcasing the talents of renowned photographers such as Kwame Brathwaite, Gordon Parks, Ming Smith, and Mikki Ferrill. Their collective body of work demonstrates the depth and diversity of Black experiences throughout the 20th century.

Uncovering Hidden Histories

The curatorial process involved a meticulous search through Black media archives, including publications like the Afro American News, the Atlanta Daily World, and, of course, EBONY and JET. For Dan Leers, the exhibit’s curator of photography and co-organizer, the hunt for these images was a labor of love. “We started online, made numerous phone calls, and then physically visited archives, libraries, and institutions,” Foggie-Barnett recalls. “It was just sitting there,” Leers exclaimed, describing the serendipitous discovery of a pristine JET magazine at a local garage sale. These discoveries underscore the importance of preserving and accessing Black media for future generations.

An Immersive Experience

Black Photojournalism isn’t simply a visual display; it’s designed to be an immersive experience. Visitors can explore microfiche archives, watch relevant films, and even interact with six oversized fabric books created by artist Liz Johnson Artur. These tactile books, bound with decorative string, invite viewers to physically engage with the history contained within. The inclusion of Foggie-Barnett’s own family photograph within the exhibit adds a deeply personal layer to the experience.

“Archival photography is imperative to preserving and documenting cultural heritage, narratives, and traditions that could potentially be erased by those who wish to alter or erase the history of Black people,” Foggie-Barnett emphasizes. The exhibition also features a special newspaper designed by Kwame Omari of Black Mass Publishing, offering visitors a tangible takeaway from their experience.

Redefining Representation

A particularly striking image depicts soldiers and women celebrating Victory Day during World War II. It’s a powerful reminder that even amidst systemic discrimination, Black Americans took immense pride in their contributions to the nation. This exhibition, and others like it, are crucial in redefining how Black life is seen, understood, and remembered. What responsibility do museums and cultural institutions have in actively challenging dominant historical narratives?

“I hope people receive the information as the truth and that it resonates in their minds and hearts and replaces any false or warped thinking that they may have had,” Foggie-Barnett states. “We have to anchor ourselves and our history in what these photographers did, with proof of the many missed moments in the middle. That’s our legacy.”

Black Photojournalism is on display at the Carnegie Museum of Art through January 19, 2026.