Good Morning POU!
The Georgia Negro was assembled by W. E. B. DuBois and his students at Atlanta University in the months preceding the World’s Fair. Subtitled “A Sociological Study,” it included four major sections: statistical charts showing the progress of blacks since the Civil War, a photographic survey of black life in Georgia, portraits of Georgia blacks, and a comprehensive hand-written list of Black Codes in Georgia.
The most intriguing component of the exhibit was its compilation of photographs. Du Bois and Murray compiled over five hundred photographs highlighting the social progress of African Americans since emancipation. In order to highlight social advancement, these pictures often portrayed families, clubs, or single individuals dressed in nice clothes and sporting stylish accessories equal to those of whites.
The pictures also conveyed the importance African Americans placed on education. Photos of whole graduating classes at the major African American colleges like Fisk and Howard were taken along with photos of younger students attending grammar school. Photographs were even taken of African American middle class working conditions and places of worship to show just how far African Americans had progressed since their days of servitude.
Black owned business exhibit photos
Interior of the T.J. Beggs & Co. General Store in Madison
Interior of ‘Negro’ store, Buffalo, N.Y
Composing room of The Planet newspaper and the Planet Publishing House, Richmond VA
Horses and carriages in front of funeral home of C.W. Franklin, undertaker, Chattanooga, TN
