Photographs from the Memphis World
Published in conjunction with an exhibition at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
Long considered lost, the photographs featured in Photographs from the “Memphis World,” 1949–1964 offer an extraordinary glimpse into the lives of African Americans in Memphis during the mid-twentieth century. Drawn from one of the city’s leading Black newspapers, the Memphis World (1931–1973), these images reveal the complexity, dignity, and resilience of a community often overlooked or misrepresented in mainstream media.
Unlike white newspapers of the era, which frequently highlighted poverty, violence, or protest, the Memphis World celebrated achievement, joy, and everyday life—documenting moments of pride, progress, and perseverance. The paper regularly featured the work of photographers such as Ernest Withers, Mark Stansbury, Hooks Brothers Photography, and R. Earl Williams, among others.
Published in conjunction with an exhibition at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, this volume includes essays by Marina Pacini, Deborah Willis, and Russell Wigginton, alongside fifty-six reproduced photographs—each accompanied by thoughtful commentary, historical context, and personal recollections. Together, they form a powerful testament to the artistry and strength of Memphis’s African American community during the Jim Crow era.
Details:
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Paperback, 135 pages
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Publisher: University Press of Mississippi
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Publication Date: September 11, 2008
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Edition: Illustrated
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Language: English
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ISBN-13: 978-0915525102
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Dimensions: 8.4 x 0.4 x 8.4 in.
