Black History Image Gallery

Cal Johnson (1844-1925) (Courtesy of Beck Cultural Exchange Center)
Cal Johnson business card (Courtesy of Beck Cultural Exchange Center)
Ethel and James Beck, who were married for more than half a century, were leaders of Knoxville’s black community. Prosperous enough to be philanthropists, their work led indirectly to the establishment of the Beck Cultural Exchange Center. Courtesy of Reneé Kesler, Beck Cultural Exchange Center.
Granville “Stick” McGhee, at right, sharing a fun evening with his brother, Walter “Brownie” McGhee, at left, with guitar. “Stick” McGhee is regarded as a pioneering figure of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Photo taken probably around 1950 on his wife Frances’ anniversary. Courtesy of Tennessee Archive of Moving Image and Sound.
This is a relatively rare postcard depicting a landmark central to the African American community. The "Colored High School" was the name of Knoxville's public school for black students, built in 1915 on old Payne Avenue, just east of downtown. Designed by Albert B. Baumann, Sr., it replaced the original Austin High, which was on Central, near the old "Bowery" saloon district. This 1915 school, which accommodated both elementary and high-school students, was quickly overcrowded. The old name was revived in 1928, when a new high school was built on Vine Avenue, and survived in the combined black and white high school known as Austin East. This building no longer exists, and in fact Payne Avenue itself was erased during urban renewal in the late 1950s. (Postcard shared by Cindy & Mark Proteau) 
The intersection of Vine Street and Central Street three year before the riot in 1916. The building on the corner was owned then by former slave turned successful business man, Cal Johnson. (McClung Historical Collection)
Alex Haley statue by artistTina Allen in Morningside Park (KHP)
Bob Booker in the City Jail, 1961 during the Civil Rights Era. (Courtesy of Bob Booker)
Beauford Delaney, part of a playing card set designed by artist Tara Guin.
Yaddo by Beauford Delaney sponsored by RiverHill Gateway Neighborhood
Alvin Brody, US Colored Infantry, gravestone in Knoxville's National Cemetery.
The Heat of a Red Summer by Bob Booker, available at Beck Cultural Exchange Center
Dick Payne, Knoxville's early water seller (KHP)
Knoxville Policemen, circa 1877, including two African American officers: James Mason is third from left (standing) and was known to be a former slave. The other officer, third from right (seated) is unknown. (McClung Historical Collection)
Cal Johnson's Lone Tree Saloon on the 200 block of Gay Street, circa 1920s (Courtesy of Knox Heritage)
Artist Ruth Cobb Brice (1899-1971) (Courtesy of Beck Cultural Exchange Center)
This is a relatively rare postcard depicting a landmark central to the African American community. The “Colored High School” was the name of Knoxville’s public school for black students, built in 1915 on old Payne Avenue, just east of downtown. Designed by Albert B. Baumann, Sr., it replaced the original Austin High, which was on Central, near the old “Bowery” saloon district. This 1915 school, which accommodated both elementary and high-school students, was quickly overcrowded. The old name was revived in 1928, when a new high school was built on Vine Avenue, and survived in the combined black and white high school known as Austin East. This building no longer exists, and in fact Payne Avenue itself was erased during urban renewal in the late 1950s. (Postcard shared by Cindy & Mark Proteau)