The purpose of this blog is to create a place where images of Black Americana can be shared openly with the public since there are no other online galleries at present. Although Black Americana can be controversial, with some people considering it worthy of being destroyed, I believe that these items need to be preserved as reminders of what mankind is capable of. The hatred, prejudice and racism that spurned the creation of many such propaganda has not died completely, rather it pulses today quietly lying in wait like a smoldering fire waiting on the wind.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Salt and Pepper Shakers
Salt and Pepper shakers depicting Aunt Jemima and Uncle Mose or Moses (commonly available at antique stores,) were produced in various styles.
This site is not involved with the sale of the items pictured. Items that have price tags do so only because they were photographed at antique shops. If you have any Black Americana images that you would like added to this collection, please contact blackamericanamuseum [at] gmail [dot] com.
Today, I am the founder and curator of the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia at Ferris State University. Most collectors are soothed by their collections; I hated mine and was relieved to get it out of my home. I donated my entire collection to the university, with the condition that the objects would be displayed and preserved. I never liked having the objects in my home.- David Pilgrim
For me, the images of an uncomfortable past are a great source of knowledge, understanding, even pride. The fact that my grandparents and their grandparents had lived, struggled and rose above a society so entrenched in hatred, myths and stereotypes has been a great source of inspiration in my life.
I realized that rescuing and preserving this slice of history is an honorable obsession. To reach the heights, to climb the difficult mountains of everyday life, we must understand and draw upon the strength of our ancestors. Our manifest destiny has been written and carved out of the uncomfortable past.- Pearl
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