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  • Image for Is Japan the Champion of the Colored Races?

    Is Japan the Champion of the Colored Races?

    A pamphlet produced by members of the Harlem Communist Party. The pamphlet is black print on yellowed paper. The front cover features the title: [Is / Japan / the / Champion / of the / Colored / Races?] and a drawing of a military aircraft dropping bombs....
    Published by
    Workers Library Publishers, Inc., American, founded 1930
    Written by
    Bassett, Theodore
    Berry, A. W.
    Briggs, Cyril, Nevisian, 1888 - 1966
    Ford, James W., American, 1893 - 1957
    Haywood, Harry, American, 1898 - 1985
    Subject of
    Harlem Section of the Communist Party, American
    Medium
    ink on paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 7 11/16 x 5 1/8 in. (19.5 x 13 cm)
    Type
    pamphlets
    Classification
    Documents and Published Materials-Published Works
    Memorabilia and Ephemera-Political and Activist Ephemera
    Place depicted
    Japan, Asia
    China, Asia
    Rome, Italy, Europe
    Berlin, Germany, Europe
    Date
    1938
    Description
    A pamphlet produced by members of the Harlem Communist Party. The pamphlet is black print on yellowed paper. The front cover features the title: [Is / Japan / the / Champion / of the / Colored / Races?] and a drawing of a military aircraft dropping bombs. The bottom has a black border that contains the text: [The Negro's Stake in Democracy / 5¢ / Issued By The Negro Commission National Committee C.P. U.S.A.] The interior has eight articles totaling forty-seven pages. The back cover is an advertisement for the book [Negro Liberation].
    Transcription Center Status
    Transcribed by digital volunteers
    Topic
    International affairs
    Mass media
    Political organizations
    Politics (Practical)
    Professional organizations
    World War II
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the family of Dr. Maurice Jackson and Laura Ginsburg
    Object number
    2010.55.9
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
  • Image for Turntable used as part of a DJ setup

    Turntable used as part of a DJ setup

    A Technics SL-D2 turntable. The turntable has light silver colored plinth or base. The front of the plinth has speed and pitch controls and a stop push button. Black text on the front in between the controls and stop button reads: [Technics / Direct Drive Automatic Turntable System / SL-D2]....
    Manufactured by
    Technics, Japanese, founded 1918
    Used by
    King, Angelo T., American, born 1959
    Medium
    metal, plastic, felt, paint, wire
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 5 × 16 3/4 × 14 3/4 in., 13 lb. (12.7 × 42.5 × 37.5 cm, 5.9 kg)
    Type
    turntables (sound device component)
    Classification
    Tools and Equipment-Audiovisual
    Exhibition
    Power of Place
    On View
    NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 051
    Place used
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Place made
    Japan, Asia
    Date
    1970s
    Description
    A Technics SL-D2 turntable. The turntable has light silver colored plinth or base. The front of the plinth has speed and pitch controls and a stop push button. Black text on the front in between the controls and stop button reads: [Technics / Direct Drive Automatic Turntable System / SL-D2]. Atop the plinth, towards the proper right, is the platter, yellow mat, silver spindle, and strobe light pattern. The mat (2012.47.6b), or area where the record is placed, is decorated with a cartoon owl perched on the arm of a guitar and text that reads: [Shakey’s Record Fair]. On the proper left side, towards the top, is the tonearm, counterweight, cueing mechanism, arm rest, and anti-skate. The back of the turntable has two slots for cables and a power cord. There is also a sticker with the machine information that reads: [Technics / MODEL SL-D2 / DIRECT DRIVE AUTOMATIC TURNTABLE SYSTEM / POWER SOURCE: AC 120V 50 OR 60 Hz 4W LISTED 8288 / Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. Made in Japan]. The turntable does not have a cover.
    Topic
    Hip hop (Music)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Angelo T. King / The Original DJ Tony Tone AKA Tony Crush of The Cold Crush Brothers
    Object number
    2012.47.6ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions

  • US Olympic track uniform worn by Marilyn White

    U.S. Olympic track and field jersey from the 1964 Tokyo Olympics worn by Marilyn White. The jersey is a white sleeveless jersey. The letters [U. S. A.] are sewn on to the chest of the front of the jersey in red and blue. A white tag at the bottom left of the jersey reads [34 / Wilson / Sports Equipment / Made In U.S.A. / Wilson Sporting Goods Co.] in blue and red lettering....
    Manufactured by
    Wilson Sporting Goods Co., American, founded 1914
    Worn by
    White, Marilyn Elaine, American, born 1944
    Medium
    cotton (fiber)
    Dimensions
    H x W: 22 1/2 × 16 5/8 in. (57.2 × 42.2 cm)
    Classification
    Clothing-Historical
    Place used
    Tokyo, Japan, Asia
    Date
    1964
    Description
    U.S. Olympic track and field jersey from the 1964 Tokyo Olympics worn by Marilyn White. The jersey is a white sleeveless jersey. The letters [U. S. A.] are sewn on to the chest of the front of the jersey in red and blue. A white tag at the bottom left of the jersey reads [34 / Wilson / Sports Equipment / Made In U.S.A. / Wilson Sporting Goods Co.] in blue and red lettering. At the collar there is a faded [M. W.] written in marker. The jersey has staining throughout. The back of the jersey is blank.
    Topic
    Clothing and dress
    Olympics
    Track and field
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of 1964 Olympic Silver Medalist Marilyn E. White
    Object number
    2017.56.8
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
  • Image for Pioneer Electronic Crossover SF-850 for DJ setup

    Pioneer Electronic Crossover SF-850 for DJ setup

    A metal Pioneer Electronic Crossover, Model SF-850 machine. The front of the machine is metal, silver with black type, with two rows of knobs. The top row has seven knobs. Each knob has a name as well as other markings to indicate levels. The names read from left to right: [Low Level / Low Pass / Low Cut / Mid Level / High Cut / High Pass / High Level]....
    Created by
    Pioneer, established 1938
    Owned by
    Altel Sound Systems, American, founded 1973
    Medium
    metal , plastic and wire
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 5 1/2 × 19 × 17 in., 16 lb. (14 × 48.3 × 43.2 cm, 7.3 kg)
    Type
    audio equipment
    Classification
    Musical Instruments
    Tools and Equipment-Audiovisual
    Exhibition
    Power of Place
    On View
    NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 051
    Place purchased
    Altel Sound Systems, Bridgeport, Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States, North and Central America
    Place made
    Japan, Asia
    Date
    ca. 1970
    Description
    A metal Pioneer Electronic Crossover, Model SF-850 machine. The front of the machine is metal, silver with black type, with two rows of knobs. The top row has seven knobs. Each knob has a name as well as other markings to indicate levels. The names read from left to right: [Low Level / Low Pass / Low Cut / Mid Level / High Cut / High Pass / High Level]. Below the far left, top row knob, there is a power outlet. The bottom row has a switch, as well as four additional knobs. Above and below the bottom row knobs there are lines that form a grid. Black type, centered underneath the knobs, reads: [Slope (dB/oct)]. The Pioneer logo, in red type located at the bottom right of the front of the machine and is followed in black type by the name and model number. The back of the crossover is metal, black with white type, and inputs, outputs, caution labels, ac outlets, electronic wires, and a model plate. The back top left contains left and right inputs. Towards the center, top, there is a three way output for the left and right. There are also two caution labels, white background with black type, located on the back of the machine. The bottom of the back contains a model plate that reads: [Pioneer / Model SF-850 / 120 Volts 5 Watts AC 60 Hz]. Next to the plate are the AC outlets, followed by a fuse button and an electronic cord. The bottom of the machine has another caution label on it.
    Topic
    Hip hop (Music)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2012.9.1
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions

  • 1991 IAAF World Championships Gold Medal awarded to Carl Lewis

    An IAAF gold medal with attached ribbon. The medal has words and images appearing in relief on both the obverse and reverse. The obverse features a central image of three vertical lines with an angled warping in the middle. Type around the upper edge of the medal reads [3rd IAAF World Championships in Athletics], and the words [TOKYO'91] appear across the bottom....
    Issued by
    International Association of Athletics Federation, founded 1912
    Received by
    Lewis, Carl, American, born 1961
    Medium
    metal and ribbon
    Dimensions
    With Ribbon: 20 3/8 x 2 9/16 x 3/8 in. (51.8 x 6.5 x 1 cm)
    Type
    medals
    Classification
    Awards and Medals
    Place depicted
    Tokyo, Japan, Asia
    Date
    1991
    Description
    An IAAF gold medal with attached ribbon. The medal has words and images appearing in relief on both the obverse and reverse. The obverse features a central image of three vertical lines with an angled warping in the middle. Type around the upper edge of the medal reads [3rd IAAF World Championships in Athletics], and the words [TOKYO'91] appear across the bottom. The reverse features a winged female figure wearing a flowing robe and standing on a globe with a laurel crown held above her head. Above the figure are the letters [I A A F]. The blue, pink, mustard and white striped ribbon is attached to the top of the medal.
    Topic
    Men
    Track and field
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Carl Lewis Estate
    Object number
    2013.126.28
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions

  • The Black G.I. Black Journal segment

    16mm motion picture film of The Black G.I. [Black Journal segment]

    The Black G.I. is a two-part documentary episode of the television series Black Journal. It focuses on the experiences of African-American soldiers in the Vietnam War. This film features frank and open discussions from soldiers, ranked officers, and politicians about the racism that defined the different experiences black soldiers had in this war.
    Directed by
    Garrett, Kent, American, born 1941
    Produced by
    Greaves, William, American, 1926 - 2014
    National Educational Television, American, 1954 - 1970
    Owned by
    Bowser, Pearl, American, born 1931
    Subject of
    Bennett, L. Howard, American, 1913 - 1993
    Medium
    16mm Film (a): acetate film
    Dimensions
    Duration: 50 Minutes
    Length (Film): 1,800 Feet
    Type
    motion pictures (information artifacts)
    Collection title
    Pearl Bowser Collection
    Classification
    Media Arts-Film and Video
    Place filmed
    H? Chí Minh, Viet Nam, Asia
    Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Asia
    Arlington County, Virginia, United States, North and Central America
    Place made
    Rockville, Montgomery County, Maryland, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1971
    Caption
    The Black G.I. is a two-part documentary episode of the television series Black Journal. It focuses on the experiences of African-American soldiers in the Vietnam War. This film features frank and open discussions from soldiers, ranked officers, and politicians about the racism that defined the different experiences black soldiers had in this war.
    Description
    This preservation 16mm color film is an hour-long documentary segment of Episode No. 22 of the NET (National Educational Television) television program, Black Journal; a weekly public television newsmagazine in the late 1960s/early 1970s that examined the many issues pertinent to the black American experience at the time. It was originally broadcast on March 30, 1970, and is believed to have been filmed over the course of 1969. Episode No. 22 of Black Journal was directed by Stan Lathan, while the "Black G.I." segment was directed by Kent Garrett. Executive Produced by William Greaves.
    Contains: 16mm Film (a), Original 1,600 foot Film Reel (b), and Original 1,600 foot Film Canister (c).
    2012.79.1.51.1a: 16mm film. This film opens with a narration over images of African American men in the history of the US military. The first moving image section shows African American men fighting during World War II. The narrator discusses the irony of African American men fighting for freedom in Europe while not enjoying the same freedoms in the US. There are multiple shots of the Tuskegee Airmen. Eleanor Roosevelt pins (unknown) medal on African American soldier. Next, newsreel footage of Joe Louis arriving at an airbase and greeting black troops. The narrator then talks about the desegregation of the US military during the Korean War and points out the lack of black soldiers in leadership positions. Color footage marks the transition of the narration to coverage of the Vietnam War. Two African American soldiers in civilian clothing with soul power patches can be seen dapping. Series of brief excerpts from interviews of black soldiers play, each stating their position on being black and in the military during the Vietnam War. The narrator reveals the disproportionate percentage of black men who are killed in action versus their white counterparts. There are multiple shots of combat and post-combat footage in Vietnamese rice fields and footage of riverside villages. Two sailors patrol a river and discuss their experience in Vietnam thus far and what they'll do when they get home. They discuss their mission and how to be black while being in the military. A girl group performs at the USO in Saigon. Tanks and amored personnel carriers patrol suspected enemy locations along border with North Vietnam. Sailors on a patrol boat open fire at the river bank and a confederate flag can be seen flying from a flag pole on board. Black sailors discuss cultural challenges of being in the Navy and the lack entertainment geared towards black musical tastes of the time. One sailor talks about being disciplined for getting into an altercation after a white sailor ripped his tape player from the wall for playing soul music. The narrator reveals that an all white court martial found the sailor, Bobby Jenkins, guilty of assault, demoted him and docked his pay. A sailor relays that he and other African Americans met with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for civil rights to discuss their poor treatment and were promised changes by the Assistant Secretary. The sailors talk about how some local Vietnamese have adopted some of the negative perceptions of African Americans, which some black sailors believe they learned from some white members of the military. The sailors discuss how their hands are tied when it comes to standing up for their rights as sailors on a patrol boat dap and salute the camera with black/soul power fists. Air Force fighter pilot, John Bordeaux, discusses his personal experience of not facing the same discrimination expressed by other African American military personnel. Two black career Army officers, Davis and Rogers, discuss the systematic discrimination they've faced; in particular, they recall incidents of being passed over for promotions despite strong credentials. Brigadier General Frederick E. Davison, the first African American combat general, rejects the assertion that an African American who succeeds in the military is an Uncle Tom and discusses the many actions that the Army has taken to ensure equal treatment and opportunities. A cover of "Sittin' on a Dock in the Bay" plays over a montage of black soldiers in the field. A group of black Marines in a mess hall at Camp Hansen, Okinawa discuss the unfair treatment they've experienced, such as being forced to wear a collared shirt with their dashikis and not being allowed to wear their hair in an afro. One marine relates an incident in which they were violently confronted after returning from a USO show that primarily featured soul music. There is a series of shots of shops in Koza "Four Corners", Okinawa geared towards African American soldiers. Another group of soldiers discuss their dissatisfaction with being drafted to fight in Vietnam despite social and economic discrimination at home, and being harassed and targeted as being "troublesome" if they decide to attend country music night at local clubs. L. Howard Bennett, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, discusses how black soldiers complaining about the lack of soul music are expressing grievances beyond simply entertainment selection and dissatisfaction with communcation in the chain of command. He also states his opinion that black soldiers fighting for the US puts them in a better position to demand equal rights at home.
    2012.79.1.51.1b: Original 1,600 foot film reel.
    2012.79.1.51.1c: Original 1,600 foot film canister. The metal film canister has two sticker labels; each from a different film services company.
    Topic
    Film
    Gesture
    Mass media
    Military
    Race discrimination
    Race relations
    Television
    Vietnam War, 1961-1975
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Pearl Bowser
    Object number
    2012.79.1.51.2ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    © National Educational Television
  • Image for Photograph of three members of the U.S. AAU Track and Field Team in Tokyo, Japan

    Photograph of three members of the U.S. AAU Track and Field Team in Tokyo, Japan

    A black and white photograph of three (3) members of the United States Amateur Athletic Union track and field team standing outdoors. The men stand with drinks raised in their PR hands and wear dark jackets and striped ties. Their blazers have a patch on the PL breast that reads AAU USA. Dick Howard stands on the far left and AAU coach Johnny Morriss stands on the far right....
    Photograph by
    Unidentified
    Subject of
    Dick Howard, American, 1935 - 1967
    Johnny Morriss, American, 1908 - 1993
    Unidentified Man or Men
    Medium
    silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
    Dimensions
    H x W (Image): 2 11/16 x 3 15/16 in. (6.8 x 10 cm)
    H x W (Sheet): 3 9/16 x 4 3/4 in. (9 x 12.1 cm)
    Type
    gelatin silver prints
    portraits
    Classification
    Media Arts-Photography
    Place captured
    Tokyo, Japan, Asia
    Date
    August 1958
    Description
    A black and white photograph of three (3) members of the United States Amateur Athletic Union track and field team standing outdoors. The men stand with drinks raised in their PR hands and wear dark jackets and striped ties. Their blazers have a patch on the PL breast that reads AAU USA. Dick Howard stands on the far left and AAU coach Johnny Morriss stands on the far right. They stand in a garden with trees in the background. The men stand in the lower third of the image in the center. The image is bordered by a thick white edge. Along the top is a stamped date, [OCT 58].
    Topic
    Athletes
    Men
    Photography
    Track and field
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Howard Family
    Object number
    2012.140.2.5
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions

  • 1991 IAAF World Championships Gold Medal awarded to Carl Lewis

    An IAAF gold medal with attached ribbon. The medal has words and images appearing in relief on both the obverse and reverse. The obverse features a central image of three vertical lines with an angled warping in the middle. Type around the upper edge of the medal reads [3rd IAAF World Championships in Athletics], and the words [TOKYO'91] appear across the bottom....
    Issued by
    International Association of Athletics Federation, founded 1912
    Received by
    Lewis, Carl, American, born 1961
    Medium
    metal and ribbon
    Dimensions
    With Ribbon: 20 3/4 x 2 9/16 x 3/8 in. (52.7 x 6.5 x 1 cm)
    Type
    medals
    Classification
    Awards and Medals
    Place depicted
    Tokyo, Japan, Asia
    Date
    1991
    Description
    An IAAF gold medal with attached ribbon. The medal has words and images appearing in relief on both the obverse and reverse. The obverse features a central image of three vertical lines with an angled warping in the middle. Type around the upper edge of the medal reads [3rd IAAF World Championships in Athletics], and the words [TOKYO'91] appear across the bottom. The reverse features a winged female figure wearing a flowing robe and standing on a globe with a laurel crown held above her head. Above the figure are the letters [I A A F]. The blue, pink, mustard and white striped ribbon is attached to the top of the medal.
    Topic
    Men
    Track and field
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Carl Lewis Estate
    Object number
    2013.126.27
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions

  • The Black G.I. Black Journal segment

    16mm motion picture film of The Black G.I. [Black Journal segment]

    The Black G.I. is a two-part documentary episode of the television series Black Journal. It focuses on the experiences of African-American soldiers in the Vietnam War. This film features frank and open discussions from soldiers, ranked officers, and politicians about the racism that defined the different experiences black soldiers had in this war.
    Directed by
    Garrett, Kent, American, born 1941
    Produced by
    Greaves, William, American, 1926 - 2014
    National Educational Television, American, 1954 - 1970
    Owned by
    Bowser, Pearl, American, born 1931
    Subject of
    Bennett, L. Howard, American, 1913 - 1993
    Medium
    16mm Film (a): acetate film
    Dimensions
    Duration: 50 Minutes
    Length (Film): 1,800 Feet
    Type
    motion pictures (information artifacts)
    Collection title
    Pearl Bowser Collection
    Classification
    Media Arts-Film and Video
    Place filmed
    H? Chí Minh, Viet Nam, Asia
    Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Asia
    Arlington County, Virginia, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1971
    Caption
    The Black G.I. is a two-part documentary episode of the television series Black Journal. It focuses on the experiences of African-American soldiers in the Vietnam War. This film features frank and open discussions from soldiers, ranked officers, and politicians about the racism that defined the different experiences black soldiers had in this war.
    Description
    This 16mm color film is an hour-long documentary segment of Episode No. 22 of the NET (National Educational Television) television program, Black Journal; a weekly public television newsmagazine in the late 1960s/early 1970s that examined the many issues pertinent to the black American experience at the time. It was originally broadcast on March 30, 1970, and is believed to have been filmed over the course of 1969. Episode No. 22 of Black Journal was directed by Stan Lathan, while the "Black G.I." segment was directed by Kent Garrett. Executive Produced by William Greaves.
    Contains: 16mm Film (a), Original 1,600 foot Film Reel (b), and Original 1,600 foot Film Canister (c).
    2012.79.1.51.1a: 16mm film. This film opens with a narration over images of African American men in the history of the US military. The first moving image section shows African American men fighting during World War II. The narrator discusses the irony of African American men fighting for freedom in Europe while not enjoying the same freedoms in the US. There are multiple shots of the Tuskegee Airmen. Eleanor Roosevelt pins (unknown) medal on African American soldier. Next, newsreel footage of Joe Louis arriving at an airbase and greeting black troops. The narrator then talks about the desegregation of the US military during the Korean War and points out the lack of black soldiers in leadership positions. Color footage marks the transition of the narration to coverage of the Vietnam War. Two African American soldiers in civilian clothing with soul power patches can be seen dapping. Series of brief excerpts from interviews of black soldiers play, each stating their position on being black and in the military during the Vietnam War. The narrator reveals the disproportionate percentage of black men who are killed in action versus their white counterparts. There are multiple shots of combat and post-combat footage in Vietnamese rice fields and footage of riverside villages. Two sailors patrol a river and discuss their experience in Vietnam thus far and what they'll do when they get home. They discuss their mission and how to be black while being in the military. A girl group performs at the USO in Saigon. Tanks and amored personnel carriers patrol suspected enemy locations along border with North Vietnam. Sailors on a patrol boat open fire at the river bank and a confederate flag can be seen flying from a flag pole on board. Black sailors discuss cultural challenges of being in the Navy and the lack entertainment geared towards black musical tastes of the time. One sailor talks about being disciplined for getting into an altercation after a white sailor ripped his tape player from the wall for playing soul music. The narrator reveals that an all white court martial found the sailor, Bobby Jenkins, guilty of assault, demoted him and docked his pay. A sailor relays that he and other African Americans met with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for civil rights to discuss their poor treatment and were promised changes by the Assistant Secretary. The sailors talk about how some local Vietnamese have adopted some of the negative perceptions of African Americans, which some black sailors believe they learned from some white members of the military. The sailors discuss how their hands are tied when it comes to standing up for their rights as sailors on a patrol boat dap and salute the camera with black/soul power fists. Air Force fighter pilot, John Bordeaux, discusses his personal experience of not facing the same discrimination expressed by other African American military personnel. Two black career Army officers, Davis and Rogers, discuss the systematic discrimination they've faced; in particular, they recall incidents of being passed over for promotions despite strong credentials. Brigadier General Frederick E. Davison, the first African American combat general, rejects the assertion that an African American who succeeds in the military is an Uncle Tom and discusses the many actions that the Army has taken to ensure equal treatment and opportunities. A cover of "Sittin' on a Dock in the Bay" plays over a montage of black soldiers in the field. A group of black Marines in a mess hall at Camp Hansen, Okinawa discuss the unfair treatment they've experienced, such as being forced to wear a collared shirt with their dashikis and not being allowed to wear their hair in an afro. One marine relates an incident in which they were violently confronted after returning from a USO show that primarily featured soul music. There is a series of shots of shops in Koza "Four Corners", Okinawa geared towards African American soldiers. Another group of soldiers discuss their dissatisfaction with being drafted to fight in Vietnam despite social and economic discrimination at home, and being harassed and targeted as being "troublesome" if they decide to attend country music night at local clubs. L. Howard Bennett, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, discusses how black soldiers complaining about the lack of soul music are expressing grievances beyond simply entertainment selection and dissatisfaction with communcation in the chain of command. He also states his opinion that black soldiers fighting for the US puts them in a better position to demand equal rights at home.
    2012.79.1.51.1b: Original 1,600 foot film reel.
    2012.79.1.51.1c: Original 1,600 foot film canister. The metal film canister has two sticker labels; each from a different film services company.
    Topic
    Film
    Gesture
    Mass media
    Military
    Race discrimination
    Race relations
    Television
    Vietnam War, 1961-1975
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Pearl Bowser
    Object number
    2012.79.1.51.1a
    Restrictions & Rights
    © National Educational Television
  • Image for Orange copic sketch marker used by architect Michael Marshall

    Orange copic sketch marker used by architect Michael Marshall

    Orange Copic sketch marker used by architect Michael Marshall. The marker (.5a) has two (2) caps, one on each end of the pen. One marker tip is angled (.5b) and the other is pointed (.5c). Each cap is grey with an orange top. At the top of each cap is white printed text [YR07 / Cadmium / Orange]. The body of the marker is grey with black text....
    Created by
    Too Corporation, Japanese, founded 1919
    Owned by
    Marshall, Michael, American
    Medium
    ink, plastic
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 5 15/16 × 5/8 × 1/2 in. (15.1 × 1.6 × 1.3 cm)
    Type
    markers (drawing instruments)
    Classification
    Archival Collections
    Tools and Equipment-Occupational
    Place used
    Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
    Place made
    Japan, Asia
    Date
    ca. 2013
    Description
    Orange Copic sketch marker used by architect Michael Marshall. The marker (.5a) has two (2) caps, one on each end of the pen. One marker tip is angled (.5b) and the other is pointed (.5c). Each cap is grey with an orange top. At the top of each cap is white printed text [YR07 / Cadmium / Orange]. The body of the marker is grey with black text. The text has the pen trademark for Copic sketch, manufacturer information, and a barcode. The reverse is blank.
    Topic
    Architecture
    Craftsmanship
    Design
    Labor
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Architectural Design Archives, Michael Marshall, Architect
    Object number
    A2018.24.1.1.5abc
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
  • Image for Photograph of the U.S. AAU Track and Field Team in Tokyo, Japan

    Photograph of the U.S. AAU Track and Field Team in Tokyo, Japan

    A black and white photograph of the United States' Amateur Athletic Union track and field team in Tokyo. The group of men stand in front of a plane of the Japan Air Lines company. There are eight (8) men in the group and all wear white shirts, dark jackets, white pants, and a striped tie. Their jackets all have a patch on the PL breast reading AAU USA....
    Photograph by
    Unidentified
    Subject of
    Dick Howard, American, 1935 - 1967
    Johnny Morriss, American, 1908 - 1993
    Unidentified Man or Men
    Medium
    silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
    Dimensions
    H x W (Image): 7 1/2 x 9 7/16 in. (19.1 x 24 cm)
    H x W (Sheet): 8 1/8 x 10 in. (20.6 x 25.4 cm)
    Type
    gelatin silver prints
    portraits
    Classification
    Media Arts-Photography
    Place captured
    Tokyo, Japan, Asia
    Date
    August 1958
    Description
    A black and white photograph of the United States' Amateur Athletic Union track and field team in Tokyo. The group of men stand in front of a plane of the Japan Air Lines company. There are eight (8) men in the group and all wear white shirts, dark jackets, white pants, and a striped tie. Their jackets all have a patch on the PL breast reading AAU USA. The men stand in a line with Richard Howard on the far right. Their coach, Johnny Morriss, stands third from the right.
    Topic
    Athletes
    Men
    Photography
    Track and field
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Howard Family
    Object number
    2012.140.2.3
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions

  • Olympic warm-up pants worn by Marilyn White

    A pair of Olympic warm-up pants made by Wilson Sports Equipment and worn by Marilyn White at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. The pants are blue with a white and red stripe down the side of each pant leg. On the inside of each pant leg there is a zipper that runs from the cuff to the mid-calf....
    Manufactured by
    Wilson Sporting Goods Co., American, founded 1914
    Worn by
    White, Marilyn Elaine, American, born 1944
    Medium
    synthetic fiber with metal and cotton (fiber)
    Dimensions
    H x W (flat): 33 1/2 × 16 1/2 in. (85.1 × 41.9 cm)
    Type
    trousers
    Classification
    Clothing-Historical
    Place used
    Tokyo, Japan, Asia
    Date
    1964
    Description
    A pair of Olympic warm-up pants made by Wilson Sports Equipment and worn by Marilyn White at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. The pants are blue with a white and red stripe down the side of each pant leg. On the inside of each pant leg there is a zipper that runs from the cuff to the mid-calf. A tag at the waist is white with blue and red writing that reads: [Small / Wilson / Sports Equipment / Made in U.S.A. / Wilson / Sporting Good].
    Topic
    Clothing and dress
    Olympics
    Track and field
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of 1964 Olympic Silver Medalist Marilyn E. White
    Object number
    2017.56.7.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions

  • 1991 IAAF World Championships Silver Medal for Men's Long Jump won by Carl Lewis

    An IAAF silver medal with attached ribbon. The medal has words and images appearing in relief on both the obverse and reverse. The obverse features a central image of three vertical lines with an angled warping in the middle. Type around the upper edge of the medal reads [3rd IAAF World Championships in Athletics], and the words [TOKYO'91] appear across the bottom....
    Issued by
    International Association of Athletics Federation, founded 1912
    Received by
    Lewis, Carl, American, born 1961
    Medium
    metal and ribbon
    Dimensions
    With Ribbon: 20 5/8 x 2 9/16 x 3/8 in. (52.4 x 6.5 x 1 cm)
    Type
    medals
    Classification
    Awards and Medals
    Place depicted
    Tokyo, Japan, Asia
    Date
    1991
    Description
    An IAAF silver medal with attached ribbon. The medal has words and images appearing in relief on both the obverse and reverse. The obverse features a central image of three vertical lines with an angled warping in the middle. Type around the upper edge of the medal reads [3rd IAAF World Championships in Athletics], and the words [TOKYO'91] appear across the bottom. The reverse features a winged female figure wearing a flowing robe and standing on a globe with a laurel crown held above her head. Above the figure are the letters [I A A F]. The blue, pink, mustard and white striped ribbon is attached to the top of the medal.
    Topic
    Men
    Track and field
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Carl Lewis Estate
    Object number
    2013.126.26
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions

  • The Black G.I. Black Journal segment

    16mm motion picture film of The Black G.I. [Black Journal segment]

    The Black G.I. is a two-part documentary episode of the television series Black Journal. It focuses on the experiences of African-American soldiers in the Vietnam War. This film features frank and open discussions from soldiers, ranked officers, and politicians about the racism that defined the different experiences black soldiers had in this war.
    Directed by
    Garrett, Kent, American, born 1941
    Produced by
    Greaves, William, American, 1926 - 2014
    National Educational Television, American, 1954 - 1970
    Owned by
    Bowser, Pearl, American, born 1931
    Subject of
    Bennett, L. Howard, American, 1913 - 1993
    Medium
    16mm Film (a): acetate film
    Dimensions
    Duration: 50 Minutes
    Length (Film): 1,800 Feet
    Type
    motion pictures (information artifacts)
    Collection title
    Pearl Bowser Collection
    Classification
    Media Arts-Film and Video
    Place printed
    H? Chí Minh, Viet Nam, Asia
    Place filmed
    Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Asia
    Arlington County, Virginia, United States, North and Central America
    Place made
    Rockville, Montgomery County, Maryland, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1971
    Caption
    The Black G.I. is a two-part documentary episode of the television series Black Journal. It focuses on the experiences of African-American soldiers in the Vietnam War. This film features frank and open discussions from soldiers, ranked officers, and politicians about the racism that defined the different experiences black soldiers had in this war.
    Description
    This preservation 16mm color film is an hour-long documentary segment of Episode No. 22 of the NET (National Educational Television) television program, Black Journal; a weekly public television newsmagazine in the late 1960s/early 1970s that examined the many issues pertinent to the black American experience at the time. It was originally broadcast on March 30, 1970, and is believed to have been filmed over the course of 1969. Episode No. 22 of Black Journal was directed by Stan Lathan, while the "Black G.I." segment was directed by Kent Garrett. Executive Produced by William Greaves.
    Contains: 16mm Film (a), Original 1,600 foot Film Reel (b), and Original 1,600 foot Film Canister (c).
    2012.79.1.51.1a: 16mm film. This film opens with a narration over images of African American men in the history of the US military. The first moving image section shows African American men fighting during World War II. The narrator discusses the irony of African American men fighting for freedom in Europe while not enjoying the same freedoms in the US. There are multiple shots of the Tuskegee Airmen. Eleanor Roosevelt pins (unknown) medal on African American soldier. Next, newsreel footage of Joe Louis arriving at an airbase and greeting black troops. The narrator then talks about the desegregation of the US military during the Korean War and points out the lack of black soldiers in leadership positions. Color footage marks the transition of the narration to coverage of the Vietnam War. Two African American soldiers in civilian clothing with soul power patches can be seen dapping. Series of brief excerpts from interviews of black soldiers play, each stating their position on being black and in the military during the Vietnam War. The narrator reveals the disproportionate percentage of black men who are killed in action versus their white counterparts. There are multiple shots of combat and post-combat footage in Vietnamese rice fields and footage of riverside villages. Two sailors patrol a river and discuss their experience in Vietnam thus far and what they'll do when they get home. They discuss their mission and how to be black while being in the military. A girl group performs at the USO in Saigon. Tanks and amored personnel carriers patrol suspected enemy locations along border with North Vietnam. Sailors on a patrol boat open fire at the river bank and a confederate flag can be seen flying from a flag pole on board. Black sailors discuss cultural challenges of being in the Navy and the lack entertainment geared towards black musical tastes of the time. One sailor talks about being disciplined for getting into an altercation after a white sailor ripped his tape player from the wall for playing soul music. The narrator reveals that an all white court martial found the sailor, Bobby Jenkins, guilty of assault, demoted him and docked his pay. A sailor relays that he and other African Americans met with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for civil rights to discuss their poor treatment and were promised changes by the Assistant Secretary. The sailors talk about how some local Vietnamese have adopted some of the negative perceptions of African Americans, which some black sailors believe they learned from some white members of the military. The sailors discuss how their hands are tied when it comes to standing up for their rights as sailors on a patrol boat dap and salute the camera with black/soul power fists. Air Force fighter pilot, John Bordeaux, discusses his personal experience of not facing the same discrimination expressed by other African American military personnel. Two black career Army officers, Davis and Rogers, discuss the systematic discrimination they've faced; in particular, they recall incidents of being passed over for promotions despite strong credentials. Brigadier General Frederick E. Davison, the first African American combat general, rejects the assertion that an African American who succeeds in the military is an Uncle Tom and discusses the many actions that the Army has taken to ensure equal treatment and opportunities. A cover of "Sittin' on a Dock in the Bay" plays over a montage of black soldiers in the field. A group of black Marines in a mess hall at Camp Hansen, Okinawa discuss the unfair treatment they've experienced, such as being forced to wear a collared shirt with their dashikis and not being allowed to wear their hair in an afro. One marine relates an incident in which they were violently confronted after returning from a USO show that primarily featured soul music. There is a series of shots of shops in Koza "Four Corners", Okinawa geared towards African American soldiers. Another group of soldiers discuss their dissatisfaction with being drafted to fight in Vietnam despite social and economic discrimination at home, and being harassed and targeted as being "troublesome" if they decide to attend country music night at local clubs. L. Howard Bennett, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, discusses how black soldiers complaining about the lack of soul music are expressing grievances beyond simply entertainment selection and dissatisfaction with communcation in the chain of command. He also states his opinion that black soldiers fighting for the US puts them in a better position to demand equal rights at home.
    2012.79.1.51.1b: Original 1,600 foot film reel.
    2012.79.1.51.1c: Original 1,600 foot film canister. The metal film canister has two sticker labels; each from a different film services company.
    Topic
    Film
    Gesture
    Mass media
    Military
    Race discrimination
    Race relations
    Television
    Vietnam War, 1961-1975
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Pearl Bowser
    Object number
    2012.79.1.51.4ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    © National Educational Television
  • Image for Carver preamplifier for DJ setup

    Carver preamplifier for DJ setup

    A Carver front plate on a Pioneer preamplifier (preamp). The metal preamp is black and silver in color. The front of the preamp has a plate, silver in color, which has two handles on either side. White text to the proper left of the front panel reads: [Sonic Holography Preamplifier / CARVER / Model C-1 / High Fidelity Control Console]....
    Manufactured by
    Carver
    Owned by
    Altel Sound Systems, American, founded 1973
    Medium
    metal , plastic and wire
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (not including cord): 3 1/8 × 19 × 9 7/8 in. (7.9 × 48.3 × 25.1 cm)
    H x W x D (including cord): 3 1/8 × 19 × 12 1/2 in., 10 lb. (7.9 × 48.3 × 31.8 cm, 4.5 kg)
    Type
    audio equipment
    Classification
    Musical Instruments
    Tools and Equipment-Audiovisual
    Exhibition
    Power of Place
    On View
    NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 051
    Place purchased
    Altel Sound Systems, Bridgeport, Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States, North and Central America
    Place made
    Japan, Asia
    Date
    ca. 1970
    Description
    A Carver front plate on a Pioneer preamplifier (preamp). The metal preamp is black and silver in color. The front of the preamp has a plate, silver in color, which has two handles on either side. White text to the proper left of the front panel reads: [Sonic Holography Preamplifier / CARVER / Model C-1 / High Fidelity Control Console]. There are six black buttons, three black dials, and a headphone input also on the proper left side of the front. All of which have whit type to indicate its purpose. To the proper right of the front, there is a cutout in the panel. The cutout reveals a metal section, black in color, which has four dials above eight buttons. White type indicates the purpose of each dial and button. The sides of the preamp are metal, black in color, with some discoloration. The top is metal, black in color, with discoloration and scratches. The back of the preamp is metal, black in color, with inputs, outputs, outlets, and switches. The text on the back of the preamp is white and indicates what each input, output, switch and outlets, purpose is. There is also text about a warning and license agreement. There is also a power cord on the proper right side of the back of the preamp. There is a white sticker on the back with black text that reads: [C1 2454].
    Topic
    Hip hop (Music)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2012.9.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions

  • Framed set of eight IAAF world record holder plaques awarded to Carl Lewis

    Eight (8) small plaques issued by the IAAF recognizing each World Record Carl Lewis set in regulated international competition. Each plaque describes the event, venue, year, record, and individuals associated with the record. Plaques are set against a black background and are housed in a gold painted wood frame....
    Issued by
    International Association of Athletics Federation, founded 1912
    Received by
    Lewis, Carl, American, born 1961
    Medium
    metal, glass, wood, cloth
    Dimensions
    Frame: 24 x 24 x 1 1/4 in. (61 x 61 x 3.2 cm)
    H x W (World Record Plaques, Each): 3 7/8 x 2 3/4 in. (9.8 x 7 cm)
    H x W (Carl Lewis Plaque): 4 x 2 3/4 in. (10.2 x 7 cm)
    Type
    plaques
    Classification
    Awards and Medals
    Place depicted
    Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States, North and Central America
    Monte Carlo, Monaco, Europe
    Zürich, Switzerland, Europe
    Tokyo, Japan, Asia
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, Europe
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America
    Walnut, Los Angeles County, California, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1984-1994
    Description
    Eight (8) small plaques issued by the IAAF recognizing each World Record Carl Lewis set in regulated international competition. Each plaque describes the event, venue, year, record, and individuals associated with the record. Plaques are set against a black background and are housed in a gold painted wood frame. The ninth plaque, situated in the bottom center of the arrangement, reads, [CARL LEWIS/WORLD RECORDS].
    Topic
    Athletes
    Men
    Track and field
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Carl Lewis Estate
    Object number
    2013.126.6
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
  • Image for Broadside advertisement for a James Brown concert at the Nippon Budokan

    Broadside advertisement for a James Brown concert at the Nippon Budokan

    A broadside featuring an image of James Brown with Japanese text. James Brown is on the left side of the broadside. He is wearing a silver colored suit with a burgundy shirt. He right arm is raised and he is pointing with his right hand. He is singing and a microphone can be seen next to him....
    Created by
    Unidentified
    Owned by
    Brown, James, American, 1933 - 2006
    Subject of
    Nippon Budokan, Japanese, founded 1964
    Medium
    ink on paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 14 1/4 x 20 1/4 in. (36.2 x 51.4 cm)
    Type
    portraits
    broadsides
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements
    Place used
    Tokyo, Kanto, Japan, Asia
    Date
    1992-1993
    Description
    A broadside featuring an image of James Brown with Japanese text. James Brown is on the left side of the broadside. He is wearing a silver colored suit with a burgundy shirt. He right arm is raised and he is pointing with his right hand. He is singing and a microphone can be seen next to him. On the bottom left side of broadside written in yellow text over the bottom of the image of James Brown is “Come on JB!” Yellow and white Japanese text is on the right side of the broadside. Several phone numbers for ticketing agencies are listed.
    Topic
    Communication
    Funk (Music)
    Soul (Music)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2008.7.17
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
  • Image for Turntable used as part of a DJ setup

    Turntable used as part of a DJ setup

    A Technics SL-B2 turntable. The turntable has a clear plastic covering and is mounted on a plastic plinth or base, white in color. The top of the clear plastic case has a logo that reads: [Technics]. On the front of the plinth there are speed and pitch controls and a stop push button. White text on a black background reads: [Technics / Frequency Generator Servo Automatic / SL-B2]....
    Manufactured by
    Technics, Japanese, founded 1918
    Used by
    King, Angelo T., American, born 1959
    Medium
    metal , plastic , cork (bark) , wire
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 5 1/16 × 15 7/8 × 14 5/8 in., 11 lb. (12.9 × 40.3 × 37.1 cm, 5 kg)
    Type
    turntables (sound device component)
    Classification
    Tools and Equipment-Audiovisual
    Exhibition
    Power of Place
    On View
    NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 051
    Place used
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Place made
    Japan, Asia
    Date
    1970s
    Description
    A Technics SL-B2 turntable. The turntable has a clear plastic covering and is mounted on a plastic plinth or base, white in color. The top of the clear plastic case has a logo that reads: [Technics]. On the front of the plinth there are speed and pitch controls and a stop push button. White text on a black background reads: [Technics / Frequency Generator Servo Automatic / SL-B2]. Atop the plinth, towards the proper right, is the platter, black mat, silver spindle, and strobe light pattern. On the proper left side, towards the top, is the tonearm, counterweight, cueing mechanism, arm rest, and anti-skate. The back of the turntable has two cables and a power cord. There is also a sticker with the machine information that reads: [Technics / MODEL SL-B2 / FREQUENCY GENERATOR SERVO TURNTABLE SYSTEM / POWER SOURCE: AC 120V 50 OR 60 Hz 3W LISTED 8288 / Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. Made in Japan].
    Topic
    Hip hop (Music)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Angelo T. King / The Original DJ Tony Tone AKA Tony Crush of The Cold Crush Brothers
    Object number
    2012.47.5
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions

  • Photographic print of Albert Wilford Johnston

    A black and white portrait of Albert Wilford Johnston, who served in the US Navy. Johnston is featured from the stomach up. He is dressed in a kimono. The photograph is mounted to paper. The photographer's name is printed in silver under the photograph. Japanese characters, also in silver, are printed to the right of the photographer's name....
    Photograph by
    Fujii, K., Japanese
    Subject of
    Johnston, Albert Wilford, American
    United States Navy, American, founded 1775
    Medium
    silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper with paper
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (Image): 5 3/8 × 3 5/8 in. (13.7 × 9.2 cm)
    H x W x D (Sheet): 8 1/4 × 6 in. (21 × 15.2 cm)
    Type
    gelatin silver prints
    portraits
    Classification
    Media Arts-Photography
    Place depicted
    Japan, Asia
    Date
    ca. 1900
    Description
    A black and white portrait of Albert Wilford Johnston, who served in the US Navy. Johnston is featured from the stomach up. He is dressed in a kimono. The photograph is mounted to paper. The photographer's name is printed in silver under the photograph. Japanese characters, also in silver, are printed to the right of the photographer's name. The back of the photograph has a black paper attached to it and an inscription about the subject.
    Topic
    Military
    Photography
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Greer-Calmeise Family of Cincinnati, Ohio
    Object number
    2019.18.6
    Restrictions & Rights
    Public domain

  • The Black G.I. Black Journal segment

    16mm motion picture film of The Black G.I. [Black Journal segment]

    The Black G.I. is a two-part documentary episode of the television series Black Journal. It focuses on the experiences of African-American soldiers in the Vietnam War. This film features frank and open discussions from soldiers, ranked officers, and politicians about the racism that defined the different experiences black soldiers had in this war.
    Directed by
    Garrett, Kent, American, born 1941
    Produced by
    Greaves, William, American, 1926 - 2014
    National Educational Television, American, 1954 - 1970
    Owned by
    Bowser, Pearl, American, born 1931
    Subject of
    Bennett, L. Howard, American, 1913 - 1993
    Medium
    16mm Film (a): acetate film
    Dimensions
    Duration: 50 Minutes
    Length (Film): 1,800 Feet
    Type
    motion pictures (information artifacts)
    Collection title
    Pearl Bowser Collection
    Classification
    Media Arts-Film and Video
    Place filmed
    H? Chí Minh, Viet Nam, Asia
    Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Asia
    Arlington County, Virginia, United States, North and Central America
    Place made
    Rockville, Montgomery County, Maryland, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1971
    Caption
    The Black G.I. is a two-part documentary episode of the television series Black Journal. It focuses on the experiences of African-American soldiers in the Vietnam War. This film features frank and open discussions from soldiers, ranked officers, and politicians about the racism that defined the different experiences black soldiers had in this war.
    Description
    This preservation 16mm color film is an hour-long documentary segment of Episode No. 22 of the NET (National Educational Television) television program, Black Journal; a weekly public television newsmagazine in the late 1960s/early 1970s that examined the many issues pertinent to the black American experience at the time. It was originally broadcast on March 30, 1970, and is believed to have been filmed over the course of 1969. Episode No. 22 of Black Journal was directed by Stan Lathan, while the "Black G.I." segment was directed by Kent Garrett. Executive Produced by William Greaves.
    Contains: 16mm Film (a), Original 1,600 foot Film Reel (b), and Original 1,600 foot Film Canister (c).
    2012.79.1.51.1a: 16mm film. This film opens with a narration over images of African American men in the history of the US military. The first moving image section shows African American men fighting during World War II. The narrator discusses the irony of African American men fighting for freedom in Europe while not enjoying the same freedoms in the US. There are multiple shots of the Tuskegee Airmen. Eleanor Roosevelt pins (unknown) medal on African American soldier. Next, newsreel footage of Joe Louis arriving at an airbase and greeting black troops. The narrator then talks about the desegregation of the US military during the Korean War and points out the lack of black soldiers in leadership positions. Color footage marks the transition of the narration to coverage of the Vietnam War. Two African American soldiers in civilian clothing with soul power patches can be seen dapping. Series of brief excerpts from interviews of black soldiers play, each stating their position on being black and in the military during the Vietnam War. The narrator reveals the disproportionate percentage of black men who are killed in action versus their white counterparts. There are multiple shots of combat and post-combat footage in Vietnamese rice fields and footage of riverside villages. Two sailors patrol a river and discuss their experience in Vietnam thus far and what they'll do when they get home. They discuss their mission and how to be black while being in the military. A girl group performs at the USO in Saigon. Tanks and amored personnel carriers patrol suspected enemy locations along border with North Vietnam. Sailors on a patrol boat open fire at the river bank and a confederate flag can be seen flying from a flag pole on board. Black sailors discuss cultural challenges of being in the Navy and the lack entertainment geared towards black musical tastes of the time. One sailor talks about being disciplined for getting into an altercation after a white sailor ripped his tape player from the wall for playing soul music. The narrator reveals that an all white court martial found the sailor, Bobby Jenkins, guilty of assault, demoted him and docked his pay. A sailor relays that he and other African Americans met with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for civil rights to discuss their poor treatment and were promised changes by the Assistant Secretary. The sailors talk about how some local Vietnamese have adopted some of the negative perceptions of African Americans, which some black sailors believe they learned from some white members of the military. The sailors discuss how their hands are tied when it comes to standing up for their rights as sailors on a patrol boat dap and salute the camera with black/soul power fists. Air Force fighter pilot, John Bordeaux, discusses his personal experience of not facing the same discrimination expressed by other African American military personnel. Two black career Army officers, Davis and Rogers, discuss the systematic discrimination they've faced; in particular, they recall incidents of being passed over for promotions despite strong credentials. Brigadier General Frederick E. Davison, the first African American combat general, rejects the assertion that an African American who succeeds in the military is an Uncle Tom and discusses the many actions that the Army has taken to ensure equal treatment and opportunities. A cover of "Sittin' on a Dock in the Bay" plays over a montage of black soldiers in the field. A group of black Marines in a mess hall at Camp Hansen, Okinawa discuss the unfair treatment they've experienced, such as being forced to wear a collared shirt with their dashikis and not being allowed to wear their hair in an afro. One marine relates an incident in which they were violently confronted after returning from a USO show that primarily featured soul music. There is a series of shots of shops in Koza "Four Corners", Okinawa geared towards African American soldiers. Another group of soldiers discuss their dissatisfaction with being drafted to fight in Vietnam despite social and economic discrimination at home, and being harassed and targeted as being "troublesome" if they decide to attend country music night at local clubs. L. Howard Bennett, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, discusses how black soldiers complaining about the lack of soul music are expressing grievances beyond simply entertainment selection and dissatisfaction with communcation in the chain of command. He also states his opinion that black soldiers fighting for the US puts them in a better position to demand equal rights at home.
    2012.79.1.51.1b: Original 1,600 foot film reel.
    2012.79.1.51.1c: Original 1,600 foot film canister. The metal film canister has two sticker labels; each from a different film services company.
    Topic
    Film
    Gesture
    Mass media
    Military
    Race discrimination
    Race relations
    Television
    Vietnam War, 1961-1975
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Pearl Bowser
    Object number
    2012.79.1.51.3ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    © National Educational Television