Created by

Haywood, L. Julian, M.D., American, born 1927

Manufactured by

Harvey, George A., American

Kirk, William L. Jr., American

Medium

wood, plastic, metal, silicon, electric conductor, glass and adhesive

Dimensions

H x W x D: 8 × 23 × 15 in. (20.3 × 58.4 × 38.1 cm)

H x W x D (With Cord): 8 × 41 3/4 × 15 in. (20.3 × 106.1 × 38.1 cm)

Type

monitors (data processing equipment)

Place made

Los Angeles, California, United States, North and Central America

Date

1966-1969

Caption

Digital heart rhythm monitoring was developed for the purpose of detecting heart rhythm abnormalities in heart attack patients by pioneering African American cardiologist L. Julian Haywood, M.D., and his associates. The technology was developed and first implemented in 1969 in the Coronary Care Unit at L.A. County General Hospital, the first such facility on the west coast, established by Dr. Haywood in 1966. The physical console and related software were developed on-site to Dr. Haywood’s specifications.

Description

This is a prototype display console of a heart rhythm monitor, used in conjunction with a Control Data computer running software. The console is in the shape of a right trapezoid. The front panel is laminated wood comprised of metal and plastic buttons, switches, and dials. The top right is made of four switches with a black toggles in the center. Beneath the switches are columns labeled [CH1], [CH2], [CH3], and [CH4]. On the left of the columns are two black push buttons labeled [START] and [STOP]. In the columns are green, orange, red, and clear lights, black plastic and metal push buttons. The lights are labeled on the right, green: [MONITOR], orange: [EVENT], red: [ALARM], clear: [SELECTED], and black buttons: [SELECT]. This area is encompassed by a black line and three vertical black lines. To the right, are three black metal and plastic push buttons that read, [CLEAR], [DISPLAY], and [PLOT ON/OFF]. To the right, is a black switch labeled [DATA], and a metal key hole. On the right of the panel, is another black lined box with four columns and three rows. Each row is made up of a black push button and four black dials that go from 1-10. The rows are named, [EVENTS/MIN], [SENSITIVITY], and [RR INTERVAL]. The columns are labeled at the bottom, [CH 1], [CH 2], [CH 3], and [CH 4]. There are small pieces of brown tape and residue of tape throughout. The rest of the object is covered with a darker color laminated wood than the front panel. On the right side of the panel, a text printed on a white sticker in red reads [PATENT EQUIPTION INSPECTION / Control No. / Due Date / Tested By / CLINICAL ENGINEERING / LAC, USC Medical Center / EXT. 5053]. Written diagonally covering the red text is [O/S] in black marker. The back of the prototype machine is plain wood opening panel connected by a metal hinge. A large amount of medical tape is covering a bump on the back of the wood. A circular opening in the center is used to lift the wood panel. Housed within the internal compartment are large and small computer chips with multiple connecting wires, metals pieces, and batteries. Three long grey wires come out of the back of the prototype through a cut out in the wooden panel on the bottom left. One of the long wires ends in a dual internal angle connector. The end plug is wrapped in white medical tape. The next wire has a black switch in the center with a [ON / OFF] switch and ends in a large metal connector plug. The third longest cable has a plug connection to an outlet.

Topic

African American

Health

Medicine

Science

Technology

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of L. Julian Haywood, M.D.

Object number

2017.42

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Tools and Equipment-Medical

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Manufactured by

American Watch Company

Used by

Henson, Matthew A., American, 1866 - 1955

Subject of

Henson, Matthew A., American, 1866 - 1955

Peary, Robert E., American, 1856 - 1920

Medium

nickel , metal and glass

Dimensions

H x W x D: 3 1/4 × 2 1/4 × 3/4 in. (8.3 × 5.7 × 1.9 cm)

Type

pocket watches

Place used

North Pole, Arctic

Greenland, Cape Morris Jessup, North and Central America

Place made

Waltham, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States, North and Central America

Date

1888-1889; inscribed 1908 or 1909

Caption

An engraved watch that is believed to be the watch carried by Matthew Henson (1866-1955) on his exploration of the North Pole along with Adm. Robert E. Peary from July 6, 1908 to April 23, 1909. Henson is an iconic figure among American pioneering explorers. During the 1908-09 expedition led by Admiral Peary (whom he assisted on several Arctic expeditions over a 20-year period), Henson became the first man to reach the North Pole. For his achievements, Henson received the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1944. In 2000, the National Geographic Society awarded Henson the Hubbard Metal – its highest award.

Description

This pocket watch belonged to Matthew Henson and is engraved with his initials. The watch is silver in color and the words [R.E. PEARY / NORTH POLE / EXPEDITION / 1908] are engraved on the front in an Edwardian style. Henson's initials [M.A. HENSON] are engraved on the side. The watch has a white face with black hands and roman numerals. The watchmaker's name [Am. Watch Co. / WALTHAM] is printed in the top center of the face. The inside of the watch is engraved with the watchmaker's name [American Waltham Watch Co.] and the serial number [3639616].

Topic

African American

Men

Nature

Science

Technology

United States--History--1865-1921

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2017.31

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Adornment

Tools and Equipment-Personal use

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Polk, P. H., American, 1898 - 1984

Subject of

Carver, George Washington, American, 1860s - 1943

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image and Sheet): 9 7/16 × 7 3/8 in. (24 × 18.7 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Place captured

Tuskegee, Macon County, Alabama, United States, North and Central America

Date

ca. 1930

Description

Silver gelatin photograh featuring an image of George Washington Carver shown in a laboratory wearing an apron and holding a beaker in his left hand.

Topic

African American

Education

Photography

Science

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Delano A. Willis

Object number

2009.30.2

Restrictions & Rights

© Tuskegee University Archives

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Hine, Lewis Wickes, American, 1874 - 1940

Subject of

Bordentown School, American, 1886 - 1955

Unidentified Man or Men

Unidentified Woman or Women

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 4 5/8 × 6 11/16 in. (11.7 × 17 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 5 × 7 in. (12.7 × 17.8 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

Place depicted

Bordentown, Burlington County, New Jersey, United States, North and Central America

Date

ca. 1935

Description

A gelatin silver print of students working in a science lab at the Manual Training and Industrial School for Colored Youth in Bordentown, New Jersey.

Topic

African American

Children

Education

Photography

Science

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Howard and Ellen Greenberg

Object number

2011.165.24

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Polk, P. H., American, 1898 - 1984

Subject of

Carver, George Washington, American, 1860s - 1943

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 7 1/2 x 9 1/2 in. (19.1 x 24.1 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 8 x 9 3/4 in. (20.3 x 24.8 cm)

H x W (Mat): 14 x 17 in. (35.6 x 43.2 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Date

ca. 1920

Description

A black-and-white photograph of George Washington Carver, wearing a suit and boutineer, standing outdoors speaking to an unidentified white man.

Topic

African American

Civil Rights

Education

Photography

Science

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2012.107.32

Restrictions & Rights

© Tuskegee University Archives

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Rothstein, Arthur, American, 1915 - 1985

Subject of

Carver, George Washington, American, 1860s - 1943

Published by

Hyperion Press Ltd, American, founded 1978

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 12 x 9 1/8 in. (30.5 x 23.2 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 13 15/16 x 11 1/16 in. (35.4 x 28.1 cm)

H x W (Mat): 20 x 16 in. (50.8 x 40.6 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Place depicted

Tuskegee, Macon County, Alabama, United States, North and Central America

Date

1941; printed 1981

Description

A black-and-white photograph of George Washington Carver, shown bust-length, wearing a suit and boutineer. An arrangement of flowers is in the lower right corner of the image, and there is a brick wall behind him.

Topic

African American

Education

Photography

Science

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2012.107.33

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Streat, Thelma Johnson, American, 1912 - 1959

Medium

tempera and oil paint on paper on mounting board

Dimensions

H x W: 15 7/16 x 15 11/16 in. (39.2 x 39.8 cm)

Type

studies (visual works)

paintings

Date

1942-1944

Description

This mural study includes depictions of various transportation and scientific industries. It is divided into two fields, an upper and a lower. The upper depicts examples of transportation technology, including a railroad engine, a propeller plane, a blimp, and a combustible engine. They are painted using broad streaks of color, contrasted with blocks of black and white. The lower field depicts a scene of science and technology, with African-American figures at work in a laboratory, a metal refinery, and a mine, set against a background of industrial scenes.

Topic

African American

Art

Education

Labor

Medicine

Science

Technology

Transportation

United States--History--1933-1945

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2012.13.1

Restrictions & Rights

© Thelma Johnson Streat Project

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Visual Arts

Exhibition

Visual Art and the American Experience

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 052

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Manufactured by

Gibson & Barnes, American, founded 1977

Worn by

Maj. Gen. Bolden, Charles F. Jr., American, born 1946

Issued by

National Aeronautics and Space Administration, American, founded 1958

Medium

cloth, metal, leather

Dimensions

On form: 57 1/2 × 16 3/4 × 9 in. (146.1 × 42.5 × 22.9 cm)

Type

coveralls

uniforms

Place made

El Cajon, San Diego County, California, United States, North and Central America

Date

1986

Description

A blue full body flight suit worn by Charles F. Bolden Jr. The suit zippers in the front and has several pockets and patches on it. The front of the suit has three patches on the chest. On the PR breast is the mission patch for STS 61C and features a circular design with an image of the space shuttle and a band displaying the names of the mission's astronauts. On the PR breast is a circular NASA logo patch, above which is a leather nametag reading [CHARLES BOLDEN / MAJOR USMC]. The nametag is a dark leather with golden text and pilot's insignia. On the PR shoulder is a circular patch for the 1980 NASA Astronaut Groups 9, which features the year and a space shuttle launching with nineteen white stars. The PL shoulder has an American flag patch. There are Velcro straps at the waist and zippered sections on the arms and legs for adjustments. The legs have a number of zippered pockets. A manufacturer's tag with handwritten details is sewn to the inside of the suit.

Topic

African American

Clothing and dress

Military

Science

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Maj. Gen. Charles F. Bolden Jr., USMC (Ret)

Object number

2014.243.4

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Historical

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Manufactured by

Barrier-Wear, American

Issued by

National Aeronautics and Space Administration, American, founded 1958

Owned by

Maj. Gen. Bolden, Charles F. Jr., American, born 1946

Medium

cloth with metal

Dimensions

On form: 30 × 20 × 8 in. (76.2 × 50.8 × 20.3 cm)

Type

bomber jackets

Place made

Barrier-Wear Inc., Colorado, United States, North and Central America

Date

after 1985

Description

Blue flight jacket featuring seven different patches. An American flag patch appears on the proper left shoulder of the flight jacket. A patch on the proper right shoulder depicts a space shuttle ascending vertically above stars set against a red, orange, and yellow background. A blue and white type on the patch reads: [19 / 80]. The proper left breast of the jacket features two patches. The top patch depicts a space shuttle with a satellite, set against a representation of the American flag and Russian flag. Gold type surrounding depiction in a circle reads, [BOLDEN / SEGA / REIGHTLER / CHANG-DIAZ / DAVIS / KRIKALEV]. The patch below depicts a gold set of wings with gold type reading: [CHARLIE BOLDEN]. The patch on the proper left lower torso depicts an ascending space shuttle above part of an American flag. Gold type on the patch reads: [GIBSON BOLDEN / NELSON HAWKLEY CHANG-DIAZ / CENKER NELSON]. The patch on the proper right breast depicts a Space shuttle flying away from Earth. Blue type borders the scene and reads: [LICHTENBERG FRIMOUT SULLIVAN FOALE / BOLDEN DUFFY LEESTMA / ATLAS]. The patch on the proper right lower torso depicts a space shuttle, in space, flying by a satellite. White type bordering scene reads: [SHRIVER + BOLDEN / HAWLEY + McCANDLESS + SULLIVAN]. A white tag with black type appears on inside of flight jacket. The tag reads: [ITEM: FLIGHT JACKET LINER / CONTACT NO. NAS-9-17415 / PART NO. SED 33102968-301 / SIZE M / S / BARRIER-WEAR, INC. MANCOS, CO].

Topic

African American

Clothing and dress

Military

Science

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Maj. Gen. Charles F. Bolden Jr., USMC (Ret)

Object number

2014.243.6

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Historical

Exhibition

Double Victory: The African American Military Experience

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Manufactured by

Unidentified

Owned by

Cobb, William Montague M.D., American, 1904 - 1990

Medium

metal

Dimensions

H x W x D (calipers): 11 3/4 × 3 7/8 × 1/2 in. (29.8 × 9.8 × 1.3 cm)

H x W x D (screw): 5/8 × 3/8 × 3/8 in. (1.6 × 1 × 1 cm)

Type

calipers

Place used

Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America

Date

mid 20th century

Description

This is a spreading metal caliper with curved, rounded ends. There is a crossbar scale that slides as the rounded ends get farther apart. The small circular screw that holds the scale in place has become detached.

Topic

African American

Activism

Education

Health

Local and regional

Medicine

Race discrimination

Science

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Dr. Michael L. Blakey

Object number

2014.308.1ab

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Tools and Equipment-Medical

Exhibition

Making a Way Out of No Way

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 050

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Manufactured by

Unidentified

Owned by

Cobb, William Montague M.D., American, 1904 - 1990

Medium

metal

Dimensions

H x W x D: 5 3/8 × 10 1/4 × 7/16 in. (13.7 × 26 × 1.1 cm)

Type

graduates

Place used

Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America

Date

mid 20th century

Description

This is a metal caliper with a sliding scale. The head has pointed edges. The top section is fixed in place, while the lower section moves up and down the ruler. A small screw is present at the side of the lower section.

Topic

African American

Activism

Education

Health

Local and regional

Medicine

Race discrimination

Science

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Dr. Michael L. Blakey

Object number

2014.308.2

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Tools and Equipment-Medical

Exhibition

Making a Way Out of No Way

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 050

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Manufactured by

Unidentified

Owned by

Cobb, William Montague M.D., American, 1904 - 1990

Medium

cotton

Dimensions

H x W: 12 3/4 × 6 in. (32.4 × 15.2 cm)

Place used

Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America

Date

mid 20th century

Description

This is a rectangular light colored cotton bag with two sections. The single long pocket is divided in two by a piece of cotton, creating two pockets. There is a section of cloth that folds over the top of the bag, creating a flap. A string made of rolled up fabric is attached to the right corner of the flap.

Topic

African American

Activism

Education

Health

Local and regional

Medicine

Race discrimination

Science

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Dr. Michael L. Blakey

Object number

2014.308.3

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Tools and Equipment-Medical

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Written by

Banneker, Benjamin, American, 1731 - 1806

Printed by

Krukshank, Joseph, active 1790s

Medium

printing ink on paper with thread

Dimensions

H x W x D: 7 × 4 7/16 × 3/16 in. (17.8 × 11.3 × 0.5 cm)

Type

almanacs

Place printed

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date

1793

Description

This Banneker's Almanack is a 48-page printed booklet printed in 1793. The almanac is a booklet comprised of 8 segments of folded paper, bound together by two stitches of cream-colored thread on the left-hand side that are knotted at the back. The top edge of the booklet is trimmed, but the side and bottom edges are not. The pages are unnumbered. Pages 37-40 are uncut along the top edge.

Banneker's Almanack contains a varied assortment of information. Primarily an annual calendar, each month is listed along with important dates, statistical information, phases of the moon, astronomical data, and tide tables. The Almanack also includes political and social commentary most notably on anti-slavery issues. Banneker included abstracts such as, “A Plan of a Peace-Office, for the United States”, “Extracts from the Debates in the Last Session of the British Parliament, Apr. 1792”, “Extract from Jefferson’s Notes on Virginia”, “Extract from Wilkinson’s Appeal to England on Behalf of the Abused Africans”, poetry, Census data, tables of interest at 5% and 7%, currency exchanges, roads and mileage from various starting points to nearby towns and cities, and information about Federal, State and Local courts.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Agriculture

Antislavery

Literature

Science

United States--History--1783-1815

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2014.63.31

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Slavery and Freedom Objects

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Exhibition

Slavery and Freedom

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Leibovitz, Annie, American, born 1949

Subject of

Katherine Johnson, American, born 1918

Medium

pigment on paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 14 5/8 × 14 3/8 in. (37.1 × 36.5 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 16 × 16 in. (40.6 × 40.6 cm)

Type

pigment prints

portraits

digital prints

Place depicted

Hampton, Virginia, United States, North and Central America

Date

2016

Description

An archival pigment portrait print of Katherine Johnson, seated with her hands on her hips. Johnson wears a black suit, red top, and a patterned black and gold scarf. Accessories include glasses, earrings, and a beaded necklace. In the background is a beach and the ocean under an overcast sky. There are no inscriptions on the front or back.

Topic

African American

Photography

Science

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Annie Leibovitz

Object number

2016.162

Restrictions & Rights

© Annie Leibovitz

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Nelson, Kadir, American, born 1974

Subject of

Lacks, Henrietta, American, 1920 - 1951

Medium

oil on linen

Dimensions

H x W (Painting): 59 1/2 × 49 1/2 in. (151.1 × 125.7 cm)

H x W x D (Frame): 79 1/2 × 69 1/2 × 5 in. (201.9 × 176.5 × 12.7 cm)

Type

oil paintings

portraits

Date

2017

Caption

"Henrietta Lacks died of cervical cancer on October 4, 1951 at the age of 31. During an examination, cells were taken from her body without her knowledge or consent by a doctor at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and were subsequently used to produce the world’s first immortal cell line, called HeLa. Henrietta’s cells were paramount to some of the most important advances and research in modern medicine, including the polio vaccine, chemotherapy, gene mapping, and in-vitro fertilization. Henrietta’s unique cells continue to be used extensively for medical research and development to this day.

I elected to paint a prideful and glowing portrait of Henrietta lacks who is often referred to as, "The Mother of Modern Medicine," visually juxtaposing faith and science. Lacks smiles innocently. She stands with her beautifully manicured hands crossed, covering her womb (the birthplace of the immortal cell line) while cradling her beloved Bible (a symbol of her strong faith). Her deep red dress is covered with a vibrant floral pattern that recalls images of cell structure and division, while two of the four dime-sized buttons on her dress are noticeably missing (a reference to the cells that were taken from her body without her knowledge). Her bright yellow hat functions as a halo (recalling Renaissance paintings of the Madonna), while pearls (a symbol of the aggressive cancer that took her life) hang from her neck. The decorative wallpaper behind her forms a repeated hexagonal pattern, a design containing the "flower of life", an ancient symbol of immortality and exponential growth - two distinctive qualities of her rare and incredibly durable cells."

-Kadir Nelson, 2017.

Description

Oil painting of Henrietta Lacks by Kadir Nelson. Lacks, smiling, is depicted standing in the center of the image. She is facing forward with her hands clasped in front of her body, holding a black book with gold-colored text [HOLY BIBLE]. Lacks is wearing a red dress with a white flower pattern and small belt. The dress has central buttons, with two (2) missing. There is a flower accessory with three (3) pearls in the center above the buttons. Lacks is wearing a wedding ring and a pearl necklaces and earrings. She has a cream and tan hat, the circular brim of which acts like a halo behind her head. Lacks is standing in front of a cream wall with a blue geometric "Flower of Life" motif. The work is signed in the lower right.

Topic

African American

Art

Medicine

Religion

Science

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and National Portrait Gallery, Gift from Kadir Nelson and the JKBN Group, LLC

Object number

2018.25

Restrictions & Rights

© 2017, Kadir Nelson

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Visual Arts

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture