1895 TO 1988

In the 1920s through the 1940s Florestine Perrault Collins was one of the few Black women who made a living as a photographer in America. She opened her own studio in New Orleans and used her skills to capture snapshots of African American life in the early 20th century, including everyday events like graduations and celebrations. Her photography business allowed her to support her family through the Great Depression and her art is known for reflecting the “pride, elegance, and dignity” of her subjects.

Your Turn! The next time your family celebrates a wedding, graduation, or birthday, document it with pictures! Maybe someday others will look back at your snapshots of “21st century life.”