Object Details
Photograph by
Horace C. Henry, American, born 1948
Subject of
Unidentified Woman or Women
Unidentified Child or Children
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., American, founded 1906
Clark Atlanta University, American, founded 1988
Printed by
Unidentified
Description
This black and white photograph was taken the day of the first commemorative event for Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday in 1969. The photograph shows a group of unidentified women and children visiting King's original burial site at South-View Cemetery. There are three woman standing on the far side of the tomb in front of a tomb that reads [REYNOLDS]. A group of unidentified children are standing behind the women.
The large white marble gravestone at proper right is partially cut of the image. The tomb reads [REV MARTIN LUTHER KING JR / 1929-1968 / "FREE AT LAST, FREE AT LAST, / THANK GOD ALMIGHTY I'M FREE AT LAST."] There is a space in front of the headstone that is filled with small pebbles and lined in stone. At the bottom of the photograph is a small ceremonial flame sitting on the rocks.
There is a wreath on the grave with a cursive signature [Alpha Phi Alpha / Eta Lambda Chapter]. The flowers are in the shape of the Alpha Phi Alpha greek letters. The wreath is leaning against the tomb behind the woman in the white coat.
The back of the photograph has a manufacturer's mark, and handwritten and printer's inscriptions.
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Horace C. Henry
Date
January 15, 1969; printed 2011
Object number
2011.94.43
Restrictions & Rights
© Horace Henry
Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
Type
inkjet prints
Medium
ink on paper
Dimensions
H x W: 11 x 14 in. (27.9 x 35.6 cm)
Place depicted
Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia, United States, North and Central America
See more items in
National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Portfolio/Series
One Day in January: A Collection of Images Taken at Dr. King’s First Memorial Service
Classification
Photographs and Still Images
Data Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Topic
African American
Associations and institutions
Baptist
Civil Rights
Fraternal organizations
Funeral customs and rites
HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities)
Photography
Religion
Religious rituals and ceremonies
U.S. History, 1961-1969
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmaahc_2011.94.43