It belonged to Joseph Trammell, a free Black man who lived in the state of Virginia in 1852. Trammel’s papers guarded him against becoming someone’s property but did not guarantee him an authentic freedom]]> National Museum of African American History and Culture]]>
The original is in the Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Elaine E. Thompson, in memory of Joseph Trammell, on behalf of his direct descendants]]> Read or download the pamphlet]]>
“I do not feel that I’m a piece of property to be bought and sold irrespective of my wishes…” Refusing the trade, Flood challenged baseball’s reserve clause – a provision of every major league contract that gave any team signing a player exclusive right to his services when the contract ended. Flood filed a lawsuit against major league baseball for his freedom. He lost the case, but today, all professional athletes can market their talents as free agents.

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For Black mothers and widows who decided to take the trip often did so in opposition to Black leaders and the Black press. Their pilgrimage affirmed their right to grieve and define for themselves how to exercise their freedoms as Black mothers and wives.]]> scanned the entire African American Real Postcard collection making it available to everyone.]]>
In the case of African American servicemen, vernacular photography visually turned the uniformed soldier into both an everyday-man and first-class citizen. Photographs of Black men standing strong and dressed in military uniform showed them as loyal and patriotic, but most importantly, as American citizens.

Vernacular photography of uniformed soldiers also mobilized Black families and communities. Particularly, during WWII, the images provided African Americans with visual symbols that aided in the Double V Campaign, rallying Black people to fight for victories abroad against fascism and at home against U.S. racism.]]>
The Johns Hopkins University]]>
In the case of African American servicemen, vernacular photography visually turned the uniformed soldier into both an everyday-man and first-class citizen. Photographs of Black men standing strong and dressed in military uniform showed them as loyal and patriotic, but most importantly, as American citizens. ]]>
The Johns Hopkins University]]>