Celebrating Black History: Harry Shepherd, Pioneering African American Photographer
Celebrate Black History Month by exploring the inspiring legacy of Harry Shepherd, a pioneering African American photographer from Minnesota who broke barriers and captured the diverse spirit of early 20th-century America. 📸 #BlackHistoryMonth #HarryShepherd
St. Paul, Minnesota – Harry Shepherd was a trailblazing African American photographer who made a significant mark in St. Paul, Minnesota, from 1880 to 1905. As the first African American photographer in Minnesota to own a studio, Shepherd’s work gained recognition and admiration, earning him awards and a prestigious opportunity to provide photographs for the American Negro Exhibit at the 1900 Paris Exposition.
Shepherd’s journey began in Salem, Virginia, around 1856, and he moved to Minnesota in 1877. Starting as a newsboy on a steamboat, he eventually opened the People’s Photography Gallery, the first of several studios he would establish in St. Paul. His talent and dedication to his craft earned him two gold medals at the Minnesota State Fair and two more from the Minnesota State Agricultural Society.
Shepherd’s photographs, particularly his portraits of both African and white Americans, showcased his skill and the diversity of his clientele. One of his most famous portraits, featuring Mary E. Schwandt Schmidt and Snana Good Thunder, highlighted the integration of communities in his studio, despite the segregation outside.
Beyond his photography, Shepherd was an active member of his community, participating in the National Afro-American Council and advocating for civil rights. He even ran for Fourth Ward alderman in 1902, challenging the racial barriers of the time.
In 1900, Shepherd was appointed the official photographer for the Afro-American exhibit at the Paris Exposition, a role that took him across the southern states to capture images of African American life. However, his outspoken nature led to the loss of this position when he encouraged southern blacks to unite against potential foreign conflicts.
Shepherd’s personal life saw its ups and downs, with a divorce in 1904 and the sale of his photography studio in 1905. He continued his entrepreneurial spirit, moving to Chicago and then Seattle, where he ventured into publishing and mining.
Harry Shepherd’s legacy as a pioneering African American photographer and community activist remains a significant part of Black History Month celebrations, reminding us of the power of art and advocacy in shaping our world.
