Browse Films

Morgan and Marvin Smith, twin brothers and prolific African American artists, boldly moved from Kentucky to New York in 1933 to pursue artistic careers. By 1937 they had opened a photo studio next door to Harlem's renowned Apollo Theatre. Thus began 50-year-long careers as still and motion picture photographers, painters and sound recordists. The Smiths captured events large and small within Harlem: street corner preachers, political rallies, Easter parades and the thriving theatre and club scene. The Smiths also contributed their work to numerous community concerns such as the "Don't Buy Where you Can't Work" campaign and the Anti-Lynching Bill and eloquently photographed the training ground of the great Joe Louis, world heavyweight champion and African American symbol of hope. This story is richly visualized through the Smiths' photos, films and paintings and poignantly told by Morgan and Marvin Smith and friends such as Eartha Kitt. M & M Smith: For Posterity's Sake is a presentation of the Independent Television Service (ITVS). Narrated by Ruby Dee-----------------------------16090732764329830611471710191 Content-Disposition: form-data; name="tagline" The social artistry of African American photographers and brothers, Morgan & Marvin Smith Morgan and Marvin Smith, twin brothers and prolific African American artists, boldly moved from Kentucky to New York in 1933 to pursue artistic careers. By 1937 they had opened a photo studio next door to Harlem's renowned Apollo Theatre. Thus began 50-year-long careers as still and motion picture photographers, painters and sound recordists. The Smiths captured events large and small within Harlem: street corner preachers, political rallies, Easter parades and the thriving theatre and club scene. The Smiths also contributed their work to numerous community concerns such as the "Don't Buy Where you Can't Work" campaign and the Anti-Lynching Bill and eloquently photographed the training ground of the great Joe Louis, world heavyweight champion and African American symbol of hope. This story is richly visualized through the Smiths' photos, films and paintings and poignantly told by Morgan and Marvin Smith and friends such as Eartha Kitt. M & M Smith: For Posterity's Sake is a presentation of the Independent Television Service (ITVS). Narrated by Ruby Dee

This program mirrors the changing face of the black community...A stirring record of two artists and their visual legacy of African American life.
Booklist

This wonderful video should be a part of photography and African American studies collections.
Library Journal

Through the art and voice of the Smith Brothers, a powerful documentary emerges that captures the creative spirit and heart of Harlem's glorious past.
Theresa Unseld, Ed.D
Professor of Art Education, University of Kentucky
Author, Portfolios: African American Artists

A magnificent affirmation of the creative spirit . . . This is a film which teaches about race, art, (and) above all, the will to record one's world for posterity.
Robert Hemenway, Ph.D
Chancellor, University of Kansas;
Author, Zora Is My Name

What Claude McKey wrote the Smith Brothers photographed; what Duke Ellington orchestrated the Smith Brothers photographed; what Father Devine hoped for and Josephine Baker danced to, the Smith Brothers photographed. And now, For Posterity's Sake, this work is available for all of us to teach, learn from and enjoy. This video is a most necessary learning tool.
Nikki Giovanni, Writer
Professor of English, Virginia Tech

More Reviews

AWARDS & SCREENINGS:

• Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Library of Congress
• PBS National Broadcast
• Silver Apple, National Educational Media Network
• Smithsonian Institution's 150th Anniversary Celebration
• Big Muddy Film and Video Festival
• Louisville Film and Video Festival

Resource Web Sites

African-American Studies Home Page

African-American History and Studies