This original black-and-white press photograph was taken by noted Cleveland photo journalist Jimmy Baynes, whose stamp appears on the reverse. Baynes was a prolific photojournalist and chronicler of Cleveland’s African American community during the mid-20th century. His work documented civic events, political gatherings, cultural programs, and the everyday lives of African Americans in Cleveland. His images today stand as a vital record of local history and are increasingly valued by collectors of press photography and African American ephemera. In this photograph, Baynes captures an intimate and historically significant moment at what appears to be a civic or organizational event. The image shows four African American subjects—an elegantly dressed woman wearing white gloves and a matching hat, a man beside her holding the hand of a young girl, and another man standing at a microphone delivering remarks. Close examination of the image reveals that two of the adults are wearing ribbons pinned to their lapels, both reading “COMMITTEE.” The man on the right, speaking into the microphone, also wears an additional ribbon with partial text visible, suggesting this was a formal banquet, conference, or community leadership meeting—possibly church-affiliated or sponsored by a civic organization. The photograph’s composition and tone suggest a moment of recognition or introduction, possibly honoring the central woman—whose dignified attire and central position imply she was a guest of distinction. The expressions of all four subjects convey a deep sense of formality and pride typical of mid-century African American community gatherings. The photo bears the distinctive stamped credit on reverse: “PHOTO BY JIMMY BAYNES”. Jimmy Baynes (1909–2004) was a pioneering African American photographer and journalist based in Cleveland, Ohio, who chronicled the city’s Black community for decades. His work documented social, political, and cultural life—from church events to visits by civil rights leaders. Baynes was known for his ability to capture the essence of African American life, culture, and entertainment from the 1950s through the 1980s. Originally a postal worker, Baynes pursued photography as a passion, ultimately founding Baynes Foto Service. His work chronicled the vibrancy of mid-century African American social life, from intimate gatherings and beauty contests to the pulsating energy of live music performances and political events. Baynes photographed some of the most iconic figures in entertainment history, including Aretha Franklin, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Mahalia Jackson, Louis Jordan, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Platters, and the Drifters. His ability to capture both candid and staged moments gave his work a lasting impact, preserving the rich history of Cleveland’s African American community. His legacy is recognized today by institutions such as the Western Reserve Historical Society, the African American Museum of Cleveland, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Museum Library and Archives in Cleveland, which houses a collection of his photographs, primarily focusing on music and entertainment. In 2010, shortly before his passing, his work was featured in the “Polaroid: Instant Joy” exhibition in Brooklyn, New York, reaffirming his role as a visual storyteller
of African American life in the mid-20th century. (SOLD)
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 