Guide to the Nettie J. Asberry Photograph Collection
ca. 1917-1941

Biographical Note

Nettie J. Asberry (born Nettie J. Craig) was born on July 15, 1865, in Leavenworth, Kansas. After completing a Ph.D. in music from the University of Kansas, she settled in Tacoma in 1893. Nettie J. Asberry was an important figure in early 20th century civil rights efforts in Washington State. She was a founder of the Tacoma branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People as well as the Clover Leaf Art Club, one of the first African American Women's clubs in the state. Other notable memberships include the Washington State Federation of Colored Women's Organizations, the Progressive Mothers' Club, and the Tacoma Inter-Racial Council. Nettie J. Asberry died in 1968.

Madame C.J. Walker (1867-1919) developed and manufactured a line of hair care products. At her death she was one of the wealthiest African Americans in the United States, as well as one of the few self-made female business executives. The portrait in the collection was a publicity photo used by Walker's company. It is the same image used for the Madame C.J. Walker stamp, part of the Black Heritage Commemorative Stamp series issued by the United States Post Office.

Harry T. Burleigh (1866-1949), a protege of Anton Dvorak, was one of the earliest arrangers of African American spirituals, as well as a composer. In 1917 he published a collection called Negro Spirituals. Original compositions include "Just You" and "Little Mother of Mine."

William Pickens (1881-1954) wrote and lectured extensively for civil rights. Works include "The New Negro," "Bursting Bonds," and "Heir of Slaves."

Scope and Content

The collection contains two photographs of Nettie J. Asberry, as well as portraits of nationally prominent African Americans Madame C.J. Walker, Harry T. Burleigh, and William Pickens.

Restrictions on Access

The collection is open to the public.

Processing Info

Processed by Diane Constantine, 2004.

These photographs were relocated from the Nettie J. Asberry Papers, 1912-1967 (Accession No. 1081-2), in the repository in 2004.

Other Finding Aids

These materials form part of the Nettie J. Asberry Papers, which are described and indexed in A Guide to the Nettie J. Asberry Papers.

Inventory

Date

1

Nettie J. Asberry studio portrait

undated

2

Nettie J. Asberry in Battenburg opera coat

1941

3

Madame C.J. Walker

undated

4

Harry T. Burleigh

1917

5

William Pickens

undated

Halftone photomechanical print.

Subject Terms

Personal Names:

Asberry, Nettie J., 1865-1968--Photographs.

Burleigh, H. T. (Harry Thacker), 1866-1949--Photographs.

Pickens, William, 1881-1954--Photographs.

Walker, C. J., Madam, 1867-1919--Photographs.

Subjects:

African American civic leaders--Washington (State)--Photographs.

African American women--Washington (State)--Photographs.

Women civic leaders--Washington (State)--Tacoma--Photographs.

Genre Headings:

Halftone photomechanical prints.

Photographic prints.