BLACK ART HISTORY: Addison N. Scurlock

Addison N. Scurlock was a Black photographer based in Washington, D.C. who documented everyday Black life from the early 1900s through the Civil Rights era. He ran Scurlock Studio, which became the go-to photography spot for the city’s Black community, especially during the height of the Harlem Renaissance and New Negro Movement. Scurlock captured everything from weddings to church events to portraits of leaders like Booker T. Washington and Marian Anderson, always highlighting the strength, pride, and elegance of his subjects. His photos were clean, classic, and full of intention—they told the world that Black Americans deserved to be seen in all their humanity and beauty.

For decades, Scurlock and his sons ran the studio, creating a powerful visual archive of Black excellence and community life in a segregated America. His portraits weren’t just about documenting moments—they were about crafting an image of Black identity that challenged stereotypes and uplifted people. Even though he’s not as widely recognized as other photographers from his time, his impact on African American portrait photography and Black cultural history is massive. His work is timeless and continues to influence how we see Black dignity and representation today.