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Illustration by Kiki Lechuga-Dupont.

The Lens of John H. White: A View of Black Life in Chicago, 1973   


Photo essay by Steven D. Booth




In his speech, “Using Federal Archives: Some Problems in Doing Research,” Nigerian historian Okon Edet Uya notes that federal records often “describe the Afro-American experience from the outside in rather than from the inside out…this has led to a situation where Afro-American history, for some, is nothing more than the sum total of the conflicting activities of the various government levels for or against [B]lack people.” He goes on to suggest that other methods, such as eyewitness accounts, should be used to fill critical gaps that are missing from these often one-sided narratives, as through those eyewitness accounts that the stories of the Black experience can be “collected from people who observed or participated in the historical process described” in the records. One example of such a historical process is the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) DOCUMERICA Project, in particular the photographs contributed by noted Black photojournalist John H. White.       

White was hired as one of many freelancers to document the environmental challenges of the 1970s in the US, and he journeyed across the South and West sides of Chicago documenting everyday Black life through photography. His images capture the people, events, and places—some of which are no longer extant—that highlight the rich history and unique culture of Black Chicagoans. Apart from the photographs, their subjects, and visual qualities, what’s notably interesting about this body of work is White’s captions. Unlike other photographers, he describes his subjects with an intimacy and familiarity that acknowledges their lives and livelihoods. Rather than leave the description to viewer interpretation, White provides context to help us understand who and what we’re seeing. His use of data from local and federal reports underscores some of the disparities Black people face and lack of resources in our communities, many of which persist to this day. White’s eyewitness account, as a Black man capturing Black experiences, asks us to consider that the economic conditions and material environments of those photographed are not of Black people’s individual making. Indeed, White’s portrayals of Black Chicagoans are suffused with historical and political consciousness. He shows us that despite our circumstances and surroundings, Black people have and continue to not only survive but also thrive in the face of adversity.

The photos are displayed with their original captions.


South Side Black workers passing the time playing checkers on East 35th Street before going to work in Chicago. The city census figures show a significant gap in economic security between Blacks and whites. Median Black income between 1960 and 1970 increased from $4,700 to $7,883 but the dollar gap between the two races widened. Blacks were receiving [an] average of $3,603 less than the median white family, May 1973. Black children play outside the Ida B. Wells Homes, one of Chicago’s oldest housing projects. There are 1,652 apartments housing 5,920 persons in 124 buildings on the South Side. Many buildings in this part of the city have been systematically vacated for various reasons. Even though many are salvageable, they are razed and replaced with high rent highrises, which have little or no appeal to the area’s previous residents, May 1973. Summer fun means cooling off with water from a fire hydrant at Woodlawn community, a low income high-rise apartment complex on Chicago’s South Side. These children don’t go to the city beaches. Cooling off with open fire hydrants is a community tradition. The area has high crime and fire records. From 1960 to 1970 the percentage of Chicago Blacks with an income of $7,000 or more jumped from 26 to 56 percent, but still fell behind the gain made by whites, June 1973.

Black couple and their dog in their apartment in South Side Chicago. From 1960 to 1970 the percentage of Chicago Blacks with an income of $7,000 or more jumped from 26 to 58 percent. Median Black income during the period increased from $4,000 to $7,883. But the difference between their median income and that of whites increased from $3,251 to $3,603 during the 10 years, June 1973. Black woman sits on a porch swing on Chicago’s West Side and surveys her rose garden. She is one of nearly 1.2 million of her race who make up more than one third of Chicago’s population. She lives in an area which was hard hit by riots and fires during the mid and late 1960s. The 1970 census noted that 22 to 29 percent of the area’s residents lived below the official poverty level, June 1973.
Black balloon salesman on South Side Chicago’s 47th Street. Many of the city’s Black business owners started with small operations such as this and grew by working hard. Today, Chicago is believed to be the Black business capital of the United States. But Black have a harder time staying in business than their white counterparts. Statistics note that 80 percent of Black businesses do not survive two years. Racial prejudice, lack of capital and expertise are party responsible, June 1973.
Robert Taylor Homes, a low income highrise apartment complex inhabited by Blacks on Chicago’s South Side. There are 28 buildings with 4,312 apartment housing 25,220 persons. A goal of many residents is to find a job that pays enough for them to reach middle class status and move. From 1960 to 1970 the percentage of Chicago Blacks with an income of $7,000 or more jumped from 26 to 58 percent. In 1970 Blacks had a median income of $7,883, but it was $3,603 less than that for whites, June 1973. Black women on one of the balconies of the Robert Taylor Homes, low income highrise apartments in Chicago. It is a complex of 28 buildings located between the 3900 and 5400 blocks on State Street with 4,312 apartments housing 25,220 persons. Median Black income from 1960 to 1970 increased from $4,700 to $7,883 but was $3,603 below median white income. Chicago Blacks with an income of more than $7,000 during the period jumped from 26 to 58 percent, June 1973.
Once one of Chicago’s busy thoroughfares, 63rd Street has changed with the character of the city. Many fires have resulted [in] driving out more businesses which either follow the flight of other stores to more prosperous areas or cease to exist. The “El” (elevated train) tracks are seen in the upper portion of the picture. During 1973 the Chicago Transit Authority reported 95,160,535 passengers used the facilities, July 1973. Black sidewalk salesmen arranging their fresh fruits and vegetables on Chicago's South Side. Today, Chicago is believed to be the Black business capital of the United States. But Blacks have a harder time staying in business than their white counterparts. Statistics note that 80 percent of Black businesses do not survive two years. Racial prejudice, lack of capital and expertise are partly responsible, June 1973.
Black residents of Chicago's West Side check out a motorcycle. The city's West Side did not quickly recover from the riots and fires of the mid to late 1960s. According to the 1970 Census, some 22 to 29 percent of the area’s residents were below the official poverty line. A Black businessman’s group, with federal help, had signed agreements with several nationwide franchises that pumped $20 million in jobs into the community, June 1973. Black community older housing on Chicago’s West Side. This area in 1973 had not quite recovered from the riots and fires during the mid and late 1960s. According to the 1970 census, 22 to 29 percent of the residents were below the poverty level. Black West Side businessman formed an organization, funded by the federal government, which resulted in agreements with major national franchises and resulted in some $20 million in jobs for area citizens by 1974, June 1973.
Black youngsters performing on an empty lot at 5400 South Princeton Avenue on Chicago’s South Side at a small community program called “An Open Air Fashion and Talent Show” presented by “The New Between the Tracks Council,” a community block group. It is one of many block clubs and community groups organized to help youngsters “do their thing” during special weekend programs in empty lots in the Black communities, August 1973.
Black man enjoying a nap on a chaise lounge on Chicagoo’s South Side. From 1960 to 1970 the percentage of Chicago Blacks with an income of $7,000 or more jumped from 26 to 58 percent. Median Black income during the period increased from $4,700 to $7,883, but the dollar gap between their group and that of whites actually widened, August 1973. Black beauties with colorful hair grace a float during the annual Bud Billiken Day Parade along Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive on Chicago’s South Side. Up to half a million people view one of the largest events of the year, held for Blacks of all ages and economic status. The parade also includes Black politicians, Black businesses displaying their products, and Black bands, August 1973.
Washington Park on Chicago's South Side where many Black families enjoy picnicking during the summer. From 1960 to 1970 the percentage of Chicago Blacks with an income of $7,000 or more jumped from 26 to 58 percent. Median Black income during the period increased from $4,700 to $7,883, but the dollar gap between their group and that of whites actually widened, August 1973. Chicago families enjoying the summer weather at the 12th Street Beach on Lake Michigan. From 1960 to 1970 the percentage of Chicago Blacks with an income of $7,000 or more jumped from 26 to 58 percent. Median Black income during the period increased from $4,700 to $7,883, but the dollar gap between their group and that of whites actually widened, August 1973.
The Kadats of America, Chicago's most loved young Black drill team shown performing on a Sunday afternoon at a community talent show on the South Side. [The] leader of the group is Major General Acklin who works with the youngsters to give them a positive outlook on life. The group has won many marching and drill awards, and has performed in many area parades, August 1973.
A senior citizens’ march to protest inflation, unemployment and high taxes stopped along Lake Shore Drive in Chicago to hear speeches from various officials. The rally was headed by the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Operation Push, October 1973. Black soul singer Isaac Hayes performs at the International Amphitheater in Chicago as part of the annual [Operation] Push “Black Expo” in the fall of 1973. The annual event showcases Black talent, educational opportunities, stars, art, and products to provide Blacks with an awareness of their heritage and capabilities, and help them towards a better life, October 1973.
Black student in a Black studies class in a West Side Chicago classroom reading a book about “Great Rulers in Africa’s Past.” Recent years have seen a resurgence by various minorities of their histories. Pride in their heritage has led to continuing traditions and aspects of their culture, which are unique in American tradition, October 1973. South Side group of Black children in Chicago at a playground at 40th and Drexel Boulevard. Part of nearly 1.2 million people of their race who make up over one third of the city’s population. They comprise several of many faces in this project that portray pride, love, beauty, hope, struggle, joy, hate, frustration, discontent, worship, and faith. In short, portraits of people who feel they are individuals and are proud of their heritage, October 1973.

Steven D. Booth (he/him) is an archivist, researcher, and co-founder of The Blackivists Collective. He has been with the National Archives and Records Administration since 2009 and currently manages the audiovisual collection for the Barack Obama Presidential Library. He is actively involved in the Society of American Archivists (SAA) and recently served on the governing board of the organization.