Getty announced the launch of Black History & Culture Collection (BHCC)includes more than 30,000 historical images of the African/Black Community that are free to use for non-commercial purposes.
On the gallery’s homepage, Getty acknowledges that photographic archives are based on white supremacy and that the history of the Black experience in America is often seen through the eyes of skin journalists. white. By making this collection available to all content creators, Getty is enabling new voices to highlight untold stories of the past.
I was curious about the quality of images I would find in the gallery, so I searched for pictures of my idol, Malcolm X. I was delighted to discover a large number of images, including some pictures that I have never seen before. In just a few minutes, I was able to stitch together multiple photos to help show the complexity of Malcolm. One image shows Malcolm speaking with a slight smile on his face. This photo presents him as a public figure but does not portray him as an angry hater, as he is often mislabeled.
I also downloaded an iconic studio portrait of Malcolm from his later years. Usually, a unique photo like this requires a higher usage fee from Getty. However, this photo is currently free for non-commercial use.
Another remarkable image shows Malcolm teaching inside Temple 7 in Harlem from his time as spokesman for the Nation of Islam. Lessons on the origin of the term “Black people” are shown on the blackboard next to it.
Finally, I downloaded a photo of Malcolm talking to a group of women inside the NOI restaurant in Harlem. It was a candid photo, taken from a distance, showing an intimate moment between Malcolm and his followers.
It will be interesting to see how creators and educators use these images in the months and years to come.
