Harry Shepherd

The illustrious career of Harry Shepherd (1852 - ?), included his role not only of successful African American portrait photographer based in Minnesota, but also that of being an early activist for civil rights. Clientele included white and black alike, including the Minnesota State Legislature and Booker T. Washington. Shepherd's huge photo collage, called "Our Unsung Heroes," was a pioneering step towards galvanizing a visual sense of African-American history and identity. He toured the nation with it, selling copies and giving lectures on race issues. He won gold medals for his photos at the Minnesota State Fair in 1891 and 1892.

Source: Minnesota Historical Society