This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/27/2023
Fred Blackwell handwritten and signed photo documenting the 28 May 1963 Woolworth sit-in in Jackson, Mississippi, considered the most violent sit-in of the Civil Rights era. Taken by Blackwell as the ''Jackson Daily News'' photographer, the famous photo captured the white mob as it poured ketchup, mustard and sugar over the three protestors: John Salter Jr., Joan Mulholland and Anne Moody. Later the crowd would physically assault the nonviolent protestors as local police looked on. Glossy 20'' x 16'' photo is developed from Blackwell's original negative; he writes in white felt-tip:
''I took this what is now a famous photograph at Woolworth's segregated lunch counter in Jackson, Mississippi on May 28, 1963. It captures the nonviolent sit-in that Anne Moody, Joan Mulholland and John Salter, Jr. used at that time to fight for civil rights while a group of men pour sugar, ketchup and mustard over their heads. Joan has said that this photo has become the most widely used sit-in photo because there is so much violence inherent in it. These three people are the bravest people I have ever known. / Fred Blackwell''.
This sit-in and photograph so disturbed most of the country that President Kennedy called for a national civil rights bill two weeks later, on 11 June 1963. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed and signed by President Johnson a year later. Photo is in near fine condition, accompanied by an LOA from Blackwell.