Behold the People: R.C. Hickman's Photographs of Black Dallas, 1949–1961
Melba Theater, by R.C. Hickman, 1955. R. C. Hickman Photographic Archive (VN 85-43-000279a), The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin.
"There was only one theater in downtown Dallas we were allowed to attend and that was the Majestic. Even there, we were only allowed into six or seven seats in the uppermost part of the balcony we called the 'buzzard roost.'" — R. C. Hickman
Exhibition
R. C. Hickman was a Dallas photographer whose thousands of images produced from 1949 to 1961 document life in an African American community in Texas. His photographs depict a community largely invisible to white Americans—thoroughly a part of mainstream America by virtue of accomplishment and lifestyle but excluded from it because of race. His images reveal his awareness of the broad community context within which individuals survive, grow, and understand themselves.
Behold the People: R. C. Hickman’s Photographs of Black Dallas, 1949–1961 is an exhibition by the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin, presented in partnership with Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Behold the People is made possible in part by a We the People grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Exhibition Format
| Wall-Hanging | |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Content | 33 framed, black-and-white photographs 1 framed portrait of R. C. Hickman 33 identification labels 2 narrative text panels |
| Space Requirements | 120 linear feet of wall space |
| Shipping Weight and Dimensions | Travels in 2 anvil crates:
|
| Rental Fee* | $650* |
| Rental Period | 6 weeks |
*Rental fees are based primarily on the cost of shipping. Prices may vary based on current fuel surcharges or venue location within the state of Texas. Out-of-state rentals are priced on an individual basis. Please email for a rental fee quote specific to your venue.
Publicity Materials
Press release
Behold the People press release.
Publicity image
A publicity image is available for promoting this exhibition at your venue. Please contact the exhibitions coordinator to request an electronic file of this image. Please allow 2-3 weeks for the exhibitions coordinator to process your request.
Humanities Texas logos
Logo files are also available for download from the logo page.
Questions and Rental Information
Call 512.440.1991 or email
exhibitions@humanitiestexas.org.
2023–2024 Bookings to Date
Kerr Regional History Center
Kerrville, TX
02/05/2024 - 02/29/2024
Irving Arts Center
Irving, TX
03/29/2024 - 06/01/2024
On Display
Nat King Cole, by R.C. Hickman, 1954. R. C. Hickman Photographic Archive (DI00354), The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin.
Exline Park, by R.C. Hickman, 1955. R. C. Hickman Photographic Archive (DI00918), The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin.
Colored waiting room, by R.C. Hickman, 1952. R. C. Hickman Photographic Archive (DI00964), The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin.