Exhibitions

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 
LanguageEnglish
Content33 framed, black-and-white photographs
1 framed portrait of R. C. Hickman
33 identification labels
2 narrative text panels
Space Requirements120 linear feet of wall space
Shipping Weight and DimensionsTravels in 1 anvil crate:
  • 30" x 44" x 35" - 275 lb.
Rental Fee*$650*
Rental Period6 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

2024-2025 Bookings

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.