ASHLEY KAPP

ART ANALYSIS

This photograph was taken by Sy Kattelson in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on

May 7th, 1948. In this photo Philip Randolph is holding a sign that says If we must die
let us die as free men not Jimcrow slaves. The purpose of this photo is to spread the
idea of rights for African Americans and to show the true feelings of African Americans.
This picture is used to spread the opinion of African Americans because the medium of
this piece is a postcard.
Although the main sitter is Philip Randolph my eye first caught the women on the
left hand side then my gaze turned to Philip Randolph. I noticed the relaxed look on the
woman's face as well as her posture. Her expression maybe her natural expression but,
to some it could look nervous or skeptical. I say this because during this time period
there was a lot civil unrest and violence. During the 1940s the civil rights movement
was very active and the woman could be perceived as skeptical because she did not
know if violence would lash out in front of her. This picture carries meaning today
because many people believe that African Americans are still not equal in todays
society. The expression of the female and the slight fear, skepticism present are easily
related today because violent can break out in an instance. A peaceful protest can turn
violent, evidence of this is the Baltimore Riots that occurred today 4/27/15. Philip
Randolphs sign is a sign that many young African American youth can relate to
because they do not feel free. Philip Randolph has a hard expression that is also very
determined. This photo is great because in this one picture you see a black man
speaking on behalf of others, on-lookers with similar intent and behind the main sitter
you see a white male protesting for civil rights. Another important aspect of this picture
is the fact that these African Americans are dressed very nicely. This nice attire is

ASHLEY KAPP
ART ANALYSIS

expensive and that doesnt fit the stereotype that African Americans are poor and
incompetent because they had to have paid for the clothing somehow. This picture
defies time, racial boundaries and stereotypes of poor, incompetent black people.