In 2015, Meagan Abell found medium-format negatives in a Richmond, Virginia thrift retailer, that includes two unidentified younger ladies.
One of many ladies, later recognized as Claudia Thompson, was a jazz singer who skilled vital profession challenges, together with being changed by a white mannequin on her album cowl attributable to racial prejudices. Regardless of these setbacks, Claudia and her husband, Ira Thomas, loved a profitable worldwide music profession. They finally settled in Las Vegas, persevering with to carry out. Claudia’s story highlights the struggles and triumphs of an African American artist in a prejudiced trade.
“NOW that is the place I would like the Web’s assist. I’d completely love to search out the ladies in these images/the photographer who took them. The one information I’ve is that the negatives have been present in a thrift retailer on Hull St in Richmond, VA. They’re medium format, and judging by the fashion of costume, made in 1940-1950. The proprietor of the thrift retailer had no thought the place they got here from. I’m posting the perfect/clearest scans of the pictures, so if y’all might share this round, HOPEFULLY we are able to make it go viral and discover the unique photographer/topics!!!!” she posted on Fb.
