Addison N. Scurlock facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Addison N. Scurlock
Born	(1883-06-19)June 19, 1883 Fayetteville, North Carolina
Died	December 16, 1964(1964-12-16) (aged 81) Washington, DC
Occupation	Photographer, businessman
Notable work	Photographing Black Washington

Addison N. Scurlock (June 19, 1883 – December 16, 1964) was a famous American photographer. He started his own business, The Scurlock Studio. He became well-known in the early and mid-1900s. He was especially known for taking pictures of Black people and events in Washington, D.C.

Growing Up

Addison Norton Scurlock was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina. This was on June 19, 1883. His father, George C. Scurlock, was a businessman. He was also a politician. Addison had two siblings. One was Herbert Clay Scurlock, a scientist.

In 1900, after high school, Addison moved. He and his family went to Washington, D.C. He wanted to become a photographer. So, he started learning from Moses P. Rice. This was like an internship. He learned from 1901 to 1904. Then, he became a photographer himself.

The Scurlock Studio

Addison Scurlock opened his first photo studio in 1904. It was on S Street in Northwest D.C. This was also his parents' home. In 1906, his family and the studio moved. They moved to Florida Avenue. Two years later, they moved again. This time, it was to 1202 T Street NW.

In 1911, Addison opened another studio. This one was at 900 U Street NW. He put up a special display case there. This case showed off his photos. It became a popular spot on Black Broadway. This area was a busy center for Black culture in Washington.

Addison Scurlock's sons joined the family business. George H. and Robert S. Scurlock started working there in the 1930s. Robert continued to run The Scurlock Studio. He ran it until he passed away in 1994.

Capturing the "New Negro"

Addison N. Scurlock's photos were very important. They showed the ideas of the "New Negro" movement. This movement was about pride and progress for Black people. The studio was in Scurlock's own community. It was also in Washington, D.C. This helped him connect with many people.

Both rich and everyday Black Americans knew the power of photos. They wanted to be shown in positive ways. Scurlock took many kinds of pictures. He took portraits of people. He also photographed important events. These included church picnics, meetings, and high school graduations.

Here are some famous people and places The Scurlock Studio photographed:

• Marian Anderson (at the Lincoln Memorial)
• Anna J. Cooper
• W. E. B. Du Bois
• Howard University
• Martin Luther King Jr.
• Mary Church Terrell and Robert Heberton Terrell
• Booker T. Washington
• Carter G. Woodson
• Jessie De Priest
• Madam C. J. Walker

Family Connections

The award-winning film director Hakeem Khaaliq is related to Scurlock. He is Scurlock's great-nephew.