Morgan and Marvin Smith facts for kids

Morgan (born February 16, 1910 – died February 17, 1993) and Marvin Smith (born February 16, 1910 – died 2003) were identical twin brothers. They were African-American photographers and artists. They are famous for showing what life was like in Harlem from the 1930s to the 1950s.

The Smith Brothers' Lives

The brothers were born in Nicholasville, Kentucky. Their parents, Charles and Allena Smith, were sharecroppers. This means they farmed land owned by someone else and paid rent with a share of their crops. When Morgan and Marvin were 12, their family moved to Lexington. They often helped their parents with farm work. From a young age, they loved to draw. They would trace pictures from Sears catalogs to practice their skills.

In high school, Morgan and Marvin Smith improved their art. They used oil paints and even soap to make sculptures. They worked many different jobs during high school. These jobs helped them meet wealthy white people. This allowed them to follow their dreams in art. They got their first camera from a rich local photographer. They taught themselves how to use it. They were the first in their family to finish high school. They chose to become artists, even though they could have played football at many Historically Black Colleges. In 1933, the twins moved to New York City. They left Kentucky because there were not many chances for Black artists there. Before becoming photographers in Harlem, they worked for the Works Progress Administration. This was a government program that helped people find jobs during the Great Depression. They built gardens and painted murals.

Starting Their Art Careers

In 1937, the Smiths decided to focus on photography. They took free art classes from a sculptor named Augusta Savage. There, they met many other important artists. These included Jacob Lawrence and Romare Bearden. In 1937, Morgan became the first official photographer for the New York Amsterdam News. This was the most popular Black newspaper at that time.

Two years later, in 1939, they opened their own photography studio. It was called M & M Smith Studios. Their studio was right next to the famous Apollo Theater on 125th Street. The twins became the official photographers for the theater. This job let them meet many famous models, artists, and performers. Their studio became a busy place for entertainers and writers. It was also where they took most of their portrait photos. They photographed famous Black artists and leaders like George Washington Carver and Billie Holiday. They also captured everyday street life in Harlem during this time.

The Smith brothers took pictures to show all the different parts of Black life. They photographed the Civil Rights Movement and protests against unfair treatment. But they were also among the first to show the lively and joyful lives of people in Harlem.

Later Work and Achievements

During World War II

During World War II, the twins were separated for the first time. Marvin joined the U.S. Navy. Morgan stayed in New York. Marvin was the first African-American student to join the Naval Air Station School of Photography and Motion Pictures. He was stationed in Pensacola, Florida. Morgan kept working in New York. He photographed big news events. He sent his pictures to many large Black newspapers across the country. In 1942, he started working for The People's Voice. This was a newspaper in Harlem run by Adam Clayton Powell Jr.. Morgan was offered many chances to photograph for other big publications, but he said no.

After World War II

In the 1950s, the Smith brothers changed their careers. They moved from photography to making films and TV shows. They worked as sound engineers and set decorators. After World War II, Marvin studied art in France with Romare Bearden and Fernand Léger. Morgan stayed in their New York studio. Morgan set up a sound studio. He started recording popular speakers and music bands. He later worked as a sound technician for ABC News. Marvin also worked in television. In 1968, they closed their studio, which had become a famous spot in Harlem. They retired from their television careers in 1975, when they were 65 years old.

The Smith Brothers used new technology and their artistic talent. They made videos, sculptures, and paintings. They did this at a very high level. This was a time when it was hard for African Americans to get resources. Their main goal was to show all kinds of Black people through their art. They did this at a time when some people thought dark skin was a disadvantage in entertainment.

Books and Documentaries

Several documentaries and books have been made about the Smith brothers. One book is Harlem: The Vision of Morgan and Marvin Smith. It was written by James and Morgan Smith and came out in 1997.

They also worked with the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. A special show about them aired on PBS in 1995.