Paul Henderson (photojournalist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paul Samuel Henderson
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Paul Henderson with camera
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| Born |
Paul Samuel Henderson
October 10, 1899 |
| Died | May 24, 1988 (aged 88) |
| Nationality | American |
| Known for | Photographer |
Paul Samuel Henderson (born October 10, 1899 – died May 24, 1988) was an amazing African-American photojournalist. He worked for the Baltimore Afro-American newspaper for over 30 years, starting in 1929.
He was famous for taking pictures of big groups and things far away. He even carried a ladder with him to get the best shots! Henderson mostly photographed people and important events. This included church groups, politicians, graduations, and weddings. He also captured moments during the Civil Rights Movement.
Henderson was a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). This group worked for equal rights for African Americans. He also supported other community groups like The Salvation Army.
Early Life and Education
Paul Samuel Henderson was born on October 10, 1899. He grew up in Springfield, Tennessee. He was the youngest of four children.
When he was 18, he worked as a bricklayer in Gary, Indiana. Later, he became a driver for a laundry company there. While living in Gary, he went to a special school. It was called the School for Professional Photography. This is where he learned how to take great pictures.
Photography Career
After leaving Indiana, Henderson worked for a newspaper in Roanoke, Virginia. In 1929, he moved to Baltimore, Maryland. The Baltimore Afro-American newspaper hired him. They called him their first photographer.
Henderson used a special camera called a large format view camera. This camera made big negatives, which are like the original film for photos. He used glass negatives and also acetate negatives.
He took pictures of everyday life for African Americans in Baltimore. He also documented important events. These included early protests for civil rights. He showed how people were fighting against racial segregation.
Henderson photographed many important people. He took pictures of Lillie Mae Carroll Jackson. She was the president of the NAACP in Baltimore. He also photographed Theodore McKeldin, who was the mayor of Baltimore and later the governor of Maryland.
He even took pictures of Thurgood Marshall. Marshall later became a Supreme Court Justice. At the time, he was a lawyer for the NAACP. Henderson also captured images of journalist Carl Murphy. He photographed businesses and people along Pennsylvania Avenue. This street was a very important place for Black culture in Baltimore.
Photo Collection
Paul Henderson gave his large collection of photographs and other items to the Peale Museum. When the Peale Museum closed in 1997, his collection moved. It was transferred to the Maryland Center for History and Culture. This is where his amazing photos are kept safe today.
Personal Life
In 1930, Henderson married Elizabeth Johnson. She was a schoolteacher. Elizabeth was a graduate of Douglass High School. She also went to Coppin Normal School for Teachers. Her teaching career was very successful in Baltimore. Paul and Elizabeth Henderson did not have any children.
Paul Henderson passed away on May 24, 1988. He was 88 years old. His wife, Elizabeth, had passed away earlier in 1982. Services for Paul were held at St. James Episcopal Church.
