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Photographer's work documented African-American life in Pittsburgh
Wednesday, February 23, 2000
Charles "Teenie" Harris is considered by many as one of the most important African-American photographers of the 20th century. He's credited with documenting four decades of African-American history in Pittsburgh, spanning the Depression, the civil rights movement and beyond.
Harris was a free-lance photographer for the Pittsburgh Courier from the early 1930s until 1975, during a time when the newspaper had status as one of the country's most prosperous weeklies.
With a limited salary and budget -- he made approximately $35 per week in the early days and was given an additional $10 to purchase supplies -- Harris worked photographing celebrities, birthday parties, social affairs, club meetings, children, political and sporting affairs and more. His ability to get the shot right the first time earned Harris the nickname "One Shot" from former Pittsburgh mayor David L. Lawrence.
Harris also operated his own studio on Centre Avenue in the Hill District. His photographic work captured both everyday life and the extraordinary.
Harris died June 13, 1998, at age 89, just hours after a tribute commemorating his work at the Carnegie Museum of Art.
Today, his work still adorns the homes of many Pittsburghers. In addition, his original photographs can be found in the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Carnegie Library, as well as the Smithsonian Institute's Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. His contribution of more than 100,000 photographs is a reminder of Pittsburgh's vibrant past.
-- By Mary Martin, History Center African American programs coordinator
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