In 2015, Meagan Abell found medium-format negatives in a Richmond, Virginia thrift retailer, that includes two unidentified younger girls.
One of many girls, 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 because of 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 this is where I need the Internet’s help. I would absolutely love to find the women in these photographs/the photographer who took them. The only info I have is that the negatives were found in a thrift store on Hull St in Richmond, VA. They are medium format, and judging by the style of dress, made in 1940-1950. The owner of the thrift store had no idea where they came from. I’m posting the best/clearest scans of the images, so if y’all could share this around, HOPEFULLY we can make it go viral and find the original photographer/subjects!!!!” she posted on Fb.
