Memphis is once again in the national spotlight—this time for a priceless piece of Black history that’s been hidden in plain sight.
The New York Times recently spotlighted the Hooks Brothers Studio photo archive, a massive collection documenting over a century of Black life in Memphis. From iconic portraits of legends like B.B. King and Mahalia Jackson to everyday moments—weddings, mortgage burnings, graduations—this collection captures the heart and soul of a community that has shaped American culture.
Now, thanks to Andrea and Rodney Herenton, who acquired and entrusted the archive to the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and the National Civil Rights Museum, the collection is being preserved and digitized for generations to come. Experts believe it may hold over 75,000 images—many yet to be identified.
More than a historical record, the Hooks Brothers archive is a vibrant testament to Black excellence, joy, and resilience in Memphis. As Russell Wigginton, president of the National Civil Rights Museum, put it: “There’s no party like a Memphis party. There’s nothing like when people are in community here, trust me.”
The first public exhibitions are expected in 2026. In the meantime, curators and community members are working together to catalog, identify, and honor the stories behind the images. This long-term preservation effort—possibly taking decades—will ensure Memphis’s legacy continues to inspire the world.
Memphis isn’t just making history. We’re preserving it, celebrating it, and showing the world why soul truly lives here.
Read the full New York Times article here.
