Photograph of Rev. Ralph Abernathy assisting in the construction of a shelter

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

An inkjet print depicting a black-and-white image of Reverend Ralph Abernathy assisting in the construction of a Poor People’s Campaign shelter in 1968. Abernathy is depicted in the center of the image, wearing jean jacket, dark parts, and a white waist apron with text printed on the front. Abernathy is looking downwards and is holding a hammer at his side with his proper right hand. A plank of wood, attached to frame of the structure, rests diagonally in front of Abernathy. In the left foreground of the image is a young man, crouched slightly in front of Abernathy. His back is to the viewer and he is pointing towards the base of the structure with his proper right hand, while looking up at Abernathy. Behind Abernathy are two unidentified men and the partially constructed shelter. A group of men, one with a camera, is standing on a platform in the background.

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